Classes
Please click on the links to see information about our classes:
Starting in Reception
Starting school is a very special milestone, and at Bamford Academy we want every child to feel happy, safe, confident and ready to learn. Our Reception team works closely with families to help children settle into school, develop their independence and build positive relationships with their teachers and classmates.
Learning through play and exploration
Reception is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), where children learn through a balance of carefully planned activities, play and exploration. Our learning covers seven key areas: communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
Our learning is shaped around children's interests and the world around them. We use high-quality children's books to inspire learning and create opportunities for pupils to explore, be creative, ask questions and develop a love of learning.
A typical day
Children start school at 8.30am and finish at 3.00pm. The school day includes literacy, phonics and mathematics alongside plenty of time for child-led learning and exploration.
Children also enjoy story time, outdoor learning, activities that support their wellbeing and opportunities to develop their independence and social skills.
Developing confident, independent learners
We encourage our Reception children to become increasingly independent as they learn new skills. We support children to manage their belongings, dress themselves, use cutlery and develop the practical skills they need throughout the school day.
At home, parents and carers can help by encouraging children to practise everyday skills such as fastening buttons and zips, putting on their own coat, opening their school bag and using a knife and fork.
Reading and phonics
Phonics is taught every day and helps children develop the skills they need to become confident readers. Children have opportunities to practise their sounds throughout the day, including during their play and learning activities.
As children develop their phonic knowledge and become confident blending sounds, they will bring home a reading book matched to the sounds they have learned in school. We encourage families to read regularly together and make reading an enjoyable part of everyday life.
Supporting wellbeing
We want every child to feel happy and supported at Bamford Academy. Through our myHappymind programme, children learn about how their brains work, recognise and understand their feelings, and develop strategies to help them manage their emotions.
Our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance help children understand how we treat ourselves and others. In Reception, we also focus on having Kind Hands, Kind Words and Kind Hearts.
Learning together with families
Parents and carers are an important part of their child's learning journey. We encourage families to talk to their children about their day, share stories, practise phonics and number skills and engage with learning shared through Tapestry.
We also share regular updates through the Arbor App, our newsletters and school social media, helping families to stay connected with everything happening at Bamford Academy.
Being ready for Reception
There are lots of simple things you can do at home to help your child feel ready for starting school. Encourage them to:
- Put on and take off their coat and jumper independently.
- Practise fastening buttons and zips.
- Open and close their own school bag.
- Use a knife and fork.
- Talk about their day, their feelings and the world around them.
- Enjoy sharing stories and looking at books together.
- Practise counting as part of everyday activities, such as counting steps or objects.
Most importantly, talk positively about starting school and reassure your child that there will always be adults at Bamford Academy who are there to help them.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Bamford Academy and sharing the exciting journey that Reception brings.
Reception
Welcome to Reception
Reception is an exciting year of discovery, learning and new experiences as children begin their journey at Bamford Academy. Through a carefully planned, play-based curriculum, we encourage children to explore their interests, develop their creativity and curiosity, and build confidence as independent learners. Every day brings opportunities to develop important skills in communication, reading, writing, mathematics and understanding the world around us, alongside learning how to work together, build friendships and show kindness to others. With plenty of opportunities to learn both indoors and outdoors, we aim to make every child's first steps in school happy, memorable and full of possibility.
Class Information:
Class RS Teacher: Mrs S Ashworth
Class RK Teacher: Mrs S Khan
Year 1 and Year 2
Welcome to Years 1 & 2
Years 1 and 2 are exciting stages in children's learning as they build on the foundations established in Reception, develop new skills and grow in confidence as learners. Through a balance of practical activities, exploration and more structured learning, we encourage children to be curious, creative and confident in having a go. As they progress, pupils strengthen their reading, writing and mathematical understanding, learning to express their ideas, solve problems and explain their thinking. They explore the world around them through History, Geography and Science, developing curiosity and learning to ask questions, investigate and discover new things. We place great importance on helping every child become increasingly independent, persevere through challenges and develop a love of learning, preparing them for the next exciting stage of their education.
Class Information:
Class 1S: Mrs S Khan
Class 1/2B: Mrs K Browne
Class 2M: Mrs M Mayren
Meet the Teacher Presentation - Years and 1 and 2 combined
Year 3 and Year 4
Welcome to Years 3 & 4
Years 3 and 4 are an exciting time of discovery, challenge and growing independence as children continue to build on their knowledge and develop their skills across the curriculum. Through an engaging and varied curriculum, pupils strengthen their reading, writing and mathematical abilities, learning to think critically, solve problems and explain their ideas with increasing confidence. They explore fascinating topics through History, Geography and Science, asking questions, investigating and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them and how the past has shaped our lives today. Children also enjoy opportunities to learn French and develop their communication skills. Alongside their academic progress, we encourage pupils to build positive relationships, take responsibility, embrace new challenges and show respect, kindness and perseverance in everything they do.
Class Information:
Class 3L Teacher: Mrs J Lee
Class 3/4B Teacher: Miss N Bourke
Class 4H Teacher: Mrs N Howarth
Meet the Teacher Presentation - Year 3 and 4 combined
Year 5 and Year 6
Welcome to Years 5 & 6
Years 5 and 6 are an important and exciting stage in children's learning as they develop greater maturity, independence and confidence, while preparing for the next chapter of their education. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, pupils continue to strengthen their reading, writing and mathematical skills, learning to think critically, solve problems and explain their ideas. They explore fascinating topics through History, Geography and Science, developing their curiosity and understanding of the world around them, while also enjoying opportunities to learn French. Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from enriching experiences such as Children's University, which encourages them to discover new interests and celebrate learning in all its forms. In Year 6, the residential trip to Robinwood provides a particularly memorable opportunity to challenge themselves, develop teamwork and build lasting friendships. We encourage every child to aim high, show perseverance and take pride in their achievements, making the most of their final years at Bamford Academy before moving on to secondary school.
Class Information:
Class 5D Teacher: Miss N Dixon
Class 5/6H Teacher: Mrs M Hunter
Class 6A Teacher: Mrs S Akram-Hussain
Meet the Teacher Presentation - Years 5 and 6 combined