Academics

Early Years

Every child deserves the best start

Norwich Learning Environment

Our outstanding Early Years building is purposefully designed to meet the needs of our young learners and spans over 2,000 m² including

Safe well-appointed classrooms
Internet, touch screen and interactive learning throughout
Dedicated Early Years Library
Purpose-built art and craft rooms for all years levels
Dance and drama studios
Separate and purpose built play areas for all years levels
Swimming pool and splash play area
Nature Garden & Mud Kitchen
Outdoor learning area and sports pitch

Curriculum

Our curriculum at Norwich is based on the National Curriculum for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, adapted to our international setting and our Values. We enhance the curriculum with a provision for mindfulness and with a deliberate focus on Mandarin. Students in Early Years at Norwich specifically follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets standards for development and care for children to 5 years old.

Our point of entry for formal learning is Nursery, which is for children turning 3 during the academic year (between 1st September and 31st August of the following year). Kindergarten is for children turning 4 during the academic year and Reception is for children turning 5 during the academic year.

The Homeroom teachers oversee the delivery of the Prime Areas and Specific Areas of the EYFS, with specialist teachers augmenting the provision as appropriate.

What is Playgroup?

Playgroup is a time, usually two or three mornings per week, where parents can bring their babies and toddlers to spend time together, play, sing and enjoy our facilities.

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

Early Years Curriculum Document

Specialist Lessons

Nursery

5 specialist lessons: Mindfulness, Thai, Mandarin, Water Play, Sport & Games and Music. The students have nap/quiet time, an afternoon break and finish their day at 2:30pm.

Kindergarten

8 specialist lessons: Mindfulness, Sport & Games, Water Play, Music and 2 periods of both Thai and Mandarin. Students may have nap/quiet time initially (if needed) during Term 1, an afternoon break and finish their day at 2:40pm.

Reception

8 specialist lessons: Mindfulness, Sport & Games, Swimming, Music and 2 periods of both Thai and Mandarin. Students have an afternoon break and finish their day at 2:50pm.

Extracurricular Activities

After School Activities (ASAs)

These are for Kindergarten and Reception students only. The purpose of ASAs are to allow children to utilise the facilities of the school to maximum effect and to experience classes that are not normally included in the normal school day. These are additional activities that take place outside of the mainstream curriculum of the school. They usually include activities such as sports, art, yoga, robotics, cooking, language classes and much, much more. ASAs take place from 2:50-3:50 pm Monday to Thursday.

Of interest to parents and students is our Early Years Curriculum Guide 2020-2021, which can be found here

More information about the EYFS can be found here

Learning Supports

At Norwich we provide tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We work with all our families throughout our provision, ensuring each child is supported.

Education Outside the Classroom

All students have the opportunity to go on trips related to their curriculum studies during the year. There are usually around 2-3 trips each year for the students, where the actual frequency, timing and type of trip will be dependent upon the age of the children.

Our Teachers

Amy Jayne Ramsey

Head of Early Years

Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education, PGCE

Meet the Head of Early Years

Amy is an enthusiastic and caring early childhood educator and leader, with a drive and passion for nurturing education, care and wellbeing of all children. With over 15 years experience working internationally in early childhood education, supporting children, families and practitioners throughout the magic and wonder of early years play, exploration and imagination.

Amy founded a sharing hearts foundation which supports children, schools and families in local areas of Northern Thailand. In 2021, she also created an Early Childhood Support Network, which is a platform for families, friends and early years teachers from all over the world to benefit of all our children and believe in providing each child with the best start in life.

Ms. Amy holds a Masters Degree in Education