Summer 1

This term, Year 1 worked extremely hard and showed fantastic progress as they move towards their phonics screening at the beginning of Summer 2. 

This half term, Year 1 have enjoyed reading The Last Wolf by Mini Grey. We have developed our reading comprehension skills by making predictions, retelling stories and discussing characters. The children have also practised using adjectives to describe characters, conjunctions to extend their sentences and chronological language to sequence events in their writing.

In Maths, we have explored multiplication and division through counting in 2s, 5s and 10s, recognising equal groups and creating arrays. We have also learnt about fractions by finding halves and quarters of shapes and quantities. In addition, we developed our understanding of position and direction using language such as left, right, forwards and backwards.

Our History learning focused on castles, where we discovered who built the first castles in Britain, what life was like in medieval times and how castles have changed over time. In Science, we learnt about the human body and explored our five senses through a range of practical activities. In Art, we experimented with painting and mixed media, creating artwork through finger painting, collage, outdoor art and collaborative projects.

In RE, we explored what it means to belong to a faith community and learnt about special ceremonies and celebrations. In Computing, we developed our digital imagery skills by taking photographs, editing images and exploring different software tools safely. In PE, we improved our gymnastics and athletics skills, focusing on balance, movement, running, throwing and jumping.

Spring 2

Year 1 has continued to grow from strength to strength. Their hard work and determination has meant progress has been outstanding!

This half term, Year 1 have enjoyed reading The Adventures of Egg Box Dragon. We have developed our reading comprehension skills by making predictions and retelling stories through role play and writing. The children have also practised writing instructional texts using chronological language such as first, next and finally, while continuing to improve their sentence writing skills.

In Maths, we have explored numbers to 50 by counting in tens, partitioning numbers into tens and ones, and using number lines. We have also learnt about length, height, mass and volume, comparing and measuring objects using practical equipment and everyday language such as heavier, lighter, full and empty.

Our Geography learning took us around the world as we explored the seven continents and the animals that live in different habitats and climates. In Science, we learnt how to identify plants, trees and their different parts, and observed how plants grow over time. In Design and Technology, we designed and created moving storybooks using slider mechanisms and evaluated our finished products.

In RE, we explored why some places are considered sacred and learnt about places of worship in different religions. In Computing, we developed our early programming skills by giving instructions to Bee-Bots and solving simple coding challenges. In PE, we improved our striking and fielding skills and used movement and creativity to perform jungle-themed dances.

Spring 1

This half term, Year 1 have enjoyed exploring the stories Lost and Found and Goodnight Moon. We have developed our reading and writing skills by creating labels, captions and simple stories. The children have also practised making predictions, retelling stories through role play and writing their own poems and story ideas inspired by the books we have read.

In Maths, we have been working with numbers to 20. The children have practised counting forwards and backwards, finding one more and one less, and representing numbers in different ways. We have also developed our addition and subtraction skills using number bonds, fact families and part-whole models.

Our learning has taken us on exciting journeys with famous explorers Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong. In Science, we investigated everyday materials and explored their properties through simple tests and investigations. In Art, we created imaginative paper sculptures using a range of shaping and painting techniques.

In RE, we learnt about sacred places and explored why some places are special to different faiths. In Computing, we designed rockets, followed instructions and used computers to organise information. In PE, we developed our ball skills, balance, agility and coordination through a range of fun activities and gymnastics lessons.

Autumn 2

What We’ve Been Learning This Term

In Maths, we have been learning how to add and subtract numbers within 20 through a range of practical, hands-on activities. The children have been exploring number bonds to help them understand how numbers can be made and broken apart. We have used objects, pictures and number lines to support their learning and develop confidence with early calculation skills. Alongside this, we have also been learning about some basic 3D shapes, identifying and talking about their key features.

In English, we have been exploring poetry and learning how to use nouns and adjectives to describe people, objects and places. The children have enjoyed experimenting with descriptive words to make their poems more interesting and expressive. Through shared reading and creative activities, they have been building confidence in choosing and using language to bring their ideas to life. We also enjoyed writing about 'The Tiger Who Came To Tea'. We even had our own tiger-themed tea party to celebrate our learning!

In Geography, we have been learning about our local area. The children went on a walk around the local community to identify different buildings, businesses and public spaces where we live. They enjoyed observing their surroundings and talking about the features of the area, helping them to develop a better understanding of their local environment.

In Science, we have been learning about animals, including a range of ocean creatures. The children created models of fish and enjoyed discussing the different types of animals we can find in the world. We talked about how to care for animals and explored what all animals need in order to survive. The children also learnt to identify and group animals as mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds.

In PE, we have been developing our gymnastics skills with a focus on balance and movement. The children have learnt how to use a range of equipment safely and explored different ways to travel across a space using their bodies. They have also practised holding balances, creating poses, and changing their speed as they move.

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What We’ve Been Learning This Term

Autumn 1

In Maths, we have been exploring addition and subtraction through lots of practical and hands-on activities. The children have been using objects, pictures, and number lines to help them understand how numbers can be combined and taken away. We’ve also been practising recognising, writing, and ordering numbers, helping everyone build confidence with early number skills.

These stories have inspired lots of creative thinking about how imagination can transform everyday objects into something magical!

In English, we’ve been learning how to write simple sentences using capital letters, finger spaces, and full stops. The children have enjoyed practising these skills through fun writing tasks linked to our class books, Not a Stick and Not a Box by Antoinette Portis.

Our History topic this term has been Toys: Old and New. The children have loved comparing toys from the past with the ones they play with today. They have been learning about how toys have changed over time and thinking about what materials were used to make them.

Children are empowered to express themselves and explore movement in a safe environment! 

In Art, we’ve been exploring shape and line. The children have experimented with different materials and techniques to create pictures that focus on how shapes and lines can be used to make patterns, outlines, and designs

In RE, we’ve been learning about what Christians believe. The children have talked about important Christian values such as kindness, love, and forgiveness, and have explored some of the stories that help Christians understand their faith