Great Dunmow Primary School
Year 1
Our class teachers are Mrs Stow in Cherry Tree Class and in Holly Tree Class we have Mrs Lock and Mrs Sinnet.
We also have Mrs Taylor, Mrs Turner, Miss Austin, Mrs Crowther, Mrs Mathieson, Miss Moore and Mrs Amey who help support our learning.
Autumn 2024
Welcome to Year 1 at Great Dunmow Primary School. We are really excited about settling into Year 1 and getting to know you all. We have lots of exciting topics which will take us on a fun learning journey throughout this term. Our main topic is ‘Toys’ where we will be learning about old and new toys, writing about our favourite toys and learning about the materials they are made from. This information leaflet has been put together to keep all parents and carers fully informed of what their children will experience this term.
English
Year 1 will be start by learning about labels, lists and captions. We will then be learning the stories of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’, as well as writing our own versions of these well-known traditional tales. Finally, we will follow and write our own simple instructions. In Phonics, we are following the ELS program.
Maths
Our daily Maths lessons will be learning to read and write our numbers to 10 to 20. We will look at a variety of counting strategies and how to find one more or less than a given number. We will learn how to add and subtract by using a variety of different apparatus, including tens frames, ‘part, part, whole’ models, a number line and Numicon. We use a ‘Mastery’ approach, which means that we will embed skills and knowledge deeply and challenge children through questioning and reasoning rather than moving onto new concepts.
Foundation Subjects
In Computing, children will learn the basics of logging in and using a mouse before working on programming ‘Beebots’ and exploring online safety. In Art, we will explore different methods of printing whilst in DT we will focus on working with textiles to create our own puppets. Geography will focus on weather and in History we will be looking at how toys have changed from the past. We will be exploring similarities and differences between these toys, as well as investigating how teddy bears have changed over the last 100 years. In Spanish, children will focus on greetings, numbers and colours whilst in Music we will be developing rhythm, pulse and how to play the glockenspiel. In PE, we will be looking at invasion games and yoga amongst other things. In PSHE, we will focus on health and well-being whilst in RE we will explore a philosophical approach to Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism as well looking at celebrations in Christianity and Islam. In Science, we will investigate materials and seasonal changes.
General Information
PE
For outdoor lessons, children will need their track suits and trainers, it can be cold! Girls may also need spare socks for outdoor PE, if they are wearing tights. The children will wear shorts, P.E. t-shirts and plimsolls for indoor PE lessons.
Please ensure that your child has their hair tied back and that no jewellery is worn on the day. Staff are not able to take earrings out or put tape on them, so your child will miss P.E. if they cannot remove them.
Ties/Buttons – Please help your child to practise putting on their tie and doing up their buttons at home. This can be particularly challenging with top buttons so it would be great to help them become more independent.
Water bottles Please ensure your child has a water bottle in school with them each day.
PLEASE label all uniform and PE clothes
PE will take place on
- Friday (Indoor)
- Mondays (Outdoor)
Reading
Reading Books will be changed on Mondays / Thursdays (reading for pleasure) if they have been read and Fridays (ELS ebooks), but please bring your book and diary every day. Please indicate in the Reading Diary when you have read with your child so that we can change it.
We would like you to read the ebook three times each week.
Homework
Homework will be introduced gradually. When it begins, it will be sent home on Wednesdays and include online maths games and spelling work. More information will be sent out to you regarding this in due course.
Absences / home time collection / urgent messages
Should be reported to the School Office during the school day as we may not see a message on classdojo whilst teaching.
Upcoming events in Year One
WOW moment – very soon!
Meet the Teacher – Thursday 12th September 3.20pm
Individual Photos – Wednesday 16th October
Holly Tree Class Assembly – Tuesday 5th November
Cherry Tree Class Assembly – Wednesday 6th November
Year 1 Christmas performance – Monday 9th December 2.15pm
We are looking forward to a fun packed year ahead!
If you have any further questions and wish to speak to your child’s class teacher, please do not hesitate to contact us via Class Dojo or the school office to make an appointment.
Mrs Stow, Mrs Sinnet and Mrs Lock
For further information about our curriculum – please see the long term plan below