Key Stage 1 - Years 1 & 2
English
During Key Stage 1 pupils learn to speak confidently and listen to what others have to say. They begin to read and write independently and with enthusiasm. They use language to explore their own experiences and imaginary worlds.
Pupils learn to speak clearly, thinking about the needs of their listeners. They work in small groups and as a class, joining in discussions and making relevant points. They also learn how to listen carefully to what other people are saying, so that they can remember the main points. They learn to use language in imaginative ways and express their ideas and feelings. We encourage drama and role-play, especially as preparation for writing, inspiring children to become confident, creative and informative writers.
Pupils’ interest and pleasure in reading is developed as they learn to read confidently and independently. They focus on words and sentences and how they fit into whole texts. They work out the meaning of straight-forward texts and say why they do or do not like them.
During Key Stage 1 pupils start to enjoy writing and see the value of it. They learn to communicate meaning in narrative and non-fiction texts and spell and punctuate correctly. Children are encouraged to have a correct pencil grip, letter formation and appropriate layout. We follow the Primary Literacy Framework.
Mathematics
We have daily mathematics lessons, including regular mental maths activities. Lessons cover the key areas, number, shape space and measure, data handling and using and applying mathematical knowledge. Children are taught through a range of activities, which include hands-on experiences and investigative application.
Children develop skills of recording including correct number formation. They are encouraged to develop mathematical vocabulary and to discuss their methods.
In Year 1 we introduce addition and subtraction as well as the founding principles of multiplication and division. In Year 2 children develop all four concepts and are encouraged to carry out calculations independently and sometimes mentally.
Children learn to have an awareness and quick recall of number bonds to 10, 20 and in turn 100. They are encouraged to develop an awareness of relationships between different concepts. We follow the Primary Numeracy Framework.
Science
All our children are encouraged to question how the world works and why things happen. They will develop scientific skills, knowledge and understanding through hands on experiences and investigations.
The children will be taught to discuss their findings, explain what has happened and make comparisons. They will learn to present their findings in a variety of ways eg. drawing, writing and IT and the importance of a fair test.
Information Technology
The children enjoy weekly sessions using our bank of laptops. The children learn basic skills including use of the keyboard, mouse control, loading and closing known programs, accessing pre-selected Internet sites, saving and retrieving work and printing work with help.
We focus on word-processing, drawing, data handling and programming, as well as the use of maths and literacy games. The children use the interactive whiteboard in their classrooms and use laptops in class to support other subject work.
History
Throughout Key Stage 1, much use is made of artefacts, stories, DVDs, non-fiction books, photographs and Information Technology. Our children learn about people's lives and lifestyles. They find out about significant men, women, children and events from the recent and more distant past, including those from both Britain and the wider world. Our Key Stage 1 History topics are Toys, Florence Nightingale and Great Fires.
The children listen and respond to stories and use sources of information to help them ask and answer questions. They learn how the past is different from the present and develop the historical skills of enquiry and interpretation.
Geography
During Key Stage 1 pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area in the United Kingdom, Japan or around the world, finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this they ask geographical questions about people, places and environments, and use geographical skills and resources
Japanese
Children learn Japanese using songs, rhymes and short stories, which are used in an informal way. They are introduced to basic vocabulary and the sounds of the language.
The children look at a range of basic phrases, animals, colours, numbers and food. The emphasis is on the spoken word, with some writing and reading to reinforce ideas.
The progression of Japanese teaching is layered so that pupils have the chance to build on their knowledge year by year, adding new vocabulary and concepts and consolidating past information. Classes are set by ability so that all levels of language proficiency are supported and challenged.
Religious Education
As well as Christianity, we introduce the other main world faiths and teach the children tolerance for what others believe. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, to reflect on their feelings and relationships, and to contribute to discussions on moral issues.
Art
We aim to foster the children's creativity, helping them to express themselves. We teach basic skills and encourage them to recognise different techniques, challenging them to explore a variety of media.
We focus on observational drawing as well as working with paints, pastels, fabric, collage, 3D sculpture materials and clay. We look at the use of colour, shade and texture.
Children will be introduced to the work of various famous artists, past and present, and are encouraged to discuss preferences and create work in a similar style.
Design Technology
The main focus in Key Stage 1 is to allow the children to develop their own creativity, whilst learning key skills. Children are encouraged to recognise design in the world around them and to use this to inspire their own work. They are taught to use simple tools safely and independently, focusing on presentation.
They explore a range of materials including paper, fabric, card and wood, and are encouraged to choose their own equipment to complete different design briefs. They experience generating ideas, making amendments as the need arises and evaluating the end product.
The work usually fits in with the termly topics and allows children to explore learning through a creative and hands on medium.
Music
Music sessions for children in Years 1 and 2 are usually linked to their termly topic work. They learn to sing a wide variety of songs and use simple classroom percussion instruments to compose and play rhythmic accompaniments.
Physical Education
Children have opportunities for gymnastics, both indoor and outdoor games, dance and swimming.
During their PE lessons children are encouraged to explore, use their imaginations, become confident and to co-operate with others. It is hoped that through their lessons they will learn body control, how to express themselves through physical movement, the importance of safety, the effect of exercise on their bodies and to use both small and large apparatus. Games sessions focus on sending and receiving balls of differing sizes using a wide variety of methods, skipping, running and climbing. Key Stage 1 children compete in their own Sports Day.
