Year 1

What a busy and engaging term it has been in Year 1! We began the term with our Central Idea - The past influences the present and the future .As Historians , we researched Queen Victoria’s life using google search and used the information to create fact files. This was then linked with our Geography unit - Identifying the countries that make up the UK. We delved further by linking the countries to Queen Victoria home and discovered her favourite countries and towns to stay in the UK. We identified the physical features of the countries and key features associated with a town and village for example shops , churches and detached houses.

We continued with the central idea and explored toys in the past (Victorian time) and what previous generations played with. The children were excited to explore Victorian toys and understand how they work.They were then able to compare toys of the past to toys today investigating the materials they were made from and how they work. We then read our core text Traction Man , to give us a greater insight into new toys , the materials used to make these toys and how they work.

Later on in the term , we became Scientists. Our question to investigate was - Which material is the best to make an umbrella for Traction Man? We first explored different materials and their properties . Next , we identified which were used to make toys in the past and why. Finally , the children conducted a comparative test to answer the question being investigated. The children used different materials ( fabric , wood , plastic , metal , glass and stone ) to find out which material was the most waterproof and would be suitable to make an umbrella for Traction Man.

Going further , the children researched which materials can be recycled and the importance of recycling.

Towards the end of the term , the children enjoyed rehearsing for their Christmas production. It was an amazing experience to hear the children sing beautifully and recite their poems.

It has been a fantastic term and the Year 1 team wishes you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year !