Early Years Foundation Stage 2: The beginning of a lifetime love for learning at BIS HCMC

With encouragement and guidance from our class and specialist teachers they’ve used imagination and creativity, explored and collaborated, developed passion and confidence and gained new knowledge and skills, all in our safe and caring environment.  

So far it’s been sing-a-longs, stories and rhymes, splashing around in the pool, ‘Talk for Writing’ to develop language, improving physical development in our Early Learning Centre (ELC), introducing Phonics learning through our ‘Read Write Inc’ Nursery programme and exploratory play in our dedicated F2 playground.  Not to mention our newly renovated rooftop garden, enjoying library time, music, physical education, and information computer technology with our specialist teachers. 

Creating a successful start through a tailored and personalised approach

To build reassurance and confidence from day 1 our children take part in a settling in period where they are introduced to routines, the environment and learning opportunities. 

Ms Juliette Petrie, Class Teacher and Head of F2, is passionate about ensuring a positive start:
“Our class teachers deliver focused sessions to get to know the children's interests to develop their skills through carefully set up learning environments. The children are challenged to extend their play through conversations and carefully planned resource enhancement. The teacher nurtures the development of skills in the familiar settings in our Early Learning Centre (ELC), classroom and outdoor environments.  The children are nurtured to feel safe in the F2 environment to become confident, enthusiastic learners”

Alongside their daily learning routines that include circle time, story and rhyme time, introductions to a focus story and rhyme of the week, mathematical concepts, social skill development and participation in specialist lessons, our F2s students have had fun engaging in a range of unique wonderful learning in action experiences

Highlighting learning in action to their parents at our SPLAT session, ‘Squiggle whilst you Wiggle & Dough Disco” 

Our SPLAT (Stay, Play and Learn All Together) sessions, held at least twice a year in F2, are opportunities for parents, grandparents, and carers to experience what their children are learning at school and even to have a go too!  This SPLAT session focused on physical development and our younger learners were excited and super proud to see their parents engaged in learning in action.  Parents watched their “Dough Disco” which helps to develop children’s fine motor skills and “Squiggle Whilst you Wiggle” which helps to develop gross motor skills and students become aware of their bodies. 

Our students showed great enthusiasm and motivation when trying new physical activities from completing an assault course to cutting up wiggly worms, threading beads with great care and of course lots of playdough fun. They all became fantastic explorers. 

Joining our primary students for Moon Festival celebrations 
 

Let’s look back on our Moon Festival festivities, where F2 students joined the Primary School in celebrating, embracing, and learning about the culture and traditions of our host country, Vietnam. Our young learners enjoyed activities that introduced them to the joy and spirit of the Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, or ‘Tết Trung Thu’ in Vietnamese.

The children were excited to visit the Junior Campus, where they were welcomed by older students and immersed in vibrant cultural celebrations. Together, they watched a colourful lion dance, shared mooncakes, and learned about the significance of the full moon and the lanterns used during this holiday. Engaging in these traditions provided a meaningful way for our F2s to connect with their community and develop an appreciation for Vietnamese culture.

For more about our Moon Festival celebrations and the rich history behind this holiday, check out our latest blog. You can also view more wonderful photos from the day in your weekly update email from last Friday!

Enjoying a special Teddy Bear’s Picnic 

Just last week F2 had a fantastic time at their Teddy Bear Picnic. As part of their Talk for Writing text, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” the children introduced their teddy bears during carpet time, played with their teddies and soft toys in the classroom, and shared a special picnic together. They made delicious cookies, chopped their own fruit, and enjoyed sharing these treats with their cuddly friends. It was a fun and memorable day for everyone.  

Through this playful and interactive experience, the children developed essential skills in a hands-on way, gaining confidence in communication, fine motor skills through cookie-making, and collaboration as they helped one another with preparations. Learning through play encourages children to explore and grow at their own pace, helping them build independence and social awareness in a safe and nurturing environment.

Engaging in authentic real life learning experiences including cooking, bike washing and gardening 

At BIS HCMC, F2 students are beginning to develop essential life skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences that encourage both independence and collaboration. Activities like cooking allow our young learners to follow step-by-step instructions, practice measuring and mixing, and improve their fine motor skills—all while having fun in the process. Bike washing teaches them about responsibility and pride in caring for their belongings, instilling a sense of ownership and care. Gardening, on the other hand, helps students connect with nature, learning about patience, nurturing growth, and the environment. These authentic experiences give our children the opportunity to see the direct impact of their actions and develop a sense of accomplishment, laying the groundwork for lifelong skills in a fun and interactive way.

Our Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) provision in F2

Our Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) provision in F2 offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents beyond the regular classroom setting. After school, our young learners have embraced activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. From building critical thinking skills in Junior Engineers, where they engage with hands-on projects, to exploring the world of sound and rhythm in Music Appreciation, each activity is designed to nurture different aspects of their development.

In Arts & Crafts, students tap into their creativity, creating masterpieces while improving fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Meanwhile, our Bounce and Leap sessions promote physical fitness, coordination, and confidence, allowing students to stay active and healthy in a fun and engaging environment.

These CCAs not only enhance our students’ academic learning but also help them develop passions and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, providing a well-rounded foundation for success. 

Experienced teachers who empower and ignite curiosity

These personalised and rich learning experiences would not be possible without the dedication and support of our class and specialist teachers. Our F2 class teachers are extensively trained in Early Years education and among them have an outstanding 66 years of experience working at BIS HCMC.  This incredible retention of staff is a testament to their commitment and passion and the emphasis BIS places on continuous professional development, which in turn our teachers can bring to the classroom.  Our teachers constantly learn, and our children constantly learn!

Ms Deirdre Grimshaw, Headteacher, Early Years and Infants leads this incredibly dedicated team “As part of BIS, our youngest learners have access to the expertise of specialist teachers for PE, ICT, Music, and Performing Arts.  With specialist knowledge and training, in world class facilities, they can empower students and offer the children experiences that are unique and build strong foundations in all areas of learning”

Exciting times ahead

Our F2s have so much to look forward to as we come towards the end of Term 2. The excitement continues with our upcoming Sports Day, where our young learners will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of fun and lively activities that promote teamwork, determination, and a love of movement. It’s a wonderful chance for students to cheer one another on and highlight their growing physical skills in a supportive and festive atmosphere.

The festive season will also bring extra warmth and cheer as we celebrate the Christmas festivities. Students will be involved in creating holiday decorations, learning seasonal songs, and participating in our beloved Christmas Sing-Along event, where they’ll come together with classmates, teachers, and families to share the joy of music and song. It’s always a heartwarming occasion that brings our school community closer together.

In addition to the festive fun, F2 students will continue to engage in hands-on learning experiences, exploring new themes and activities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it’s through imaginative play, creative projects, or collaborative learning, each day offers opportunities for growth and discovery, ensuring that every moment is filled with excitement and wonder.