Year 1 

WHAT WE ARE LEARNING IN SPRING 1

ENGLISH

"The Jolly Postman" by Allan Ahlberg is a delightful tale that takes young readers on a whimsical journey through the enchanted land of fairy tales. Our Jolly Postman merrily delivers letters to familiar characters like Cinderella, Goldilocks, and the Big Bad Wolf. As he travels through these classic stories, he encounters unexpected surprises, creating a charming narrative that keeps children eagerly turning the pages.

"The Jolly Postman" offers a treasure trove of writing opportunities. From composing letters from one fairy tale character to another to imagining what a letter from the Three Bears might say to Goldilocks. They will explore the concept of kindness by composing thank-you notes or friendly letters between the story's characters, writing and posting their own letters and invitations. This story fosters imagination and creativity alongside an insight into the real life journey of a letter - from the pen to the letterbox. 

PHONICS

This half term, we will be continuing our learning of Phase 5. The children will also begin to write and spell Year 1 common exception words. The children will be encouraged to independently write words and sentences using the phonic sounds they have been taught. It will be beneficial if this can be encouraged at home too.

READING

The children will have guided reading sessions every day. They will all have the opportunity to participate in 1:1 reading sessions once a week. The children will also be provided with a reading book each week, please read with them daily and leave a comment in their reading journals. Ensure your child brings their reading book and reading journal into school every day. Please make use of BugClub and Oxford Owl at home; this is an excellent tool the children can use in order to develop their phonic knowledge and reading fluency.

 MATHS

In Maths Year 1 will be familiarising themselves with numbers 1-40. They will develop their understanding of number concepts, including counting, sequencing, and recognising the patterns within this numerical range. The children will also be introduced to word problems, whereby they will apply their knowledge and understanding of addition and subtraction to other scenarios.

SCIENCE

Year 1 will embark on an exciting journey into the world of science, focusing on the topic of "Materials." Throughout the year, our young scientists will explore the properties and uses of different materials, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. The children will become adept at recognising and naming common materials such as wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and more. Through hands-on activities and observations, they'll develop the ability to distinguish between different substances. Your child will investigate the properties of materials, exploring concepts like hardness, softness, flexibility, and transparency. The curriculum will involve exploring the everyday uses of materials. Children will be encouraged to think about why certain materials are chosen for particular items and how the properties of materials make them suitable for specific tasks. They'll learn how to categorise materials based on their properties, promoting critical thinking and organisational abilities.

ART

This half term in Art Year 1 students will embark on a journey into the realm of sculpture. Year 1 will have the opportunity to delve into the natural world through the lens of artist Andy Goldsworthy. Known for his ephemeral and site-specific artworks created using natural materials, Goldsworthy's creations serve as a unique inspiration for our budding artists. By the end of this unit, Year 1 will have created and sculpted a nature-inspired piece using clay. 

History

This half term in History, Year 1 will develop a foundational understanding of the past. They will explore the differences between past and present, discovering how technology, daily life, and transportation have evolved over time. Year 1 students will embark on a chronological exploration of historical events. They will learn to sequence events in the correct order, building timelines that showcase significant milestones. Year 1 will delve into the life and accomplishments of George Stephenson, a pioneering figure in the history of transportation. Central to our studies will be his invention of "The Rocket," a revolutionary steam locomotive that played a crucial role in the development of railways during the Industrial Revolution. Your child will explore the impact of Stephenson's innovations on transportation and its impact upon society - as we know it today.

Arabic and Islamic Studies

Year 1 will be taught Islamic Studies by Ustadh Kasujja three times a week. The children will learn about the importance of different Islamic values, how best to apply these in everyday life, Muslim identity in addition to learning and practicing new Surahs. Arabic is taught once a week, with a focus on the Arabic alphabet and reading simple words with the correct vowels.

PE

PE is on Thursday with the PE Coach. Please ensure that your child remembers their correct PE kit every Thursday.

HOMEWORK

Homework will be set every Friday and collected on Tuesday. Homework will consist of Maths, English and Spellings. Children will also be expected to complete homework on platforms such as Google Classroom, Purple Mash, Bug Club and Oxford Owl.

Ustadha Shah

Assalamu alaykum! I am Ustadha Shah and am excited to be working in Year 1 again!

Ustadha Khellal

If there is anything else you would like to see on our class page feel free to let me know.

Jazakamullahu khairan