Year 1

Nurturing and inspiring curious minds

In Year 1, we continue to build upon the foundation of knowledge and skills developed in Reception. A variety of adult-led and independent activities encourage children to experiment, to try out ideas and to persevere with their learning to overcome challenges. Equipping children with a ‘Can Do’ attitude strengthens their emotional resilience and thirst for learning, and is an integral part of their learning journey into Year 2 and beyond.

Curriculum

The curriculum in Year 1 focuses on the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics. Alongside is the continued exploration of Science, Art, RS, PSHE and Design and Technology, as well as evolving termly topics centred around Historical and Geographical themes. In addition, the children are taught each week by specialist teachers in Music, Computing, PE, Dance, Drama and French.

Communication Skills

We firmly believe in enriching children’s language and communication skills, children ‘Learn to talk and talk to learn’. The gentle, animated, bubbling sound of children’s laughter and conversation can often be heard as we encourage them to ask questions and discuss their learning as they learn to develop important critical and creative thinking skills. In developing children’s love of literacy, staff continue to hear every child read every day.

Sport/Dance

The children use Spratton’s extensive facilities for their regular Games and PE lessons, gradually preparing for the introduction of specific sports in Year 2.
All pupils in our Reception and Year 1 classes receive one timetabled Dance lesson each week taught in our theatre, the Hunter Hall, by a specialist dance tutor.

Teachers

Our ratio of pupils to adults continues to be low with a fully qualified, experienced class teacher and full-time teaching assistants who work hard to ensure that life at Spratton Hall is challenging, stimulating and, very importantly, fun!