Year 1 - Information and Overview
Welcome to Year 1
We were so pleased to welcome the children into our classes for the start of their Key Stage 1 journey. The children enjoyed their first transition session and settled so well and we have seen so many children making new friendships and entering Year 1 with big smiles. Before we tell you about all the exciting things we do in Year 1 we would like to introduce you to the Year 1 Team for 2023-2024. Mrs Ford is the Year 1 Leader and the teacher in Beech Class. She will be supported by the Teaching Assistant Miss Brockhurst. The teacher of Chestnut class will be Miss Niamh Beckley, and she is supported by the Teaching Assistants Mrs Lane. Hazel Class will be taught by Mrs Leahy and she will be supported by the Teaching Assistant Mrs Lo. You will be able to meet us all at our Year 1 Welcome Meeting (details to follow in the future).
The Year 1 Curriculum
The Year 1 Curriculum includes the core subjects alongside a number of foundation subjects as follows:
Core subjects: are fundamental, work together and support development in all other areas.
- English (reading, writing and spoken language)
- Maths
- Science
Foundation subjects: include essential knowledge and skills for children to participate successfully in society.
- Art and Design
- Design Technology
- History and Geography
- Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Computing
- Music
- PDL
You can find lots of resources and useful information on this page to assist you in understanding and supporting your child's time in Year 1. This includes curriculum newsletters, contact information, ways to support your child at home and information about ‘Seesaw’ the online learning journal we use.
Parental Partnership
At Hiltingbury, we value working alongside parents and recognise the positive impact these successful relationships have on your child’s learning and social and emotional development. You are the experts of your child; their first and enduring educators. If you have any questions of concerns about your child’s learning, social or emotional needs, then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. This can be arranged at drop off or collection if appropriate or alternatively you can arrange a telephone call or meeting through the school office.
Seesaw
Seesaw is a secure online learning journal to record photos, observations and comments, in line with the Key Stage 1 curriculum, to build up a record of your child’s learning across the curriculum during their time with us. This platform allows us to work with parents and carers to share information and record your child’s learning in the classroom and beyond! We encourage parents to be actively involved in your child’s learning and welcome home observations detailing what your child has accomplished at home.
Topics
Within Year 1, the topics change each half term and are reflective of the interests of the children. The indoor classroom environment is updated frequently to ensure engaging, motivational and exciting learning opportunities are provided for your child. You can find our yearly overview below and each half term you will receive a curriculum newsletter which will provide you with more detail over subject content.
Phonics and Reading
At Hiltingbury, we follow the Little Wandle programme. The Little Wandle programme is devised into phases and is taught on a daily basis. Children start phonics straight away when they start in Reception. We have devised a phonics glossary to support you as parents in using the terminology at home with your child when reading, sharing and discussing books. We also use cued articulation which is a system that shows where and how the sounds are made within the mouth.
Alongside our systematic teaching of phonics, we also instil a love of reading. This is developed through the sharing of high-quality texts which are carefully mapped out across the school. This enables us to develop children’s cultural capital. We do this through talking about texts, making connections with children’s experiences and broadening children’s horizons through the use of carefully chosen high quality texts.