Welcome Back
A very warm welcome back to all our Year 1 families. We hope you have had a wonderful summer and are ready for an exciting first term ahead. We are looking forward to working closely with you and sharing your child's progress, achievements and adventures in learning. Thank you for your continued support — together, we can make this a happy and successful year for everyone!
History
How has our school changed over time?
This term, Year 1 will explore how schools have changed over time. We will investigate how uniform has changed, how classrooms have developed, and how learning has become different today. The children will also think about why these changes happened, linking them to improvements in technology, teaching and daily life. We are lucky to have old school photo albums to explore, and we will look at why our school was originally built. To make the topic even more exciting, we will welcome an ex-pupil who will share what our school was like in the late 20th century.
Vocabulary
Music
Pulse and Rhythm
We will build confidence through singing, clapping and moving to music. Children will explore pulse and rhythm, developing listening skills, teamwork and creativity as they join in with simple patterns and enjoy making music together.
Vocabulary
D&T
Levers and sliders
In our upcoming topic, pupils will explore sliders and levers through hands-on design and making activities. They will apply their creativity, problem-solving and fine motor skills in our final project: creating a movable Christmas card, which will celebrate their learning with an end project they can take home and be proud of.
Vocabulary
Art
Spirals and printing
This term, Year 1 will explore Spirals, using our whole bodies as artists to create expressive marks and movements. We will also study the inspiring work of Matisse and Molly Haslund. In Printing, children will use natural materials to make art and design their own plates to print from.
Vocabulary
Geography
What's in our town?
In our upcoming geography topic, What's in Our Town, Year 1 will explore their local area. Children will learn what a floorplan is and explore this idea by choosing furniture to cut out and create their own house layout. We will also look at aerial photos to view our street from above and see if they can spot their own home. We will introduce human features and physical features, and we are excited to take a walk around East-the-Water to practise using a map to locate places and identify these features.
Vocabulary
RE
Christianity
This term, Year 1 will explore why Christmas is important to Christians. We will learn who Jesus was, what happened in the nativity story, and that he was born in an unexpected place. Children will think about waiting and preparing, saying thank you at Christmas, and how the nativity helps guide Christian beliefs. We will also be joined by clergy from St Mary's Church to make Christingles and learn their purpose.
Vocabulary
Science
Seasonal changes and humans
Seasonal changes
For our first topic, Year 1 will explore seasonal changes. We will learn about autumnal features, how the weather changes in autumn, and the features we can spot in the forest and on our walk to school. We also enjoy a visit to the woodland clinic, where children explore leaves and seeds up close, building on their knowledge through careful observation and discovery.
Vocabulary
Humans
Our second topic will be investigating human features, including different body parts and the five senses. We will think about questions such as: Does everyone look the same? What are the five senses? Which body part is used for which sense? Children will enjoy exploring their senses through sensory walks and taste tasting, and will create their own 'funny bones' character to help learn about the human body.
Vocabulary
PE
Fundamental movement skills
In our PE sessions this term we will build confidence and physical development in a fun, supportive way. Children will practise agility, balance and co-ordination through games and activities that encourage effort, resilience and enjoyment. These sessions will help pupils strengthen their movement skills while celebrating progress and trying their best.
Explore More
As well as our teaching sessions, we will be exploring all of our curriculum more through child-led sessions. Some of the exciting things on offer include:
- Finger painting based on Matisse's Snail
- Leaf rubbing to investigate leaf shape and size
- Designing our town using Lego
- Salt dough Christmas decorations
Parent Support
We really value your support with homework and school outings. Weekly QR codes are shared to help with reading at home, and our maths sheet supports number sense in a simple, enjoyable way. Your encouragement makes a real difference to children's confidence and progress.
If you are able to volunteer for any trips or outings, your help will be warmly welcomed. Please speak to the class teacher if you are available to help on upcoming trips this term.
Curriculum letter · Year 1 · Autumn term