Year 1

Welcome to Year 1!

This term, Year 1 will be exploring the Geography unit Our Local Area, where children will develop their understanding of the world around them—starting right at their doorstep. They’ll use simple fieldwork and observation skills to study the geography of our school grounds and the surrounding environment. As part of this, children will learn to identify human features (like buildings and roads) and physical features (such as trees and hills), and talk about what each one is used for.

To deepen their learning, pupils will use maps and globes to locate our country (England), our county (Devon), and our locality (Plymouth). They’ll begin to understand how places fit together and where they live in the wider world. We’ll also explore well-known Plymouth landmarks such as the Mayflower Steps, Smeaton’s Tower, and the Royal William Yard, helping children connect their learning to real-life places they may have seen or visited. It’s a fantastic way to build geographical awareness and a sense of pride in their local community.

In Science, our topic is 'Everyday Materials'. We will identify and name a variety of different everyday materials and we will also learn about what different objects are made from. We will also identify and sort materials into groups based on their properties and later on in the term, we will investigate which materials would be better to make certain objects. Please have a look at our Science knowledge organiser below.

• PE will be on a Tuesday and Thursday. Children can wear their PE kit into school.
• Read at least three times a week with your child. Reading/phonics books will be sent home on Fridays, and they must be returned on Fridays. Please upload what they read via the QR code.

The Phonics Screening Check is a key milestone in your child’s reading journey, taking place in June during Year 1. It helps teachers assess how well children can use their phonics skills to decode words—an essential step toward becoming confident, fluent readers. The check includes both real and pseudo (made-up) words to ensure children are applying their sound knowledge, not just relying on memory.

Parents can support their child by practising phonics regularly at home—reading together, playing sound games, and encouraging children to spot sounds in everyday words. Listening to your child read aloud and celebrating their progress builds confidence and reinforces learning. With your support and our teaching, every child has the chance to shine!

Each term, I will do a mock PSC assessment to see how much progress they are making as well as further support and interventions.

Here is the link to find out more about how the PSC works and how to access the resources:

Year 1 Phonic Screening Check - URBrainy.com

Knowledge organisers are helpful tools that outline the key facts, vocabulary, and concepts children will learn in a specific subject or topic. They give pupils a clear overview of what to expect and help them make connections in their learning. Teachers use them to support planning and assessment, while children and parents can use them to reinforce understanding at home.

A long-term plan outlines what children will be learning across the school year in each subject. It ensures full curriculum coverage, progression of skills and knowledge, and a balanced learning experience. Teachers use it to sequence topics logically, make cross-curricular links, and prepare for key events or assessments. It also helps parents understand what their child will be studying and when.