Year 1

Welcome to Year 1

In Year 1, our children take their first exciting steps into Key Stage 1. This is a year full of curiosity, creativity, and confidence-building as they transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our focus is on nurturing a love of learning through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore the world around them.

Children develop key skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, while encouraging independence and resilience. We use daily phonics sessions to build strong reading foundations, and children enjoy practical maths activities such as measuring, sorting, and problem-solving.

Our curriculum is broad and balanced, including:

Science investigations like exploring materials and observing seasonal changes.
Creative arts projects such as painting, collage, and simple sculpture.
Music and singing sessions to develop rhythm and confidence.
Outdoor learning including nature walks and gardening.
PE lessons focusing on coordination, teamwork, and fun games.

We also love to enrich learning with topic-based projects, themed days, and educational visits that bring subjects to life. Our caring and supportive environment ensures every child feels valued and inspired to achieve their best. Together, we make learning an adventure!

Living Our Catholic Faith

Faith is at the heart of everything we do in Year 1. We begin each day with prayer and encourage children to reflect on Gospel values such as kindness, respect, and forgiveness. Through Religious Education lessons, children learn about Jesus’ life and teachings, explore Bible stories, and celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Church. We take part in school Masses, collective worship, and special celebrations such as Advent and Lent, helping children grow spiritually and understand their role in God’s world.

A Message from the Year 1 Teacher

“Welcome to Year 1! We are so excited to begin this learning journey with your child. This year is all about building confidence, developing independence, and discovering the joy of learning. Every day is filled with opportunities to explore, create, and grow in faith. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things your child will achieve!”

How Parents Can Support at Home

Your involvement makes a big difference! Here are some simple ways to support your child’s learning:

Read together daily – share stories, talk about characters, and ask questions.
Practice phonics and tricky words – short, fun sessions work best.
Encourage counting and number games – use everyday opportunities like cooking or shopping.
Talk about the world around you – notice changes in nature, discuss what you see.
Celebrate effort and progress – praise perseverance and curiosity.
Share faith at home – pray together, talk about Gospel values, and discuss what your child learns in RE.

Working together, we can make Year 1 a happy and successful experience for every child!