Year 1

AUTUMN TERM Learning

English

In Autumn 1, our theme is ‘Journeys and Exploration’. As part of this, we will read the texts ‘The Naughty Bus’ and ‘Astro Girl’, using them as hooks to inspire our writing. Our main focus is constructing a clear simple sentence that uses capital letters, finger spaces and a full stop at the end. We will later introduce the conjunction ‘and’ and exclamation marks. In Autumn 2, our theme changes to ‘Heroes and Villains’. We will read ‘I Want My Hat Back’ and ‘Send for a Superhero’ as part of this. We will develop the skill of prediction, using information that we can retrieve or infer to justify our predictions. We will also focus on adding suffixes to words (where the spelling of the root word doesn’t change) to alter tense and create comparatives and superlatives. Across both half terms, we will be continuing the Little Wandle phonics scheme with daily phonics sessions and guided reading sessions three times a week.

Maths

We will begin Autumn 1 by consolidating our number awareness from 1-10 and later 0-20. This will involve the children counting forwards and backwards from any given number within 10 and ensuring the have a solid understanding and formation of each of these numbers. The children will also begin comparing quantities and applying their knowledge of numbers to part-whole models. When using part-whole models, children will begin developing their addition and subtraction skills. In Autumn 2, children will explore 2D and 3D shapes and position and direction. Throughout the Autumn term, the children will be completing a ‘Mastering numbers’ lesson daily too. This focuses on subitising (an ability to instantly recognise a group of objects without counting them). This skill supports children with quick mental addition and subtraction as they progress through to adulthood.

Science

We will be developing both our substantive knowledge (scientific facts, concepts and vocabulary) as well as our disciplinary knowledge (how to think like scientist: questioning, predicting, recording, observing and sorting) in Science. In Autumn 1, we will be comparing the seasons and considering which events / activities are associated with each. In Autumn 2, we will be looking at everyday materials: naming, sorting, distinguishing them from objects and considering their properties.

Computing

Firstly, we will be focusing on how to be safe and responsible using technology. Soon after, we will introduce the Chrome books and practise how to turn them on, log in independently and familiarise ourselves with touchpads, a mouse and the keyboard. We will also practise shutting them down and charging them.

Geography

We will do Geography in Autumn 1 this term. In our Geography topic, we will explore what it’s like here – at Allfarthing. We will introduce maps with symbols, encouraging children to make their own map of the classroom and interpret a map of the playground.

History

We will do History in Autumn 2 this term. Our first History unit is ‘How am I making History?’ This unit will allow children to understand what History is and how it impacts them today. We will learn where we can look into our past to learn more about ourselves and compare the similarities and differences between children in the past and the children of today.

Art/DT

Art is taught by Ms Konc in Autumn 1. The first topic taught is centred on line and shape. The topic culminates in using what the children have learnt to create a portrait. This also offers the opportunity to express what they like and dislike about a piece of art in a respectful manner. In Autumn 2, Ms Konc will teach Year 1 DT. The first DT topic is designing, making and evaluating a moving story book which incorporates a side-to-side and up-and-down slider. 

PSHE

This half term we will be looking at emotions. The children will learn about a number of emotions and discuss moments which may cause a person to feel a certain way and how they may express this given emotion either as facial expression or with actions. We will also cover how we can help regulate our emotions and what to do if emotions get tricky. After half term, we will explore what makes us and friends / family feel safe and happy. We will identify what makes the children feel special (and what might make other people feel special), identify safe places and trusted adults and the impact kind words and actions has on others.

RE

In Autumn 1, we are exploring how the world began. We will explore Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Humanist beliefs about creation through creation stories. Next half term, we will be learning about what some people think God looks like. Through this we will be considering the beliefs of Muslims, Hindus and Christians. We will have lots of discussions surrounding everyone’s differing beliefs and how we can be respectful towards each other.

Music

In Autumn 1, children will sing songs relating to the solar system. They will explore the use of tuned and untuned percussion instruments and sounds to represent different planets in Gustav Holst’s ‘Planets Suite’. In Autumn 2, children will sing songs in readiness for the Christmas concert. They will also explore the music of Tchaikovsky’s ballet ‘The Nutcracker’, recreating key pieces using percussion and tuned percussion.

PE

In Autumn 1, children will do PE with Mr Haughton. He will be teaching fundamental movement skills, including balancing, running, jumping, skipping and hopping. In Autumn 2, children will have two PE lessons each week, one with Mr Haughton – Ball skills, including rolling, throwing, catching and dribbling - and one with their class teacher – Dance, involving creating, remembering and performing simple movement patterns.

Reminders

Please send your child in with their coat, Little Wandle book and reading record, water and fruit (optional) every day. Please ensure everything is named.

Please read with your child daily and record any reading you do with them at home in their reading record.

Please check Dojo regularly to keep up with notices, pictures and your child’s dojo points.

PE day is Thursday / Forest School Day is Wednesday (Autumn 1).