Year 1: Galileo

In line with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1, Year 1 children are taught core subjects of English (Reading and Writing), Mathematics and Science as well as Foundation subjects of Art, ICT, Design and Technology, Music, History/Geography and PE.

Each half term or term, a new topic is introduced that is linked to the objectives of the National Curriculum allowing the children the opportunity to take part in lessons of different subjects within the framework of the topic. Pupils in Year 1 will continue with the Read Write Inc phonics programme to consolidate their reading skills. Each child is heard reading by an adult every week with one-to-one sessions focussing on all aspects of reading: fluency, expression and comprehension, as well as decoding skills.

They take part in daily phonics lessons and are taught individual letters and sounds and how to blend sounds together as a strategy to further develop their reading. They also take home the relevant reading book to their phonics lesson and this information is recorded in their reading records.

Homework sent home focusses on handwriting and children are also given handwriting practise sheets to help develop their letter formations. Homework is also linked to the learning that is taking place in the classroom e.g: sentence writing, Maths, topic or Science. Every Friday morning the children have the opportunity to share their home learning (show and tell) with the rest of the class. This provides them with the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers and the adults, whilst also developing their speaking and listening skills.

The Year 1 team are always happy to speak to parents regarding any issues, concerns or queries. To apply for a Year 1 place at Burdett-Coutts school, please contact the school office or click here for more information about our Admissions criteria.

Welcome to Year 1.

A very warm welcome back to you all. A new school year is upon us and with September comes a new chapter and a reminder that change can be beautiful. I hope you and your children have all had a restful holiday and are ready to dive into a new term.

This newsletter is intended to give you an overview of the routines in Year 1, together with useful information about what your children will be learning.

I am excited to be working in partnership with you to make lasting learning memories and to have a great year. If you have any questions throughout the forthcoming weeks, please feel free to book an appointment via the school office.

Curriculum

• Writing: Range of texts encouraging on Writing to Entertain
• Maths: Place Value (within 10) |Addition and Subtraction (within 10) | Geometry
• Science: I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff and I’ll blow your house down
• RE: The Creation Story
• History: Changes through living memory
• PSHE: Being Me in My World
• Art & Design: Make your Mark

PE

• PE lessons in Year 1 take place on Thursday afternoon.
• Please ensure that your children wear the correct PE kit to school each week; this includes trainers and not their school shoes.

Book Bags

• Please ensure your child’s reading book and reading record book are brought to school every day in their book bags.
• I would be grateful if you could make a note in your child’s reading record when you have heard them read.
• Books will be changed on Monday.

Homework

In Year 1, homework will be given online on a weekly basis via Google Classroom (beginning on Week 2: Monday 11th of September). Homework plays a vital role in helping children consolidate what they have learnt in class and it is really important that all children complete their homework each week independently.

• Reading: Children should take part in a reading activity every night. Reading will help your child develop in all areas of the curriculum and your support at home can have the greatest impact on your child’s overall achievement.
• Maths: Children should spend at least 40 minutes a week on IXL for reading and maths.
• Spelling: During this term, we will be revising letter sounds and learning Year 1 Spelling words. Children will be tested on 6 words each week (on Thursday). Please spend some time at home helping your child to learn these spellings each week. Spelling words will be on the Homework Overviews each term.