Sri KDU International School, Kota Damansara

In August 2022, the Early Year Centre of the Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara opened its door for operation, providing the golden opportunity for parents of children between the ages of 3-5 years to opt for a great head start for their precious young ones. Kiddy123 spoke to Mr. Gareth Barnaby, the Head of Primary School recently, to learn more about this latest offering at the acclaimed international school in Kota Damansara.

Play is a synonym for learning when it comes to little children. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Sri KDU follows the British ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ and National Curriculum as a framework, where there is an ideal balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities which help ignite children’s natural inquisitive tendencies, which in turn helps them understand more of what is happening around them.

The most ideal setup for little ones to play and learn

The specially designed area of learning for the EYFS was newly built in August 2022, as shared by Mr Barnaby. “The outdoor area has a variety of specialised areas to support learning whilst being protected from the weather. The floor is made from a form of rubber that protects children when they fall, and it also has a number of different designs to encourage play. Student toilets and sinks are sized appropriately for their age group to support and encourage independence. Our classrooms are air conditioned with a variety of different areas for learning including reading areas, tables and chairs for independent learning, carpeted areas for class discussion and interactive screens, among other features.

EYFS 7 key areas of learning

When asked about the learning outcomes prioritised by the school, Mr Barnaby replied, “Within the EYFS framework for the education and care of children, there are seven key areas that we focus on, and they are:

• Communication and Language, which is an area focused on developing children’s communication and listening skills, such as understanding, using language, and engaging in conversations.
• Physical Development, which is the development of children’s physical skills, including gross motor skills like running and jumping, and fine motor skills like holding a pencil.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development, focusing on developing children’s emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, and relationships with others.
• Literacy, an area aimed at developing children’s early literacy skills, such as reading and writing, and fostering a love for books and storytelling.
• Mathematics, an area focusing on the development of children’s understanding of numbers, shapes, and patterns, as well as problem-solving and reasoning skills.
• Understanding the World, which develops children’s understanding of the world around them, including people and communities, the natural world, and technology.
• Expressive Arts and Design is aimed at developing children’s creativity and imagination, such as exploring different materials and media for art, music, and drama.

The EY programme of Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara runs from 8.00am – 2.20pm, with the young students having an option to join the co-curricular activities (CCA) after school. A variety of different clubs and activities that are changed every term are offered by teachers and external providers. These include Zumba Dance, Mandarin, Art, Messy Play, Mix Media Art and Creative Dance.