Foundation Phase

Foundation phase

Background
In this blog post I will explore the exclusive concept of the Foundation Phase in Wales, the theories and researchers that have influenced its development and aspects relating to the organisation, management and assessment of the Foundation Phase.

What is the Foundation Phase?

The Foundation Phase curriculum (WAG 2008a) has been created following in depth research into the ways in which our European partners organise their curriculum. As a result, the curriculum in Wales is shaped under areas of learning rather than under subjects. These areas underpin all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and developing the following:

Personal and social development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity

Language, Literacy and Communication Skills

Mathematical Development

Bilingualism (Key WAG Aim in learning)

Knowledge and understanding of the World

Physical Development

Creative Development

The key aim of the Foundation Phase is to raise standards of achievement, enhance pupil’s attitudes to learning and to address their developing needs, in order that they become active citizens within their communities. The emphasis is placed on helping children learn how to learn and become independent learners. Planning for all aspects of education in the Foundation Phase is informed by a skills framework which includes thinking skills, communication skills, ICT and numeracy. (WAG, 2008b)

The following video shows the Foundation Phase in practice:

Theorists

Vygotsky suggested that a teacher is needed as scaffolding for the child’s learning; this allows the child to achieve whatever they want or to solve a problem. Without the scaffolding the child will be unable to learn. Scaffolding can slowly be withdrawn as the child progresses (Brain, 2000, p.93). Bruner (1983) believed that the best way to assist a child in learning is to observe the success of the child and leave it to continue only intervening when things go wrong (Brain, 2000, p.95). The Foundation Phase setting allows both Vygotsky and Bruner’s thoughts to develop. Learning and thinking is helped by ‘sustained shared thinking’, and discussion with the child about their interest and asking open ended questions which the teacher can extend and support a child’s thinking.

Organisation, management and Assessment

Fundamental to the new curriculum is the construction of an atmosphere where risk taking and making mistakes are encouraged. Learning opportunities are expected to encourage children to engage in a wide range of social interaction with their peers and adults alike. There should be greater use of the outdoor world for solving real life problems and an emphasis on experiential learning. Assessment of children is based on close observation for which separate guidance has been produced for teachers.

Pedagogy

The key pedagogic emphasis is that children learn through pleasurable play and active involvement with a balance between child-initiated and adult led activities (WAG, 2008c). The provision of active, engaging multi-sensory experiences both indoor and out door are key and vital to learning.

Analysis

Although there are early indications of positive outcomes for children’s learning where the Phase is fully understood and well implemented benefits are generally ‘more evident in children’s well-being rather than standards’. Estyn discovered that the Foundation Phase has made a positive impact on children’s learning, however the Welsh Government has said that Estyn’s findings on ‘reading’ and ‘writing’ in schools were ‘clearly not acceptable’. Estyn reported that children’s motivation and attitude towards learning, with boys, in particular, beneficial. However, it adds ‘in a significant minority of schools children are not learning enough’. The range and quality of children’s work is often limited and writing tasks formulaic, repetitive and unchallenging.

References

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-14898083

Palaiologou,L (2010), The Early Years Foundation Stage: Theory and Practice. London:SAGE. Pages 29-31

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation_phase/parentscarers/childlearn/sevenareas/?lang=en