Year 1 Curriculum Overview Spring 2026

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview Spring Term and Year Summary 2025/2026

Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

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Contents Introduction

3

Art

5

Découverte du Monde

6

English

10

Forest School

12

French

13

Francophonie Culture

14

Maths

16

Physical Education

18

Performing Arts

20

PSHE

21

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Teaching and Curriculum at Hampton Court House Hampton Court House Prep is about providing an educational experience centred around the child with bespoke approaches for every individual. Whether in classroom settings, extra-curricular activities or charity work, we teach the children to be well-rounded and caring and to contribute to all aspects of school life. Our day-to-day curriculum is one of the foundations of this approach. Lessons are designed to be interesting, engaging, supportive and challenging so that all children feel able to do their best. Teachers will always enable children to contribute fully to lessons, learn and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and ideas, and to shape their voice as part of a dynamic, but homely, community.

Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact Intent At Hampton Court House, our Years 1 – 6 curriculum is designed with the holistic development of each child in mind.

We aim to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, and confidence in our students. Central to our intent is the bilingual program for Years 1 – 4, where approximately (30%) of the curriculum is delivered in French. This unique approach not only enhances language skills but also broadens cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility. Our goal is to support every child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth through a rich and balanced curriculum where mistakes are accepted, and questions welcomed.

Implementation Our curriculum is implemented with a focus on creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment with a sense of fun. For Years 1 – 4, the bilingual program integrates French into everyday learning, covering subjects such as history, geography, science, and drama. Each student receives support through a variety of tools, such as visual and auditory aids, including pictures, games, gestures, key sentences, and videos, that create a rich Frenchspeaking environment. Students are encouraged to express themselves in the target language using songs, roleplaying, and stories, which help boost their confidence and motivation to communicate in French. This immersive setting enables children to progress naturally and quickly, developing both their comprehension and speaking skills.

Lessons are structured to build on previous knowledge, ensuring a smooth progression. Within years 5 and 6 more specialist teachers are used to deliver the curriculum which allows for the development of skills necessary to start their secondary education in year 7. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including individual tasks, group work, and hands-on activities, to cater to different learning styles. Continuous assessment practices allow us to monitor each child's progress closely and provide personalised support as needed.

Impact The impact of our carefully crafted curriculum is seen in the enthusiasm and active participation of our students. They develop strong foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, and science, along with the ability to think critically and solve

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problems. The bilingual program enhances their language skills and cultural awareness, giving them a broader perspective and improved cognitive abilities. Our students also grow in confidence, independence, and social skills.

Regular assessments demonstrate enhanced academic progress and personal development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their education with a lifelong love of learning and a unique bilingual advantage.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Key Contacts Susie Byers Head of Prep sby@hchnet.co.uk Katy Deacon Vice Principal Academic skde@hchnet.co.uk Eldon Fayers Assistant Principal | Teaching & Learning efa@hchnet.co.uk

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Rob Armiger Assistant Principal | Director of Studies rwa@hchnet.co.uk

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

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Year summary

Spring content

Art The children will be learning about the solar system in art lessons this term. Students will be taught to use a variety of materials creatively to produce patterned and textured papers with which to represent the planets on an outer space picture. Children will also be using drawing and sculpture to develop ideas about colours and shapes, learning about pinch pot techniques and the work of ceramicist Clarice Cliff.

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Art Calendar: Making art inspired by artists Yayoi Kusama, L.S. Lowry, Henri Matisse, Barbara Hepworth, Eileen Agar.

Autumn 2

Art calendar: Making art inspired by artists Mary Fedden, David Hockney, Peter Blake, Howard Hodgkin, Andy Goldsworthy.

Spring 1

Solar System: Using a variety of different techniques and materials, pupils will create patterned and textured papers with which to represent the planets on an outer space collage.

Spring 2

Clay: Taking inspiration from the work of Clarice Cliff, pupils will learn to master the pinch pot technique to create colourfully decorated pots which will be fired in the kiln.

Summer 1

Sewing project: Taking inspiration from textile designer Donna Wilson, pupils will design and stitch a hand puppet. This project aims to develop fine motor skills and introduces pupils to the properties of fabric and how to master a basic running stitch.

Summer 2

Drawing: Studying the work of children’s book illustrators, pupils will learn about storytelling through art. Pupils will revisit the techniques they have learnt to date, to develop and improve drawing skills and make art in response to that of illustrators such as John Burningham, Brian Wildsmith, Satoshi Kitamura and John Klassen.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Découverte du Monde (Discovering the World) DDM, which stands for “Discover the World,” is a subject that combines History, Geography, and Science Spring content

into one learning experience. Since we have two hours each week to cover the curriculum, we will alternate the focus between these subjects each term. This way, children get a rich and balanced understanding of how people, places, and the natural world connect and change over time.

History In Year 1 this term, we will learn about events behind living memory that are significant nationally or globally: Women’s Day with Florence Nightingale. This will help us understand how the lives of others in the past have contributed to our present-day advancements and improvements. We will also learn about significant historical events through St Patrick’s day and St George’s day.

Geography We will discover the Earth and its representations (globe, planisphere, maps) by identifying countries on different continents by reading maps and get key information. We will deepen our understanding of the United Kingdom by naming, locate and identify characteristics of the four countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom. We will also discover the culture, flag and capital of Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Egypt, Australia and Brasilia.

Science Year 1 will identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees. Identify the needs of plants and trees. Experience growing a flower or vegetable! (lifecycle). Make a map of the garden plot, identifying the plants and predicting what they will turn into when they are fully grown. We will also identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal. Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials based on their

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simple physical properties.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Découverte du Monde Term

What are we studying?

Year summary

History and Science

Autumn 1

In Term 1, Year 1 pupils will begin to understand the concept of time by using vocabulary like "aujourd’hui, hier, demain" to identify the date, day, and month. They will explore family structures by naming relatives and creating simple family trees, linking generations and important events such as weddings and births. Through building timelines, children will develop their sense of chronological order and how events connect across time. In Science, they will study the differences between day and night, notice how daylight changes with the seasons, and observe how these seasonal changes affect clothing and weather.

History and Science

Autumn 2

In Term 2, pupils will deepen their understanding of past and present by comparing life “then” and “now,” focusing on changes in daily routines and education. They will learn about significant historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks during Black History Month, exploring their roles in driving important social change. In Science, children will continue learning about the human lifecycle, recognizing how people grow and change over time while maintaining familiar features, helping them understand development and the passage of time.

Geography and Science

Spring 1

In Term 1, Year 1 students will explore geography by learning to identify familiar places using different materials like photos and maps, including a fun geography treasure hunt. They will discover the Earth through globes and maps, name the six continents and five oceans, and understand directions including the four cardinal points and the equator. In science, they will study parts of trees and flowers, learn how to tell a tree’s age, understand what plants need to grow, and take part in growing their own flowers or vegetables.

Geography, History and Science:

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Spring 2

In Term 2, students will focus on the countries of the United Kingdom, learning their flags, capitals, symbols, and traditions, with a focus on places like London, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. They will link this to historical events such as the Great Fire of London or Guy Fawkes and cultural celebrations like St George’s, St Patrick’s, and St Andrew’s days. In science, they will explore everyday materials, identify their properties, and learn about recycling and sustainability by sorting waste into different bins.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Découverte du Monde Term

What are we studying?

Year summary

Geography and Science

Summer 1

In Term 1, Year 1 pupils will explore geography by locating countries such as France (Paris), Italy (Rome and Venice), Egypt, Australia, and Brazil on a map. They will learn to recognize the flags, capital cities, and important monuments of these countries, as well as discover some of their customs and traditions. In Science, children will investigate the differences between living, dead, and never-living things. They will observe the development of ducklings hatching from eggs and caterpillars undergoing metamorphosis. Pupils will also learn about the basic needs of animals and humans, including water, food, and air, while practicing how to gather and record data from their observations.

Geography and Science

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Summer 2

During Term 2, geography lessons will focus on a contest covering continents, oceans, capitals, countries, and flags to reinforce pupils’ knowledge. They will use simple geographical vocabulary to describe human features like factories, shops, and transport, as well as natural landscapes such as beaches, mountains, forests, and farms. Pupils will also compare urban and rural areas, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. In Science, children will study food chains by learning how animals get their food from plants and other animals, identifying sources of food, and understanding what happens when a link in the food chain disappears. They will also categorize animals into herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores based on their eating habits.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Spring content

English Content he children will continue to work through the RWI programme in the morning and complete the child focussed and targeted tasks set by each group leader.

In their English lessons, Year 1 will be looking at Traditional Tales and reading the book, ‘This is the house that Jack built’ by Simms Taback. Year one will then read a range of non-fiction texts about night animals and in the final week of the first half term the children will be reading and enjoying some funny and humorous poetry. After half term, Year one will be looking at the story ‘We’re going on a Lion Hunt’ and look at setting descriptions. Then Year one will be looking at letter writing and we end the Spring Term by reading poems inspired by the five senses by Roger Mcgough.

How it will be assessed Assessment will be through daily marking and feedback. Through discussion and questioning. At the end of each unit the children will be writing in the style of the author or poet they have been reading. There will also be informal assessment of writing, reading and SPaG at the end of each term.

What are we studying?

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Year summary

Term

Autumn 1

Well-being – colours and monsters Information Texts Familiar settings Labels, lists and signs

Autumn 2

Stories with repeating patterns Commands Rhyming and patterns

Spring 1

Traditional Tales Reports and explanations Humorous poetry

Spring 2

Setting and descriptions Letter and postcards Poetry

Summer 1

Stories on a theme Information Texts

Summer 2

Classic Poetry Well-being unit – Kites, stars and rockets

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Spring content

Forest School Forest school is the part of our Prep curriculum built entirely around outdoor learning. At HCH we have the advantage of excellent grounds that we take full advantage of. Throughout Year 1 and Year 2 children develop their confidence, self-esteem and risk-taking skills further through a variety of purposeful and adult led activities in Forest School. Children will develop a wide range of skills that are cultivated in an outdoor environment, such as bush craft skills, curiosity and care of the natural environment. Our curriculum links to Science, Art and Geography. And considers the wellbeing of every child as we go through the curriculum. We will start the year covering being safe around a fire. We will then lead to exploring the natural environment focusing on the changes that they see during seasons.

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Year summary

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Safety in the natural environment and taking safe and supervised risks

Autumn 2

Observing the changes in weather and in the natural environment for Autumn and Winter Celebrate Autumn Harvest and Christmas

Spring 1

Building dens and using tools safely Celebrate Chinese New Year and harvest from community garden to cook a Chinese meal on the open fire Celebrate National Birdwatching and make bird feeders for winter birds

Spring 2

Fairytales and stories that link to play in the natural environment Celebrate National Wildlife Day

Summer 1

Observing new changes in the natural environment coming into Spring and planting Celebrate World Bee Day

Summer 2

Minibeasts, map making and treasure seeking

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Spring content

French In the Spring term, Year 1 will carry on their French learning journey by exploring the French phonics and some simple sounds as well as useful vocabulary. In Term 1, they will discover the sounds [s], [l], and [p], and learn words related to animals and rooms of houses. They will also discover feminine and masculine nouns and how to conjugate the adjective. In Term 2, the focus will shift to the sounds [m], [n], and [f], alongside vocabulary covering family members, body parts and clothes. This foundational

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Year summary

learning will help build their confidence and enjoyment in using French.

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

We will discover the following new sounds [a], [e], [i]. We will learn vocabulary about themselves, politeness, instructions, stationery.

Autumn 2

We will discover the following new sounds [o], [u], [ê]. We will learn vocabulary about numbers from 1 to 20, colours, weather, daily routine before school.

Spring 1

We will discover the following new sounds [s], [l], [p]. We will learn vocabulary about animals in the farm and pets. We will also learn to about the rooms of our houses.

They will also discover feminine and masculine nouns and how to conjugate the adjective.

Spring 2

We will discover the following new sounds [m], [n], [f]. We will learn vocabulary about the family members, body parts and clothes.

Summer 1

We will discover the following new sounds [ch], [v], [r]. We will learn vocabulary about emotions, feelings and sickness. They will discover the singular and plural.

Summer 2

We will discover the following new sounds [b], [t], [j]. We will learn vocabulary about food, drinks, order in a restaurant and breakfast. To discover how to use a bilingual dictionary to translate and understand simple words.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Francophonie Culture Spring content

In Spring term, Year 1 will explore a variety of traditions and celebrations that are integral to French life. We will begin by learning about la galette des rois, a traditional pastry enjoyed during Epiphany, and explore the lively carnivals of Nice and Dunkerque, famous for their vibrant parades and festivities. Valentine's Day in France will also be discussed, highlighting its romantic traditions, alongside the popular Journée de la Crêpe, or Pancake Day, where French people indulge in delicious crêpes.

In the second part of the term, students will focus on Édith Piaf during International Women's Week, delving into her music and legacy. As spring approaches, we will discover the various spring celebrations, including the beautiful flower festivals and the International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer. The term will conclude with a study of le poisson d’avril, France’s version of April Fools’ Day, and the country’s Easter traditions, offering insights into French

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Year summary

customs surrounding these holidays.

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Year 1 will learn about Les Jeux Olympiques in France. Recognise the French flag and state its colours.

Identify differences between England and France. Recognise famous French monuments, especially in Paris. Be introduced to French foods. Learn about the French Halloween tradition.

Autumn 2

The pupils will be introduced to French commemorations (Armistice, poppies, and cornflowers). Learn the names of French animals. Explore simple French poetry. Discover French Christmas traditions.

Learn about festive French foods such as la bûche de Noël.

Spring 1

Year 1 will explore a range of vibrant French and Francophone traditions linked to the start of the new year. Pupils will learn about la galette des rois, identifying its key ingredients and understanding its significance in celebrating Epiphany, including the tradition of choosing a king or queen. They will be introduced to colourful celebrations such as Carnival in France (Nice and Dunkerque). Pupils will also discover how La Saint-Valentin (Valentine’s Day) is celebrated in France and take part in learning about Pancake Day and its cultural importance through fun, hands-on experiences.

Spring 2

The pupils will continue to explore cultural events and important social values in the Francophone world. Pupils will learn about International Women’s Day and its significance, including the life and contributions of the famous French singer Edith Piaf. They will explore the sights and traditions of spring markets and festivals and discover the colourful Festival International de Cerf-Volant (International Kite Festival) in Dunkerque. Pupils will also learn about the fun French April Fool’s Day tradition, le poisson d’avril, and will become familiar with Easter traditions in France.

Summer 1

Year 1 will explore cultural celebrations in France that highlight music, tradition, and seasonal customs.

Pupils will learn about La Fête du 1er Mai (May Day), understanding its importance in French culture and recognising the muguet (lily of the valley) as a symbol of good luck. They will take part in a creative activity inspired by this tradition. Pupils will also discover La Fête de la Musique, a national celebration of music in France. As part of this, they will be introduced to Joe Dassin, a well-known FrenchAmerican singer, and learn to recognise his music as part of French cultural heritage.

Summer 2

The pupils will continue to build their cultural awareness through sport and national celebrations.

Pupils will learn about Le Tour de France, one of the most famous cycling races in the world and understand why it is significant in French culture. They will identify key elements of the race, including bicycles, the yellow jersey, mountains, and the iconic finish in Paris, as well as take part in a fun classroom activity linked to the event. Pupils will also locate France on a map, recognise its shape, and identify important cities and landmarks linked to the race. To finish the term, they will learn about Le 14 Juillet (Bastille Day), discovering why it is celebrated and how people in France mark this national holiday today.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Maths Spring content

In the first half term the pupils will learn about:

In the second half term the pupils will learn about:

Identify 1 more and 1 less than a 2-digit number

Compare and order 2-digit numbers using place value

Count in 10s and say numbers 10 more or 10 less

Use place value to order 2-digit numbers and say 10

Understand place value in 2-digit numbers

more/less

Use coins to pay amounts and find totals

Understand halves and quarters

Find change and calculate differences between

Find half and quarter of amounts

amounts

Measure using a uniform unit

Recall number bonds to 8 and 9; recognize

Compare and measure weights

doubles

Measure lengths in cubes and find differences between

Use number facts and doubles to add 3 numbers

lengths

Find 10 more or 10 less than a 2-digit number

Identify even and odd numbers and doubles

Relate adding and subtracting using known facts

Count in 2s and distinguish even/odd numbers

Add and subtract 10, 20, and 30

Practice doubling and halving

How it will be assessed: Termly online assessments are completed by the pupils to demonstrate their depth of understanding of the mathematical topics that they have been studying. In addition, informal oral assessment takes place in lessons throughout the term to consolidate and assess depth of understanding.

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Year summary

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Place Value Addition and Subtraction Shape and Data

Autumn 2

Shape and Data Continued Money Addition and Subtraction Time

Spring 1

Place Value Money Addition and Subtraction

Spring 2

Place Value Fractions (Measures) Multiplication

Summer 1

Addition and Subtraction Measures and Shape Money

Summer 2

Time Multiplication, Division, Fractions Data

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Physical Education Spring content

In the Spring term, the Year 1 students will concentrate on games and gymnastics during their PE lessons.

In gymnastics, students will investigate spatial awareness and learn to navigate their environment using various body parts. They will practice forming basic body shapes, executing balances, jumps, and rolls with the aid of simple equipment and mats. Ultimately, they will combine these movements into a cohesive gymnastics sequence. At Hampton Court House, structured physical activity plays a crucial role in the holistic development of children, encompassing physical strength, cognitive growth, motivation, and social skills.

In benchball and dodgeball, students will focus on enhancing their teamwork abilities and strategic thinking in competitive team settings, as well as familiarising themselves with additional game rules.

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Year summary

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Football: Passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.

Netball: Passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games

Autumn 2

Football: Passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.

Netball: Passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games

Spring 1

Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls Games: balance, coordination, agility, throwing and catching.

Spring 2

Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls Games: balance, coordination, agility, throwing and catching.

Summer 1

Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding Athletics: sack race, long jump, javelin throw, obstacle race, relay, 60m sprint.

Summer 2

Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding Athletics: sack race, long jump, javelin throw, obstacle race, relay, 60m sprint.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

Performing Arts At Hampton Court House, we believe that the performing arts are integral to our school community.

Therefore, students will actively participate in various performances throughout the year. These performances form the backbone of our curriculum. We are committed to offering inclusive

Year summary

opportunities that allow every student to showcase their talents.

In our lessons, to prepare for these performances students will focus on developing spatial awareness, musicality, vocal, physical, and character skills to enhance their performance abilities. They will learn stage craft and understand how to engage an audience.

Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on collaborative and creative skills, which are essential for every child's growth. Our classes incorporate engaging games and activities designed to foster teamwork, improve peer interaction, and develop the ability to follow directions. Students are encouraged to contribute creative suggestions through music, movement, and dialogue, ensuring a wellrounded arts education at Hampton Court House.

We begin the year by preparing for our Christmas show, Year 1 students will focus on developing their ballet skills, alongside incorporating singing into their performance.

In Year 1, Drama will be taught in French, enhancing language skills through theatrical expression. By the Easter term, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a dedicated showcase event.

Throughout the year, there will also be numerous recitals and concerts, providing students with

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platforms to display their musical abilities and talent.

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Year 1 Curriculum Overview

Spring Term 2026

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) Our PSHE curriculum provides pupils with a broad and balanced programme that nurtures their personal development,

Spring content

emotional wellbeing, and understanding of the world around them. It encompasses all areas of PSHE, including the statutory elements of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education.

The curriculum is structured into six key learning themes, delivered across the academic year. These themes are revisited annually, allowing children to deepen and extend their understanding as they progress through the school. This spiral approach ensures that each topic is explored with increasing maturity and relevance, building pupils' confidence, empathy, and resilience at every stage of their development.

Parents have a right to request to withdraw their child from sex education delivered as part of RSE up to three terms before their child turns 16. At this point, if the child themselves wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school will make arrangements for this to happen in one of the three terms before the child turns 16 - the legal age of sexual consent. More information on this will be provided in the parent information meeting in September.

How it will be assessed PSHE lessons are predominantly discussion based, with some written tasks for deeper comprehension and application. At the end of the lesson, the students will complete self-reflection sheets for teachers to monitor understanding and adapt future teaching. Teachers keep track of the students’ levels and understanding of the different elements of PSHE across the year.

What are we studying?

Autumn 1

Being Me in My World Feeling special and safe Being part of a class Rights and responsibilities Rewards and feeling proud Consequences Owning the learning charter

Spring 1

Relationships Belonging to a family Making friends / being a good friend Physical contact preferences People who help us Qualities as a friend and person Self-acknowledgement Being a good friend to myself & celebrating special friendships

Summer 1

Dreams & Goals Setting goals Identifying successes and achievements Learning styles Working well and celebrating achievement Tackling new challenges Overcoming obstacles Feelings of success

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Year summary

Term

Term

What are we studying?

Autumn 2

Celebrating Difference Similarities and differences Understanding bullying and knowing how to deal with it Making new friends Celebrating the differences in everyone

Spring 2

Changing Me Life cycles Changes in me Changes since being a baby Differences between male and female bodies Linking growing and learning Coping with change Transition

Summer 2

Healthy Me Keeping myself healthy Healthier lifestyle choices Keeping clean Being safe Medicine safety Road safety Linking health and happiness

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