Key Stage 1 Overview
Children in Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1) follow a bespoke curriculum based on the National Curriculum, building on their experiences from the Early Years.
Learning
in years 1 and 2
Play-based discovery and hands-on learning remain central to our approach as we focus on increasing confidence, resilience, and independence.
Our school day begins with a focus on numeracy and literacy, followed by topic-based learning and specialist-taught subjects like Music, French, and PE in the afternoon. Reading and 1:1 tailored teaching remains a priority, with every child in Years 1 and 2 reading to an adult three times a week. In Year 2, Maths or English writing are also supported in these dedicated one-to-one sessions, depending on each child’s individual need.
Handwriting skills are developed through weekly practice, and children receive spelling lists to reinforce classroom learning. We use the ‘Inspire Maths’ scheme, which supports a mastery approach to give children a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
There are opportunities for all children to take up a musical instrument, join LAMDA classes and perform in Music concerts and Drama productions.
Our aim is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive and enjoy their learning journey.
“By allowing our pupils to develop at their own pace, each step of their education builds on their previous learning experiences, we make certain that their understanding is secure ensuring a crucial firm foundation for the future. ”
Children in Years 1 and 2 are based upstairs in the Pre-Prep building. Here, well-equipped classrooms, large break out areas and easy access to laptops and iPads in our Computing room make for an inspiring learning environment.
We continue to spend a good deal of our time outside in the Pre-Prep playground, whether it is making use of the outdoor classroom, the Prep school facilities next door or enjoying extracurricular sports coaching
In Partnership with you
We are on hand every day at pick up and drop off if you want to speak with us informally about your child.
We also host individual teacher meetings and group curriculum evening, and there is a written report at the end of each year. In our regular newsletter, you will learn more about what we have been up to and what the week ahead will bring.
Parent visits are always welcomed! Each week there is a parent reading session and we enjoy visits by family members who like to talk to us about particular festivals they celebrate or experiences that they have had which link to our taught topics.
