Year 1

Year 1 is an important transition year as children move from the Early Years Foundation Stage into the National Curriculum. Whilst learning remains engaging, practical and hands-on, children begin to develop greater independence and stamina for learning.

Throughout the year, there is a strong focus on:

• Developing fluency in reading through daily Read Write Inc. phonics lessons
• Building confidence in writing through exciting texts and meaningful writing opportunities
• Securing number knowledge and developing mathematical reasoning skills
• Exploring the world through practical scientific investigations
• Developing historical and geographical understanding through carefully planned enquiry-based learning
• Growing creativity through art, music and design technology
• Developing confidence, resilience and positive relationships through PSHE and personal development

Within each subject, learning is organised around carefully planned units and key enquiry questions that encourage children to think deeply, ask questions and make connections between their learning.

Children’s learning is enriched through educational visits, practical experiences and high-quality texts which help bring the curriculum to life.

Reading continues to be a major focus in Year 1 and underpins success across the wider curriculum.

Children participate in daily Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics lessons, helping them develop fluency, accuracy and confidence as readers.

Phonics is the process of teaching children how letters and groups of letters represent sounds. Children learn to recognise sounds, blend them together to read words and segment them to support spelling and writing.

Through daily lessons, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to become confident, fluent readers whilst also building their vocabulary, comprehension and enjoyment of books.

Alongside phonics, children read regularly with adults, participate in class reading sessions and develop comprehension skills through discussion of texts.

Children are encouraged to read regularly at home and participate in our school reading challenge, where they are challenged to read a book each week from a carefully selected collection of year-group books. Reading achievements are celebrated each term through special certificates.

Read Write Inc.

At Glenworth, we use the Read Write Inc. programme to teach early reading and phonics. Children are taught in groups according to their phonics knowledge and are regularly assessed to ensure they receive the right level of challenge and support.

Phonics Screening Checks

Towards the end of Year 1, children complete the national Phonics Screening Check (PSC).

This short assessment helps us identify how securely children can apply their phonics knowledge when reading words and pseudo (nonsense) words. We work closely with families throughout the year to ensure children feel confident and well prepared.

Children are encouraged to develop positive learning habits at home and take pride in their learning.

Year 1 pupils have access to:

• Oxford Owl
• Mathletics
• EdShed
• org

Login details can be found in your child’s reading record.

Children are encouraged to participate in our school reading challenge, where they are challenged to read a book each week from a carefully selected collection of year-group books. Reading achievements are celebrated each term through special certificates.

Regular reading at home remains one of the most important ways families can support learning.

Learning is enhanced through a variety of visits, visitors and memorable experiences throughout the year.

Year 1 experiences may include:

• The Paddington Experience
• East London Mosque
• River Thames and London Landmarks Boat Trip
• London Eye
• Florence Nightingale Museum
• London Transport Museum
• Southend Seaside visit

Trips and experiences may vary slightly from year to year depending on availability and curriculum developments.

Children enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum each week, including:

• Daily English lessons
• Daily Mathematics lessons
• Daily phonics
• Science
• History and Geography
• Art and Design Technology
• Computing
• Religious Education
• Music
• Physical Education
• Personal Development (PSHE)

Alongside classroom learning, children benefit from assemblies, enrichment opportunities, educational visits and special events throughout the year.

There are many simple ways families can support learning at home:

• Read daily with your child.
• Listen to your child practise their phonics sounds.
• Encourage independence and responsibility.
• Complete online learning tasks.
• Talk about learning and celebrate achievements.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.

Working together helps children develop confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.