Class Information
Year 1 Class Teacher: Miss L Sweetman
Welcome to Willow Class
In Willow Class, we take inspiration from the willow tree, which is known for its strength, flexibility and ability to thrive in all seasons. Just like the willow, we encourage our children to be resilient when facing challenges, adaptable when learning new things and supportive of those around them. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, grows in confidence and is supported to reach their full potential.
We also encourage children to live out our school values of Compassion, Courage and Wisdom each day. Through showing kindness to others, persevering when learning is challenging and making thoughtful choices, children learn that even the smallest actions can have a positive impact on our school community.
Learning in Willow Class
In Willow Class, children take part in a balance of formal learning and child-initiated activities throughout the day. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that develops children’s knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of learning.
Alongside whole-class teaching, children have opportunities to explore, practise and apply their learning through practical, hands-on experiences during child-initiated learning time. We also incorporate outdoor learning wherever possible, allowing children to investigate, create and learn in different environments whilst developing their independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Phonics is taught daily using the systematic synthetic phonics programme Little Wandle Letters & Sounds. Children also take part in Reading Practice Sessions with a teacher using Big Cat books, which are carefully matched to their current reading level.
During the week, children will read the same book three times, with each session focusing on different reading skills to build fluency, confidence, and comprehension. In addition, your child will bring home a picture book to share with you, helping to develop their storytelling and language skills. Please ensure that any reading completed at home is recorded in your child’s reading record.
We are excited to offer a range of educational visits and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. These experiences are carefully linked to our curriculum and help to bring learning to life, enabling children to make meaningful connections, deepen their understanding, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom. We look forward to sharing further details with you as the year progresses.
Timetable
An example of our class timetable can be found below. Please note that our PE days are Monday and Friday, children should come into school in their correct PE kit (no jewellery please).
Curriculum Information
Terms/Topic Information
Our learning this year will be based on the topics below and will change accordingly each term. The table below contains the knowledge organisers for Geography and Science.
Additional useful information (such as Recommended Reads and Phonics information) can be found at the bottom of this page and will be updated regularly.
| Term | Science Knowledge Organiser | Geography/History Knowledge Organiser |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Animal Features | Our School & Nurturing Nurses |
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 |
Useful Parent Resources at Year 1
For further useful resources, please visit each curriculum page.