Leaving Reception and moving into Year 1 can feel like a big step for both children and their parents. At St Giles’, we believe that a smooth transition from the Early Years to Year 1 is crucial. This is why we ensure the children have a sufficient transition period, continuing with some of the routines from the Early Years until the children are ready for the change into a more structured learning environment.

In Year 1, children learn through play, exploring, discovering and making use of role play and enhanced provision resources. They also learn through adult directed tasks and are given opportunities to be creative, problem solve and work collaboratively across the National Curriculum subjects.

Each term the children will have a new project to bring their learning to life. Many lessons in Art, DT, Geography, History, Science and English will be linked to their current project. Other schemes used include Jigsaw in PSHE, Val Sabin in PE and White Rose in Maths.

The children will be assessed throughout the year, including a phonics screening check in the summer term and regular end of unit assessments in Maths.

The children will be given an optional, termly homework booklet based on their current project to be completed throughout the term. Reading at home with your child is also very important. It will help them develop their learning in lots of areas. We would like to encourage you to read with your child at least 10 minutes every day in order to support their learning.