To help ensure that the children settle well into Year 1 after their year in Foundation, many routines are kept the same. The curriculum offered in Year 1 continues to be played-based like the Foundation Stage Curriculum and provides children with a smooth transition from their experiences in their first year at school. Learning continues to take place both in the classroom as well as outside, where staff observe the children at play and support their learning where appropriate. To encourage the children’s natural curiosity, they are encouraged to learn more about the world around them by asking questions and to find out answers by talking to others. Visitors are invited into school from time to time, so that the children can learn more about other people’s memories, knowledge and areas of expertise. For example, the children wanted to find out more about pets and so a group of children visited the local vet’s surgery. Many parents also brought in their pets to show us and provide the children with first hand experience of a range of different animals.

As the year progresses, there is an expectation that children will be able to listen to the teacher for longer periods than they did in their Foundation year. However, lessons are made as active as possible to ensure that all children are engaged. Children are taught in class groups except for reading and writing when children are grouped by ability.

Activities take place outside or inside and are always practical so that they are fun. There are many ongoing activities for the children to choose from and they are encouraged to be independent in accessing resources needed. The children go outside in all weathers. Please send suitable clothing- named wellies, waterproof coats or trousers. The children play in water or are involved in digging, so they may get messy!

Year 1 is the first year of the National Curriculum. All children in Year 1 follow the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum is made up of the core subjects: English, Science and Mathematics and the Foundation subjects: Art & Design, Computing, Design Technology, Geography, History, Music and PE. Reliogious Education (RE) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is also taught. A language does not have to be taught until Key Stage 2 (when the children are at the Junior School).