Our three Year 1 classes are Ash, Oak and Willow.

At the beginning of the year our teaching and learning is very similar to that of Reception. We do this to support children in the transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1. Once the children are settled into a more formal routine at school we gradually change the way we teach and learn from ‘play-based’ to ‘formal lessons’.

The children will take part in a English, Maths, Phonics and Reading lesson every day, with a focus on basic skills. Maths activities are often practical, with increased written recording as the year progresses. Children will also take part in other subjects, known as the 'foundation subjects', such as History, Geography, ICT or Music, linked to Topics such as All about Ourselves, or The Seaside. Topics are enhanced by books from the Power of Reading project such as The Snail and the Whale and Handa’s Surprise.

Each week the children will also receive one piece of home learning to record in their home learning logs. This is usually English or Maths, but will sometimes be other subjects. Children take home a banded reading book at their individual level each day, as well as a story or non-fiction book of their choice. Parents are expected to record this in their Reading Record daily.  As a school we award certificates for children who practise their reading daily.