Toddler Room

Ages 18 months to 2 years

In the Toddler Room, the variety of activities and experiences broadens as the children are offered greater opportunities for becoming engaged and involved both inside and out. Their activities include discovery play, singing and stories in small and large groups, creative art opportunities and sensory play.

Throughout the day, routines create a sense of structure with regular mealtimes and after lunch naps in the Sleep Room. This provides the children with a safe and secure base from which they can take full advantage of their environment and all it offers. Each child’s key person plays an integral part in guiding and supporting them throughout their time in the Toddler Room.

Pre Reception

Heron and Moorhen Classes
Ages 3 to 4 years

Pre-Reception classes provide a structured and stimulating environment with many opportunities for the children to continue with their learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

The purpose-built rooms have easy access to their own Early Years playground along with the Forest School and gardening areas. The curriculum is developed through activities, games and role play where the children are actively involved in talking about their experiences, sharing their ideas, learning both co-operatively and independently and celebrating their achievements with their friends and teachers.

Reception

Swan, Lapwing and Puffin Classes
Ages 4 to 5 years

In their second year in the Infants’ School the children in the Reception classes build on their academic, social, emotional and physical development. This is where their confidence and independence are developed further as tasks are devised to challenge and inspire learning in a cooperative, caring and positive environment.

The Early Years curriculum continues to be based on active learning and is enriched through trips within the local and wider environments and exciting visits from authors, the police or fire service. Children are encouraged to take more responsibility for their own choices in a variety of situations. They continue to have easy access to the extensive outdoor learning environment and take part in specialist subject areas of the curriculum such as PE, Music and French.

Year 1

Teal, Kingfisher and Sandpiper Classes
Ages 5 to 6 years

Children in Year 1 experience discrete subject teaching along with cross-curricular links to topic work. They have their own dedicated playground with an all weather surface and a wide selection of playground activities. The mixed ability classes are vibrant and busy with a strong emphasis on realistic challenges in a positive environment. The children are encouraged to “be proud of their best work” and to feel proud of their achievements with others at home and school.

The teaching ranges from whole classes to small groups and individual activities, with a strong focus on developing good skills for future learning. The children have many opportunities to continue to develop their performance skills through assemblies presented to parents, sporting activities and special events, along with a musical performance in the school hall.

Year 2

Avocet, Curlew and Mandarin Classes
Ages 6 to 7 years

Year 2 is the final year for children at DUCKS. Through positive reinforcement of increasing independence, children learn to enjoy the higher level of responsibility that they experience in Year Two. They take the lead in many school events and support the younger children in their work and play. The children have opportunities to perform competitively in Sport, Music, Art and Drama during their four-year programme of study at DUCKS.

At the end of Year Two children move on to their next school. The Head of DUCKS and the class teacher will liaise with parents on the choice of schools. Most children will undergo an entry assessment to their chosen school, and the aim at DUCKS is to provide preparation, guidance and assistance to ensure each child moves on to the school that is most suitable for them.

Specialist Teaching

DUCKS is proud of its specialist staff, their expertise and the quality of teaching provided for all children. Our dedicated Music, Physical Education, French, Forest School and Learning Support staff teach across the age groups. They work closely with the class teachers to ensure as many cross-curricular links as possible are established.

The children experience many special events and have opportunities to excel in a range of activities. The specialist staff are integral to DUCKS and work closely with the class teachers to ensure continuity of teaching and the sharing of information.

Forest School

DUCKS benefits from being surrounded by open spaces including playgrounds, playing fields and our own orchard and vegetable garden. Throughout the Kindergarten and Infants’ School, we use the orchard as a Forest School with the aim of encouraging exploration, risk taking, collaboration, independence and self-help skills in a multi-sensory environment.

A qualified Forest School teacher leads sessions in the orchard. Through the provision of outdoor play and allowing children to connect with the outdoors in all weathers, we believe that we will help them to develop a love for and interest in their environment which will have a positive impact across the curriculum for all year groups.

Beyond DUCKS

We work closely with parents to help choose the most suitable school for their child after DUCKS. Prospective schools recognise DUCKS pupils’ range of academic, sporting and musical talents, and many children receive several offers at 7+.

Headteachers from a range of local independent schools are invited to speak to DUCKS parents in Years 1 and 2. There are excellent schools in Dulwich and the surrounding areas, and we encourage our parents to enjoy exploring the options thoroughly. Every child is different and finding the school that is just right for him or for her is of vital importance.