Year 1 (2014 -2015)

1. Curriculum Statement
Year 1
Term One
September 2014

2. This term our main topics are :
The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?The Senses/Who am I?
Children will think about how people learn about the world by exploring using their five senses -
sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
As well as learning some simple scientific explanations about how our senses work, children will view
works of art where the artist draws eyes in their paintings. They will make a simple string telephone
so they can explore sound waves moving. There will also be games involving touch, taste and smell.
Children will also investigate similarities and differences between people.
Very importantly, children will discuss and find out about what happens when someone loses a
sense, such as blind or deaf people, and will spend some time learning about how blind people read
using braille, and how sign language helps deaf people communicate. We will have a trip to a special
bakery with blind and deaf staff, and also practise our senses through making a cake.
Key vocabulary:
senses, sight, sound, hearing, touch, feel, smell, taste, ear, mouth, eye, tongue, nose.
Relevant books/authors:
Any science books which explain how eyes, ears, the nose and the tongue work.
Related Websites/resources:
A song about the 5 senses - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBssVPP3VTg
We are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eatWe are what we eat
Through this topic, children will explore different aspects of food. For example, they will learn where
the food they eat comes from. There is also the geographical aspect of foods coming from around
the world which involves looking at world maps and discussing how travel has made it possible for
us to eat foods from different countries.
Children will express their choices about food but also learn how to make healthy choices, even
getting the opportunity to make some healthy snacks. They will learn in simple terms about food
groups and how different foods help our bodies to develop and stay healthy.
Art and history will also be covered by using pictures of fruit to create some fun pieces of artwork,
and by looking at food in celebrations.
Key vocabulary:
food, plants, animals, map, healthy, choice.
Relevant books/authors:
This topic will lead children to explore a lot more information books.
Related Websites/resources:
http://school.asda.com/kids.aspx

3. LITERACY – English and Vietnamese
In English we learn the alphabet using phonics — learning the sounds of the letters which will
eventually help when trying to read and spell words. We also learn how to write each letter correctly
and practise this skill. Another major focus is building up vocabulary.
In Vietnamese we are learning the Vietnamese alphabet: recognising letters in words, and practising
writing and spelling words. Every day we try to practise listening skills and pronouncing words
correctly.
In both languages we will be reading traditional tales to get children talking and practising some
writing exercises. We will cover stories with familiar settings, for example, going shopping, going to a
birthday party or visiting relatives, etc. We will also look at poems which will link to the topic of The
Senses. Non-fiction writing will include recounting some things we do during the week and following
and writing instructions. All of these areas will link to our main topics.
How you can support at home:
The homework activities are designed to give exposure to and practise of the letters/sounds learned
in class. Please talk with your child while they complete homework so you can discuss things in both
languages if possible. When you are out shopping or taking a trip, talk about the things you see to
help build up your child’s vocabulary. If you know words in English then share the vocabulary in both
languages to increase the words your child knows. Reading books with children will also be very
helpful for their language development.
Related websites/resources:
https://hwb.wales.gov.uk/cms/hwbcontent//Shared%20Documents/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/alphabet-eng/
alphabet.htm
MATHEMATICS
Calculating, measuring and understanding shapesCalculating, measuring and understanding shapesCalculating, measuring and understanding shapesCalculating, measuring and understanding shapes
This term, children in Year 1 will study the following aspects of mathematics:
• Numbers 1 to 20: recognise and write numbers, count forward and backwards.
• Compare numbers and use the related symbols and language.
• Understand “add more” and “take away” and use the related symbols and language. Children
will tackle some simple problem solving (from 1 to 20).
• Estimate, measure, weigh and compare objects, choosing and using suitable non-standard or
standard units and measuring instruments.
• Shapes: learning the names and properties of shapes.
How you can support at home:
Help the children to feel that maths is fun. Parents should ask children mathematical questions with
real objects linked to real life so that children can find out that maths is useful and realise that it’s all
around us.
Related websites/resources:
http://www.primarygames.com/math.php
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/math_games.htm

4. We do hope that the above information will be useful for you when supporting your child’s homework
and discussing his/her learning. Should you have any further questions please contact your child’s
class teacher.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - In Term 1 children in Year 1 will be exploring basic fundamental skills,
actions and ideas. The will demonstrate increasing understanding in travelling; throwing; catching and
bouncing a ball; developing kicking, punting and dribbling skills. The focus will be on developing their
individual skill set and coordination with and without equipment. The focus in swimming will be on
water familiarization; developing of floating and movement in the water; concentrating on acquiring
the skill to feel buoyancy and propelling themselves in water with different swimming aids.
MUSIC - During Term 1 children will be learning English greeting songs and developing their
language skills through music. They will learn to recognise different sound sources and how to use
percussion instruments appropriately. In the second half of the term children will be learning to
identify long and short sounds, soft and loud sounds, and high and low sounds.
SCIENCE
The first topic is ‘Ourselves’ which is linked to our Topic about ‘The senses/ Who am I?’ The children
will identify, name, draw and label the basic parts of the human body and say which part of the body
is associated with each sense.
During the second half of the term, children will look at ‘Materials and their properties’. Children
should be able to identify and name a variety of everyday materials such as wood, plastic, glass,
metal, water and rock. Children will also describe, compare and group together a variety of everyday
materials based on their simple physical properties. We will also observer and talk about changes in
the weather and seasons as appropriate.
How you can support at home:
Talk about the ordinary things your child sees - how they work, what they are made from, how they
help us. Any science homework activities should be discussed with your child while they carry them
out. This will help with vocabulary and reinforce what your child learned in school. Encourage children
to describe different material; what they feel and look like.
Related websites/resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/5_6/light_dark.shtml
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY— In the first term, children will be
learning how to program a robot to arrive at a destination. They will also develop their generic ICT
skills. They will be able to log onto the computer, work independently to confidently use a mouse and
keyboard, and save and retrieve work from their personal folders. They will learn how to storyboard
by using images and text.
P.S.H.E. - At the beginning of Term 1 children will learn the school Golden Rules and talk about why
these rules are important in creating a happy safe environment for us to learn in. We will link these
to the values and attitudes on our school Aide Memoire. In the second part of the term we will talk
about helping and caring for each other. We will reflect on our feelings when others hurt us and when
they help us.