Year One
Learning in Year One
Welcome to Year 1!
We have five Year 1 classes: Hedgehog Class, Squirrel Class, Badger Class, Rabbit Class and Owl Class.
At Thomas A Becket, Year 1 is an exciting bridge between Reception and Key Stage 1. We work closely with our Reception team to ensure children experience a smooth and successful transition, creating learning environments that reflect their interests, needs and stage of development. As children grow in confidence and independence, we firmly believe that play continues to be a vital part of learning and discovery.
We believe that learning should be engaging, relevant and fun. Our curriculum is built around exciting themes which begin with a memorable Stunning Start. Throughout the year, the children will discover a mysterious alien crash landing, step back in time to the Jurassic Period, or become detectives investigating whether the Big Bad Wolf is guilty or not guilty. These hands-on experiences spark curiosity, capture imaginations and provide a meaningful context for learning, helping children become enthusiastic, confident and motivated learners.
A typical day in Year 1 combines high-quality teaching with opportunities for children to follow their own interests. Children take part in daily Phonics, Handwriting and Maths lessons, alongside exciting learning linked to English and our wider curriculum. As the year progresses, children are encouraged to become increasingly independent whilst continuing to learn through exploration, investigation and practical experiences.
Alongside these sessions, children enjoy COOL Time (Continue Our Own Learning), our play-based continuous provision. During COOL Time, children apply new skills, explore their interests, work collaboratively, solve problems and challenge themselves through carefully planned learning opportunities. Children will also spend time reading with an adult and taking part in small-group activities tailored to their individual needs. We are particularly proud of this provision and the way it nurtures independent, curious and resilient learners.
We want every child to feel that the classroom belongs to them. Through opportunities such as our Learning Squares, children celebrate and showcase work they are proud of, developing ownership of their learning and a sense of achievement throughout the year.
Below you will find the information about the children's learning in Year 1.