There’s a lot to discover at St. Joseph’s in Broadstairs!

Please do consider joining us at one of our Reception Discovery Tours when we will explain at first hand why we consider that St. Joseph’s is a special place to learn for your child.

You may have overlooked St. Joseph’s as a choice or have concerns that as a non-Catholic, it would be difficult to gain a place, so please do join us at one of these sessions so that we can dispel some of your admission concerns.

With one Reception class of 30 children and with a seamless journey from Reception right through to Year 6, we will help your child to become an independent, engaged and creative learner who is not afraid to make mistakes.

Harnessing your child’s wonderful natural curiosity as a key learning tool, we will encourage them to be curious about the school and wider world around them, to develop healthy, personal identities and become responsible citizens who will contribute positively to the school and the wider community.

Whatever your child’s learning entry point in reception we will challenge your child to work hard, stretch their thinking and achieve their full potential.

Of course, there is a lot of fun to be had along the way with Reception flying the flag for child-led activities both in the classroom and externally in our extensive grounds .  The glorious Reception mud kitchen is a firm favourite and is a perfect (albeit slightly mucky!) learning platform for the promotion of St. Joseph’s core values of Respect, Belonging, Caring, Teamwork and Enjoyment.

Promoting the enriched world of Art, Music, ICT, Sport and Science are further parts of a broad curriculum experience.  We have dedicated weeks for Sport, the Arts, and Science which are highlights in a busy school calendar where all year groups are encouraged to participate fully in a range of extra-curricular clubs and competitions.

A final word should rest with our current Reception class who have been busy settling in and discovering life at St. Joseph’s.  Here are some of their thoughts:

“We love to dress up and go in the garden”

“We have a secret mud kitchen to make potions and cakes with my friends”

“Lunch is my favourite”

“We have so much to learn with at school, I like building houses for my dragons and dinosaurs in the small world”

“I love using the ipad to send pictures home to my mummy and daddy”

So, please come and be curious about us – there is a lot to discover!

Please telephone the School Office on 861738 or email  office@st-josephs-broadstairs.kcsp.org.uk to reserve your place on one of our Discovery Tours.

Why are mud kitchens so important?  Why do children always want to make a mud pie, even if they have never seen an actual pie being made from scratch?

Playing with mud, in the right clothes, can develop fine motor skills, strength in hands, wrists and arms as children stir and lift full bowls and pans.  Developing the flexibility and strength needed for writing.  It can spark imagination, provide an understanding of measurement and the use of utensils.

children experience sensory, emotional and imaginative play as well as developing maths, science and speaking skills as they compare recipes and help each other to make the best pies!

Sitting amongst the dwellings of mini-beasts- in the Kitchen Garden which is in the area we call the 'Honeybee Garden' bathed in sunshine, might be exactly where you need to be to write about the birds you can hear singing in the trees.  Nature play is an important and welcome part of our learning in Reception Class.

At St. Joseph's we are always updating our learning environments!  But, did you know how important they are to the development of children in Early Years?

A well planned and carefully resourced environment supports the acquisition, development and progression of skills and competencies.  It can encourage children's independence and nurture a wide range of learning behaviours that stay with them throughout school life.

Creating delightful corners of curiosity inspires new learning in our early years classes, enriching language, deepening understanding and providing opportunities to embed prior learning in new and diverse ways.

This video is just one example of the joy and learning our new updated environment can bring.

Sand and water play are always great ways for children to engage and have fun.  But what are they really learning?

With the help of the Early Years Team, objects can be buried and submersed  to be retrieved and counted.  Pirates can hid 'treasure a plenty', ships can be scuppered and children can make up stories, relive events and increase their attention spans as they develop an understanding of maths and science concepts and improve their social and emotional skills.  All with the guidance, encouragement and help of our Early Years Team.

    If you like what you see call us now on 01843 861738 or email the school office on  office@st-josephs-broadstairs.kcsp.org.uk