St Thomas More
Catholic Primary School
Year 1 Joshua
Welcome to Year 1
Year 1 is an exciting year of discovery, growth and new challenges as children take their next steps from the Early Years Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1.
Building on the curiosity, confidence and independence developed in Reception, our children begin to take greater responsibility for their learning and grow as independent, resilient and reflective learners. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we encourage every child to recognise their God-given gifts and to use them with kindness, compassion and respect for others. Through a balance of practical, hands-on experiences and more structured learning, children develop their reading, writing and mathematical skills while continuing to explore, question and make sense of the world around them. Above all, we nurture their sense of wonder, helping them to grow in faith, confidence and love as they discover more about themselves, one another and God's wonderful world.
Year 1 Preparation & Transition
Upon entering Year 1, we hope that the children will be able to…
- Enjoy imaginative play, now using toys/teddies to represent a person or object
- Use their developing language and drawing skills to express themselves and their experiences
- Use the toilet independently
- Use a fork and spoon and possibly a table knife
- Show concern and sympathy for others and want to please their friends
During Year 1 we hope that the children will be able to…
- Follow classroom rules consistently
- Listen carefully to instructions
- Complete short tasks independently
- Look after their belongings
- Begin checking their own work
- Persevere when learning feels difficult
- Develop confidence to answer questions
How can parents/carers help?
- Encouraging children to organise their own school bag
- Listening to daily reading
- Praising effort rather than perfection
- Use any opportunities possible to help build independence
Year 1 Curriculum
What will Year 1 be learning this year?
Term 1 – Adventures in the Frozen World
Term 2 – Make It Move
Term 3 – Roots, Rain and Rolling Waves
Term 4 – Kings, Queens & The Great Castle Construction
Term 5 – Secrets of Sudeley/ My Street, My Planet
Term 6 – Science – Marvellous Me
Will my child have any formal tests in Year 1?
The children will have a Phonics Screening Test which will take place in June.
The children will have a Phonics Screening Test which will take place in June.
Year 1 PE
Monday and Thursday – These will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor PE lessons.
Year 1 Trips
In Year 1, we believe that some of the most memorable learning happens beyond the classroom. Trips, visits and first-hand experiences bring learning to life, giving children opportunities to explore, discover and ask questions about the world around them. Whether visiting a place of interest, exploring nature or meeting people from the wider community, these experiences help children to make meaningful connections between their learning and the world they live in. They also encourage curiosity, independence and confidence, while helping children to appreciate the beauty and diversity of God's creation and their place within our wider community.
Take a look below at our plans for this academic year:
Year 1 Homework
Phonics/ Reading Fluency: Reading books will go home on a Monday and will be expected to be brought to school each day. Children should read to an adult at home 3 x week and once a week at school. Books will be changed on a Monday, ready for the week ahead – unless they have not been read at home. If appropriate, a child will keep the same book for another week for fluency.
Reading Comprehension: Each child will receive a CGP Reading Comprehension workbook. Children are expected to complete one page every two weeks. Workbooks will be checked and marked on Fridays. If the page has not been completed, children will be given time during the Friday session to complete it.
Spellings: Spellings are set by the class teacher on a weekly basis. The number of spellings will be set on an individual basis. The spellings will be in line with year group expectations and topic-specific spellings.
The spellings will be loaded onto the Spelling Frame App.
All children will have a log-in that will be stuck onto the inside page of their Reading Record. Children will be expected to practice spellings at least 2 x week and there will be a class spelling test every Friday.
The spellings will be loaded onto the Spelling Frame App.
All children will have a log-in that will be stuck onto the inside page of their Reading Record. Children will be expected to practice spellings at least 2 x week and there will be a class spelling test every Friday.
Times Tables: Maths Seeds Website https://mathseeds.co.uk/ – All children will have a log-in that will be stuck onto the inside page of their Reading Record.
Summer Term – 2x, 5x, 10x to be learned. Children will be expected to practice year group specific times tables at least once a week.
Summer Term – 2x, 5x, 10x to be learned. Children will be expected to practice year group specific times tables at least once a week.
Useful Information
Below you will find helpful information to support you and your child throughout their time in Year 1. Explore our Year 1 Curriculum Map, read the Meet the Teacher information, weekly timetable and homework expectations to help you stay informed and involved in your child’s learning journey.