Maths, Phonics and Attendance
Our Approach to Learning
Mathematics: The White Rose Scheme
We follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which is designed to help children develop a deep, long-term security in their mathematical understanding. Rather than just learning to count by rote, we focus on:
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Concrete Learning: Using physical objects (like counters or blocks) to understand numbers.
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Pictorial Representation: Seeing maths through drawings and models.
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Mathematical Thinking: Encouraging children to explain how they found an answer, building confidence and problem-solving skills from the very start.
White Rose EYFS Calculation Policy
The Heart of Our Curriculum: Reading and Vocabulary
At Royal Park Primary, reading and vocabulary underpin everything we do. We are a school that talks, reads, and listens. This focus is vital because:
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Academic Success: A rich vocabulary allows children to access all subjects, from Science to History. If a child understands the words, they can understand the world.
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Emotional Intelligence: Reading introduces children to different perspectives and emotions, helping them develop empathy and better express their own feelings.
We encourage you to read with your child every single night—it is the most important homework they will ever have!
Phonics
Reading is the gateway to the rest of the curriculum. To get our children off to a flying start, we use the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. This structured, lively approach helps children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. Your child will learn to read sounds and blend them together to read words, quickly progressing to reading fun and engaging stories.
Every Second Counts: The Importance of Attendance
To give your child the best possible start, excellent attendance is essential from day one. In Reception, we move through our Phonics and Maths lessons daily; each lesson builds directly on the one before it. When a child misses even one day, they miss a vital "building block" of knowledge, which can lead to gaps in their learning and a loss of confidence.
Establishing a routine of being in school, on time, every day helps your child feel secure, builds strong friendships, and ensures they never miss out on the magic of discovery.
When your child starts, we will invite you in to talk you through how we teach the main areas and how you can help at home. We look forward to working in partnership with you to make your child’s first year at school truly unforgettable!