Welcome to Robins Class - Year 1
Here in the Robins Class, we create a nurturing environment where our young children’s learning really takes flight! We focus on individual growth and teamwork, as we explore new ideas and develop skills together. We’re excited to share this journey with our children and their families!
Robins Class Adventures
Explore a collection of special moments from our Robins Class activities, celebrating learning and fun together.
Useful Info
Year 1 is a wonderful year of discovery and growing independence. As children move up from the Early Years, they begin to build on their early learning with more structure, while still having lots of fun, creativity, and exploration in the classroom.
In Year 1, children will:
Explore exciting topics in science, history, and geography such as animals, toys from the past, and the local area
Learn to read more confidently through phonics (using the Little Wandle scheme), stories, and non-fiction texts
Begin to write in full sentences using capital letters, finger spaces, and full stops – and share their ideas through writing
Develop early maths skills with numbers to 100, addition, subtraction, shapes, and measuring using the White Rose programme
Take part in simple science investigations, asking questions and noticing what happens
Think about values like kindness, honesty, and friendship in Religious Education and PSHE
Join in with Collective Worship, learning to reflect and share together
Enjoy fun enrichment activities like trips, visitors, and hands-on learning
At St Katharine’s, we help children grow in confidence, curiosity, and care for others. Year 1 lays the foundation for a love of learning – helping children become enthusiastic, thoughtful learners as they move through Key Stage 1.
Curriculum
We create Year 1 curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year. We always aim to go above and beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum, details of which can be found here.
Assessment
In Year 1, we use assessment as a tool to support learning, not just measure it. Our approach ensures that children feel encouraged and challenged, while helping teachers tailor lessons to suit individual needs.
Types of Assessment:
- Informal Assessments – these happen every day through marking, feedback, questioning and observation during lessons.
- Phonics Screen Check – this is a statutory yearly assessment (in June) for Year 1 children to assess their decoding skills. It involves reading 40 words aloud, including both real words and “pseudo-words” (nonsense words). The check helps identify children needing extra support with phonics to improve their reading ability.
- Spelling Tests – spellings will be set each week, in line with the national curriculum and children will be tested weekly.
- Foundation Subjects – teachers assess knowledge and skills in subjects like science, history and RE using practical tasks, quizzes and discussion.
How We Share Progress:
- Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring to discuss how your child is progressing and how you can support at home.
- Written Report –an end-of-year report is provided in July, summarising academic progress and personal development.
- Open Communication – we’re always happy to talk if you have questions about your child’s progress. Please contact your class teacher in the first instance either directly via their email or through the office.
Assessment at St Katharine’s is rooted in our Christian ethos – it’s not about comparing children, but helping every child discover and grow their God-given potential.
Homework
Daily reading – ideally to an adult (5 x 10 mins)
Spellings (10 mins spread across the week)
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year 1 Books for Topics – Recommended Reads
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Meet the Teacher
We get up to so much in Robins Class!
Documents
Curriculum Maps
Join Robins Class Today!
We have space in our Year 1 class. If you’re thinking about moving your child to our school for any reason, please get in touch.