Year 1

Welcome to Year 1

As children enter Key Stage One in Year 1 we build the foundations so that children can flourish in their academic journey through school. We do lots of hands-on learning through our inspiring and fun curriculum. We learn through many practical activities and spend lots of our time using equipment, discussing our work and spending time in our groups sharing our ideas. 

Staff:

Teacher - Miss C Shone

Learning Assistant - Mrs S Rounds

Learning Assistant - Mrs Karkol

Class Routine:

Registration takes place promptly at 8:45 am. The children will complete their reading for pleasure time/morning activity.

Phonics starts at 9am followed by Literacy and maths (including calculations) in the morning session.

The afternoon sessions are used to teach the remaining subjects: RE, science, history, geography, PE, art, DT, music RSE and computing.

A small amount of homework to help children consolidate their learning is given weekly.

Friday is French Friday with the register taken in French and prayers in French too.

To ensure the children are knowing more and remembering more, Friday is Flashback Friday with retrieval questions set each week to see if the children have retained the previous knowledge taught across topics.

Friday is Poetry Friday, the children get a chance to read, recite and perform a range of poems. The poems are put on Seesaw to be read at home.

The children also get the opportunity to visit the library in school and choose a book they enjoy fortnightly.

Our School Rules:

At St. Mary’s, in everything we say and do we follow the teaching of Jesus.

1. We always listen carefully so that we can learn and be safe.

2. We work hard and persevere to achieve our best.

3. We take responsibility for our actions.

4. We show good manners by being kind and treating others as we would like to be treated.

5. We value and care for our school and all the things in it.

6. When lining up and walking round school, we always walk quietly.

Useful websites:

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/place-value-basketball

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/place-value/place-value-charts

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/

www.twinkl.co.uk/phonics 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZGwM48Wy5E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ugGQqMmvFA

www.purplemash.com 

Oxford Owl for School and Home

Homework:

Reading books and homework are sent out on a Thursday. Please return your child’s reading book, signed diary and homework on a Tuesday.

It is essential that children read every day, ideally to a parent so that the children can clarify any vocabulary they are unsure about and also so that they can discuss and pick apart what was read.

Reading:

Reading at home has a huge impact on learning across all areas of the curriculum as it develops their knowledge of the world around them. Reading helps children to develop their vocabulary and language skills. It also develops curiosity, listening skills and your child’s imagination and creativity. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to spend some special one-on-one bonding time together, enjoying books.

We do understand that children are tired when they come home from school, and many children enjoy various after school clubs so time after school may be limited. However, it is so important to make time for reading, and 15 minutes every day will have a huge positive impact on your child's learning both now and in the future. We encourage all children to read for 15-20 minutes every day. Reading at home should be fun - you can take turns reading the pages if you need to, and it doesn't always have to be your child's school book - any reading counts!

Please note the phonics screening takes place in June in Year 1. You will find more information about this through parent meetings.

Please use the phonics homework that is given each week support your child’s phonics knowledge.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask the Year 1 team.

Class events:

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check will take place during the week beginning Monday 8th June 2026. 

Useful websites:

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/place-value-basketball

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/place-value/place-value-charts

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/

www.twinkl.co.uk/phonics 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZGwM48Wy5E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ugGQqMmvFA

www.purplemash.com 

Oxford Owl for School and Home

Our Class Saint:

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was a Native American and part of the Mohawk tribe. Her name “Kateri” means pure because she was a kind and good person. When she was young she caught smallpox. This left her partially blind. Kateri was brave. She believed in God, but not everybody in her village did. Kateri was not afraid and loved to pray and listen to stories about Jesus. She wanted to be a saint and follow Jesus. Kateri showed everyone that no matter where we come from, we can always love God and help others!