Year 1 | Holy Trinity Church Of England Primary School

Year 1

Class teacher: Mrs Rea-Gardner

Support staff: Mrs Taylor

Welcome to Year 1!

Year 1 is a fantastic time for both personal and academic growth. It marks the transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to the National Curriculum, where children begin to learn subjects in a more structured yet engaging way.

A key focus in Year 1 is phonics. We ensure that all children develop strong reading skills so they can confidently access the wider curriculum throughout their school years. As their phonics knowledge grows, so does their ability to write, as they begin to see the connection between reading and spelling.

To support a smooth transition from EYFS, we take a gentle and balanced approach. While children engage in more formal learning, we also recognise that they are still young. That’s why we provide ‘choosing time’—unstructured play opportunities where children can explore activities such as outdoor play, painting, LEGO, or crafting. This helps them develop creativity, independence, and social skills while giving them a well-deserved brain break.

The progress children make in Year 1 is truly remarkable. They build strong foundations in English and Maths, setting them up for success in the years ahead.

Please see the termly overviews to find out what your child will be learning each term.

Y1 Trip -Botanical Gardens

Year 1 had a fantastic day at the Botanical Gardens! The children became sensational scientists, conducting several experiments—including extracting DNA from a strawberry! Their curiosity shone through as they explored a wide variety of plants, both in the gardens and inside the (very warm!) greenhouse.

RE- Creation

Y1 Historians

Through role-play, the children immersed themselves in the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, retelling their incredible stories and discovering the lasting impact these remarkable women have had on healthcare today.