Year 1

This term we will be working on the following topics:

English

Our focus text will be Octopus Shoktapus and other animal stories. Through this text we will draft and write by composing and rehearsing sentences orally and sequence sentences to form short narratives. In narrative, we will create settings, characters and plot. We will write for different purposes, including fictional personal experiences and fictional narratives. We will also re-read our writing to check it makes sense.

When reading, we will begin to increase familiarity with a range of books, explain and discuss understanding and discuss the sequence of events in them. We will answer and ask questions about what has been read.

In phonics sessions we will revise graphemes, tricky and high frequency words from Phase 3 and 4. We will also introduce new Phase 5 graphemes and tricky words for reading and spelling.

 

Maths         

We will be using the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics to support our mathematical learning. We will start by counting, writing, ordering and comparing numbers to 10. We will also be introduced to number bonds and number stories.

We will look at different ways of adding to 5. We will discover the part-whole diagram and begin to lay the foundations of the inverse of addition. We will be comparing quantities and begin to recognise, compose and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes.

 

Science        

We will be studying two science topics this term. In Plants, we will be looking closely at what different plants look like. We will observe how a plant grows from a seed, learn about where seeds come from and find out what they need to be able to grow. We will also be looking at different types of trees and leaves. We will also learn about the different seasons and observe the changes that happen in Autumn and Winter.

 

Art             

We will be beginning with the unit Sculpture and 3D paper play. This unit introduces pupils to paper-based 3D art forms, focusing on techniques like rolling paper tubes, shaping paper strips, and constructing imaginative sculptures. The children will develop their skills in creating 3D structures and applying painting skills in three-dimensional art, enhancing their understanding of form and construction.

 

Music          

In Music this term, Year 1 will start by looking at the texture and timbre of instruments through Carnival of the Animals and preparing for Harvest Festival. After half term, they will focus on The Nutcracker, explore dynamics and learn songs for Christmas performances.

 

Computing  

Technology around us - We will develop our understanding of technology and how it can help us in our everyday lives. We will start to become familiar with the different components of a computer by developing our keyboard and mouse skills. We will also consider how to use technology responsibly.

Digital painting  – We will develop our understanding of a range of tools used for digital painting. We will then use these tools to create our own digital paintings, while gaining inspiration from a range of artists’ work.

 

Design Technology               

We will describe fruits and vegetables and explain why they are a fruit or a vegetable. We will name a range of places where fruits and vegetables grow. We will describe the basic characteristics of fruit and vegetables and prepare fruits and vegetables to make a smoothie.

 

Physical Education               

We will develop our control and balance skills in gymnastics sessions, and then in Autumn 2 we will be learning about dance.

 

History       

History makers - We will identify key life events that happened in the past and sequence our own key life events using a timeline. We will then recognise the significance of key events, identify nationally significant events and understand what makes a person significant.

 

Religious Education              

We will be starting with a unit about Friendship and then moving on to learn about Gifts and Giving.

 

Personal, Social & Health Education / Relationships & Sex Education

Roles of different people and families – we will think about people who care for us, the role these different people play in our lives and how they care for us. We will discuss what it means to be a family and how families are different.

Safe relationships – we will learn about situations when someone’s body or feelings might be hurt and whom to go to for help. We will learn about what it means to keep something private, including parts of the body that are private and learn how to respond if being touched makes us feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We will also learn how to ask for and give/not give permission.

Please note the following events and add them to your diary – dates to follow soon:

• Autumn Walk
• Visiting St Luke’s Church

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Reminders:

• Your child should read for 10 minutes every day. It is also important that an adult reads to your child every day. Please talk to your child about the book and check their understanding by asking questions about events and the characters’ actions. Please also explain new or unfamiliar vocabulary. Their bookbag should come into school every day. 
• Your child will have PE on a Monday and a Thursday. The children come to school in their PE kits on those days.
• Your child needs to bring in a water bottle every day.
• Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly named.
• The weather is often cold at this time of year and the children will go out to play if there is light rain. It is important that your child has a waterproof coat, gloves, hat and a scarf.
• We are a Healthy School. Please do not put sweets or chocolate bars in your child’s packed lunch. Please do not send in sweets or other treats when it is your child’s birthday. If you want to celebrate your child’s birthday with their classmates, you could buy the class a book, send in a healthy snack such as boxes of raisins or buy stationery such as a pencil, but due to the impact on the environment, we ask you not to send in plastic toys.
• If your child will be absent from school, please contact the school office: 020 8850 5486 and leave a message detailing why your child is absent. If your child has had an upset stomach, they can return to school when they are clear of symptoms. Please try to book medical appointments outside of the school day and note that family holidays will not be authorised.
• Weekly information is posted on Google Classrooms on a Friday, but please check regularly for updates.
• If you have any questions or wish to raise a concern, please contact the class teacher in the first instance.

Please see the school calendar or weekly newsletter for more information about events for Year 1.