An enriched, dynamic curriculum
Key Stage 1 is an important bridge in a child’s development as they are putting into practice all the skills and foundational knowledge that they have gained in EYFS and building upon them.
Years 1 and 2 are situated in large bright rooms on the upper ground floor which incorporates them into the more formal learning atmosphere in the main building whilst also retaining the space required for children of this age.
Teaching children confidence and independent thinking
Years 1 and 2 signal the beginning of National Curriculum expectations and standardised testing to enable progress tracking. The curriculum is taught in separate subjects while children gain confidence and independence in their learning and abilities. Phonics and reading continue to be essential with most children finishing the phonics scheme by the end of Year 2. Maths and English are key and form the beginning of each day’s timetable.
The Core Knowledge Curriculum for Science, Music, Art, History and Geography is introduced in this Key Stage and continues throughout the school. Other subjects taught by the class teacher include Computing, Drama, Religious Studies, Reasoning and PSHE. Additional specialised teaching begins in Year 1 in the Art room. Year 1 & 2 pupils also go swimming on a Friday afternoon.
Currriculum
A broad curriculum to stimulate and challenge pupils
In the pre-prep stage, the curriculum is designed to encourage children to develop a love for learning while also building their social, emotional, and physical skills.
The curriculum is designed to provide a foundation for future learning and development. The school aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
French
Having grasped basics in French in EYFS, children in Key Stage 1 will progress to learn topic vocabulary and increase their confidence in spoken French through repetition, games and songs.
Written work is limited at this stage as oral comprehension and an accurate accent are more important to ensure understanding moving forward.
Sports
Sport is taught once a week in the safety of our main playground by specially trained coaches from Ealing Trailfinders. Skills and team games are taught which build upon and extend those gained in EYFS. The sporting highlight of the year is the School Sports Day held in June which everyone takes part in to represent their House.
Every Friday afternoon Years 1 and 2 go swimming at a local swimming pool. They are assessed in their first lesson of the academic year and placed in ability groups taught by Swimming Teachers. Assessments are carried out at the end of each term culminating in a final one at the end of the year after which children will receive Swimming badges and certificates.
Music
Years 1 and 2 are taught Music once a week by the Music teacher which involves learning about rhythm, playing with sound, using their voice, responding to music and playing percussion and the tin whistle.
Alongside these aspects of Music, the children will be learning how to look out for these musical elements in famous works whilst also familiarising themselves with key composers. Once a week there is a Key Stage 1 choir lesson which every child in Years 1 & 2 takes part in. There are also visiting peripatetic teachers to individually teach piano and guitar.
Art
Art is taught by the Art teacher once a week. Children will learn about the elements of Art such as colour, line, shape and texture alongside types of Art, studying well known pieces and gaining familiarity with famous artists. They will have the opportunity to put this learning into practise in each unit either in 2D or 3D form.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR, CLUBS & TRIPS
Our pupils excel beyond the classroom
Our pupils in Years 1 & 2 have a trip or workshop each term. With a wealth of museums, theatres and locations to visit, our trips are carefully planned to support and extend the classroom learning, often including tailored workshops.
There are two clubs a week run by the teachers in Key Stage 1 which parents may sign children up to. Ballet Lessons with our Ballet Teacher who visits the school each Wednesday are available at an extra cost. Clubs change each term and are run after school until 4.45pm.
After school care is available each day until 6pm.
