Throughout the year, children in Year 1 develop their understanding of grammar to support clear speaking, reading and writing. Grammar is taught through shared reading, modelled writing and practical activities, helping children use language confidently and accurately. Children learn to write simple sentences using capital letters and full stops, and begin to use question marks and exclamation marks appropriately. They explore nouns, adjectives and verbs, learning how these word types help to add detail and meaning to their writing. As the year progresses, children learn to join words and sentences using “and”, use adjectives to describe, and start to apply tense by writing about events in the past and present. They also develop understanding of singular and plural nouns, including adding s and es. Through regular practice, children begin to read their writing aloud, check it makes sense and make simple improvements. By the end of Year 1, children are building a strong foundation in grammar that supports their growing confidence as readers and writers and prepares them for further learning in Year 2.

Throughout the year, children in Year 1 develop their computing skills through six engaging units of work. They learn how to use technology safely and purposefully while building confidence with a range of digital tools. Children begin by exploring computing systems and networks, learning what technology is and how devices such as computers, tablets and the internet help us in everyday life. They then develop programming skills, creating simple instructions and algorithms and learning how to control programmable toys such as Bee Bots. The children also explore digital imagery, learning how to take, edit and use photographs appropriately. Through data handling, they learn to collect, sort and present information using simple charts and pictograms. Throughout the year, children develop important computing skills by following instructions, solving problems, being creative and using technology safely and responsibly, preparing them for further learning as they progress through school.

Throughout the year, children in Year 1 explore history through three exciting units of work: the history of toys, technology, and kings, queens and castles. They learn to understand the past by comparing old and new objects, using photographs and artefacts, and talking about how life changes over time. The children begin by exploring toys from the past and present, helping them to understand ideas such as old, new and then and now. They then investigate changes in technology, learning how everyday items have developed and how inventions make life different today. In their final unit, the children learn about kings, queens and castles, exploring what castles are for and what life is like in the past. This learning is brought to life through a visit to Warwick Castle, where children experience history first hand and make meaningful links to their classroom learning. Throughout the year, children develop curiosity and confidence as young historians, learning that history is exciting, real and all around them.

Throughout the year, children in Year 1 explore geography through three engaging units of work that help them understand places, weather and how people live around the world. The children begin by exploring what it is like to be here, learning about their local area and school environment. They develop simple map skills, learn to describe places, and recognise key features of their surroundings, helping them understand where they live and belong. They then explore what the weather is like in the UK, learning about seasonal changes and different types of weather. The children observe the weather, use simple data, and begin to understand how weather affects daily life. In the final unit, the children learn what it is like to live in Shanghai, comparing life there with life in the UK. They explore homes, transport, schools and landmarks, developing an early understanding of similarities and differences between places around the world. Throughout the year, children build geographical skills by using maps, developing location language, observing their environment and making comparisons. They learn that geography helps us understand the world and the people who live in it.

Throughout the year, children in Year 1 take part in two PE lessons each week, with one lesson taught by their class teacher and one led by a qualified sports coach. These lessons help children develop confidence, coordination and a positive attitude towards being active. Children practise and develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching and balancing through a range of games and physical activities. They are encouraged to work both independently and with others, learning how to follow rules, take turns and work as part of a team. Lessons delivered by the sports coach provide high quality teaching and opportunities to learn new skills, improve technique and experience a variety of sports in a fun and supportive environment. Across both lessons, children learn the importance of warm ups, staying safe and trying their best. Through regular physical activity, Year 1 PE supports children’s physical development, teamwork and resilience, helping to build healthy habits and a strong foundation for future learning in PE.

Throughout the year, children in Year 1 explore science through hands on investigations and observation based learning. They develop curiosity and key scientific skills as they study My Body, Everyday Materials, Seasonal Changes, Identifying Animals and Identifying Plants. Children learn about their bodies, identifying body parts, senses and how to look after themselves. They explore everyday materials, investigating what objects are made of and how materials are used in the world around them. Through learning about seasonal changes, children observe the weather and changes in the natural environment across the year. The children also learn to identify and name animals and plants, exploring similarities and differences and beginning to group living things. They observe the natural world closely and use simple scientific language to describe what they see. Throughout the year, children develop important scientific skills by asking questions, making observations, discussing their ideas and exploring through practical activities, building a strong foundation for future scientific learning.

Throughout Year 1, pupils enjoy a rich and varied art curriculum that encourages creativity, curiosity and confidence. Children explore a wide range of materials and techniques, learning to express their ideas while developing important fine motor skills and artistic vocabulary. Through practical, hands-on projects, pupils are supported to experiment, make choices and take pride in their work. In Structures, children design and make their own windmills. They learn about simple construction techniques, joining materials and considering how structures can move. This unit encourages problem-solving, perseverance and imaginative thinking. During Drawing – Mark Making, pupils explore different tools such as pencils, crayons, chalks and felt tips. They experiment with lines, shapes, patterns and textures, building confidence in recording their ideas and experiences through drawing while developing control and coordination. In the Textiles – Puppets unit, children are introduced to fabric, threading and simple joining methods. They design and create their own puppets, developing creativity alongside early sewing and construction skills. This project also supports storytelling and imaginative play. The Sculpture and 3D – Paper Play topic allows pupils to explore paper as a sculptural material. Children fold, roll, twist and cut paper to create three-dimensional forms, learning how shapes can be manipulated and combined to create exciting outcomes. Through Cooking and Nutrition – Smoothies, pupils explore creativity in a practical and sensory way. They learn about healthy ingredients, colour, texture and taste while safely preparing their own smoothies. This unit links art with design, choice-making and real-life skills. In Painting and Mixed Media – Colour Splash, children experiment with paint, colour mixing and a variety of materials. They explore how colours can be combined and applied in different ways to create expressive artworks, developing confidence in using paint and mixed media techniques. By the end of Year 1, pupils have experienced a wide range of artistic activities and materials. They are encouraged to talk about their work, make choices, and celebrate their creativity, building a strong foundation for future learning in art and design.

As part of our Curriculum Promise, each month, pupils explore a key author, scientist, musician, artist or influential person. Children learn about who they are, why they matter and the impact they have had on the world. Learning is brought to life through a range of creative and practical mediums, encouraging curiosity, creativity and meaningful cross curricular links.