Year 1

In Year 1 the children follow a busy and exciting weekly timetable which includes Literacy, Maths, Geography, History, French, RE/PSE, PE (gym, dance, athletics, ballet), Music, ICT, Science and Art.

Literacy is split into Phonics lessons (where a set scheme is followed), Creative Writing and Extra Literacy (poems, non-fiction and practical literacy activities). Readers are heard every day.

Maths lessons are based on the Collins Scheme and also use a number of practical games, problem solving activities and extra written work.

For History and Geography we follow topics, and these are often weaved into other subjects such as Art, Music, English and Dance, in order to provide cross-curricular links.

Our Topics for year 1 are as follows:

• Local Environment
• Toys
• Welsh History
• The Seaside

Our classroom is set up in areas (Literacy, Maths, Construction, Library, Role-play and Topic) so that the children are able to have some free choice and child-led learning during the week to help them to gain independence, ownership of experiences and social interaction skills.The children are encouraged to learn through partner work, group work and individual work. They are encouraged to self assess and ask questions.

By the end of Year 1 the children are beginning to write sentences and short stories independently and they are becoming aware of improving their own learning. Our curriculum helps children develop skills such as problem solving, creative skills, communication and ICT skills.

The children have regular visits to our forest area where they enjoy some of their lessons and activities in an outdoor environment.