Our Curriculum Guarantee – The school ensures that all learners will have access to the curriculum outlined in this document using the teaching strategies and methods of assessment described below. We ensure viability of the curriculum by allocating recommended curriculum time to each subject, arranging that time to maximise learning outcomes and by ensuring all teachers are fully qualified in the subjects they teach. Curriculum Rationale - Early Years (Foundation Stage) - at DIS we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (England) which targets 17 aspects, covering the 7 areas of learning. While the development of Language, Mathematics and motor skills are at the heart of learning, there is also an emphasis on an inquiry-based learning approach; this is used to deepen understanding in topics of interest, music, art and physical development, including swimming. The curriculum is built on a skill-based learning and assessment framework, where we teach appropriate curriculum topics through continuous, enhanced and adult-led provision. There is a focus on ‘learning through play’ with stimulating activities in the classroom and daily opportunities to learn outdoors. Our Early Years curriculum ensures seamless transition into Primary 1 (KS1); skill and knowledge acquisition is spiralled, so that new learning reinforces and builds on previous experiences. The first half term of Primary 1 has the same ‘learning through play’ theme that the children experience during their Early Years education.