Spring 1

Hello everyone!

We’re excited to share what our wonderful Year 1 children will be learning this term. It’s going to be a fun and busy few weeks filled with creativity, curiosity, and lots of new discoveries! In your class to support your learning we have Miss Brennan (Class Teacher) and Miss Fisher (Teaching assistant).

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are looking forward to a busy and exciting Summer Term full of creativity, curiosity, and learning. Below is an overview of what your child will be exploring across the curriculum this term.

🔢 Maths

In Maths, we will be developing our understanding of numbers up to 100, building confidence with counting, place value and problem solving. We will also explore time, money, mass, and volume and capacity through practical activities to help children apply their learning to everyday situations.

✏️ English

In English, we will be using the text Nobot the Robot to support our writing. Children will focus on a ‘losing tale’ structure, where a character loses something important and goes on a journey to find it, while building suspense using exciting vocabulary and storytelling techniques.

🔬 Science

Our Science topic, Science Through Stories, uses engaging stories to introduce scientific ideas and encourage children to ask questions and investigate. Children will explore simple scientific enquiries, such as testing and observing, helping them to understand how and why things happen.

🎨 Art

In Art, we will explore how to turn materials into 3D sculptures inspired by the artist Chris Kenny. Children will experiment with different materials, including found objects, to create imaginative and creative pieces of artwork.

🌍 Geography

In Geography, our topic Do You Fancy a Trip to the Farm? will help children learn about settlements and why people live in different places. We will use maps to explore farm environments and develop our navigation skills, using simple directions and symbols.

💻 Computing

In Computing, children will learn how to program simple animations. They will explore how to make characters move and change using basic commands, helping them to develop early coding skills and logical thinking.

✝️ RE

In RE, we will be learning about Christianity, focusing on the importance of the church. Children will explore what a church is, why it is special to Christians, and what happens inside a church.

As we approach the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, it is essential that children are reading at home for at least 10 minutes every night. Regular reading practice is key to developing confidence, fluency, and accuracy in decoding words. The phonics screening check is designed to ensure children are developing these early reading skills and to identify any children who may need extra support .

Research and national guidance consistently highlight that strong reading skills are the foundation for all future learning, and children who read regularly are far more likely to reach their full academic potential .

For more information about the phonics screening check and how you can support your child at home, please visit:
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/year-1-phonics-screening-check/

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or would like to help your child at home with their learning, please don’t hesitate to speak to us.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Summer Term together!

For homework please complete the weekly tasks set on Emile. They are set every Tuesday and you have one week to complete. Please ensure you are reading every night.

Your child's RAISE assembly dates-

2nd June- Aleesa

9th June- Shabbar

16th June- Omar

23rd June- Aaishah

30th June- Qasim

7th July- Hashim

14th July- Ajwa


Below are some pictures of last terms wonderful learning.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic term of learning and growing together. Thank you for your continued support!

Warm wishes,
The Year 1 Team

Learning at home - How you can help

The Importance of Reading and Phonics

Reading at home is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning. In the UK, only around 1 in 3 children (approximately 33%) say they enjoy reading in their free time, which shows how important it is for schools and families to work together to build positive reading habits.

Children who read regularly:

  • develop stronger reading and writing skills

  • build a wider vocabulary

  • gain confidence in speaking and understanding texts

  • perform better across all subjects, not just English

Just 5–10 minutes of reading each day can make a real difference. Reading does not need to be perfect — the most important thing is enjoyment and encouragement.

Phonics

Phonics is the foundation of early reading and writing. By practising letter sounds, blending, and recognising tricky words, children become more confident and fluent readers. Short, regular phonics practice at home helps reinforce what is taught in school.

Simple Ways to Support at Home

  • Read together every day, even for a short time

  • Talk about the book and ask questions about what has happened

  • Encourage your child to sound out words using phonics

  • Praise effort and progress to build confidence

Useful UK Phonics and Reading Websites

Suggested Reading Ideas

  • Traditional tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears

  • Simple non-fiction books about animals, space, or explorers

  • Picture books with repeated phrases

  • Early reading books matched to your child’s phonics level

Reading Records

Please remember to sign your child’s reading record and add a short comment. This helps us support your child’s progress and celebrate their achievements.