English – Writing

We use a ‘Talk for Writing’ approach to help the children to learn model texts (‘imitate’).  We then work as a class to ‘innovate’ these texts and then, your child will have the opportunity to ‘invent’ their own text.  We will learn to write stories, fact files, instructions, setting descriptions, character descriptions, letters and poems.

We cover the books; The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mad about Minibeasts, We’re going on a bear hunt, Stickman, The Tiger who came to tea, Where teachers keep their pets (poem), The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Hen, Vlad, Snail and the Whale and Meerkat Mail.

Reading & Phonics

We use the scheme Read, Write, Inc. to teach your child to read.  In Reception the children learn the set 1 and 2 sounds and then in year 1 & 2, they go over set 2 and learn the set 3 sounds.  As your child progresses through the Read, Write, Inc. scheme they will become more fluent readers.  At the end of year 1, your child will take the ‘Phonics Screening Check.’

We also teach the children in year 1, 100 common exception/high frequency words.  We learn not only how to read these words, but how to spell them too.

Maths

We use a mastery approach to teach Maths at Tame Valley Academy.  We not only teach your child the key number facts but the skills they need to answer reasoning and problem-solving questions as well as working on their Maths fluency.  We use a ‘concrete, pictorial, abstract’ approach so that the children are able to use a range of resources to help them to answer questions and deepen their understanding of number.

In year 1 we teach the children how to order and recognise numbers to 100.  We teach addition, subtraction, doubling, halving, sharing, shape, space, measure, odd and even numbers and how to count in 2’s, 5’s and 10’s.

Foundation subjects

Science

Autumn 1 – Plants

We will learn to name plants, look at their key features and find out what a plant needs to grow.  We will learn how to name different types of trees and say whether they are

deciduous or evergreen.

Autumn 2 – Seasons, Weather, Day/Night

The children will learn to name the seasons in order and describe the weather associated with these seasons.  They will learn about different types of weather and how people try to predict the weather with forecasts.  They will also learn the difference between day and night.

Spring 1 – Everyday Materials

We will look at objects and the different materials they are made from and the properties of materials such as glass, plastic, wood and metal.  We will also complete an experiment on which materials are waterproof, and which are not.

Spring 2 – Animals including humans

The children will learn to identify animals and describe their features.  They will learn about a variety of common UK birds, fish and reptiles and be able to sort animals according to where they live (i.e. domestic pets, farm animals, forest animals and wild animals).  We will also learn about carnivores, herbivores and omnivores and we will learn how to take care of animals and collect data on them.  We will look at naming human body parts and will also learn about the five senses; touch, taste, hear, see and smell.

Summer 1 & 2 – Revision, consolidation and investigations

History/Geography

Autumn 1 – Changes in Living Memory (History)

In History we will learn about the human timeline but also how our local area has changed over time.  We will look at the shops in our local area and explore what they looked like in the past and how they have changed.

Autumn 2 – Physical and Human Features (Geography)

We will learn about the features of the local area and how to draw and follow a basic map.  We will look at both human and physical features of our local area and a coastal area and compare the two.

Spring 1 –  Changes in Toys (History)

In History we will learn about the changes in toys over the past 60 years.  The children will look at modern day toys and toys from the past, discuss and make comparisons.  The children will learn about being a history detective and will be encouraged to ask questions, make

comparisons and use evidence to help them come to conclusions.

Spring 2 – The United Kingdom and a comparison study between London and Nairobi (Geography)

We will learn about the countries within the United Kingdom and their capital cities.  We will look at where these countries are located and their flags.  We will also learn about the seas surrounding the United Kingdom and compare two capital cities; London and Nairobi.

Summer 1 – The Great Fire of London (History)

We will learn facts about ‘The Great Fire of London.’  We will learn when the fire took place, the events that led to the fire and why the fire spread so quickly.  We will compare London in 1666 to now and look at how the Great Fire of London changed history and led to the fire service being  established.

Summer 2 – Continents and Oceans (Geography)

We will learn about continents and oceans, maps and fieldwork.  The children will learn how to name and locate the world’s 7 continents and 5 oceans.  They will use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of the school and it’s grounds and the key physical and human features of its surrounding environment.

Art/DT

Autumn 1 – Drawing, sketching and painting

We will be exploring mark making by using different mediums to draw and paint with.  We will also be creating self-portraits.

Autumn 2 – Food Technology

We will learn how to sort fruits and vegetables, learn where they come from and how they are prepared in order to make either a fruit salad or smoothie.

Spring 1 –  Mechanisms

In Design Technology we will focus on Mechanisms; making pictures move.  We will explore sliders, levers and wheel systems.  We will use our design and

problem solving skills to make a picture that moves.

Spring 2 – Craft and Design

We will apply our skills in cutting, arranging and joining a variety of materials including card and felt.  We will make felt, a stained glass window and prints.

Summer 1 – Mechanical Systems

We will look at materials that are water resistant and look at pulleys and axles to design a mechanism to transport water to put out a fire.

Summer 2 – Textures and Collage

We will look at composition, textures, colour mixing, shades and colours of the sea, to create a beach collage.