English

Pupils will build on the work they did last term, writing story beginnings and endings; we will also develop the skills of writing sentences. Our work begins looking at story themes and characters. This will encourage children to use their imagination and experiences, as well as ideas from books they read, to write their own stories. We revisit story settings which will again stimulate ideas for the children's own writing. Our work on alphabetical order and using a dictionary will encourage pupils to develop the skills of working independently. We continue to focus on phonics, and ‘magic e' is explained, as well as many other important rules. Pupils were introduced to vowels last term, and we continue this work, looking at the difference between short and long vowels. Handwriting involves learning the remaining correct letter formation using entry and exit flicks and using them in all their written work. Daily reading, both at school and at home will continue to be of great importance. Weekly spellings and the various other pieces of work sent home are all part of developing a good homework routine and parents' support once again is so appreciated.

Mathematics

This term, pupils continue to develop their skills of giving and receiving change using 5p and 10p coins, and we work on counting, reading and writing numbers to 20. Being able to recognise numbers more than and less than as well as being able to estimate sensibly using numbers to 20 is all part of developing a broader understanding. We also continue work on the properties of 3D shapes and time; children are encouraged to look at their watches and the clocks in school, to enable them to learn the position of the hands for half past and quarter past. Pupils will take part in activities to help them understand place value and, as the term progresses, will begin number recognition to 100. As pupils' understanding develops they will be encouraged to work in groups or on individual activities to suit their abilities, allowing them to use and develop their knowledge of numbers. ICT games and problems will be used to enhance learning and build confidence.

Science

Sound and hearing is the first of two topics and we begin by going on ‘sound walks' around the school to identify different types of sounds. Musical instruments are an important part of this topic and we will listen to a selection of instruments being played and discuss the different types of sounds created. Parents help at home is greatly appreciated to support this work, and we will ask you to make a simple musical instrument at home. We will discuss how the various instruments produce their sounds, and use the instruments to create sound effects whilst a story is read aloud. The children will gain much from the experience of sharing their instruments together, and this should be a really enjoyable activity. Our second topic of Growing Plants involves children planting seeds and finding out through simple experiments that plants need light and water to grow. Our work has links with literacy, factual writing and ICT, using key words to label objects. We will end the term with a healthy discussion about fruits and vegetables!

Humanities

In geography this term we begin by thinking about how people spend their leisure time. We discuss the changes that are taking place in our local area and why they are necessary. Again, pupils think about where they live which has links with our work in history later this term. We also look at atlases and information books to find out about other countries and discuss how places are similar to and different from other places. In history we begin by discussing the sorts of homes people live in today and use photographs, books and ICT to find out how homes long ago were different from those of today. The term ends with the children discussing what they can find out about Victorian times from looking at household objects.

Religious and Moral Education

This term we follow significant periods in Jesus' life and relate these to the children's lives. We begin by thinking about what we celebrate and discuss the ways we may celebrate on a Sunday. Thanksgiving and the importance of saying thank you is linked with the Last Supper and the Mass, encouraging a greater understanding of what takes place in Church. As the term continues the special time of Lent becomes our main focus and we discuss ways of self-giving. It is important for the children to understand that they each have a part to play and how small changes can make a big difference. We continue our Circle Time programme and this term there are links with geography, science and literacy in particular. We think about what improves or harms our local area and talk about how to cooperate with each other and the importance of listening. We also discuss making simple choices that improve health and well-being. Topics cover many issues and are carefully chosen to reflect various aspects of the children's day, both at home and school.

French

In the spring term, the children will be continuing to broaden their vocabulary and further develop their confidence to speak in a foreign language. They will learn the names of animals, some clothes and numbers up to 10.

ICT

The children continue to develop their ICT skills as they think about the various ways information may be presented. During the early part of the term we talk about sound which links with our science topic. Pupils work with computers and experience using text, pictures and sound to convey information. We move on to labelling objects using key words which links very well once again with the work we will be recording in science. We will also use computers to label and save information and find out how to retrieve and add to it. During the latter part of this term we will use the skills being taught to support our factual writing in literacy and use computers to support our work in history. Throughout the term, we will be using the many excellent literacy and numeracy puzzles and games to enhance learning and build confidence.

Music

The term will begin with the children learning new songs with a wintery theme and playing percussion instruments to accompany. Musical games with percussion instruments will be used to develop an awareness of fast and slow tempii in music and to develop their response to musical dynamics. Listening skills will be developed through musical games, and they will enjoy entering the beautiful world of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet. After half term a variety of Easter songs will be learnt and recorded.

Art and Design

In DT this term, the children will be exploring houses and homes. They will have opportunities to learn about, name and describe simple shapes and styles, before investigating stability and planning their own house. They will be encouraged to use a range of tools and materials to build their design, making changes and adapting their work as they go. In art, the children will begin by exploring the work of a famous artist. They will experiment with the shapes, lines, colours and techniques that he uses, and develop their own seasonal painting based on these ideas. Following on from this, the children will be encouraged to work imaginatively, and use colour and pattern to reflect their feelings and emotions. They will listen to music and sounds, before responding creatively to what they hear.

Drama

This term Year 1 will focus on their ability to work within a group and to use movement to express different moods and feelings. Through music, poetry and familiar stories, the children will be given the opportunity to convey characters and situations. They will learn to support and engage with each other and to work cooperatively in small and large groups. They will continue to concentrate on their listening skills and their ability to follow instructions expressively.

Physical Education

The spring term PE sessions will initially review the children's understanding of the body and exercise from last term. Children will develop basic skills in physical activities such as running, climbing and other controlled movements. Later in the term basic ball skills will be introduced.

It is emphasised that the above is offered as a guide only, and the school retains the flexibility to adapt its schemes of work to the needs of the individual or the class