Text Focus: The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth
In English, pupils will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through the engaging text The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth. Children will explore the story, make predictions, and discuss characters and events. They will learn to write simple sentences using capital letters, finger spaces and full stops, and begin to sequence events to retell parts of the story. Pupils will also develop vocabulary, practise phonics skills, and express ideas verbally with confidence.

Key Vocabulary:
story, character, setting, beginning, middle, end, sentence, capital letter, full stop, prediction, description, mammoth, clues

Topic: Numbers to 50
In Number, pupils will build a secure understanding of numbers to 50. They will learn to count forwards and backwards, read and write numbers, and represent them using objects, drawings and number lines. Children will compare and order numbers and begin to understand place value by recognising tens and ones. Practical activities will be used to help pupils develop number sense and confidence with larger numbers.

Key Vocabulary:
number, count, forwards, backwards, more, less, greater, smaller, equal, tens, ones, place value, number line, represent, compare, order

Topic: Length and Height
In Measurement, pupils will explore length and height through practical, hands-on activities. They will learn to measure and compare objects using non-standard units and begin to use standard units such as centimetres. Children will describe and compare lengths and heights using appropriate mathematical language and record their findings in simple ways.

Key Vocabulary:
length, height, long, short, tall, small, big, measure, compare, longer, shorter, taller, centimetres, ruler

History

In History, children learn about the past and how things change over time. They explore the difference between past and present by looking at familiar objects, such as toys and comparing them with toys from long ago. Children learn to talk about what is the same and what is different.

Pupils use numbers to help order events and understand timelines, counting and ordering up to 50. They also use simple measuring skills to compare the length and height of objects from the past and the present. Through discussion, observation and hands-on activities, children begin to develop an understanding of history in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Key Vocabulary:
past, present, old, new, long ago, now, change, same, different, timeline, before, after, number, count, measure, length, height, long, short, tall

Topic: Seasonal Changes
In Science, children will learn about the four seasons and observe how the weather and environment change throughout the year. They will notice changes in plants, animals, daylight hours and clothing choices. Pupils will develop observation skills, describe what they see, and begin to use simple scientific language.

Key Vocabulary:
season, spring, summer, autumn, winter, weather, sun, rain, leaves, cold, hot, observe

Topic: Caring for the Planet
In Caring for the Planet, pupils will learn how to look after the Earth and understand why it is important to care for their environment. Children will explore simple actions they can take, such as reducing waste, recycling, saving water and being kind to nature. This topic supports the development of responsibility, respect and global awareness.

Key Vocabulary:
planet, Earth, environment, recycle, reuse, reduce, waste, water, energy, nature, care

Topic: Healthy Me 

In PSHE, children will continue learning through the Jigsaw – Healthy Me unit. Pupils will explore how to keep their bodies and minds healthy by learning about healthy food choices, exercise, rest and hygiene. They will begin to understand how to keep themselves safe and recognise trusted adults who can help them. Through discussion, stories and practical activities, children will develop confidence, responsibility and positive habits for everyday life.

Key Vocabulary:
healthy, exercise, food, hygiene, sleep, feelings, safe, unsafe, choices, body, mind, trusted adult, help

In Year 1, children develop their vocabulary through stories, discussions, phonics and a wide range of cross-curricular learning experiences. A strong focus on vocabulary supports reading comprehension, writing development and effective speaking and listening skills. The curriculum is designed to build both everyday vocabulary, linked to children’s immediate experiences, and subject-specific vocabulary related to areas such as English, Mathematics, Science and Geography.

Year 1 Block 4 Spelling Rules

Spelling words with two syllables

carrot, chicken, pocket, parrot, zebra, flowers, butter, jumper, monkey, seahorse

Spelling the /ch/ sound tch

catch. patch, crutch, latch, watch, snatch, hatch, ketchup, kitchen, switch

Spelling words that end with a /v/ sound

glove, captive, dissolve, olive, serve, have, remove, move, wave, carve

Adding -s

rabbits, bananas, hands, logs, books, eggs, drinks, runs. hops, rocks

Adding –es

foxes, dishes, wishes, matches, crosses, brushes, fetches, switches, watches, catches

End of Unit 2

Revisit all the spelling rules learnt so far.

In Year 1, home learning provides children with the opportunity to practise reading, writing, and maths. Pupils are encouraged to use their writing journals to record experiences and explore creative ideas.

Reading at home is especially important. Children should read daily with an adult, who can support them by helping to sound out words, reading with expression, and discussing the story before recording it in their reading log.

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

In Computing, our topic for this block is We Are Publishers. In this unit, pupils create a multimedia eBook using Book Creator to showcase their achievements and interests. They begin by planning their eBook with careful consideration of their intended audience, then select and import images to illustrate their work. Pupils enhance their eBook by adding audio commentary, written text, and additional images sourced from the Internet. Throughout the unit, they review and revise their work to improve clarity, design, and presentation. By the end of the unit, pupils will have developed skills in multimedia publishing, digital storytelling, and presenting information in an engaging and creative way.

• Key Vocabulary:

Audio, Clip art, eBook, Font, Safe search, Images

Paul Klee Cityscapes In Year 1, children create artwork inspired by Paul Klee’s cityscapes, exploring how artists use line, shape and colour to build imaginative skylines. Pupils experiment with mark-making, pattern and simple colour mixing to create bold buildings and backgrounds. They learn to arrange shapes carefully to show height and space, adding detail through repeated lines and textures. Sketchbooks support practising ideas and reflecting on choices. 

Key vocabulary: cityscape, line, shape, colour, pattern, texture, skyline, composition, background, foreground, mark-making, detail.

Round and Round 

In Year 1, children build musical skills through Round and Round, combining singing, movement and instrumental play. Pupils develop their sense of pulse and begin to distinguish beat from rhythm through echo clapping and call-and-response games. Children explore high and low sounds, experiment with tempo and dynamics, and learn to play together with increasing control. Performing and listening are woven into each lesson to build confidence and teamwork. 

Key vocabulary: pulse, beat, rhythm, echo, tempo, dynamics, high, low, sing, perform, steady, listen, repeat, pattern, instruments.

Toys Come to Life 

In Year 1, pupils explore drama through the theme Toys Come to Life, using imagination to bring familiar objects to life. Children create characters and short scenes through role-play, movement and voice, experimenting with facial expression, levels and space. They use freeze frames and simple improvisation to show feelings, friendships and problem-solving within toy adventures. Pupils practise performing as a class and in small groups, learning to listen and respond to others. 

Key vocabulary: toys, character, role-play, improvise, freeze frame, expression, voice, movement, levels, space, scene, audience, teamwork, gesture.

Toys 

This block, classes 1B and 1D will be taking part in dance lessons designed to build confidence, creativity and enjoyment through movement.

In Year 1, pupils explore dance through the theme of toys, using imagination to bring actions and characters to life. Children develop control of body parts, shapes and levels as they create toy movements such as winding, bouncing and marching. They practise copying and repeating simple sequences, changing speed and direction, and performing together safely in space. Pupils begin to link movements smoothly and create short dances in pairs and groups. 

Key vocabulary: action, shape, levels, space, direction, speed, sequence, copy, repeat, travel, control, stillness, perform, rhythm, flow.

Short Tennis 

In the short tennis unit, pupils will learn basic short tennis skills such as holding a racket, hitting a ball with control, and simple rallies with a partner.

Key Vocabulary: Racket, ball, hit, control, partner, rally, grip.

In this block, classes 1A and 1C will participate in Swimming lessons 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.