Infants

For children from the age of 3, the King's College Infant Department encourages self-discipline, a sense of responsibility and respect for others, while always maintaining a positive approach to learning through the application of the best possible educational experiences.

Nursery & Reception

The classes for three to five year olds provide a wide range of activities in a stimulating and creative environment in the period just before the Key Stage I of the English National Curriculum (ENC) - the official curriculum for England and Wales.

As this is such a vital stage as a basis for a child's future education, at King's College, we follow the requirements set out in the Desirable Outcomes for Children's Learning. This is a plan of six goals for learning for the early years of schooling in: Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Personal and Social Development, Physical Development and Creative Development. For example, the basis for the Literacy programme is established with pre-reading and pre-writing activities, helping young children also to acquire linguistic capabilities for speaking and listening in English.

Year 1 (ages 5-6) and Year 2 (ages 6-7)

In these courses, the English National Curriculum programme begins with Key Stage 1, which combines general knowledge concepts which is by nature a broad and balanced curriculum, taught by experienced, native experienced British teachers. From Year 1, the Spanish Language is also introduced by professional Spanish teachers.

Infants School – Age from 18 months to Year 2

In Kings College, Murcia, classes for the youngest children are in a purpose built school adjacent to the main building.  All classes are fully equipped with computers, interactive whiteboards and enclosed patio areas which allow learning to take place both in and outdoors.  The school has its own dining room and larger patio area which is used for play and lunch times.

 The Infant School is divided into Early Years and Key Stage 1.

Early Years in Murcia

Within Early Years there are a range of classes for children aged between 18 months and 4/5years.  All classes are staffed by fully qualified teachers, nursery nurses and teaching assistants.  The children are provided with a range of stimulating, developmentally appropriate activities following the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.   This ensures that the activities are broad, balanced and progressive to develop the English language and communication skills, numeracy, creativity, physical, personal and social skills.  During this time, children are involved in a range of activities to help to develop their listening and sequencing skills which are essential for early reading.

Additionally, the children have opportunities to develop early ICT skills by participating in educational activities on classroom computers.  The multi sensory lessons and experiences are designed to encourage children to develop into confident, interested and inquiring learners, preparing them for a happy and successful school career. 

During the time that  children are participating in both child initiated and teacher led activities, staff make detailed observations so that their progress and development can be monitored, recorded and reported.  Communication with parents is fundamental and actively encouraged on a personal level and through detailed contact books.  Twice per year, formal written reports are provided to reflect progress in the Early Learning Goals. Additionally, a formal parents evening is arrange.

Children in Early Years participate in whole school events and they enjoy celebrations and festivals with the older children.  This can be seen by the many photographs and beautiful, colourful art work which decorates the corridors and classrooms.  The children also attend an Infants Assembly where they participate in singing, celebrating their own successes and achievements.

Key Stage 1

On completion of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, children progress naturally into Key Stage 1: Year 1 and Year 2.

At this stage the children begin to follow the English National Curriculum which is broad, balanced and progressive.   A feature of this stage is the ongoing development of those discrete skills required for early reading, writing and numeracy.  Children are led through a phonics programme which further develops their listening and recall skills so that they can read and write with increasing independence.  They follow the Oxford Reading Scheme which actively encourages them to develop a love of reading and books. 

Other subjects studied in Key Stage 1 include art, design technology, music, geography, history, religious education, physical education, ICT and science. 

The fully qualified and experienced teaching staff link subjects together around topics so that learning and teaching activities are creative, stimulating and meaningful.   It is a pleasure to watch children develop as they participate in active learning, playing their part in guided group investigations and using their teachers as facilitators.   This child centred and active learning approach encourages the children´s own thirst for knowledge and develops their ability to learn independently, using resources effectively.

 During Key Stage 1, Spanish Language is taught following the course as is stipulated by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

The assessment of children is ongoing during Key Stage 1.  Work they produce is matched and evidenced against a criteria to provide levels of attainment.  At the completion of Year 2 children sit national tests called SATS which evidence their abilities and levels prior to progressing to Key Stage 2.