Reception

Boys join our Reception classes in the academic year in which they turn five.  We have two parallel Reception classes based on the first floor of Bank Place, our centre of Early Years excellence.  Our school day begins at 8.45am and finishes at 3.20pm. Every morning the Reception class teachers are at the gate to greet the boys and to chat with parents/carers. Likewise, the teachers are available to meet with parents/carers at the end of the day. For those who require an extended day we provide ‘wrap around care’ from 8am until 6pm, at Bank Place. From September 2024, as part of our commitment to holistic education, APS is excited to introduce our new 48 week provision, catering for Pre-School and Reception boys. This initiative ensures continuity in learning and support beyond term time.

At APS we provide a balance of focused teaching and carefully planned play based activities. We follow the EYFS curriculum which encompasses the seven areas of learning: 

Personal, Social and Emotional development, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design 

Every morning we have a Literacy lesson. As a school we follow the’ Read Write Inc.’ Scheme; a structured, systematic approach to teaching Literacy designed to create fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers. 

We also have a Mathematics lesson every day. APS has introduced the ‘Maths No Problem’ scheme which uses the Singapore approach to Mathematics teaching. In Singapore problem solving is at the heart of Mathematics teaching and learning. Every lesson the boys are given time to explore, play and have a go which allows them to process their learning and to learn from each other by sharing ideas. This, in turn, creates an inclusive classroom. 

At APS we have specialist teachers for Physical Development, Spanish, Art, Music, Drama and Yoga. Throughout the day we continue to cover all of these areas, for example using bikes and climbing frames during break times for Physical Development.

We are very fortunate to have our very own woodland area.  We regularly use the adjacent Bell Field where the boys can play and explore the effects of the changing seasons. 

 The Early Years lay the foundations for education.  We provide a secure environment, with consistent boundaries and praise for positive behaviours. Our aim in Reception is to have happy boys; excited to come to school, playing, exploring, creating and thinking critically.

Mrs Finch, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Murrell

Reception Teachers