Welcome to Year 1
Year 1 Curriculum Overview
Year 1 is an exciting year of discovery, creativity, and growing independence. Our curriculum is designed to develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, while building essential literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
English & Phonics
Children explore a wide range of texts, from poetry and picture books to stories like Traction Man, The Storm Whale, and The Day the Crayons Quit. They develop reading, writing, and storytelling skills, learning to write sentences, retell stories, and express ideas clearly. Year 1 is also when children take the Phonics Screening Check, a short, friendly assessment to see how well they can use their phonics knowledge to read unfamiliar words. This helps teachers understand each child’s strengths and support them in becoming confident readers.
Mathematics
Maths learning builds on early number skills, beginning with numbers within 10, addition and subtraction, and shape and patterns. As the year progresses, children explore numbers to 50 and beyond, fractions, measures, money, multiplication, and division, along with length, capacity, and volume. They learn to apply calculation strategies and develop problem-solving skills in real-life contexts, building a strong foundation for future learning.
Science
Science in Year 1 invites children to observe, explore, and ask questions about the world around them. Topics include seasonal changes, everyday materials, animals (including humans), and plants. Children engage in hands-on investigations and longitudinal studies, such as tracking how the weather changes over the year, fostering curiosity and understanding of living things and their environment.
Computing
Computing lessons focus on online safety, mouse and keyboard skills, and simple programming with Bee-Bot. Children explore algorithms, data handling, and collaborative learning, developing confidence and creativity with technology.
History & Geography
History helps children understand their place in the world, from changes in toys and school life to personal and local history. Geography explores their immediate surroundings, UK weather, and life in different global locations like Shanghai, helping children develop a sense of place and awareness of the wider world.
PE
Physical development focuses on building coordination, balance, and teamwork through fundamentals, ball skills, gymnastics, dance, net and wall games, target games, and athletics. Lessons encourage children to enjoy movement and develop confidence in physical activity.
Art, Design & Technology
Art and design develop creativity through drawing, 3D sculpture, painting, and mixed media. Design and technology includes puppets, constructing windmills, and exploring food with fruit and vegetable smoothies, fostering imagination alongside practical problem-solving skills.
Religion & World Views
Children explore big questions about respect, care for others, beliefs about God, and understanding why new babies and the world are special. These lessons encourage empathy, moral reasoning, and appreciation of different perspectives.
Music
Music lessons cover rhythm, pulse, pitch, and performance through themes such as Musical Storyland, Sun, Sea & Song, and Traditional Tales. Children enjoy glockenspiel introduction, singing, and creating their own sounds.
PSHE
Personal, social, health, and economic education supports children in building relationships, understanding their bodies, staying safe, and developing wellbeing. Topics include family and friendships, health, safety, citizenship, and economic awareness.
Year 1 is all about building confidence, independence, and curiosity. Children develop essential literacy and numeracy skills, including reading fluently through phonics, while exploring the world around them in engaging, hands-on ways. Each term supports growth across all areas, preparing them for Year 2 with a love of learning and a strong foundation for future success.