Year 1 2026 - 2027

"Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Learning to love, loving to learn

Welcome to Year 1 

Our staff

Mrs Lamb (Monday- Thursday) and Mrs Alley (Friday) are our class teachers and Mrs Campbell, Miss Elwell and Miss Carlin will be supporting our learning.

The following information tells you a little more about the coming term in Year 1 and your child's learning. However, if you have any queries or questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

elizabeth.lamb@st-marys.halton.sch.uk

stephanie.moss@st-marys.halton.sch.uk

General information

• Please tie up long hair.
• Please have a bottle of water at school every day. This can be refilled as necessary.
• Please bring a small school bag, reading book and homework record every day (if relevant to your child).
• Please return your homework on or before Wednesday for marking. Homework will be sent out on a Friday.
• All school uniform needs to be named but particularly jumpers and cardigans.
• A full PE kit should be in school at all times. 

PE is timetabled for Wednesday and Thursday during Autumn 1. This will be outside whenever possible so please account for this when sending in your child's PE kit.

AutumnTerm 2026

Our Christian Values

During the Autumn term, our Christian values are Love and Compassion.

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." - 1 Peter 3:8

English

This half term we will explore the wonderful texts 'Dragon's Don't Share' by Nicola Kinnear and 'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers. We will be developing our writing skills with a focus on fiction writing.

Our weekly routine will include Phonics, English, Handwriting and Guided Reading sessions. Daily reading at home continues to be essential, especially in Year 1, and we would ask that you question your child regularly on the book they are reading to develop a deeper understanding of a range of texts, to develop new vocabulary and strengthen writing skills.

Phonics

We will use Little Wandle as part of our Phonics lessons to develop reading and spelling strategies. 

Maths

As mathematicians, the children will learn through concrete experiences moving onto pictorial and abstract methods as their confidence builds. They will also be expected to use their learning to reason about maths and solve problems. 

During the Autumn term we will focus on 'Place Value' and this will include reading, writing and interpreting numbers to 20 and using number bonds and related subtration facts within 20. We will solve one-step problems that involve addition and subtraction.

Science

As scientists, we aim to develop our knowledge and understanding, scientific skills and measuring and recording abilities. This term we will be naming and grouping animals and we will be looking at seasonal changes.

Geography

As geographers we will be exploring our local area. We will use aerial photographs and maps to talk about where we live.

History

This term we will be learning about 'Toys' and how they have changed through time. We will use a timeline to research how toys have changed through the ages.

R.E

In Religious Education we will be using the Questful RE planning. This term we will explore Harvest and we will think about helping those who do not have a good Harvest. We will learn about Creation and our favourite things that God has created.

Justice and Responsibility

As we continue to live our lives and act out the teachings of Jesus, we will act for Justice and take responsibility for being stewards of God's creation and global citizens. We aim to speak out for our oceans and how we can protect them.

P.E

Our PE will concentrate on Invasion games and Gymnastics. PE will be on a Wednesday and Thursday, please ensure a full PE kit is in school.

Art and DT

As artists, we will be using food as our inspiration and we will explore how artists express their emotions using food. We will create mosaic portraits and clay to make 3D fruit.  We will study the artist Jason Mecier.

In Design and Tecnology, we will design a solid bridge structure. We will use a range of joining and layering techniques.

PHSE

In PHSE, we will follow the Heartsmart scheme. This will start with us reminding ourselves about the importance of keeping our emotional and mental heart healthy through the topics: "Get Heartsmart!" and "Don't Forget to Let Love In!"

Music

As musicians, we will be using Charanga to explore different music genres and new terminology. We will be learning to move in time with a beat and responding to different tempos.  We will also enjoy learnng to sing songs and warming up our body and voice effectively.  We will look at and discuss "Rhyming in Time" and "Let's Start Singing."

Computing

Over this term we will be focusing on 'Technology Around Us' and 'Digital Paintings'.  Alongside these topics we will consider what is important about 'Self-Image and Identity' and 'Online Relationships'.

Homework

Homework will be sent out on Friday and will need to be returned on or before the following Wednesday. We would also like children to read their Phonics reading book at least 4 times a week. Please come and see us if there are any difficulties or write a note on the piece of work. It is important to complete each piece as they will either build on taught skills or pre teach skills ready for the following week.

Possible trips & visitors

We will keep you updated of any upcoming trips.