Always check weather forecast and provide your child with a named coat if it is going to rain.
Week beginning 31st August 2026
In Year 1 our autumn 1 term topic is ‘We’re Going on Bear Hunt’.
In English we will focus on transcription in writing. Encouraging children to use correct letter formation and spelling words using their phonic knowledge. Children will work towards writing a sequence of dictated sentences, using a capital letter to start a sentence and a full stop to end. Most writing activities will be based around stories relating to bears. We will also develop the children’s reading by building on their phonic knowledge, expression and inference skills.
In Maths we will review their knowledge from the EYFS of counting in all its forms to and from 10. They will compare and order numbers to 10 practically and will consider the role of zero to represent nothing. We will then move on to consolidate counting to 20 and back. They will secure their understanding of the teen numbers before moving onto counting the decade numbers which will later be known as multiples of ten. Finally, we will extend their learning by counting to 100. They will explore the pattern in counting and focus on the end of the decade and the start of the new decade numbers.
In Science will be learning all about the five senses. Children will learn how to identify, name, draw and label the basic parts of the human body and say which part of the body is associated with each sense.
Our topic focus this half term is History. We will be looking at the history of toys to help children understand how everyday life has changed over time. We will explore their own experiences of play, comparing their favourite toys with those from earlier generations. They will learn to ask and answer simple historical questions, identify similarities and differences between toys, and describe how materials, designs, and ways of playing have changed.
In Art we will be working on the children’s fine motor skills and developing their drawing skills. We will represent objects seen with lines and explore shading using a variety of tools and media.
In Computing we will be introducing Purple Mash and the essential skills for the year 1 scheme. The children will be developing their mouse skills and ICT skills using creative 2DIY tools in Purple Mash to make digital art and games.
In Music we will introduce interrelated musical elements of steady beat, rhythm and metre, the djembe and dundun and two orchestral instruments: the bassoon and the flute. The children will explore making, composing and performing different rhythms.
In RE we will be focusing on Philosophy and discussing the main question: What do my senses tell me about the world of religion and belief?
We are an active school and we regularly have active/movement times throughout the school day. Our PE lessons this term will focus on the basic fundamental movements and skipping. We will also be discussing ways in which we can keep ourselves clean and healthy.
Year 1 is a time of great change for children. Throughout we will encourage the children to become confident and independent learners; and reflect about our school values throughout the school year. We will use ‘Class Dojo’ as a method to let you know what has been happening in the class and any ways in which you can help your child at home. Please continue to hear your child read and note this in their reading diary.
All homework must be completed in the children’s homework book and sent back into school by Wednesday.
