Parents & Children
Year 1 - Growing in Confidence

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Welcome to Year 1 at Brinscall St John's!

Year 1 is a wonderful year of exciting discoveries, growing independence, new challenges and big achievements!

As our children take their next steps from Reception into Key Stage 1, we continue to nurture their natural curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm for learning. We build on the strong foundations developed in Early Years, helping children become increasingly confident, independent and enthusiastic learners.

Our Year 1 classroom is a happy, welcoming and inspiring place where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, challenge themselves and celebrate their successes.

We know that every child develops at their own pace, and we are here to encourage, support and celebrate every step of their journey.

At Brinscall St John's, we believe that who we are and how we treat others matters just as much as what we learn.

Our six school values are at the heart of everything we do:

Kindness • Respect • Resilience • Courage • Friendship • Forgiveness

In Year 1, we learn to show kindness through our words and actions, demonstrate respect for ourselves and others, develop resilience when learning feels challenging, have the courage to try new things, build positive friendships and understand the importance of forgiveness.

Through our learning, play, worship and everyday experiences, we encourage children to put these values into action and discover how even the smallest acts can make a big difference.

Together, we live out our school vision:

“Shine with the Light of Jesus”

In Year 1, we encourage every child to believe in themselves, embrace new challenges, celebrate their achievements and let their own unique light shine

Meet Our Year 1 Team

Our Year 1 children are supported by a caring and enthusiastic team who work together to make every day a positive learning experience.

Miss Canning – Class Teacher

Miss McIntyre – Teaching Assistant

Mrs Savage – Wednesday Morning Teacher

We work closely together to create a classroom where children feel happy, secure, valued and excited to learn.

We know how important it is to work closely with our families. If you have any questions, concerns or something wonderful to share, please contact Miss Canning through Arbor or via the school office.

Learning in Year 1 - Building on Brilliant Beginnings

Year 1 is an exciting bridge between the play-based learning of Reception and the increasingly structured learning experiences of Key Stage 1. We recognise that young children learn best when they are actively involved, curious and engaged. Our approach combines carefully planned teaching with practical activities, exploration, discussion and opportunities for children to apply their learning in meaningful ways.

You might find us:

Becoming confident readers and discovering exciting stories.

Developing our writing skills and becoming imaginative authors.

Exploring numbers, patterns and mathematical challenges.

Investigating the world around us through science, history and geography.

Expressing our creativity through art, music and design.

Exploring, investigating and learning through practical experiences.

Developing our communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

As the year progresses, we gradually encourage greater independence, helping children develop the confidence and skills they need for their next steps. In Year 1, we learn to think, question, explore, persevere and take pride in everything we achieve!

Take a look at our curriculum map link or timetable link to find out what a typical day in our Year 1 class looks like across the year!

Curriculum

Curriculum Map 2026-27

Timetable

Autumn 1 Timetable

Learning Together at Home

Little steps at home help us make big strides in school!

We believe that learning is most successful when home and school work together.

Our home learning activities are designed to help children practise important skills, develop confidence and celebrate what they already know.

📚 Reading

Please listen to your child read at least three times each week and record this in their reading record.

✏️ Spellings

Children are encouraged to practise reading and spelling the common exception words appropriate for their year group. We assess spelling regularly through children's everyday learning rather than relying on weekly spelling tests.

Year 1 spelling words can be found under our homework tab.

🔢 Maths

Children can practise their number skills through Numbots and simple mathematical games at home.

Most importantly, we want home learning to be positive, manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

CLICK OUR HOMEWORK TAB FOR RESOURCES