I am often asked "What is your favourite age group?". No doubt, you were expecting me to say "JUNIORS" but, actually, it is always the age that I am with.
Before I became a principal, or a Headteacher as I was called in the UK, I was lucky enough to teach all ages. I started my teaching career in a huge secondary school in Swindon and then I changed into teaching in a Junior school where I taught all ages, including the Reception class.
The Reception class has a foot in two camps. The children are the "rising fives", the 4 - 5 year olds. As you know, all children grow at different rates in all developmental areas and the Reception class is no exception. Some children have a foot in our ACE START camp, still needing lots of play, and some children mature faster and need the Junior class style of learning. We adapt to all of these needs.
It is for this reason that our Reception class is on the ground floor of the Château where there is easy access to ACE START and the indoor and outdoor play. The Recaption Class children also have their own classroom so that they can begin to practise the learning style of the older children in Year 1. It really is a transitional class and this arrangement gives the flexibility that we need to suit everyone.
The first floor of the Château is for our Key Stage 1 classes. This is Year 1 ( 5 - 6 year olds) and Year 2 (7 - 8 year olds). Children in these classes continue to develop at their own speed so, within this key stage, with our arrangement we are able to have groups of children at similar developmental level in different areas of the curriculum. This is perfect not only for each individual child but it means that children that who join us throughout the year easily fit into a group that is just right for them.
On the top floor of our Chateau we have the Key Stage 2 classes. This is for the children aged 8 - 11 years old. They are older so they can manage the stairs and they love the feeling of being able to look out of the window to admire the views.
The year 6 class (10 - 11year olds) is a transition class. These children are preparing to move over to the Senior building so we always give them lots of time to become familiar with the Senior building and the subject teachers.
So, which is my favourite age? All of them! My joy is watching the children grow and develop. I love the questions that they pose and I have to adapt my responses according to the person with whom I am speaking. The questions often take me outside of my comfort zone e.g. Mrs Daire, if you could fly where would you go? Mrs Daire, how can you love so many children? I have had that last question a number of times and the answer is - EASILY!
My next blog will be on Thursday and it will be about the Seniors. Until then ...
Bye for now.
Mrs Daire
Head of Schools
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