Curriculum

Reception and Year 1

The early years of school are all about sparking curiosity and nurturing a genuine love of learning.

At Horris Hill, we believe children should feel empowered to take ownership of their learning journey—developing confidence, independence, and a sense of pride in their progress. These first years lay the groundwork not just for what children learn, but how they learn. And, wherever possible, the learning itself should feel just a little bit magical.

To bring this to life, as an independent school we follow a playful, child-led curriculum shaped by the children’s own interests. Our staff observe and respond to the way each child engages, tailoring topics weekly to keep learning relevant and exciting.

Our continuous provision offers a stimulating environment full of opportunities for purposeful play. Enhanced provision is updated each week to reflect the current class theme, encouraging collaboration, language development, and imaginative thinking as children explore together.

Year 2

In Year 2, the final year of Key Stage One, we continue to build strong foundations for future learning.

Children grow in confidence, independence, and resilience as they prepare for the transition into Key Stage Two.

While academic rigour remains important, we never lose sight of the value of curiosity, wonder, and creativity. Our goal is to inspire children who are self-motivated and excited to discover more—both inside and outside the classroom.

Our creative, cross-curricular approach allows us to tailor learning to each child while keeping lessons lively and engaging. Every task is purposeful, and each element of the National Curriculum is thoughtfully woven into broader topics. It’s this blend of structure and imagination that helps children do their best—and enjoy doing it.

Interested in Learning More?

If you'd like to discuss our approach to the early years or learn more about how we foster curiosity, creativity, and academic growth in Reception and Year 2, we'd be delighted to chat with you.

Please feel free to contact us to arrange a visit or speak with our team. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our school community.