Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1 our aim is to build upon the progress made in the Early Years Foundation Stage by continuing to provide the children with the skills they need to become effective, independent learners.
Each year group follows a unit that has been planned through our ‘Horizon Curriculum’ which lasts for a number of weeks in order to develop skills and subject knowledge. Within each unit, the teacher plans for learning opportunities using children’s previous knowledge and their interests. The units will cover elements of the national curriculum but are fundamentally designed to incorporate all aspects of learning where possible.
The School Day
On arrival every morning, children take part in their reading lesson; Read, Write, Inc. or Reading Comprehension with their class teacher or trained LSA. Following on from this, children go back to their class for their English lesson; ‘Talk 4 Writing’ is used to develop the children’s vocabulary and writing skills through practical fun activities.
Reading is an integral part of your child’s learning and so we have a discrete session on our timetable where chn may read in class or practice reading words at speed. As reading is at the heart of our curriculum we ask for your support in hearing your child read every night at home (remember to write this in the reading log). Each child that reads every night at home has the chance of being the ‘Reading Champion’ in their class that week and will be entered into the raffle to win a book!
Please ensure that your child’s reading log is in school every day with their reading book.
Children are taught mental maths skills daily in our ‘daily practice’ session as well as Maths sessions that link to the national curriculum. White Rose planning and resources allow us to meet the needs of all of our mathematicians!
During the afternoons children are able to apply their Maths and English skills in their Horizon lessons. These may either focus on Science, History, Geography. Religious Education, Design & Technology or Art depending on the unit that they are studying. Computing, PE (Physical Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and Music are all taught in weekly discrete sessions. Children have weekly Library sessions where they can choose a book to share with you at home.
Homework
At the beginning of each new unit of learning, children will be asked to complete some pre-loading homework. This homework should enable children to think about previous learning and knowledge around the topic as well as encourage them to research new ideas and build a base for their learning.