back to classes

We aim to explain in more detail about what it is like to be a member of Year 1 by sharing some key ways that we learn during the day. We hope this supports you to further support your child.

click here to see what we're learning in this module

Please click on the link below to view the whole school curriculum overviews and subject specific information.

PYP Curriculum framework and subject overviews

maths (number and numerical pattern)

  • Mastery Approach – Our maths curriculum is centred around a ‘Mastery Approach’. The aim is to ensure pupils have mastered and understood key concepts before moving on: using more difficult/higher numbers does not mean a child has a better understanding; rather, it is best that the child is able to access the learning in a wider range of contexts, the child can give detailed explanations and approach problem solving tasks.
  • White Rose – We follow the White Rose scheme to sequence maths lessons. This ensures that there is a progression of skills within the academic year, but also across all years. On the curriculum overviews, which are shared with home at the start of each module, the maths skills we are focusing on can be seen. On the White Rose website, there are home learning videos which show you clearly how to help your child complete the activity. If we have been learning number bonds to 20,for example, you will be able to find an equivalent video to support further at home.

Click here to view the year 1 home learning videos

  • Maths Champions – This scheme has been designed by High Halstow staff. The scheme maps out individual targets which the children can work on at home. Children are set their targets by their teacher and are assessed on the target by the teacher to move on to the next target.

click here for more information

  • The children’s individual targets can be found on the Dragonflies Google Classroom. Click here to go to the Classroom, then follow Classwork > Home Learning > Maths Champions Target. 
  • Maths Masters – This is an additional 10-15 minute focus on maths which happens outside of the main daily maths lesson every day. The focus is on arithmetic and recall of basic skills such as number bonds and doubling of numbers. We also revisit some of the key learning from previous lessons to secure and embed understanding.
  • Numbots- This site supports children with their number bonds and addition and subtraction. Children have login details and these are at the front of the school link book. 

Click here to go to the Numbots website

english (literacy)

  • Targets – In the front of each child’s English book, they have an individual target. Pupils should be aware of their target and so should know what they need to work on. This is updated when enough evidence of success is seen in their books to move on to a new target.
  • Core texts Click here to view our core texts.
  • Reading – It is important for children to read daily however this does not need to be for a lengthy amount of time or a strenuous task. Conversation around the text is just as important as word reading in order to help support comprehension.

click here for suggestions of the types of questions to ask your children

  • Buster’s Book Club – an initiative that encourages the children to read at home. The class works collaboratively to be the class who has read the most minutes in the school. It encourages the reading of any reading material, not just the children’s banded reading book.
  • Phonics – In school, we follow the Phonics International programme. Children’s books are matched up according to their phonic knowledge and reading fluency. The learning in class can be supplemented with games such as phonics play and phonics bloom. The units in Phonics International are different to phases used on other websites. At this stage, the children have been exposed to all the sounds featured up to phase 5.
  • EdShed – This is a site/app children can use at home to support with spelling practise.The children now have login details to access this site- they are at the front of the home link book.

click here to go to the edshed website

google classroom

Check at least weekly for updates on the Google Classwork for suggestions of work to do at home to support your child.

what we're learning 2024-25

who we are

Central Idea:
‘We are all unique individuals who belong to a community.’

We will be reading:

  • ‘Owl Babies’ by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson
  • ‘Weirdo’ by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird

The maths skills we are focusing on are:

  • Place Value
  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Understanding numbers to 10
  • Adding and subtracting within 10

In our lines of enquiry, we will explore:

  • How we are unique
  • Belonging to a community
  • The responsibilities I have to my community

For homework please engage in:

Daily reading and discussion about texts.

Use of apps prompted by the academy such as EdShedMyON and Numbots. Please see the front of your child’s Reading Record book for all of their login details.

If you choose to engage in some home learning about the inquiries shown above please share any experiences via the Google Classroom. E.G. finding out your family history or sharing the different communities that you are a part of.
There may be additional homework set via Google Classroom from time to time linked to current learning.

how we express ourselves

Central Idea:
‘Finding beauty in the world can give us pleasure.’

We will be reading:

  • ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ Series by Ronda and David Armitage

The maths skills we are focusing on are:

  • Addition and subtraction within 10
  • Geometry – shape

In our lines of enquiry, we will explore:

  • Changes in nature through the year
  • How people use nature for enjoyment

For homework please engage in:

Daily reading and discussion about texts

Use of apps prompted by the academy such as Ed ShedMyON and Numbots. Please see the front of your child’s Reading Record book for all of their login details.

If you choose to engage in some home learning about the inquiries shown above please share any experiences via the Google Classroom. There may be additional homework set via Google Classroom from time to time linked to current learning.

where we are in place and time

Central Idea:
‘People connect with one another and learn through play.’

We will be reading:

  • ‘Traction Man is Here’ by Mini Grey
  • ‘Lost in the Toy Museum’ by David Lucas

The maths skills we are focusing on are:

  • Place value within 20
  • Addition and subtraction within 20

In our lines of enquiry, we will explore:

  • How we play
  • How people find out about the past
  • How play is different or alike over time

For homework please engage in:

Daily reading and discussion about texts

Use of apps prompted by the academy such as Ed Shed, MyON and Numbots. Please see the front of your child’s Reading Record book for all of their login details.

If you choose to engage in some home learning about the inquiries shown above please share any experiences via the Google Classroom. There may be additional homework set via Google Classroom from time to time linked to current learning.

How the World Works

Central Idea:
‘Plants play a role in all living things.’

We will be reading:

  • ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
  • ‘The Ugly Duckling’

The maths skills we are focusing on are:

  • Place value within 50
  • Length and height
  • Mass and volume

In our lines of enquiry, we will explore:

  • How plants grow and survive.
  • Different ways living things use plants.
  • Human impact on plants and growth.

For homework please engage in:

Daily reading and discussion about texts.

Use of apps prompted by the academy such as Ed ShedMyON and Numbots. Please see the front of your child’s Reading Record book for all of their login details.

If you choose to engage in some home learning about the inquiries shown above please share any experiences via the Google Classroom. There may be additional homework set via Google Classroom from time to time linked to current learning.

sharing the planet

Central Idea:
‘People’s choices and actions impact habitats around the world.’

We will be reading:

  • ‘The Deep Blue Sea’
  • ‘The Little Mermaid’

The maths skills we are focusing on are:

  • Multiplication and division
  • Fractions
  • Geometry: position and direction

In our lines of enquiry, we will explore:

  • Habitats around the world. 
  • The impact of people’s choices on the environment.
  • Human action can have positive outcomes.

For homework please engage in:

Daily reading and discussion about texts

Use of apps prompted by the academy such as Ed Shed, MyON and Numbots. Please see the front of your child’s Reading Record book for all of their login details.

If you choose to engage in some home learning about the inquiries shown above please share any experiences via the Google Classroom. There may be additional homework set via Google Classroom from time to time linked to current learning.