Welcome to Year 1!

Welcome to Year 1! Year 1 is a big and exciting year full of new adventures, discovery and fun. We understand that the transition from F2 into Year 1 is an important step for both children and families, so we work hard to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy and confident. Our classroom has been carefully designed to feel familiar and welcoming, building upon the continuous provision approach children experience in F2 whilst gradually introducing more formal learning opportunities as the year progresses. 

In Year 1, we provide a balance of continuous provision and structured teaching, allowing children to develop independence, resilience and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences. Our classroom includes a range of engaging areas such as art, reading, construction, wooden blocks, small world, writing and maths, where children can explore, create and deepen their understanding through both play and purposeful activities. We encourage children to become independent learners who are confident to question, investigate and challenge themselves.

Our topics are brought to life through hands-on activities, creative experiences and opportunities for both independent and collaborative learning. Children explore their learning through role-play, construction, art, small world play, problem-solving challenges and outdoor learning, helping them to deepen their understanding and develop key skills across the curriculum.

In Maths, our Year 1 journey focuses on building a deep understanding of numbers to 100. We explore addition and subtraction, geometry, shape and pattern, measurement, fractions and money through practical, hands-on learning experiences. We aim to develop confident and independent mathematicians who can explain their thinking and apply their learning in different ways.

Our writing journey focuses on developing the fundamentals of writing through rich talk and oracy-based learning. Children are given opportunities to rehearse ideas aloud, develop vocabulary and build confidence before applying these skills to their independent writing. Throughout the year, children make huge strides as they become increasingly confident readers, writers and communicators.

Across the wider curriculum, children enjoy a range of exciting topics and experiences. In History, we explore childhoods in the 1960s and compare them with our lives today, as well as learning about Kings and Queens from the past and present. In Geography, we learn about our local area of Mansfield and compare it with the seaside village of Robin Hood's Bay.

Year 1 is a year of growth, creativity and memorable experiences, where children develop independence, confidence and a love of learning that will support them throughout the rest of their school journey.