Hello and a warm welcome to the Year 1 Blog!
Class Teachers: Miss Mathews and Mrs Noonan
Teaching Assistant: Mrs Valentina
We are delighted to welcome you and your child to Year 1! We are looking forward to the exciting year ahead and to seeing the children grow in confidence, develop new skills, and flourish as individuals. After a short settling-in period, we will begin our learning together, working hard and making a fantastic start to Year 1.
Useful information:
- Reading books will be changed twice a week on Tuesday and Friday.
- PE lessons are on Wednesday and Friday. The children should come to school in their PE kits and will wear them for the rest of the day.
- The children will bring home a paper copy of their homework on Tuesday and it should be returned to be marked the following Monday.
- Trips and events will be communicated to you via email.
This page will be updated with further information and photos of our learning throughout the year.
You can also view the knowledge organisers to find out more about what your child will be learning in each subject this term.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via communications.
Summer 2
Welcome back to the final half term! I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone, and we have a lot to fit in!
English
This half term, we will be exploring traditional fairy tales, where the children will write their own retellings.
We will also be reading Katie in London by James Mayhew and writing postcards recounting visits to famous landmarks.
Later in the term, we’ll enjoy Rumpelstiltskin, using the story as inspiration to create riddles.
We will also be preparing for our poetry recital on Thursday 11th June.
Maths
In Maths, we will be focusing on:
- Place value within 100 (counting, partitioning and comparing numbers)
- Money (recognising and counting coins and notes)
- Time (days of the week, hours, minutes and seconds, including telling the time to the hour and half hour)
RE
Why did Jesus tell stories?
We will be exploring the question: Why did Jesus tell stories?
The children will learn about key parables, including:
- The Lost Sheep
- The Prodigal Son
- The Parable of the Sower
- The Wise and Foolish Builders
- The Good Samaritan
Science
Our topic is Plants. The children will:
- Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants
- Learn about deciduous and evergreen trees
- Identify and describe the basic structure of flowering plants, including trees
History
We will continue our learning about the Sinking of the RMS Titanic.
The children will explore why the Titanic sank, the different experiences of people on board, and how life today is different.
Geography
Mini Mappers
In Geography, the children will:
- Learn what maps are used for
- Create maps of familiar and imaginary place
- Practise following simple maps
Computing
We are Detectives
The children will use data to solve clues, learning how to input and interpret information.
Art
Our art topic is African Art, where children will explore:
- Sunsets
- Animals
- Homes
- Colour and pattern
PSHE
In PSHE, our topic is Changing Me, where children will learn how to cope positively with changes in themselves and others.
Music
This unit consolidates learning from across the year. The children will revisit songs and musical activities, while being introduced to the history of music and the language of music.
Summer 1
Welcome back to the start of the Summer term!
English
In English this half term, we will begin by reading Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak before moving on to some non-fiction writing of explanations. We will then finish the term by reading Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman.
Maths
In maths, we will continue to build on our learning so far this year by beginning our multiplication and division unit, counting in 2s, 5s and 10s and making groups by sharing. We will then move onto fractions where children will learn to recognise a half and a quarter. We will finish the half term by investigating position and direction, which ties in nicely with our geography learning about maps!
RE
What does it mean to be a Muslim?
In RE, we will be learning about what it is like to live as a Muslim. The children will learn by exploring questions such as “what do stories teach us about Muslim beliefs?” and “ how are Muslim babies welcomed into the world?”
Science
In Science this term, we will be learning about animals, specifically how we might categorise vertebrates. The children will explore characteristics of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians and improve their scientific vocabulary and skills such as categorisation and identification.
History
In history, we will begin a new topic about the Titanic. The children will learn about the Titanic timeline, the experiences of people onboard the ship, and how things are different today.
Geography
Mini Mappers
In geography, the children will learn what maps are used for, create maps of known and imaginary places, and try to follow a map!
Computing
‘We are Rhythmic’
In Computing this term, the children will be becoming musicians. The children will create their own sound patterns on the iPads using ScratchJr and GarageBand. They will learn how to record or program an effective percussion sequence and record their own music using virtual instruments.
Art
This term in Art, we will be learning all about printing. The children will create patterns using fruit and vegetable stamps, leaf rubbings, and they will make their own stamps out of recycled materials before making a Styrofoam stamp to create multiple prints.
PSHE
Relationships
In this topic, children will learn how to build positive, healthy relationships. We will learn about different types of families, what being a good friend looks like, ways we can show respect to others, and learn how to help ourselves and others when we feel hurt of upset.
Music
Your Imagination
In music, we will be learning the song Your Imagination. The children will practise their listening and appraising skills, before building on their knowledge by singing the song and playing instruments alongside it, all whilst performing and sharing their learning as they progress through the unit.
Spring 2
Welcome back! We have a lot to fit in to a very short half term – arts week will take place during the week commencing 2nd March, with our next poetry recital on Thursday 5th of March (the same day as World Book Day). Please do come along to watch if you can!
English
In English this half term, we will be reading Whatever Next by Jill Murphy and The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers. These books create a lovely link between our writing in English and our learning about explorers in history. We will then spend a week studying and learning our poem for the poetry recital.
Maths
In Maths, we will continue to build on our place value knowledge to 50 before moving on to length and height, and then mass and volume. The children will enjoy lots of practical measuring activities – time to get the measuring tapes and kitchen scales out at home!
RE
Why might many Christians say that Easter is the most important festival?
In RE, we will be learning about why Easter is important to Christians. Children will explore the Christian belief of salvation, meaning to save, and learn about the key events of Holy Week. This includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper, Good Friday and Jesus’ death, and Easter Sunday, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
Science
In Science this term, we will be learning about the properties and uses of materials. Building on prior learning, the children will explore different everyday materials, identify what objects are made from, and describe their physical properties. They will also compare and group materials based on these properties, developing their scientific thinking and vocabulary.
History
In history, we will continue to learn about famous explorers such as Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart. The children will discover who they were, where they travelled and why they are remembered today.
Knowledge OrganiserGeography
‘Where in the World is Barnaby Bear?’
In geography, Barnaby Bear will continue to help us explore the world and learn about different places. We will compare locations and begin to understand what makes places similar and different.
Computing
‘We are Publishers’
In Computing this term, we will be becoming publishers. The children will create their own multimedia eBooks using Book Creator on the iPads. They will think carefully about their intended audience as they add images, audio, and text, learning how different features can be used to communicate ideas effectively. We’re excited to see their creativity and digital skills develop!
Art
This term in Art, we will be learning all about shape. The children will explore different shapes in the world around them and use them to create their own artwork. They will experiment with drawing, cutting, and arranging shapes, developing their creativity and confidence as artists. We’re looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life!
PSHE
Healthy Me
In this topic, children will learn about different ways to stay healthy, including making positive choices about food, exercise, rest, and hygiene. They will explore habits that are less healthy and think about how these can affect their bodies and feelings. Children will also learn how to stay safe when out and about, including basic road safety and asking for help. Throughout the unit, children will reflect on how making healthy choices makes them feel and why these choices are important.
Music
Round and Round
In music, we will be learning the song Round and Round. The children will practise singing, keeping a steady beat and moving to the rhythm.
Spring 1
Happy New Year! Welcome back – we have lots of exciting things lined up for this half term! STEM week begins on the 26th January with DT day taking place on the 28th January.
English
In English this half term we will begin by writing Instructions for familiar tasks using titles, numbered steps and verbs. We will then move on to reading Handa’s Surprise when looking at stories with predictable phrasing, all important reading for our class assembly on Wednesday 4th February – please do come along if you can!
Maths
In Maths we will be continuing to work on addition and subtraction, before moving on to place value within 50. We will then try our hand at measurement, looking at length and height.
RE
What is it like to live as a Jewish person?
In RE, we will be learning about Judaism and finding out about objects, symbols and events that are important to Jewish people. The children will explore what these mean and why they matter to people of the Jewish faith.
Science
In science, we will be naming and describing a range of everyday materials. We will investigate their properties and talk about what different materials are used for.
History
In history, we will be learning about famous explorers such as Captain Scott and Amelia Earhart. The children will discover who they were, where they travelled and how they are remembered today.
Geography
Where in the world is Barnaby Bear?
In geography, Barnaby Bear will help us explore the world and learn about different places. We will compare locations and begin to understand what makes places similar and different.
Computing
'We are Digital Artists'
In computing, the children will use the app Brushes to create their own digital artwork. They will learn how to use different tools safely and creatively on the iPads.
Art
In art, we will be exploring tone and how it can change the look of a picture. The children will experiment with blending and making areas lighter and darker using different techniques.
PSHE
Dreams and Goals
In PSHE, we will be learning about dreams and goals. The children will talk about what they would like to achieve, how they can work towards their goals and the emotions that go with this.
Music
In the Groove
In music, we will be learning the song In the Groove. The children will practise singing, keeping a steady beat and moving to the rhythm.
Autumn 2
We have an exciting half term coming up. This will include rehearsals for our Nativity which we will be performing on 16th and 17th December!
English
In English this half term we are going to be starting by writing Non Chronological Reports. The features we are going to use will include titles, facts, labels and captions.
Then we will be using the fabulous ‘The Tiger who Came to Tea’ by Judith Kerr and ‘Dogger’ By Shirley Hughes when looking at stories with familiar settings.
Maths
In Maths we will be focusing on Addition and Subtraction within 10. We will be using part whole models, number lines and formal number sentences to complete our calculations.
We will then move onto 2D and 3D shapes. We will be learning the facts about these shapes.
RE
‘Why is each person important in the Nativity Story?’
In the run up to Christmas we will be learning about the roles of the angels, Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds. The Wisemen and Herod in the Nativity Story.
Watch the video below for a retelling of the Nativity story.
History
We will continue our learning about the history of Toys. This half term we will be focusing on using timelines and recognising the features which make toys old or new.
Geography
Barnaby Bear will continue to explore the UK. We will be looking at the differences between areas of the UK including cities, coast lines and the countryside.
Computing
‘We are TV Chefs’
We will be using the IPads to create our TV shows demonstrating how to make a jam sandwich. We will be using iMovies to create simple algorithm by ordering events in the correct sequence, editing and sharing our videos.
Science
Using our senses
We will be exploring our senses. Each week we will explore a new sense using practical activities to discover how our senses work.
Art
People
We will be developing our drawing skills to learn how to draw people. We will be thinking about portraits. Both drawing portraits of others and self-portraits.
PSHE
Celebrating Difference
This unit of work will be looking at how we are all unique but also have lots in common with each other. We will be learning about respecting each other’s and our differences.
This will also include celebrating Anti Bullying Week.
Music
Rhythm in the way we walk and Banana Rap
These are the two songs we will be studying this half term. We will be learning the songs and performing them in our classroom.
Autumn 1
English
This term, our focus is ‘Once Upon a Time’. We will be exploring well-loved stories, beginning with The Little Red Hen and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. These texts will inspire the children’s reading, writing and storytelling activities.
Have a look at this video of We're going on a Bear Hunt!
//www.youtube.com/embed/0gyI6ykDwds#t=0.5
Spellings: Each week, the children will bring home a set of spellings to practice as a part of their homework. Please support them in practicing these at home ready for their spelling check on Friday.
Reading: Reading books will be changed twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. We encourage you to enjoy daily reading with your child. This regular practice makes a real difference to their confidence and progress.
Maths
This half-term we will be revising the topic of place value and ensuring all children are confident in their knowledge of numbers up to 10.
The children’s Mathletics login information will remain the same as last year so please continue to use these resources to support their progress in maths.
RE
This term, our topic is ‘Creation’. The children will be learning about what God created on each day and exploring the question: “What responsibility has God given people to take care of His creation?”
We look forward to continuing to share our much-loved RE discussions and reflections with you on Tapestry.
Watch this video for a lovely version of the creation story.
//www.youtube.com/embed/oW7IK63D7XA#t=0.5
Geography
In Geography, we will be learning about the United Kingdom. The children will explore its countries and compare different places with the help of Barnaby Bear, who will guide us on our geographical adventures.
History
Our topic this half-term is ‘Toys From the Past’. The children will be exploring how toys have changed over time and thinking about questions such as:
- What toys did people play with in the past?
- What materials were toys made from then, and what are they made from today?
- How has electricity changed the toys we play with?
Art
This half-term, we are going to be learning all about colour. The children will explore and use important key words, including:
- Primary colours – red, yellow, or blue
- Secondary colours – colours made by mixing two primary colours
- Size – how big something is
- Cut – using scissors to change the size or shape of something
To inspire our work, we will be reading books such as The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle and Mixed and Remixed by Aree Chung.
Science
Our topic this half-term is ‘Seasonal Changes’. The children will be asking and investigating questions such as: “Are all leaves the same?” and “Do all trees shed their leaves?” We hope to spend time outdoors, exploring these questions first-hand and observing the changes in the world around us.
Computing
Our topic this term is ‘We Are Treasure Hunters’. The children will be learning to use simple algorithms to program the Bee-Bots and help them find the treasure! Along the way, we will continue to remind the children about the importance of online safety and how to use technology responsibly.
Music
All the learning in this unit is centred around one song: ‘Hey You!’. The children will explore the pulse, clap rhythms, sing, and play instruments to bring the song to life.
Key words we will be learning include:
- Pulse
- Rhythm
- Pitch
- Compose
- Perform
PE
Mr Walters will continue to teach Year 1 PE this term. The children will be developing their fundamental skills, including running, jumping, throwing, and dancing, through a variety of fun and engaging activities.
PSHE
The topic for this half-term is ‘Being Me in My World’. Each lesson will begin with a short, quiet reflection time. The children will explore how to be good friends, work effectively as part of a team, and understand how they learn best both as individuals and as a class.
