Welcome to our Fantastic Foundation Stage 2
2017- 2018
2017- 2018
The Winchester FS2 Team
Induction Day
We were pleased to welcome our new cohort of FS2 students’ into school for an Induction day before the start of term 1. They had an opportunity to explore their new surroundings and get to know FS2 a little better. There was a range of activities on offer including art, music and games. On behalf of everyone, we extended a warm welcome to each one to the Winchester family!
FS2 Orientation Day
Every year, at the beginning of the first term, we organise the ‘Parent Orientation Day.’ The FS corridors were buzzing with anxious parents on Sunday 17th September 2017. The orientation program gave the parents’ an insight of what to expect in the coming year. An overview of all the facilities, procedures and programmes of the school were shared through a slide presentation. The teachers’ explained the cross-curricular links made in the seven areas of learning, the pattern for conducting assessments, the support required from parents etc.
Global Dignity Day / SEWA Day - October 17th, 2017
On Global Dignity Day, children learnt that they need to be respectful towards every profession. SEWA day activities taught them to sacrifice their time and resources for the benefit of others without wanting anything in return. There were many activities like interviews with support staffs, making thanks giving cards and flowers, enacting stories for admin staff, helping gardener to clean the garden etc.
FS2 A Assembly – ‘When I grow up’.
FS2 A presented an assembly catering to the thought of dreams and aspirations – ‘When I grow up’. Children spoke about what they want to be when they grow up. They came dressed up as different professions like teachers, doctors, firefighters, police, pilots, nurse, chef, singers and builders. Children were very confident in talking about their dreams. Later they sang songs on different professions.
Children teaching parents – WIN Aspires - STEAM
Parents were invited for the STEAM day activities ‘All about Bears’. They got an opportunity to understand ‘STEAM’ is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. It was an exciting, enthusiastic and enriching experience for all. A carousal of activities like ‘Using the Inventor’s Box to construct models’, ‘ Designing a story sack and puppets’, ‘Creating tessellating patterns’, ‘ Making PPT on different kinds of bears’, ‘Origami, Paper tearing, Painting’, ‘Making a flip book on bears’, ‘Enacting bear stories’, ‘Music and Movement- Going on a Bear hunt song with actions’.
WIN Entrepreneur Day (ORT DAY) - November 9th, 2017
FS2 ‘WIN Entrepreneurs’ was linked to ORT Day. It was a huge success. The students learnt the real attributes of an entrepreneur, like confidence, honesty, the spirit of teamwork and concern towards the society. Various stations like ‘ Winch Saloon’, ‘Winch Library’, ‘Photo booth’, ‘ Gaming Zone’ were set up which catered to ‘Earn while you have Fun’.
FS2 B Assembly on Happiness - October 10th, 2017
Happiness in Winchester is an ongoing process. FS2 B presented their assembly to convey this message on Tuesday, 10th October 2017. All children enthusiastically participated in the assembly and were eager to share their thoughts about happiness.
The messages children shared lead to positive emotions and feeling. Their song on ‘What makes one happy’ was appreciated by each one.
The messages children shared lead to positive emotions and feeling. Their song on ‘What makes one happy’ was appreciated by each one.
Dreams and Aspirations - October 15th, 2017
Dreams and Aspirations day was celebrated on Sunday 15th October by Foundation Stage 2. The theme was ‘When I grow up’. Children came dressed up as different professions they would like to be when they grow up. Some parents spoke to the children about their professions. There was a parade of cute, smiling little professionals along with their teachers’.
FS Pyjama Party (The Crunching Munching Caterpillar) - November 8th, 2017
Children came all dressed in their comfortable cozy pyjamas with a soft toy tucked under their arm to enjoy the evening. The story was presented by the entire FS team teachers. Parents and children too enacted the same making the event a memorable and enjoyable one for everyone. It was a wonderful evening and we look forward to partake in many more such celebrations at school.
Gratitude Day - December 7th, 2017
A moment of Gratitude makes a difference in your Attitude’. This apt thought was brought into force on Thursday, 7th December. Along with the whole Winchester school, the little children of FS2 celebrated ‘Gratitude Day’. The meaning of ‘Gratitude’ was explained through simple exemplary language as well as short video clips. The children made beautiful ‘Thank you cards’, ‘Colourful wands’ and presented to their friends’, teachers’, support staff etc. to appreciate them for the many wonderful things they do. Some children carried their ‘Thank you’ message home to give to their parents’.
International Day for Tolerance - November 16th, 2017
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our World’s cultures.’ This thought was explained to FS2 children through video clips and a Power point Presentation on ‘The International Day for Tolerance’ at Winchester school. Class teachers spoke about respecting and recognising the needs and wants of others and valuing each and every individual of the World. Children realised that love, respect and harmony leads to Peace in the World. They also learnt that by sharing and caring we can achieve this and grow up to be good individuals in life.
Peace Day - October 19th, 2017
October 19th was celebrated as the ‘Day of Peace’ at Winchester. With the famous saying by Mother Teresa ‘Peace begins with a smile’, children were encouraged to pass on their beautiful smiles to their friends and work together without fighting. There were many activities like making greeting cards for friends, singing songs related to ‘Peace’, drawing the ‘Peace’ emblem with their ideas to support the thought of ‘Peace’.
FS2 D Assembly on Golden Rules - November 14th, 2017
The children of FS2 D presented a ‘skit’ to acquaint everyone about the golden rules that they follow in school and at home. Children were all geared up to share their beautiful ideas on ‘Following Golden Rules’. After their lovely messages, children sang songs which portrayed the golden rules they learn and follow.
Whole school Fire drill – FS included - October 4th, 2017
The 1st Fire drill of Term1 for our little FS students was undertaken to prepare them for any emergency related to fire. Most of the students’ understood the need to walk quickly and reach Assembly point if and when an emergency arises. They were alert and swift during this transition and were told the importance of such drill procedures carried out at school.
Flag Day - November 5th, 2017
The Winchester School celebrated ‘UAE Flag Day’ on Sunday 5th November, 2017. The significance of celebrating UAE Flag day was explained to FS2 children through Power point presentation and online video clips. Children learnt that Flag Day is usually celebrated on November 3, the anniversary of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the president of the UAE in 2004. Children coloured the UAE Flag and learnt what each colour in the flag represents – Red stands for bravery, courage and strength, Green stands for love, hope and country’s prosperity, White stands for purity, honesty and peace, Black stands for strength of mind and defeat of enemies, the vertical strip of Red stands for ‘together in unity’. Children enjoyed holding the UAE Flag high and singing the National anthem.
U.A.E. National Day - November 29th, 2017
On 29th November, 2017, the Winchester children gathered together to pre celebrate 46th U.A.E. Day. Parents’ and children showcased National day songs, dances, food, culture and Power-point presentations related to their respective countries. A perfect example of ‘Unity in Diversity’ was portrayed through the colourful, traditional costume clad children and teachers’ parade. The event ended with a carousal of activities like henna designing, face painting, puppet show etc.
FS2 Sports Day - November 20th, 2017
On Wednesday 22nd November, FS2 organised the ‘Sports Day’. It began with the colorful march past by the students followed by a musical drill. There were a range of multi – skilled sporting games like - Flag race, Passing the hoola-hoop, Dodging the ball and the Obstacle race. Students were really enthusiastic and excited to participate in all the races. They had a fun-filled sporting experience. The event culminated with the mums and dads participating in the ‘Musical chairs’. Certificates were awarded to all children as we believe that ‘Each child is a winner’.
FS2 Field Trip - November 22nd, 2017
FS 2 children went to their first Field trip of the year to Al Barsha Pond Park. The children were accompanied by their class teachers and learning partners. They had fun playing on the swings, slides, jungle - gym etc. They were thrilled to experience the joy of eating and socialising out in the open with their classmates. They also enjoyed observing different plants and local surrounding in the garden.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE – HAND WASH - December 12th, 2017
The Guest speaker from Dettol along with the assistance of the School clinic, presented a demo on proper handwashing to FS2 children. The session started with an introductory message about following different hygienic habits like brushing teeth, taking a shower, trimming nails and having a regular haircut, wearing clean clothes etc. Later children were acquainted about thorough method of hand washing through a live demo by the guest speaker. Children were active participants in the session. Take away ‘hand wash kit’ were given to all the children.
FS 2C Assembly on Healthy Lifestyle - November 13th, 2017
The FS2 C children gave a message to one and all about a healthy lifestyle. The little ones promoted eating wholesome, healthy and nutritious food. They also emphasized on the importance of physical fitness by doing physical exercises. They gave the message that healthy lifestyle includes keeping happy and last but not the least the importance of hygiene and cleanliness.
FS 2 F Assembly on GO Green - January 16th, 2018
Children dressed in Earth coloured clothes and shared an important message “Save Planet Earth’’. The messages children conveyed to all emphasised on ‘generating less waste, recycling everything that cannot be reused, educating the community about eco-friendly options etc.’ Simple ideas on how to save water and keep our planet clean were also shared by the children.
Win Sustainability Week
Students of FS2 had a unique, week-long opportunity to learn about sustainability through fun and engaging activities which focused on recycling and reusing used materials in various ways. Teachers’ advocated the 3 R’s of environmental protection - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle through a carousal of activities like making paper bags, flower vases, singing saving the environment songs, recycling cans and bottles, Go Green quiz, growing and watering the plants etc. A small presentation explaining ‘How we can play an important part in saving planet Earth’ was conducted by the teachers’ in their respective classrooms. The children learnt how materials like paper, plastic, tin cans can be recycled and reused to create new objects. FS2 children also presented PPT on ‘Saving the Earth’ to FS1 classes.
STEAM Week
The entire week, FS2 classes were buzzing with STEAM based learning for the topic ‘Dinosaurs’. All the 9 classes were set to engage the children with hands-on investigating and reality-based learning. Children were inquisitively involved in learning with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation about different types of dinosaurs. They had fun while learning about their favourite dinosaurs. Activities like ‘Making flipbooks and story books on dinosaurs, observing the shadows and finding the appropriate dinosaurs, using tessellating patterns to create a dinosaur, enacting the Dino museum sequel, creating favourite dinosaur using different materials and media, singing songs and enacting the movement of dinosaur etc.’ were ongoing throughout the week.
Win Literacy Day
The quote – ‘Literacy is the road to human progress’ sums up the thought which we as individuals need to portray for the betterment of the society.
During ‘Circle Time’ the concept of Literacy day was elaborated among FS2 students. Several activities catering to ‘Literacy’ were conducted in all the 9 classes of FS2. Children enjoyed an interactive story telling session using puppets and props, FS2 students narrated stories to their FS1 counterparts. They also made story sacks, story boards, book covers, book marks etc. Children of FS2 got a chance to spend some time at the Primary wing library. Children were also encouraged to include Reading in their daily routine. Lastly, DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) was held to inculcate the importance of reading.
During ‘Circle Time’ the concept of Literacy day was elaborated among FS2 students. Several activities catering to ‘Literacy’ were conducted in all the 9 classes of FS2. Children enjoyed an interactive story telling session using puppets and props, FS2 students narrated stories to their FS1 counterparts. They also made story sacks, story boards, book covers, book marks etc. Children of FS2 got a chance to spend some time at the Primary wing library. Children were also encouraged to include Reading in their daily routine. Lastly, DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) was held to inculcate the importance of reading.
Term 2 Fire Drill
Fire drill for Term 2 was conducted smoothly without any chaos, stampede or injury. It was second time practice for our FS children. Teachers’ spoke to their classes during Circle time about the hazards caused due to careless ways of evacuation during emergency situations. On hearing the fire alarm, FS2 children readily and steadily followed their respective teachers’ towards the designated assembly point. Children carefully took big strides while walking, rather than getting panicked and running. Teachers’ quickly took head count and updated the Wardens about their class presence by raising the ‘Green cards’. FS children were excited to see the Police and Fire-fighters coming in for rescue. They were thrilled by the courage of these Defense Personnel to put off the fire and save people. Hence I guess children at FS usually dream of being ‘Fire fighters and Police’.
Outdoor Activities
Here are glimpses of the outdoor activities which were enjoyed by the FS2 children through the Term 1 and Term 2. Children enjoyed the outdoor activities making most of the lovely weather. Children are having fun while doing number activities. Going forward and backward on number caterpillar, several matching activities and a lot of exposure to add and take away activities are fun for them. Children do lot of science activities and learn about plants as they explore nature using their five senses.
FS2 G Assembly -
The FS2 G children reiterated and spread the message that Teaching kids Arabic should start from an early age for correct understanding and comprehension. FS2 G assembly was held on January 29, 2018 based on the theme Learning Arabic language. The children started with an Arabic welcome song. They said common Arabic terms in day to day use. The program concluded with another Arabic song ''Lets Learn Arabic".
Oxford Reading Tree Day
FS2 Children had Oxford Reading Tree Day as a part of our Thursday activity. A station was created for each Oxford Reading Tree book. Children dressed up as their favourite ORT characters like mum, dad, Biff, Chip and Kipper. They were excited to enact the stories in each station.
Children felt that the stories came alive. This activity helped to further build not only their vocabulary, listening and speaking skills but also their imagination and dramatization. It reiterated the concepts of title, author and contents of a story. Children revisited different stories which they had read some time back and learnt how much fun reading can be.
Children felt that the stories came alive. This activity helped to further build not only their vocabulary, listening and speaking skills but also their imagination and dramatization. It reiterated the concepts of title, author and contents of a story. Children revisited different stories which they had read some time back and learnt how much fun reading can be.
Win Women's Day - March 8th, 2018
FS2 Children celebrated Women's Day on March 8th as a Thursday activity. They had fun preparing cards, medals, gifts and mementos for the women whom they consider special in their life like their moms, teachers, Principal, bus nannies, washroom aunties. The children understood the importance and role of women in their lives. They understood that women is the creator of life and the first teacher of any child.
FS2 H Assembly - Sharing is Caring - April 12th, 2018
“The children of FS2 H gave the message to one and all how sharing leads to happiness and harmony. They reiterated through a small story and song that sharing is caring. They spread slogans like: “Today let’s share some happiness, today let’s share some knowledge, and today let’s share a smile.”
All FS2 H parents and few classes of FS1 as well as FS2 attended the assembly. Each and every child of FS2 H shared their experience as – ‘What sharing means to them and how all they can share.'
All FS2 H parents and few classes of FS1 as well as FS2 attended the assembly. Each and every child of FS2 H shared their experience as – ‘What sharing means to them and how all they can share.'
FS2 I Assembly - Happiness – Let’s all be happy, April 14th, 2018
‘’If you decide that you want to be happy, you already have made huge strides towards achieving this goal. Nobody else but you can take the lead and make the necessary effort to become happy.’’ This thought was put forward by the students’ of FS2 I through their messages and song on ‘Happiness’.
All FS2 I parents and few classes of FS1 as well as FS2 attended the assembly. Each and every child of FS2 I shared their experience as on – ‘What happiness means to them’? Children also shared the top most agenda for U.A.E. is Happiness.
All FS2 I parents and few classes of FS1 as well as FS2 attended the assembly. Each and every child of FS2 I shared their experience as on – ‘What happiness means to them’? Children also shared the top most agenda for U.A.E. is Happiness.
Tony Ross visits The Winchester School, Jebel Ali - March 8th, 2018
The great British author and illustrator, Mr. Tony Ross visited our School on March 8th. He is best known for his books Horrid Henry and Harry, the poisonous centipede. The FS2 children were in particular excited to meet him because they had read a story called The Tadpole's Promise by him last month. The children lined up in the corridor to greet him. They all shouted with excitement "We love you Tony Ross!" "We love Tadpole's Promise."
FS2 Field Trip – Dubai Dolphinarium (Creek Park)
FS 2 children went to their second term Field trip to Creek Park – Dubai Dolphinarium. The children had a fun ride in the school bus up to the park. They were accompanied by their class teachers, learning partners and nannies.
Children were happy playing different games alongside their friends. They enjoyed eating and socialising out in the open with their classmates. They were also thrilled to watch the Super intelligent ‘Dolphins’ perform various skilled acts during the ‘Dolphin Show’.
Children were happy playing different games alongside their friends. They enjoyed eating and socialising out in the open with their classmates. They were also thrilled to watch the Super intelligent ‘Dolphins’ perform various skilled acts during the ‘Dolphin Show’.
Win Happiness Day -
‘Happiness’ at Winchester is an ongoing process. To explain this further, FS2 held a special ‘Happiness Day’ to convey this message. It was organised on Tuesday, 20th March 2017. A carousal of activities like making cards for friends, posters, creating a souvenir for someone special etc. were organised. Children had a wonderful time exploring the opportunities that led to positive emotions and feelings. Children also enjoyed singing special songs on happiness.
WORLD HEALTH AND SAFETY DAY - HYGIENE - April 26th, 2018
Children learnt about Hygiene and the practice of keeping themselves and their surroundings clean, in order to prevent illness or the spread of diseases.
Children watched videos on how good health can be achieved by following hygienic practices. They discussed and shared their personal experiences about health and hygiene and what all they they could do to achieve maximum hygiene and how it would benefit them.
Finally, children created posters and did artwork about Hygiene.
Children watched videos on how good health can be achieved by following hygienic practices. They discussed and shared their personal experiences about health and hygiene and what all they they could do to achieve maximum hygiene and how it would benefit them.
Finally, children created posters and did artwork about Hygiene.
ANTI-BULLYING - April 26th, 2018
Children learnt about anti bullying and their right to say 'NO'. They learnt that both " To bully" or "Being bullied" are not right.
They learnt how to be safe and not being victims of bullying by:-
1. Learning to ‘stand against’ violent acts!!
2. To Speak Up: Speak Out or inform a trustworthy adult.
3. Saying ‘’No’’ to bullying.
4. If they see any such thing they have to report it. "See something – say something!"
They learnt how to be safe and not being victims of bullying by:-
1. Learning to ‘stand against’ violent acts!!
2. To Speak Up: Speak Out or inform a trustworthy adult.
3. Saying ‘’No’’ to bullying.
4. If they see any such thing they have to report it. "See something – say something!"
Stranger Danger - May 3rd, 2018
‘Stranger danger’ describes the danger to children presented by strangers. The phrase intends to sum up the danger associated with adults whom children do not know. This message was presented through Power point presentation and video clips on You tube. During Circle time, teachers’ explained the safety measures which children can follow to keep themselves safe. Children also made posters on taking precautionary measures with strangers.
Year of Zayed - May 6th, 2018
In U.A.E. 2018 is being known as ‘Year of Zayed’. We, at Winchester ‘Celebrated U.A.E.’s late founding father’s 100th birthday. We celebrated Life, Legacy and Values’ of the great leader. FS2 teachers’ planned activities emphasising on educating our little children on the key values of Sheikh Zayed - Wisdom, Respect, Sustainability and Human Development. Watching video clips on Sheikh Zayed, making posters, drawing the U.A.E. flag with 7 emirates, discussion on the work done by Sheikh Zayed were some of the activities done by FS2 children.
Road Safety - May 10th, 2018
Children learnt the importance of being safe while on road. They learnt about road signs and they watched videos about the caution that they must follow while travelling in a bus or car or as pedestrians on the road. They drew pictures, and wrote captions. Children had fun enacting in the bike area pretending that they are the drivers following lane system as well as following the road signs and the road rules. Children learnt about always crossing the road on the zebra crossing.
FS2 Graduation Day - May 9th to 15th, 2018
Graduation is a very special day for each child where they celebrated reminiscing the happier moments of the year. They show the pride of their achievements and their accomplishments of the year. They also celebrate their excitement and anticipation of going to a bigger class, Year 1. They gave lovely messages on happiness. It was fun to watch them sing, dance and finally giving them a chance to be leaders teaching dance to their parents, making it a joyous day to be remembered forever.
Playground Safety - May 17th, 2018
‘Nothing is more exciting to a child than a great playground. Playgrounds help children be active and healthy – It’s a place where children can run, jump, climb, slide and play with peers.’ FS children are most likely to hurt themselves, because they are still developing physical coordination and muscle strength. To ensure children remain safe in the playground, FS2 teachers’ organised various activities within the school playground setting. Children were made aware about playground hazards through video clips on different scenarios. Children also made a collage of their drawings on playground safety, groups of children made banners on safe playground equipment etc. Basic playground safety tips were demonstrated through actual play at the school playground.
Sun Safety - May 24th, 2018
‘It is a proven fact that too much sun exposure greatly increases the risk for skin-related diseases.’ To develop the important habit of sun safety, FS2 teachers’ planned various activities related to being sun safe. During the ‘Sun Safety programme’ teachers’ had a detailed discussion session about sun safety. Using animated, age-appropriate video clips, students learnt about sunblock and its application. Students also became aware of SPF and its importance when protecting the skin from the suns’ rays. They were also taught the basic skills for personal sun safety, and protection against overexposure. As per the school policy, more emphasis was given to wearing caps during outdoor play time. Children also made posters and head bands about staying safe in the sun.
Electric Safety - May 31st, 2018
Children are naturally curious and do not know the dangers of electricity. To create awareness about the hazards of electrical appliances if not handled properly, Electrical safety tips were shared by FS2 teachers’ in their respective classes through video clips, power point presentation and different scenarios. Children also made posters, sorted electrical and non-electrical pictures, played games like ‘Circle the differences between the pictures, Quiz on electrical devices’. Overall children were acquainted with the do’s and don’ts of handling various electric objects.
Equipment Safety - June 7th, 2018
The main purpose of teaching equipment safety to FS2 children was to help them understand how to protect themselves from hazards. Equipment safety was further simplified as per the age level of children. Children learnt about strategies to adapt for keeping them safe from the risk of injury through child friendly activities like playing online games and answering objective based worksheets. They also showcased their ideas of being equipment safe through self-made posters and banners like wearing helmets while cycling, swimming glasses while going for a swim, handling toys and scissors safely etc. Overall the children got to learn - By creating a barrier against hazards caused by wrong use of various equipment at school as well as home, we can create a ‘Safe Zone’ for ourselves within our immediate surroundings.
Personal Hygiene Safety - June 14th, 2018
FS2 Teachers’ continuously strive hard to inculcate basic moral values amongst their children. This week teachers’ came up with activities and online games catering to ‘Personal Hygiene.’ Children also experienced a thorough demo on ‘Proper Hand washing.’ ‘’Personal hygiene is very important because no-one likes to be close to a person who stinks and is dirty. Whoever you are and wherever you go remember: wash your hands before you eat and your feet before you sleep. With a clean body, clean hair, clean teeth, clean clothes and shoes, you will feel good and your friends will be happy to be near you. Keep your fingernails and toenails short and clean too.’’ This detailed explanation was done through an active learning session wherein children showcased their ideas and thoughts within a group setting.
Cyber Safety - June 21st, 2018
The Internet can be wonderful for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers’ and their classmates, and play interactive games. But online access also comes with risks, like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. They might prod the child to exchange personal information, such as address and phone number, or encourage kids to call them, seeing their phone number via caller ID. These important pointers were shared with our children of FS2 to make them aware about unknowing harsh consequences. Children were taught the importance of Internet / Cyber Safety through age appropriate explanation and discussion. Students’ played Cyber Safety Quiz, watched video clips and Power point presentation, made banners showing safe use of Internet etc.