Year 1

Autumn 2

Welcome to Year One

Year One has continued to make a brilliant start to the year, showing curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity in all areas of learning. The children are taught by Miss Shen and supported by Miss Crute, Miss Eddy and Miss Justyna. We are looking forward to an exciting half term ahead, full of discovery, imagination and fun! You can also visit our Curriculum page to find out more about what we’re learning this year!

This half term, PE will continue to be on Monday afternoons. Please ensure your child comes to school in their full PE kit. PE kits can be purchased from the office. For health and safety reasons, it is essential that children wear the correct kit and pumps.

Reading remains a key part of our learning. We encourage children to read at home every night and to bring their book bag to school daily. This ensures they can take home reading books, reading records and be heard by different members of staff throughout the week, supporting their development as confident, fluent readers.

A strong work ethic and positive attitude greatly enhance your child’s learning, and we warmly welcome your continued support from home.

English

This half term, we will be exploring Stick Man and Red and Lulu. These texts will inspire reading comprehension, vocabulary development and imaginative writing. Children will focus on writing sentences independently, using capital letters, full stops and finger spaces.

In their writing, children will:

Create labels, captions and lists
Plan and write their own story based on Stick Man
Write letters inspired by Red and Lulu
Use adjectives to describe characters and settings
Practise joining ideas with the conjunction and

To help at home, you can:

Encourage your child to plan sentences before writing
Remind them to use capital letters, full stops and finger spaces
Discuss the stories and ask your child to retell parts in their own words
Support letter writing by talking about greetings, body and closings

Phonics

Phonics lessons continue to focus on Set 2 and Set 3 sounds. Children are practising blending sounds to read words and using these sounds confidently in their writing. Daily phonics and reading at home support the development of fluent and enthusiastic readers.

To help at home, you can:

Practise Set 2 and Set 3 sounds together
Encourage blending to read new words
Support writing simple words and sentences
Play phonics games to reinforce learning
Read regularly and talk about sounds in words

Maths

In Maths, we are focusing on addition and subtraction as well as applying our knowledge of place value. Children will continue to explore number bonds, compare numbers and solve problems using practical resources and visual representations.

To help at home, you can:

Practise addition and subtraction with objects or everyday items
Ask “What is 1 more?” or “What is 1 less?” to develop number sense
Encourage counting forwards and backwards within 20
Use number lines to visualise addition and subtraction

RE

In RE, children are beginning Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise. We will explore key stories from the Old Testament and learn how people waited faithfully for God’s promises. Children will reflect on God’s love, think about hope and make connections to their own lives. Activities include discussion, scripture reflection, prayer and creative responses such as artwork and drama.

Science

This half term in Science, children are learning about Animals Including Humans. They will explore body parts, the senses, and the basic needs of humans and animals. Children will compare and classify different types of animals and learn about their diets, habitats and life cycles through hands-on activities and investigations.

Geography

In Geography, children are learning about continents, oceans and countries around the world. They will develop their map and globe skills, learn to locate countries, and understand key geographical terms. Children will also explore how different people live in different parts of the world.

Design and Technology

In DT, children are focusing on Preparing Fruit and Vegetables. They will develop practical skills such as peeling, chopping and arranging, while learning about healthy eating and food hygiene. Children will also plan, make and evaluate their creations.

Computing

In Computing, children are focusing on Data and Information – Grouping Data. They will learn to collect, organise and interpret data using simple tables and charts.

As part of Project Evolve, children will also explore:

Online Reputation and Online Bullying – understanding how to stay safe and responsible online
Using technology safely and respectfully in daily life

PE

PE continues every Monday. This half term, the focus is on teamwork. Children will develop coordination, communication and collaboration skills through:

Games – working together and developing simple tactics
Team challenges and activities to build trust and cooperation
Dance and movement exercises to support fitness and creativity

PSHE / RSHE

In PSHE, children will explore themes including:

All Are Welcome
Families
Real Life Online
Rules to Help Us
Caring for the Environment and Careers

Lessons encourage pupils to celebrate diversity, reflect on their relationships, understand rules, and develop responsibility for themselves, others and the environment.

Music

Children will continue to explore songs from different cultures, develop rhythm and experiment with instruments. They will also prepare for the Christmas performance, showcasing their growing musical skills and creativity to the school community.

Spanish

In Spanish, children are continuing to learn vocabulary for colours, numbers and animals. They are practising using Spanish words in context through songs, games and practical activities and beginning to respond to simple questions in Spanish.