Phonics learning continues through our Read Write inc. programme where children learn to read and write using their increasing understanding of sounds and the letters which represent the sounds. Children work in groups where learning is tailored to their next stage of learning and development. In these learning groups and in whole class sessions the children continue to learn to blend sounds and read tricky words whilst developing their comprehension skills. They also learn how to read ‘nonsense words’ to help them to embed successful phonics decoding and blending skills, preparing them for when they encounter unfamiliar language.
In writing lessons, children learn to apply their phonics skills through the teaching of the National Curriculum content where they begin with working on sentence writing and build their writing stamina progressively across the year. They will learn to include capital letters, full stops and finger spaces, all whilst learning to present their writing neatly. Vocabulary is developed within reading and writing lessons to enhance children’s abilities to portray meaning. Children learn to verbally construct simple sentences first, then write and then check their sentences, building a strong foundation for more complex sentences as their learning journey progresses through the Key Stages.
Year One maths is practical and explorative with plenty of hands-on activities. Our scheme follows a mastery approach, using concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations to build deep understanding. Children will count forwards and backwards up to 100. Number bonds are reinforced and children discuss and solve problems in familiar practical contexts, including using quantities. Addition and subtraction are the main calculation focus. Children learn to count forwards, backwards, in 2s, 5s, 10s and they will double and halve. In mathematics, children enjoy learning through our school’s approach, allowing children to be confident mathematicians. They are given the opportunity to explore maths using a wide range of resources and mathematical talk all before developing their independent practice in maths. We ensure children become more fluent in the fundamental maths areas of study and develop problem solving skills, all of which are underpinned by their ability to mathematically reason.
At the end of Year One, pupils are well-prepared for their transition into Year Two, the final phase of Key Stage One.