Year 1 is an exciting and important stage in your child's learning journey. As children move from the Early Years Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1, they continue to learn through exploration, practical experiences and purposeful play, while developing greater independence and resilience ready for more formal learning.

At our school, we nurture every child to become confident, curious and enthusiastic learners. Through our Catholic ethos and our school mission statement we encourage children to grow academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally.

Year 1 is a year full of discovery and achievement. Children build strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics while developing the confidence to take risks, ask questions and challenge themselves.

Our curriculum includes:

• English, children develop a love of reading through daily story time, guided reading sessions and high-quality texts. They learn to write for different purposes, building their confidence in spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. We continue to deliver daily phonics sessions, helping children become fluent readers and writers and preparing them for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.
• Mathematics, children develop number fluency and problem-solving skills through practical and engaging activities. They learn to reason mathematically, explain their thinking and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
• Science investigations, our young scientists investigate the world around them through observation, questioning and practical enquiry. Topics include seasonal changes, everyday materials, plants and animals, helping children develop curiosity and a deeper understanding of God's creation.
• History and Geography, children explore the past and develop an understanding of their local area, the wider world and different cultures. Through engaging topics, they build knowledge about people, places and significant events.
• Art and Design Technology, creativity is celebrated through a range of artistic and practical experiences. Children experiment with different materials and techniques while developing design skills, imagination and resilience.
• Music, through singing, performing, listening and composing, children develop confidence, creativity and an appreciation of music.
• Computing, children learn the foundations of digital literacy, including online safety, programming and using technology responsibly and creatively.
• Religious Education, deepening understanding of Scripture through topics including Creation and Covenant, Galilee to Jerusalem, Desert to Garden, and Dialogue and Encounter.
• Physical Education, PE lessons help children develop coordination, balance, teamwork and healthy lifestyles. We encourage all children to enjoy being active and develop a positive attitude towards sport and physical wellbeing.
• Outdoor Learning, we value learning beyond the classroom through our scheduled outdoor days where we  provide opportunities for children to explore, investigate and learn through hands-on experiences in our outdoor environment.

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Living Our Catholic Faith:

Faith is at the heart of life in Year 1 and in our school community. We begin and end each day with prayer and encourage children to live out Gospel values through kindness, respect, compassion, and service to others. Throughout the year, children explore the Jesuit virtues of being Curious and Active, Intentional and Prophetic, Grateful and Generous, Attentive and Discerning, Compassionate and Loving, and Faith-filled and Hopeful.

Through Religious Education lessons, children learn about Jesus' life and teachings, explore Bible stories and develop an understanding of Gospel Virtues. They participate in collective worship, school Masses and celebrations throughout the liturgical year, including Advent and Lent.

We encourage children to live out our school values every day by showing kindness, respect, compassion and service to others.

In Religious Education, children deepen their understanding of God's plan through topics such as Creation and Covenant, Prophecy and Promise, Galilee to Jerusalem, Desert to Garden, Ends of the Earth, and Dialogue and Encounter. They learn about Jesus' life and teachings, explore Bible stories and develop an understanding of Gospel Virtues, develop their knowledge of the Catholic faith, and reflect on how they can follow Jesus' example in their daily lives.

Children celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Church, participate in school Masses, prayer services, and feast day celebrations, and mark important events throughout the Church year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. Through worship, reflection, and acts of service, children grow in faith and learn the importance of belonging to God's family.

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A Message from the Year 1 Teachers:

"Welcome to Year 1. We are delighted to begin this exciting year with your child. Together we will nurture their confidence, independence and love of learning, helping them to achieve their full potential in a happy, caring and supportive environment. We look forward to celebrating every success and sharing in their wonderful learning journey throughout the year."

Mrs Doherty and Mrs Hill

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How Parents Can Support at Home:

Working together helps every child achieve their very best. Here are some simple ways you can support your child at home:

• Read together every day and talk about books.
• Practise phonics and common exception words regularly.
• Encourage counting, number facts and practical maths in everyday situations.
• Talk about your child's learning and celebrate their achievements.
• Provide opportunities for drawing, writing and creative activities.
• Promote independence through everyday tasks and responsibilities.
• Share prayer and discuss the values and Gospel messages explored in school.

Together, we can make Year 1 a happy, successful and memorable year for every child.