Year 1 2025 - 2026

"Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Learning to love, loving to learn

Welcome back Year 1

Our staff

Mrs Lamb (Monday- Thursday) and Mrs Brearley (Friday) are our class teachers 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

jemma.brearley@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 Tuesday and Friday during Spring 1. This will be outside whenever possible so please account for this when sending in your child's PE kit.

Spring Term 2026

Happy New Year Year 1!

Our Christian Values

During the Spring term, our Christian values are Respect and Courage.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

English

This half term we will explore the wonderful text 'The Lion Inside' by Rachel Bright and Jim Field and we will develop our writing skills with a focus on story 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 Spring term we will focus on 'Addition and Subtraction' and this will include reading, writing and interpreting mathematical statements 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 understanding animals and humans and we will continue to look at seasonal changes.

Geography

As geographers we will continue to look at the local area. We will read maps and plan routes around our school grounds and the local area.

History

This term we will be researching women who have changed the world with a focus on Florence Nightingale and Grace Darling. We will learn about what they did and how this impacts on the world today.

RE

For RE we will be using the Questful RE planning. This term we will explore Jesus and what made Jesus special.  We will then look at the story of Easter and will think about the most important part of the Easter story.

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 conserving the world and it's resources.

P.E

Our PE will concentrate on dance and balance and control. PE will be on a Tuesday and Thursday, please ensure a full PE kit is in school.

Art and DT

As artists, we will be using the jungle as our inspiration and how artists have drawn wild animals. We will create jungle backgrounds by printing and layering.  We will study the artist David Shephard.

We will also look at slider mechanisms, including pop-up books and sliding doors. The children will find ways to put materials together to create their own slider mechanism.

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: "Too Much Selfie isn't Healthy" and "Don't Rub it in, Rub it Out!."

Music

As musicians, we will be using Charanga to explore different music genres and new terminology. We will be learning to compose our own melodies/pieces, rehearsing and performing them.  We will also look at how music is recorded graphically using symbols to create a score.  We will look at and discuss "Exploring Sounds" and "Learning to Listen."

Computing

Over this term we will be focusing on 'Moving a Robot' and 'Grouping Data.'  Alongside these topics we will consider what is important about 'Managing Online Information.'

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 are currently exploring possibilities for trips across the term. We look forward to the term ahead!