Year 1 Curriculum Summary for Parents Term 1 • 2026/27
This information represents a summary of plans for the term. Please understand that all plans are flexible; there is always the possibility that fewer (or more) topics will be covered than those stated.
Subject
Topics
English
We will be learning the initial 44 sounds that help us to read and spell. We will do this through daily phonics lessons and shared reading lessons. We will also be orally rehearsing our ideas for writing and using the sounds we have learnt to write these with increasing accuracy. We will also focus on using capital letters and full stops to punctuate sentences and be developing correct pencil grip and letter formation.
Maths
We will start this term learning concepts of measuring length and mass as well as identifying the names and properties of 2D and 3D shapes. We will then focus on place value within 10, teaching children to sort, count, represent, and compare numbers to 10, as well as finding one more and one less. In lessons we start with physical objects, moving to pictures and numbers, to build understanding through counting on and back, using number lines, and understanding zero.
Science
We will be learning about the human body and exploring our world through the 5 senses. We will also learn to name the external and internal parts of our body and how to keep healthy, including keeping our teeth clean. We will also be observing seasonal changes and weather in our local environment.
French
Language taster (3 weeks): As we begin to learn French, we will learn to greet others and introduce ourselves. We will also be learning to say basic colours, number 0-10 and understand basic classroom instructions. We will also learn which countries are the French-speaking countries.
Kiswahili
Pupils will learn the names of family members, use possessive adjectives and the verb -ita, and practise verbs associated with family relationships. Learners will also explore common household items, using possessive adjectives and pronouns correctly while applying verbs related to the home. In addition, they will build their school vocabulary by learning the names of common school items and places, alongside verbs used in a school context, enabling them to describe people, possessions, and daily activities with greater confidence in Swahili.
Spanish (SFC)
Langauge taster (3 weeks): Pupils will explore Spanish-speaking countries and begin communicating in Spanish using simple expressions related to greetings, feelings and introductions. They will also learn colours and Spanish numbers (0–10).
Thematic
In our topic 'Inside Out' we will be discovering more about how to keep our bodies and minds healthy. We will be trying out some mindfulness activities and sorting 'healthy and unhealthy' foods. After half term our theme is 'Once Upon a Time' where we will be reading a range of traditional tales and retelling them through re-enacting and writing.
Forest school
We will begin the term establishing our routines around Forest School and learning our 'Forest School Promise' to take care of the natural world. We will learn how to keep ourselves safe in the woodland environment and make observations about the flora and fauna of our Forest School. We will also be getting muddy as we explore and use our creativity in the mud kitchen!
Computing
We will be learning about a range of devices and tools that children encounter in everyday life and how to use these safely. E-safety will play a prominent part of children’s learning when using technology. Controlling a mouse and using a keyboard independently. Accessing software from the computer- Opening and closing software.
Music
The year begins with a basic skills assessment checking that pupils can walk to a beat, match pitch, and repeat a melody in call & response style songs. We also begin working on dexterity skills to prepare for left hand independence to start on the recorder. We end the term preparing for the Year 1 and Year 2 production, focusing on lyric memorisation and accompanying actions.
Games
Children will be introduced to the core skills and develop their understanding of cricket, football and athletics
P.E.
Students will develop basic movement skills and an understanding of how to exercise safely. They will learn the importance of warming up and cooling down, while developing spatial awareness through running, chasing and relay games. In athletics, students will be introduced to sprinting, jumping for distance and height, throwing for distance and engaging relay activities.
Swimming
Children will be introduced to water safety rules, orientation to the pool surrounding, learn safe water entries, practice their basic water skills, and build confidence through fun activities. Being Me In My World - Children will learn about their place in the class and school community, focusing on belonging, responsibilities, and creating a positive learning environment.
P.S.H.E.
Celebrating Differences - Pupils will explore diversity, develop their skills of empathy and understand that everyone is unique. We will learn how to show respect and kindness to others, including discussing ways in which we can deal with bullying.