KS1 Curriculum

In Key Stage 1, we gradually take the children from the play-based curriculum of the Foundation Stage towards a readiness for the Junior School at the end of Year 2.  There is a big emphasis on building the main skills of phonics, reading, writing and number through focused and personalised teaching to develop children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and so prepares them for future challenges.  We firmly believe in active learning.  In a maths lesson, you will probably see and hear us singing, chanting, dancing and keeping fit as we learn to count in ones, twos, fives and tens, or learn our number facts.  You may see us writing the answers to calculations on whiteboards, in the air, on each other’s backs:  anything to get the children active and learning.

Science, history, geography, design technology and art are taught in subject specific lessons under an engaging termly topic umbrella (Dinosaurs, Underground, Kenya, Space, Castles, Oceans and Seas). There are always practical, memorable and lively activities designed to draw the children into a deeper understanding, for example using drama, local visits, visitors to school and exhibits within school, and educational visits such as to the National Coal Mining Museum and Skipton Castle.  Recently our children amazed the guides at this castle with their tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm!

RE and PSHE, taught following local guidance, are hugely important in widening our children’s understanding of themselves and the society around them, while computing has a key role to play in preparing children for an ever increasing digital world.

Physical Education is an equally important part of the curriculum, with a real drive towards the skills children will need to take part in sport in the future, as well as helping children to understand the need to be as fit and healthy as possible.

Last, but by no means least, music and drama enrich our lives, and our children regularly have opportunities to write, learn and perform for themselves and for others.  They never cease to amaze us by what they can do if given the chance!