Welcome back and a very warm welcome to Year 1!
We hope you have all had a fantastic summer and are feeling refreshed for the year ahead. We are thrilled to begin a new term packed with exciting learning, creative opportunities and new experiences. We look forward to seeing the children embrace challenges, build their independence and continue to develop their curiosity and confidence.
Things to Remember
Daily Essentials
A labelled water bottle, these will be washed each day and returned home each half term.
Should you wish your child to bring a snack for break time, we ask that it is a healthy option such as fruit or vegetables. Please remember that fresh fruit is available daily as part of our school provision.
Please ensure your child has a book bag each day for their belongings.
PE
PE lessons will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.
PE kits will be kept on classroom pegs and returned home at half term.
Reading
Reading books should be brought into school every day.
Reading books will be changed on Wednesdays.
We encourage you to read with your child a minimum of three times each week, as regular reading is one of the best ways to support progress. Please sign your child’s reading record each time you read with them. Your child’s book will not be changed if an adult has not signed the reading record.
Homework
Homework will be sent home on Fridays and should be returned by Wednesday.
Library Books
A new library book will be issued each week 1R- Monday 1TR- Tuesday and should be returned on following Monday or Tuesday.
What We Will Be Learning This Term
English
This half term in English, Year 1 will be exploring the story Old Bear by Jane Hissey. The children will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through a range of exciting activities linked to the story. They will learn to retell events, describe characters and settings, write simple sentences, and build their vocabulary while developing a love of storytelling and books.
Mathematics
This term we will be focusing on securing and developing our number skills to 100. We will also be learning about:
- Numbers to 10
- Part- whole within 10
- Addition within 10
Topic
This term, Year 1 will be exploring the exciting topic of Space. Children will learn about the planets, the Moon and the Sun, and discover how space exploration has changed over time. They will learn about significant figures such as Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, and Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon.
As part of their learning, children will use satellite images to explore our local area from space and compare it with different places around the world. Through these geographical links, they will develop their understanding of similarities and differences between locations while inspiring curiosity about our planet and the wider universe.
Science
This term we will be identifying and comparing materials. In this unit, the children will learn to identify, name and compare a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, metal, glass, fabric and paper. They will explore the different properties of materials and investigate why certain materials are used for different objects. Through practical activities, children will develop their observation, sorting and scientific enquiry skills while learning to describe and compare materials using simple scientific vocabulary.
Art
This term, children will explore the poetry book I Like Myself, creating self-portraits and writing poems that celebrate their unique qualities. We will also produce Space-themed abstract artwork inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, exploring colour, pattern and texture. This learning links with our Computing unit on Digital Painting, where children will use digital tools to create and experiment with their own artwork.
Computing
This term, Year 1 will be learning about Technology Around Us. Children will identify different types of technology and explore how technology is used at home, in school and in the wider world. They will learn to recognise devices such as tablets, laptops and desktop computers and understand their different uses. We will also be exploring digital painting, using shape, freehand, line and choosing appropriate tools to draw a picture using a computer.
PSHE (Jigsaw)
We will be learning about Being Me in My World and Celebrating Differences.
PE
We will take part in invasion games and gymnastics focusing on balance, coordination, confidence and team work.
RE
We will explore the question Who are Christians and what do they believe?
Music
This term in Music, the children will explore a variety of musicians, musical styles and rhythms through two exciting units of work. In ‘Hey You!’, they will learn about Old School Hip Hop, while ‘Rhythm in the Way We Walk’ introduces children to the sounds and rhythms of Reggae and Hip Hop. Through singing, listening, performing and composing, pupils will develop their musical skills and appreciation of different genres.
Miss Read, Miss Richards and Mrs Hall.