YEARS 1& 2
AT MICKLEFIELD
FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Y
ears 1 and 2 are a truly special time in your child’s educational journey. At this stage, strong foundations are laid – not just in literacy and numeracy, but in curiosity, confidence and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. At Micklefield, we delight in watching our pupils grow in independence, creativity and resilience. It is a joy to witness their academic and personal progress as they begin to discover their unique strengths and interests. Whether your child is moving up from Reception or joining us directly into Years 1 or 2, our dedicated staff team and excellent ratios will ensure the transition is smooth. I hope the information below gives you a glimpse into the warm, nurturing environment we provide for our Year 1 and 2 children and the exciting opportunities that await them.
Fiona Yarde
Head of Lower School
THE CURRICULUM Throughout Micklefield, from Nursery right through to Year 6, learning is rooted in the national curriculum for England. However, as an independent school, we have the flexibility and resources to go well beyond this, providing a wealth of opportunities and learning experiences for the children. Micklefield’s bespoke curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced and rigorous and to ensure there is continuity and progression in learning throughout the school. At every stage, children are encouraged to ask questions, to investigate, to think about their own learning and to yearn to learn more whatever their starting point. Rich resources, trips, workshops delivered by visiting experts, theatre productions in school, our annual theme week, opportunities to join clubs, to perform, to take on positions of responsibility, to fund raise and so much more, means that school life is busy, fun, exciting and fulfilling.
ENGLISH READING & SPELLING The Read Write Inc. phonics programme, introduced in Reception, continues into Year 1 with the children working together in small, focused groups. Where needed, further consolidation of phonics knowledge is continued into Year 2.
“Reading challenges for every year group as well as book clubs, promote a love of books from an early age.” Good Schools Guide
Spelling lessons provide opportunities for further learning of sounds, understanding spelling patterns, contractions, homophones, tricky exception words and more. Children are grouped according to their level so that they learn most effectively. Groupings are regularly reviewed and there is plenty of movement between them to suit each child’s individual progress.
WRITING There are many wide-ranging and exciting opportunities to develop and refine writing skills in Years 1 and 2. The Write Stuff approach to writing is introduced at this stage and further fosters confidence in writing. The children’s imaginations are captivated by the Fantastics (the ideas of writing, such as feeling, asking, action and imagining), the Grammaristics (the grammar of writing, including tense and punctuation) and the Boomtastics (the techniques of writing, such as simile, onomatopoeia and pathetic fallacy). The children find it magical to deconstruct the work of others and to then create their own work, communicating ideas, feelings and information in a variety of ways.
MATHS The children’s journey of curiosity and excitement in maths continues seamlessly as they move from Reception into Years 1 and 2. Building on prior learning, the children develop their knowledge, skills and understanding. Progress is carefully monitored and a growth mindset approach is fostered so that everyone is happy to ‘have a go’ at solving problems and explaining what they did to reach an answer or to ask for help.
“Through daily lessons tailored to their own individual level, children make rapid progress, supported by lively resources, storytelling and lots of encouragement from our dedicated staff.” Natasha Green, Year 1 Teacher
SCIENCE Science is taught as an individual weekly lesson from Year 1 upwards. Children are encouraged to be curious, to build their scientific knowledge, to identify, classify and group, to ‘work scientifically’ (including to understand what it means to carry out a ‘fair test’) and to use scientific vocabulary. Our school pond, wildlife area, garden and field provide a rich resource. It is always a delight to witness the children’s awe and wonder from discovering newts and whirligig beetles and seeing seeds germinate and flourish. These early scientific experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong interest in discovery and help children understand how things work in everyday life.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (DT) Children in Years 1 and 2 love learning to design, make and evaluate through a series of engaging topics which are frequently cross-curricular. DT lessons are fun, practical and technical. ‘Micklefield Master Chef’ is one of the many DT highlights – children work in groups to peel, grate, slice and squeeze ingredients to make the perfect side salad!
“DT supports the development of fine motor skills, resilience and teamwork – all essential skills for future learning.” Year 2 Teacher
COMPUTING & IT Micklefield’s rich and creative technology curriculum continues as the children move beyond Reception into Years 1 and 2. The aim is to help them become digitally literate, confident problem solvers and to be inspired by technology. The children learn to create and debug simple programs and to use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs and to use technology purposefully. IT is embedded in the children’s everyday learning and once they reach Year 2, they use iPads with greater confidence and skill. Bespoke digital books are also used to create and enhance learning across the curriculum. The children love to learn this way and quickly become adept at creating and using text, photos and films to share their learning. All learning is embedded with robust teaching of online safety.
LANGUAGES French lessons continue in Years 1 and 2 with a focus on conversation through engaging topics and building on prior learning. Activities are lively and fun and also incorporate learning about France and French culture.
“Pupils across the school are highly positive, respectful and inclusive.” ISI Report 2026
GAMES & PE In Years 1 and 2, lessons with our specialist teachers continue and the children further develop their competence to excel in a broad range of activities. They engage in competitive and co-operative physical activities and also start to prepare for boys, girls and mixed sports matches. They use the gym, playground and school field for lessons and also learn about the importance of leading healthy active lives.
MUSIC & DRAMA Children continue to develop their knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence in weekly lessons with our specialist Director of Music and Drama. There are many opportunities to perform in front of an audience and the children love to do so, relishing their chance to take the lead as they reach Year 2. There are opportunities to join music groups, to learn a musical instrument and join our LAMDA Speech & Drama groups.
“The school’s commitment to individual attention ensures that each child feels valued and supported.” Muddy Stilettos
ART & DESIGN Children in Years 1 and 2 love this practical and creative subject. The curriculum is carefully planned to engage, inspire and challenge the children to create with confidence. They also learn to critique and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Often, the children’s topics are cross-curricular so that links between subjects are strengthened. They make sculptures, inspired by Barbara Hepworth, which are always treasured by the children.
HUMANITIES HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) Children in Years 1 and 2 learn about History and Geography through a series of carefully planned and interesting topics. The RE curriculum is aimed at preparing children to take their place in our diverse society with a deep understanding of their own and others’ views and beliefs. The children develop their knowledge, ask questions and consider evidence in their learning. Stimulating and creative lessons, themed days, trips and workshops, digital resources, artefacts and storytelling bring the Humanities to life.
OUTDOOR LEARNING Children in the Lower School enjoy the outdoors both at school and beyond. Trips to Gatton Park and RHS Wisley are highlights, but there is huge excitement when the children are closer to home too!
“The children love learning outside and our rich local environment is used whenever possible.” Charlotte Yardley-Rees, Year 1 Teacher
“With a focus on holistic development, Micklefield prepares students not just for exams, but for life.” Muddy Stilettos
F
T
W
T
M
08.35 – 08.50
Read, Write Inc.
English
French
Music
Handwriting
Read, Write Inc.
English
Reading Time / Read, Write Inc.
09.40 –10.10
09.10 – 0 9.40
English
2
1
Morning Registration
Computing
Maths
Handwriting
PE
Maths
12.00 –13.00 Lunch Break
5
11.30 –12.00
Maths
Maths
Read, Write Inc.
Music
Maths
Reading Time / Read, Write Inc.
Maths
11.00 –11.30
10.30 –11.00
Maths
4
3 13.00 –13.15 Afternoon Registration
Year 1 Sample Timetable
EXAMPLE TIMETABLE: YEAR 1
10.10 –10.30 Morning Break
08:50 – 09.10
Assembly
Assembly
Lower School Hymn Practice Assembly
Literacy
PSHE
Games
Golden Time
Science
Art / DT
RE
Maths
Grammar
8
14.15 –14.45
Topic
13.45 –14.15
13.15 –13.45
PSHE
7
6
Story Time
Story Time
Story Time
Story Time
Story Time
14.45 –15.15
9 15.15 –15.30 End of Day Prep & Home Time
F
T
W
T
M
French
English
PE
French
English
Music
Computing
English
Topic
09.40 –10.10
09.10 – 0 9.40
Morning Break
08.35 – 08.50
Morning Registration
2
Music
PSHE
Science
English
5
Maths
RE
11.30 –12.00
Maths
11.00 –11.30
10.30 –11.00
Maths
4
3 12.00 –13.00 Lunch Break
Year 2 Sample Timetable
13.00 –13.15 Afternoon Registration
1 10.10 –10.30
EXAMPLE TIMETABLE: YEAR 2
Whole School 08:50 – 09.10 Assembly
Class Assembly
Upper School Lower School Hymn Practice Assembly Assembly
Independent Learning
Golden Time
Maths
Maths
English
13.45 –14.15
13.15 –13.45
Art
7
6
RE
Games
DT
9
PSHE
14.45 –15.15
Topic
14.15 –14.45
8
15.15 –15.30 End of Day Prep & Home Time
“Micklefield offers a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to grow both personally and academically.” Muddy Stilettos
Micklefield School, 10 Somers Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9DU 01737 224 212 | admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk MicklefieldSchoolReigate micklefield_prep