Year One and Year Two
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| Mrs Caroline Brooks - Head of Year 1 and Year 2 |
In Years One and Two it is our aim to help each child to become confident, independent individuals who relate well to other children and adults throughout the school. Our lively, broad based curriculum ensures that all our children have the opportunity to flourish and develop. Wonderfully spacious surroundings, stimulating activities and informative displays provide the ideal learning environment for young children.
The classrooms for Year One and Year Two are arranged around two separate courtyards with their own cloakrooms. There are usually four Year One classes and four Year Two classes, with an average of sixteen children in each class.
We place great emphasis during these important early years on the core subjects of English and Mathematics. We broadly follow the principles laid out in the National Literacy Strategy. This scheme concerns itself with the development of reading and writing skills and also emphasises the importance of good oral work in enhancing children’s understanding of language. We continue to use the synthetic phonic approach in Years 1 and 2 when teaching reading, writing and spelling. The concepts and skills that are covered at this stage are crucial to later achievements. They form the foundation on which to build future learning.
At Chandlings we aim to make Mathematics fun and exciting. We encourage the development of mental skills, and a range of resources and approaches are used to consolidate and extend children’s mathematical knowledge and understanding.
There are usually one or two topic themes for the term as an umbrella linking the different curriculum areas, and they may have a greater bias towards History, Geography or Science.
Although based in their own classroom with their form teacher, the children are also taught by specialist teachers for Physical Education (including games and swimming), French and Music. Cookery lessons, linked to our topic themes, are always a firm favourite. Each class is taught by our Food Technology teacher, in our lovely ‘Food Room.’
A range of teaching styles is used, including whole class, paired and group work as well as individual teaching. Our teaching assistants play a key role within each class, supporting the work of the form teacher, guiding and helping individuals and groups of children. Progress is made at different rates and individual achievements will vary. However all children follow a curriculum that enables them to make maximum progress towards their goals. Children will be able to extend their knowledge through the Key Stage 1 schemes of work, based on the National Curriculum. Some children will have the opportunity to be stretched further and challenged, whilst other children will require continued support in identified areas.
Learning Support teachers regularly visit the classes, providing valuable support and advice, as well as diagnostic testing and individual support, should this be necessary.
Regular outings are recognised as a vital part of each child’s learning experience. Trips are organised to places such as Beale Park in Pangbourne, the Botanic Gardens in Oxford, Cogges Farm in Witney, the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, the Butterfly Farm in Stratford and the Living Rainforest in Newbury. Visiting speakers and drama workshops provide further variety and interest.