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Although Chatterbox essentially follows the Italian school system, which includes 3 years of preschool, it also recognises the importance of a year of continuity between the pre-school and primary school years, as provided in the UK through the Reception year. This is typically the first year of primary school in the British school system, so likewise in Chatterbox it is fundamental, as it plays a key role in the delicate transition from preschool to subsequent grades.

The classroom is located within the same building as the primary school, so that children can gradually get used to a larger school environment, both in terms of space and the number of students around them. The aim is to make the adjustment to primary school an encouraging and engaging experience.

Through programs such as the House System and the Prefect mentors, the little ones are slowly introduced into the larger Chatterbox community. By the time they begin primary school, they have met many friendly faces (both schoolmates and staff) to help guide them through their day and they are already familiar with the school environment.

The Reception curriculum remains play-centered as new and more challenging topics are introduced. Their school day is enriched by focused learning in disciplines such as P.E., English, numeracy, Chinese and music. Additionally, they are introduced to English phonics and begin to explore the English language in greater depth.

Moreover, didactics are supplemented with a yearly project that is selected by the children and their interests, encouraging them to explore their passions, engage with others, and try new experiences.

Throughout the year, the class also hosts many visitors from around the world for theme connected projects and explores opportunities to enhance visual learning both online and in person.

Class visits also play a large part in Reception year. The children are offered many opportunities to go out and explore new realities connected to their learning, which culminates in an end-of-year overnight residential trip to the centre of Sardinia with just their teachers.

Chatterbox Playschool enrolment requests (Reception)

criteria for the acceptance of applications with the following order of priority:

• Children born by 31 December of the year in which attendance begins;
• Children from the Starters Chatterbox Playschool;
• Siblings of children already included in the Chatterbox circuit;
• Children of one or both parents who are native English speakers;
• Children from recognized International English schools.