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Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children transition from a learning through play approach to more formal learning. This is carried out through a phased transition from the end of Reception to the start of Year 1.

The core subjects of phonics, reading, writing and maths are taught during the morning. These lessons are adapted for each class and dependent on the needs of the class to ensure the best progress possible.
In the afternoons children participate in Science and RE lessons as well as the other foundation subjects including history, geography, art, DT, computing, music, PE and PSHE. 

We aim to make learning as fun and exciting as possible by making lessons active and providing opportunities for application of learning in real life situations.   By the end of Key Stage 1 we hope that all children will be independent and resilient learners, with a solid foundation in reading, writing and maths, ready for their transition to the next stage of their education.

Children participate in national testing, as prescribed by the government, which includes phonics screening and SATS at the end of Year 2.

Our teaching and learning policy for Key Stage one can be found here

Our curriculum policy can be found here

Here are some examples of things that the Key Stage 1 children study:

Science

In Year 1 pupils learn about different animals, with lots of practise to name different kinds of animals and learn about how we sort animals into mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians. As part of their learning on animals Year 1 children had a visit from Zoolab to explore some different animals that they might not have seen before. They also learnt about how these animals use their senses and how they are different or similar to humans.

 

 

Art

The key stage 1 art curriculum gives children the opportunity to develop their creative skills using a range of materials.  Through drawing, painting and sculpture children can express their ideas and use their imagination.  An important aspect of the art curriculum is looking at a wide range of artist’s work, helping to encourage discussion and …

Computing

The computing curriculum at St Marys develop pupils’ knowledge and skills across the areas of digital literacy, online safety, computational thinking and computers and hardware. Their learning also includes cross curricular links and coding.    In year 1 the children study programming using Bee Bots and are introduced to algorithms. They learn about creating media by …

DT

At St Marys the design and technology curriculum develop pupils’ knowledge and skills across the areas of cooking and nutrition, mechanical systems, textiles, electrical systems, structures, and the digital world.  In year 1 they learn about fruit and vegetables in their food topic make their own smoothie. They are introduced to structures by building a …

Geography

In Geography children learn about the world around them. In Year 1 and 2 children have a half term learning about spatial sense. This includes looking at maps, compasses and aerial views, as well as drawing their own maps. Year 1 then learn about the 4 countries of the UK and the 7 continents of …

History

      In History we follow the Primary Knowledge Curriculum. This year we have been looking at Kings, Queens and Leaders. We have been exploring the past and focusing on changes within living memory.  We started by looking at King John and the Magna Carta and looked at the national events that took place …

Music

PE

Our vision for physical education is for pupils to experience a range of activities that help them to develop their health, fitness and wellbeing. We offer a curriculum that inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities allowing them to become physically literate, enabling a healthy lifestyle to become a way of life.       To …

RE

In RE children learn about the big story of the bible through our scheme of work.  This helps them to link all the things they are learning about Christianity together.         During each term that they study Christianity they focus on one element of the big story of the bible digger deeper into …

Science

One of the things Year 1 pupils learn about different animals, with lots of practise to name different kinds of animals and learn about how we sort animals into mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians. As part of their learning on animals Year 1 children had a visit from Zoolab to explore some different animals …