Throughout the year, children will explore a range of interesting topics across the curriculum. In science, we will learn about different materials, animals and the changing seasons. In geography, we will discover more about the world around us, including the continents and oceans, as well as exploring our local area. In RE, we will learn about special places of worship from different religions.

Our English lessons will help children develop their reading and writing through a variety of engaging and high-quality texts. In maths, we will build strong number skills and begin solving problems with growing confidence.

In the Spring term, our Geography and History learning will focus on continents and oceans and learning about important figures from the past. In science, we will be classifying and identifying animals and learning about different animal groups.

In the Summer term, our Geography and History topics will explore fieldwork and past and present royalty. In science, we will focus on identifying and naming everyday materials and learning about their properties.

There are also lots of exciting experiences to look forward to, including themed learning weeks and a special trip to Woburn Safari Park to support our learning about animals.

Our aim in Year 1 is to help every child grow in independence, curiosity and confidence while enjoying their learning.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about what we are learning, please do not hesitate to ask.

We look forward to a wonderful year together!

Explore & More 

In Key Stage 1, we focus on one foundation subject each week. This approach allows children to explore the topic in greater depth and develop a strong understanding of the learning objective. Throughout the week, children take part in a range of activities designed to support different ways of learning. These may include opportunities to create, draw, construct and write, helping children engage with the subject in a variety of meaningful ways. We have found this approach to be very successful, as it allows every child to demonstrate their understanding through different learning styles and build their knowledge over the course of the week.  

Phonics 

In Year 1, we teach phonics every day using the Monster Phonics programme, which helps children develop strong decoding and reading skills. During the Summer term, children will take part in the Phonics Screening Check. This short assessment asks children to read 40 words to demonstrate their phonics knowledge. Most of the words are real words, but some are pseudo-words (also known as alien words). These made-up words are included to ensure children are using their decoding skills rather than relying on memory. To help children recognise them, pseudo-words are shown alongside a small alien picture. The current pass mark is 32 out of 40.

Spellings

Spellings are given out weekly on a Friday. Children should practise these spellings at home during the week and will be assessed the following Friday. The assessed spellings will then be returned in the Home School Book, where you will be able to see your child’s score and progress.

Reading

We encourage children to read with an adult at home every evening as part of their weekly homework. Children who read each night will receive a House Point the following day. Please remember to record each reading session in the reading diary section of the Home School Book, as this helps us track your child’s reading practice and development.

Learning Logs

Children in Key Stage 1 will receive their Learning Logs once each term. Inside the book there will be a grid of activities for children to choose from and complete during the term. Learning Logs also include a Rocket Challenge for children who would like to extend their learning further.

Children are welcome to present their work in creative ways, such as models, artwork or other hands-on projects. We encourage children to have fun and be creative with their homework.

Learning Logs should be returned during the final week of each term.

Forest School

Forest School is led by Mr Tilbury and takes place once a week. During these sessions, children will spend time exploring and learning outdoors in the school forest area or at Chicksands Woods.

Children may arrive at school wearing their Forest School clothes and should bring their school uniform with them to change into afterwards. Please ensure that your child wears warm, comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy or wet, as outdoor learning can sometimes be messy.

We aim to run Forest School sessions in most weather conditions, so it is important that children have appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for the outdoors. Sessions will only be cancelled in the event of extremely high winds or severe storms.