Curriculum Information 2026-27 J Group (Year 1)
Learning Through Topics The Junior School follows a one-week timetable and a topic-based curriculum. Learning across different subjects is often connected to the term’s topic, allowing pupils to explore ideas in depth and understand how knowledge and skills connect. Each topic begins by asking: What do we already know? What do we want to find out? Questions, discussion and discovery help shape the learning that follows. Trips, practical activities and first-hand experiences bring each topic to life, while pupils continue to develop essential knowledge and core skills across the curriculum.
Our approach to learning Every pupil brings different strengths, experiences and needs to their learning. At St Chris, we combine ambitious academic goals with deep learning, curiosity and meaningful engagement. We provide the right balance of support and challenge for each pupil, helping them to make progress, develop confidence and grow academically, socially and personally.
Continuous Provision As part of the transition from Early Years into Key Stage 1, pupils continue to access high-quality continuous provision alongside teacher-led learning. This child-centred approach supports learning through play, encouraging curiosity, independence and exploration in a carefully planned environment.
Our Year At A Glance
Autumn: It's All About Me! and Seasonal Celebrations Pupils begin their Key Stage 1 journey by exploring themselves, their families and the world around them. Through personal timelines, local geography and seasonal celebrations, they develop a growing understanding of their place within the wider community and learn about different traditions and festivals.
Spring: Toys Past and Present Pupils explore how toys have changed over time through history, design and technology. By investigating toys from the past and present, they learn about materials, inventions and changing lifestyles while considering how toys can be designed more sustainably.
Summer: Journeys Pupils become explorers as they travel to different countries and cultures around the world. Along the way, they develop geographical knowledge, learn about life in different places and investigate coastal environments and the history of the seaside.
Tracking Progress Teachers regularly observe and assess pupils’ learning, building a clear understanding of each pupil’s strengths, progress and areas for development. Half-termly meetings with the Head of the Junior School help identify where an individual pupil may benefit from additional support or greater challenge. Small classes and support from teaching assistants also allow for focused group work where needed. Families receive two academic reports each year, alongside a parent consultation every term and teachers are always available for individual meetings.
Homework Homework is meaningful, manageable and connected to pupils’ learning in school. Pupils are offered a selection of age-appropriate enrichment activities, typically choosing three or four to complete. These may involve creative projects, practical challenges or research, with some offering opportunities for the whole family to take part.
Weekly Hours Per Subject This graphic represents a typical week in J Group.
English 5 Hours 50 mins
Maths 5 Hours
Humanities 1 Hour 40 mins
Music 1 Hour
Forest School 1 Hour 40 mins
Swimming 30 mins
Computing 50 mins
Science 1 Hour 40 mins PSHE & RSE 50 mins
Art & DT 1 Hour 40 mins
French 30 mins PE 50 mins
Core Learning
taught by class teachers
English 5 Hours 50 mins
English combines reading, writing and phonics, with learning often inspired by our termly topics. Pupils explore fiction, non-fiction and poetry while developing comprehension, vocabulary, punctuation, handwriting and spelling. Through the Little Wandle programme, they build confidence in reading, phonics fluency and early writing skills. Focus: Reading • Writing • Phonics • Vocabulary • Communication • Spelling
Maths 5 Hours
Using the White Rose approach, pupils develop confidence and fluency through practical and hands-on learning. Key areas include number, calculation, shape, space, measure and problem-solving, helping pupils build secure mathematical foundations and apply their learning in meaningful contexts. Focus: Fluency • Problem-solving • Reasoning • Number Sense
Science 1 Hour 40 mins
Science encourages curiosity and exploration through practical investigations and observation. Topics include plants, animals, materials and seasonal changes. Pupils learn to question, observe, classify and gather information while developing an understanding of the world around them. Focus: Question • Observe • Investigate • Discover
Humanities (Geography/ History) 1 Hour 40 mins
Humanities learning helps pupils develop an understanding of both the past and the wider world. They explore timelines, significant people and events, maps, local geography and fieldwork, building historical and geographical awareness through practical enquiry. Focus: Chronology • Exploration • Maps • Discussion • Enquiry
Creative, Personal and Technology taught by class teachers
Art & Design Technology 1 Hour 40 mins
PSHE & RSE 50 mins
Art and design technology are closely linked to our topics and encourage imagination and creativity. Pupils experiment with colour, pattern, texture and form while developing practical making skills using a range of materials and techniques. PSHE and RSE support pupils in staying safe, happy and healthy while developing positive and respectful relationships. Following the SCARF programme, Year 1 learning includes friendships, kindness, managing feelings, healthy choices, personal safety, trusted adults and understanding that everyone grows and changes differently. Teaching takes place in a safe and inclusive environment, and pupils are never expected to share personal experiences. Parents are informed in advance about RSE content.
Computing 50 mins
Our “MR P” ICT curriculum supports students in developing essential digital skills through a creative approach. Using the DARES model (Design, Apply, Refine, Evaluate, Share), students plan, create, improve, reflect on and share their work. Activities include programming, animation, robotics, photography, storytelling and data handling, helping pupils become capable and responsible digital learners.
Creative and Languages
taught by subject specialist teachers
French 25 mins
Pupils learn French through games, songs, stories and play-based activities. They build confidence in listening and speaking while developing vocabulary, pronunciation and an enjoyment of learning a new language.
Music 50 mins
Pupils explore music through singing, listening, movement and performance. They learn about pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics and different instruments, developing confidence in expressing themselves through music and sound.
Learning beyond the classroom taught by subject specialist teachers
Pupils develop fundamental movement skills through: PE 50 mins
Fitness • Creative Dance • Yoga • Gymnastics • Athletics They improve coordination, balance and confidence while exploring movement, expression and teamwork.
Swimming 30 mins
Swimming focuses on building confidence and independence in the water. Pupils develop basic front and back swimming skills, improve water confidence and enjoy additional aquatic activities designed to support their progress and enjoyment.
Forest School 1 Hour 40 mins
Forest School encourages curiosity, resilience and a growing appreciation of the natural world. Pupils explore outdoor environments, develop practical skills, learn how to stay safe and take on new challenges through play, discovery and hands-on learning.
What is Forest School? Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational approach that develops confidence, independence and self-esteem through regular learning in a natural environment. Sessions encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving, helping pupils build a meaningful connection with the world around them.