In L1, the curriculum will include a wide variety of topics, as detailed below:
All four elements of language, reading, writing, listening and talking are taught from L1. From Day 1 children are introduced to letters and sound, using synthetic phonics. There is a structured reading scheme – Oxford Reading Tree – in place. Within a short time children are reading and enjoying the written word. By the end of L1 all children are writing their own stories independently. Reading for pleasure is a major focus of L1. Stories, poems and rhymes are read daily to the pupils and all pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.
Throughout the school there is a core Maths scheme in place. In L1 Heinemann Maths – Revised Level 1 is used. This starts with number recognition and writing and leads to addition and subtraction within 10.
Practical Maths – covering shape, length, weight, money, volume and time also takes place.
Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.
In our teaching of Science, History and Geography, we aim to develop in pupils a curiosity and a greater understanding of their past and heritage and of the world around them. We develop their research and investigative skills as well as their analytical thinking skills and their evaluation of evidence. Much of the work will involve them in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments.
Topics covered:
Term 1 Myself
Autumn
Term 2 Clothes/Materials
Animals
Term 3 People who help us
Flowers and growing
Topics covered include Bible stories, some major Festivals and developing a ‘caring classroom’.
There are two sessions each week, taught by a specialist teacher in the large gym within the main building. This covers gymnastics, games and dance.
Children are taught songs, rhythms and about musical instruments by a specialist teacher once a week.
These are taught within the classroom on a regular basis. The classrooms are bright with the colourful artwork on display.
Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for an exciting lesson with our specialist teacher. They learn to use the mouse, create illustrations and start to use text.
We recognise that in Early Years structured play leads to a deeper understanding of the world around them. We have a specifically designed Activity Room where play is led by a qualified early years practitioner – quartering pizzas or buying items from the shop makes early Maths much more fun!
Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial. There is a homework diary, detailing what homework is required each night. This is a two-way communication as we value your comments on how your child is coping with homework. Normally homework in L1 consists of hearing reading, working on sounds and number bonds. Homework in L1 should not take more than 15 minutes per night.