🌟 Welcome to Year 1!

Year 1 is an exciting year where children continue their learning journey from Reception and grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. Through stories, practical activities and hands-on experiences, pupils will develop key skills while exploring the world around them. From toys and castles to animals and local geography, Year 1 is full of exciting opportunities to learn, discover and create.

📚 English in Year 1

English Adventures
This year our reading and writing will be inspired by a range of engaging stories and exciting experiences.
Our learning will include texts linked to:

• The Three Little Pigs
• Toys from the Past
• London Landmarks
• Dragons and Castles
• Handa's Surprise
• Animals and Habitats

Children will develop their reading and writing skills through story retelling, descriptions, postcards, letters, recounts, instructions and simple non-fiction writing.

✝️ Bible Story Focus

Our class Bible story is Abraham and the Starry Sky, which reminds us that:

God loves us and always keeps His promises.

This story encourages faith, trust and hope — values we explore throughout the year in our worship, RE lessons and daily life.

Science

Year 1 scientists will explore the world around them through practical investigations and observations.

We will study:

• Animals Including Humans – learning about our bodies, senses and different animal groups.
• Everyday Materials – identifying and comparing different materials and their properties.
• Plants – exploring flowers, trees and how plants grow.
• Seasonal Changes – observing weather patterns and changes throughout the year.

Children will learn by observing, questioning, investigating and talking about their discoveries.

History and Geography

Our humanities topics help children understand the past and learn more about the world around them.

History

• Toys Through Time – discovering how toys have changed over the last 50 years.
• Kings, Queens and Castles – learning where rulers lived throughout history.
• Stanley Matthews – exploring the life of one of Stoke-on-Trent's most famous sporting heroes.
• Black History Month – learning about inspirational figures including Lewis Hamilton.

Geography

• Our School Grounds – investigating how our school environment supports plant life.
• The World and My School – understanding where we live in the world.
• Our Local Park – exploring local facilities and how people travel to them.

Trips and Experiences

Learning in Year 1 extends beyond the classroom through exciting visits and memorable experiences.

Some highlights include:

• 🌳 Forest School
• 🎅 Santa Visit
• 🏛️ Brampton Toy Museum Visit
• 🦁 Peak Wildlife Park Animal Workshop
• 🧱 LEGO STEM Workshop
• 🎭 Now Press Play Experiences
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Workshops and Family Events

These experiences bring our learning to life and help create wonderful memories.

🎭 Pupil Roles & Responsibilities We believe in helping children take ownership of their learning environment. Year 1 pupils can begin taking on responsibilities that help our classroom and wider school community.

📚 Book Monitors

🎨 Classroom Helpers

🌟 Worship Helpers

🧥 Cloakroom Helpers

🤝 Playground Friends

💻 Computing

Children will develop important digital skills through:

• Technology Around Us
• Digital Painting
• Moving Robots
• Grouping Data
• Digital Writing
• Programming Animations
• Online Safety

🏃‍♀️ PE and Games

• Please ensure children come to school in the correct PE kit on their PE days. Full details can be found in our school Uniform Policy and on your child's Class Dojo.

Throughout the year, pupils will enjoy cricket, invasion games, football, gymnastics, swimming, yoga, dance and athletics.

We are excited for all that this year will bring and look forward to sharing your child's learning journey. Year 1 is a year of exploration, imagination and achievement — and we're so glad to be on this journey together.

Warm wishes, The Year 1 Team