Curriculum overview – Summer 2014 (Year 1 of rolling programme)
In Year 1 and 2 we follow a 2 year rolling programme, with year 1 and 2 children covering the same topics most terms. During the topic the children will have the opportunity to work alongside Year 2 pupils to carry out different activities as well as working within their own class.
Topic – Lighthouses
In Year 1 we follow a creative curriculum approach where as many subjects as possible, including literacy, are covered within one theme. This half term our topic is lighthouses and continues on from our last topic ‘Beside the Seaside’.
We start the topic by continuing to compare and contrast the Isle of Coll with the Mainland and linking this to our local area. The children then develop their ICT skills through using the internet, learning to navigate a given website to find photographs to help them answer a question. They will also learn to copy and paste these images onto a simple word processing package and use a word bank to add text.
The next part of our topic is DT based. The children will use their knowledge of lighthouses, following a trip to Souter Lighthouse, to design and make their own working lighthouse which will include a working light. Children will choose the materials to use, explore ways to join these and investigate electrical circuits to make a working light.
As part of our science children will explore floating and sinking in water and other liquids to make comparisons.
Our topic will finish with a history link. Children will learn about the life of Grace Darling through various drama techniques including freeze framing, role-play and hot seating.
In art the children will also look at sculpture, in particular the work of Andy Goldsworthy and his use of natural materials. This links in well with their science topic on materials as well. The children will work in small groups to create their own sculpture in the style of Andy Goldsworthy on a seaside/lighthouse theme. Children from other classes will be invited to view our ‘art gallery’ of sculptures and will be asked to evaluate them.
Literacy
This half term the children will continue to follow the Read Write Inc programme for phonics 5 days a week. Children will receive a structured and systematic phonics lesson for an hour each day. This will be taught in small ability groups, based on their reading ability and is aimed at accelerating their reading ability and fluency.
We will also be practising pencil grip, control and correct letter formation on a daily basis in handwriting sessions. Those who are ready to, will be introduced to simple joins linked to the Read Write Inc sounds they have learnt.
Reading books will also be sent home each week. These will be changed when your child returns his or her book signed by you the parent/carer. This should be at least once a week, but will depend on your child’s confidence and ability as a reader. The more that you can practise reading with your child the better! Short sessions every day is ideal!
Numeracy
We will be covering the required termly elements of the numeracy curriculum via Maths Makes Sense. Some main aspects for practise include:
- Numbers and the Number system – reading, writing and ordering numbers to 100. Counting on and back in 1’s, 2’s, 5’s and 10’s forwards and backwards. Understanding place value of 2-digit numbers. Identifying odd and even numbers, multiples and using these to continue and create number sequences.
- Calculations – continuing to develop quick recall of addition and subtraction facts to 10. Introduction to the written method of vertical add and subtraction using 2 and 3-digit numbers. Begin to understand division as grouping using the Maths Makes Sense approach.
- Shape– further developing knowledge of the properties of 2D shape, as well as introducing 3D shapes.
- Space and measures– Understanding and adding mass including Kg and g. Introducing the children to the language and vocabulary associated with capacity. Continuing to develop reading the analogue clock for o’clock and half past times.
- Handling data-.being able to make and interpret simple charts and pictograms.
Science
Sorting and using materials – The children will explore different properties of materials through a range of practical activities. They will also look at magnetism and explore attraction and repulsion. After reading the story of Q Pootle the children will receive a message from Q Pootle himself asking them to help find a suitable material to make his new rocket. Children will help to plan and carry out an investigation to help Q Pootle.
Floating & sinking – linked to our topic Lighthouses.
Growing plants- Exploring the growth of plants and factors which affect this. Children get to plant their own seeds and witness growth first hand. This will include looking at plants in our school grounds and garden and if possible we will be planting up our own raised bed.
The children will also take part in a range of fun investigations to help them develop their science investigation skills like predicting, observing and recording results as well as talking about what their results show.
ICT
We make good use of the school’s computer suite to learn how to log on, type our names and use basic computer programmes. We also explore how to use and control digital equipment like cameras. This term the children will learn to use the keyboard to type text, insert a picture using copy and paste and use a simple word bank on screen. They will also begin to use the internet with support to carry out research linked to their topic about the seaside.
RE
This half term the children will continue to study Buddhism, in particular focussing this half term on how Buddhists worship in their homes.
Music
This term the children will explore rhythm and dynamics through a range of simple songs and rhymes. Some of these will be linked to our topic on the seaside. They will also explore untuned instruments and actions/movement to accompany these songs.
A little extra information:
I would also like to stress the importance of the valuable work that you do at home with reading books, keyword cards and homework. Thank you for all your efforts, this is of great benefit to the children and I would encourage you to continue as often as possible.
PE
Our PE day is currently a Friday. Please ensure a suitable PE kit is in school on these days and any earrings are removed.
Homework
Homework learning logs will be handed out each Wednesday and are to be returned to school for marking the following Monday. Please choose an activity each week from the selection glued into the front cover of your child’s learning log.
