Nibbles: The Book Monster by Emma Yarlett

In this block, children will explore the imaginative story of Nibbles, a cheeky book monster who escapes and chews his way through fairy tales. Through shared reading, discussion, and creative activities, pupils will develop their reading comprehension, vocabulary, sequencing, and writing skills. They will engage with familiar stories (such as Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks) while exploring the playful narrative structure created by Emma Yarlett.

Key Vocabulary: 

Character, setting, plot, problem, solution, beginning, middle, end, retell, fairy tale, adventure, monster, cheeky, hungry, escape, naughty, curious, sneaky, gobble, munch, chew.

In this block, children focus on building strong number sense through counting, place value, and number bonds. They will explore addition and subtraction within 10, use part–whole models, and begin to solve simple problems. Pupils will also be introduced to 2D and 3D shapes, describing and comparing them using key mathematical language.

Key Vocabulary: 

Add, plus, subtract, minus, total, sum, altogether, part, whole, number bond, equal to, difference, take away.

Circle, triangle, square, rectangle, cube, cuboid, sphere, cone, pyramid, flat, solid, side, edge, face, corner, sort.

How am I making History?

In this unit, children begin to understand what history is and how their own lives are part of it. They will explore their personal history, the concept of memory, and how their stories contribute to a bigger picture of the past. Pupils will reflect on key events in their lives, create simple timelines, and begin to compare similarities and differences between then and now. This provides the foundation for thinking like a historian and recognising that everyone makes history.

Key Vocabulary:

Past, present, future, then, now, before, after, today, yesterday, tomorrow, timeline, memory, change, event, similar, different, family, story, history, old, new, who, what, when, where, why, question, answer, evidence, photograph.

Topic: Seasonal Changes

In this unit, children continue to explore seasonal changes through observation and investigation. Pupils will learn to notice and describe the changes that occur in the natural environment throughout the year, including weather, daylight hours, and changes in plants and animals. They will use their observations to answer questions and record findings in simple ways.

Key Vocabulary:

Spring, summer, autumn, winter, sunny, rainy, windy, snowy, cloudy, hot, cold, frost, hail, today, tomorrow, morning, afternoon, night, day length, before, after, plant, tree, leaf, flower, animal, bird, hibernate, migrate, change.

Topic: Celebrating Difference

In this unit, children learn to understand and respect differences between people. They explore diversity, learn about what makes them unique, and develop empathy and kindness. Pupils practice recognising feelings, resolving conflicts, and celebrating both their own strengths and those of others.

Key Vocabulary:

Unique, special, similar, different, strengths, weaknesses, happy, sad, scared, worried, angry, embarrassed, proud, kind, unfair, fair, polite, respect, include, exclude, problem, solution, compromise, calm, discuss, agree, disagree

In this block, pupils continue to develop their understanding and use of vocabulary to support reading, writing, and speaking. The focus is on expanding word knowledge, exploring word meanings, and using new words confidently in context. Pupils will learn strategies to understand unfamiliar words, including using picture clues, context, and discussion.

Spelling /ar/

charm, cartoon, park, part, hard, jar, carpet, scarf, bark, start

Spelling- short  /e/ sound - e (short e sound as in fresh and head

bet, sent, lend, meant, dread, read, Fread, deaf, head, fresh

Spelling /ur/ (The long vowel ur sound can be spelt –ur as in nurse, ir as in bird, er as in verb)

nurse, burst, turn, curl, bird, third, shirt, verb, term, verse

Spelling  short/oo/ sound- oo, u

good, cook, look, foot, wood, hook, stood, pull, push, put

Spelling /or/ (The /or/ can be spelt –or as in horse, aw as in draw, ore as in more, au as in pause

horse, short, horn, draw, claw, more, store, shore, pause, sauce

End of Unit One

Revisit all the spelling rules learnt so far

In Year 1, home learning helps children practise reading, writing, and maths. Pupils should continue their writing journals, recording experiences and creative ideas.

Reading is very important in Year 1. Children should read every day at home with an adult. Parents are encouraged to help their children sound out words, read with expression, and talk about the story to complete the reading log.

MyMaths tasks are set every Tuesday to practise number skills and problem-solving. Parents can support their children's learning by asking questions, celebrating achievements, and incorporating everyday activities to reinforce skills. This routine helps children build confidence and stay connected to their learning at school.

Topic: We are TV Chefs. 

In this unit, pupils create short videos of themselves preparing a healthy meal or snack in the style of a TV cooking show. They learn to plan and follow algorithms—clear sequences of instructions—while developing skills in digital media, including recording, editing, and reviewing video. This unit blends computer science concepts with information technology, encouraging creativity, clear communication, and teamwork.

Key Vocabulary: Abstraction, Algorithm, Audio, Decomposition, Edit, Frame, Narration, Pattern, Storyboard, Video camera

In art lessons, children will explore simple printmaking techniques to create bold and expressive designs. They experiment with everyday objects, natural forms, and textured surfaces to make prints, learning about repetition, pattern, and composition. Children develop skills in observation, planning, and evaluating their work, while celebrating the excitement of unexpected outcomes. The block encourages creativity, risk-taking, and playfulness, culminating in a collection of unique prints that showcase personal expression.

Key Vocabulary: Print, printing, texture, surface, object, pattern, repetition, composition, design, observation, plan, evaluate, creativity, expression, outcome.

In this block, children are introduced to reggae and hip hop through the songs Rhythm in the Way We Walk and Banana Rap. They develop awareness of pulse, rhythm, and pitch while exploring contrasting musical styles. Singing, chanting, and percussion work help build accuracy, confidence, and expression. Improvisation and composition activities encourage creativity and teamwork. The block culminates in a performance that celebrates musical diversity, ensemble skills, and enjoyment of rhythm-based music.

Key Vocabulary: Reggae, hip hop, pulse, rhythm, pitch, singing, chanting, percussion, improvisation, composition, performance, ensemble, confidence, creativity, style, expression

In this block, children explore the theme How am I making History? through short role-play scenes. Working in groups, they research and dramatise significant historical figures and events, developing an understanding of cause, consequence, and perspective. Using voice, movement, and improvisation, children practise collaboration, empathy, and creativity. The block culminates in group performances that celebrate history brought to life, highlighting connections between past and present through expressive storytelling and ensemble work.

Key Vocabulary: History, figure, event, role play, research, perspective, cause, consequence, collaboration, empathy, creativity, improvisation, storytelling, ensemble, performance

In this block, children use dance to retell and celebrate the Nativity story. Using stimulus from key scenes such as the journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds, angels, and the kings, they explore travelling actions, formations, and contrasting dynamics. Children work individually and collaboratively to create sequences that build into a full performance. The block develops expression, storytelling, and ensemble skills, culminating in a festive dance piece to share with the school community.

Key Vocabulary: Nativity, journey, Bethlehem, shepherds, angels, kings, travelling, formation, dynamics, storytelling, sequence, choreography, expression, ensemble, performance, celebration

Striking and Fielding 

In the striking and fielding unit, pupils will be introduced to basic striking and fielding skills using simple equipment like soft balls and bats. They will learn to hit a stationary ball and practice basic catching and throwing.

Key Vocabulary: Striking, catching, throwing, ball, batting, fielding, teamwork, aiming 

All students will take part in a fortnightly swimming lesson designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Alongside stroke development, children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.