Teaching Structure

Children are encouraged to freely participate in all areas of the curriculum.

Within the structure of the programme children have the freedom to choose activities which may include opportunities to work individually or to participate in small group experiences.

At the Courtyard we promote a cycle of work where whatever is chosen, be it a painting, or math work, it has a beginning, middle and end. Therefore, from their first day, children are encouraged to tidy away their work once completed. Young children find this very natural.

Independence in all areas is encouraged as this helps develop self-confidence.

Each child is on an individual programme and teachers are continually looking for the child's teachable moment. Individual programmes are used to introduce new activities, and we hold weekly school and class meetings to ensure that programme planning and evaluation meet the interests and developmental needs of each child attending.

Beyond individual programmes, the teachers are looking to the child's experiences to find what interests each individual child. As teachers we know when a child shows interest, freely chooses, or brings an experience to their own learning, they will bring motivation with it.

Teachers are continually looking at ways towards extending children's interest, supporting the development of concentration and potential, and if there is sufficient interest, create a theme around a topic of interest.