Reception and Year One Class Page
Staff:
Class Teacher - Laura Vine
Teaching Assistant - Ellie O'Sullivan
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Helen Nicholson
Reminders:
- School starts at 8.45am and finishes at 3.15pm.
- All clothes, including coats, should be labelled with your child's name.
- Please let us know if someone different will be collecting your child from school.
- Phonics videos will be set on Tapestry each week for your child to watch, carefully matched to your child's current phonic knowledge. Please watch these with your child each week.
- Strive for reading at home 5 times a week - this includes practising sounds, reading our Phonics books, reading library books and books from home.
- PE takes place every Monday and Wednesday. Your child is to come to school in their school PE kit and some trainers/pumps for when we complete our PE sessions outside.
- Please remove all jewellery for our PE sessions.
- Due to the nature of the EYFS Curriculum, children will be able to access our outdoor area throughout the day. We have waterproofs and wellies your child can borrow, though they are more than welcome to bring their own. Please could your child bring spare clothes (including socks!) in case theirs get wet or muddy.
We teach our children through a rich and engaging EYFS/Year 1 curriculum, providing all our pupils with:
•Strong partnership between home and school
We build strong links with parents and/or carers which are clearly established from the first day of school and nurtured throughout to create a transparent, clear communication to provide the best for all children.
Autumn 1
During the first Autumn term, our learning will focus on developing the children’s understanding of themselves, their school and the world around them. In Science, we will be learning about plants, identifying and naming common plants and exploring their basic structures. In Geography, our topic Here I Am will help us to locate our school within the local area and identify local physical and human features through map work and fieldwork.
In Art, we will begin to develop our skills as artists through our topic I Am An Artist. We will be introduced to sketchbooks, experiment with different types of mark-making and learn about primary colours. We will also explore the work of artists including Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky.
In PE, the children will develop their cricket skills, focusing on striking and fielding, as well as enjoying opportunities for outdoor learning. In RE, we will explore the question “Why are we all different and special?” and learn why people of faith say thank you to God at Harvest time.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Me and My Relationships, helping children to understand themselves, their feelings and the relationships they have with others. In Music, we will be learning through the topic Hey You!, developing our listening, singing and musical skills. In Computing, we will explore Computing Systems and Networks, learning about the technology that is all around us and how we use it in our everyday lives.
Throughout the term, we will provide the children with a range of exciting, practical and engaging learning experiences, helping them to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence as they begin their journey through Reception and continue into Year 1.
Autumn 2
During the second half of the Autumn term, our learning will continue to build on the children’s understanding of themselves, their families, their community and the wider world. In Science, we will explore Seasonal Changes, observing how the world around us changes throughout the four seasons and describing the different types of weather associated with each season.
In History, we will be introduced to the concept of the past by exploring our own family trees and looking at how schools, toys and the ways we communicate have changed within living memory. This will encourage the children to make connections between their own experiences and those of previous generations.
In DT, our topic Eat a Rainbow will provide lots of opportunities for practical learning. We will prepare and enjoy a range of colourful and healthy foods, including fruit kebabs, fruit jelly pots, crudités and dips, while developing our understanding of food preparation and healthy choices.
In PE, we will develop our physical skills through gymnastics and ball skills, building confidence, coordination and control. In RE, we will explore how different faiths celebrate special occasions, including learning about Diwali and how it is celebrated. As we approach Christmas, we will explore how Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus and discover Christmas traditions from around the world, including the Posada tradition.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Valuing Difference, helping children to recognise and celebrate what makes each of us unique and to understand the importance of kindness, respect and inclusion. We will also mark important events such as Anti-Bullying Week, encouraging children to think about how we can treat others with kindness and stand up for one another.
In Music, we will explore rhythm through Rhythm in the Way We Walk and have fun developing our musical skills through Banana Rap. In Computing, our Creating Media topic will introduce the children to digital painting, giving them opportunities to explore how technology can be used creatively.
Throughout the term, we will enjoy a range of festive and cultural experiences, including learning about Diwali and Christmas, helping the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of different traditions and celebrations while continuing to grow in confidence as enthusiastic and independent learners.
Spring 1
During the first Spring term, our learning will continue to develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of themselves, their local area and the wider world. In Science, we will explore Everyday Materials, learning to distinguish between different objects and the materials they are made from. We will investigate and describe the simple properties of materials and consider why particular materials are suitable for different purposes.
In Geography, our topic Where We Are will help the children to locate our local area within the United Kingdom. We will learn about the four countries of the UK and identify some of their key human and physical features, developing our map-reading and geographical skills along the way.
In Art, we will explore Paper Sculpture, building on our previous experiences of mark-making. The children will experiment with folding and twisting paper to create their own sculptures, which they will attach to a base. We will also explore light and shadow through photography and learn about the work of artist Charles McGee.
In PE, we will develop our physical skills through gymnastics and dance, focusing on movement, balance, coordination and expression. In RE, we will explore the question “Why do Christians believe Jesus is special?” We will also learn about the celebration of Chinese New Year, exploring how it is celebrated and why it is important to people and communities.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Keeping Safe, helping children to understand how to look after themselves, recognise potential risks and know who they can talk to if they need help. We will also explore Safer Internet Day, learning about how to stay safe and make positive choices when using technology.
In Music, we will explore In the Groove, developing our understanding of rhythm, pulse and different musical styles. In Computing, we will begin our Programming A unit, learning how to give instructions to a robot and developing our understanding of sequencing and algorithms.
Throughout the term, we will celebrate and learn about a range of important cultural and religious events, including Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Shrove Tuesday. These experiences will help the children to develop an understanding and appreciation of different traditions, beliefs and celebrations while continuing to grow as confident, curious and respectful learners.
Spring 2
During the second Spring term, our learning will build on the knowledge and skills developed throughout the year, with opportunities to revisit and consolidate important learning. In Science, we will consolidate and review our learning about plants, trees, weather and seasons, making links between our previous learning and the world around us.
In History, we will explore the History of Transport, learning how transport has developed over time across land, sea, air and space. We will discover how transport has changed the way people live and travel and learn about some key individuals who have contributed to these developments.
In DT, we will be introduced to Design & Technology and begin to understand what it means to be a designer. The children will have the opportunity to design and model their own playground equipment for an outdoor space, thinking carefully about how their designs can be both practical and enjoyable.
In PE, we will develop our physical skills through athletics and outdoor learning, focusing on movement, coordination, agility and teamwork. In RE, we will explore the question “Why do Christians believe that Easter is all about love?” We will also learn about Baptism, considering why Baptism is special and exploring different, including non-religious, world views.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Rights and Respect, helping children to understand that everyone has rights and responsibilities and encouraging them to consider how we can show respect for ourselves, others and the world around us.
In Music, we will explore Round and Round, developing our understanding of rhythm, pulse and musical patterns. In Computing, we will learn about Data and Information, exploring how data can be collected, sorted and grouped in different ways.
Throughout the term, we will also celebrate World Book Day, encouraging a love of reading and providing opportunities for the children to share and enjoy stories together. As we approach Easter, we will explore the meaning and traditions associated with this important celebration, while developing our creativity, independence and enjoyment of learning.
Summer 1
During the first Summer term, our learning will take us further into exploring the natural world and developing our understanding of the wider world around us. In Science, we will learn about Animals, identifying and naming different groups including reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. We will also explore how animals can be grouped according to what they eat, including carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
In Geography, our topic There You Are will help us to understand where we live on a global scale. We will locate the continents of the world and compare the human and physical features of an area in the UK with an area in Kenya, developing our geographical knowledge and understanding of different places.
In Art, our topic The Natural World will provide opportunities to draw from observation and explore the natural environment through printmaking using leaves. We will also be introduced to secondary colours and explore the work of artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet and Frances Hatch.
In PE, we will continue to develop our skills through athletics and outdoor learning, focusing on movement, coordination, agility and teamwork. In RE, we will explore the question “What is a special place?”, considering what makes a place holy or special to different people. We will also learn about the Muslim faith and explore how Muslims show care for others and the world around them.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Being My Best, encouraging children to recognise their own strengths, develop positive attitudes and understand how they can make healthy and positive choices. In Music, we will explore Your Imagination, developing our singing, listening and musical skills.
In Computing, our Creating Media topic will introduce the children to digital writing, giving them opportunities to use technology to create and present their ideas.
Throughout the term, we will also learn about the Christian celebration of Pentecost, exploring its meaning and significance. Through our learning across the curriculum, the children will have opportunities to develop their understanding, knowledge and independence while making connections between their learning and the world around them.
Summer 2
During the second half of the Summer term, our learning will focus on understanding ourselves, the world around us and how things have changed over time. In Science, we will learn about Humans, identifying different parts of the human body and exploring our five senses. We will investigate how our senses help us to understand and interact with the world around us.
In History, our topic Homes Through Time will help us to explore how homes have changed over the years. Using pictures, videos and other sources, we will compare homes from the past with those we live in today and identify some of the ways in which people’s homes and lifestyles have changed.
In DT, we will explore Simple Machines and be introduced to different mechanisms, including sliders, levers and linkages. The children will have the opportunity to design, make and test a simple linkage mechanism, creating a prototype of a grabber and considering how mechanisms can be used to solve problems.
In PE, we will develop our physical and wellbeing skills through yoga and outdoor learning, focusing on balance, movement, coordination and working together. In RE, we will explore Stories Jesus Told, considering the question “Why did Jesus tell stories?” and discovering how stories and parables were used to share important messages and ideas.
Our PSHE learning will focus on Growing and Changing, helping children to understand the ways in which they develop and change as they grow. We will encourage children to recognise their feelings, talk about changes and understand the importance of looking after themselves and others.
In Music, we will revisit and reflect on our musical learning through Reflect, Rewind and Replay, giving the children opportunities to revisit songs, musical styles and skills they have developed throughout the year. In Computing, we will continue our programming journey with Programming B, learning how to create and programme animations using sequences of instructions.
As we reach the end of Reception/Year 1, the children will have opportunities to revisit and celebrate their learning from across the year, making links between different subjects and reflecting on how much they have learned and achieved.
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Learning in Reception and Year One
