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"In the Learning in Harmony Trust, we work in harmony to achieve excellence for all. We live and breathe our values and focus on doing things the right way, providing the perfect environment for all our children to flourish and succeed. And with a diverse range of schools in two contrasting locations, we offer a unique opportunity for professionals looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a supportive, creative and forward-thinking environment."
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Blenhein Primary School

 Welcome to Year 1

Below you can read about all about the fun and engaging learning experiences planned for your child this term.

Reading

This term, children will continue their phonics learning by following the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme. They will be introduced to new sounds and will use their growing phonic knowledge to read books matched to their reading level with increasing confidence and fluency.

In addition to daily phonics lessons, we will also enjoy a whole-class story time every day. Sharing high-quality texts regularly helps develop children's listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension—all essential building blocks for strong reading and language development.

To support reading at home:

  • Every Friday, your child will bring home a phonics book (matched to their current reading level) and a book from the class library for you to enjoy together.

  • You can also continue using the Reading Eggs programme to reinforce your child’s reading skills in a fun and interactive way.

  • Please remember to record any reading you do with your child in their Reading record, so we can celebrate their progress together.

Working in partnership with you at home makes a huge difference to your child’s reading journey.

 

 

       

article from Oxford Owl. 

Writing

This term in English, we will be immersing children in a range of high-quality texts designed to capture their imagination and inspire creativity. These books will be used as a springboard for a variety of activities, including writing, drama, and artwork, with a strong emphasis on developing language and vocabulary.

Our focus texts will include well-loved Traditional Tales, such as The Three Little Pigs and The Gingerbread Man. These familiar stories provide rich opportunities for children to explore story structure, characters, and language patterns.

Children will also begin to develop key early writing skills, including:

  • Using the sounds they have learned in phonics to spell words

  • Orally rehearsing sentences before writing them down

  • Using capital letters, finger spaces, and full stops to write simple, accurate sentences

Through engaging activities and meaningful contexts, we aim to build confident, enthusiastic young writers who are proud of their work.

Maths

This term, our Maths learning will focus on building a strong understanding of numbers to 10. Children will develop their confidence with both addition and subtraction within 10, using a variety of practical and visual methods to support their learning.

In addition, we will explore:

  • Counting on to find totals

  • Creating and solving addition number stories

  • Using pictures and objects to solve problems

In subtraction, children will learn to:

  • Cross out to take away

  • Count back on a number line

  • Create a solve subtraction number stories

 

Geography

This term, our Geography focus will be Our Local Area. Children will begin to develop their understanding of the world around them by exploring both human and physical features in their environment.

Key learning will include:

  • Identifying and describing features of our local area

  • Comparing two different places in London

  • Using maps and learning basic compass directions

  • Recognising seasonal changes and weather patterns in the UK

  • Asking and answering simple geographical questions about where they live and the wider world

To bring our learning to life, we will go on a local walk in Manor Park, where children will observe and identify real examples of human and physical features in their community.

Computing

This term, children will be introduced to the world of coding through hands-on exploration with Cubetto – a friendly wooden robot designed to teach the basics of computer programming in a fun and accessible way.

Using Cubetto, children will learn how to give simple instructions (or "code") to make the robot move through a series of adventures. This playful, screen-free approach helps develop important skills such as logical thinking, sequencing, and problem-solving.

DT

Our topic this term is ‘Structures and Mechanisms’, where children will develop a range of practical skills, including cutting, shaping, and joining materials with increasing accuracy and confidence.

They will also explore simple mechanisms, such as levers and sliders, and learn how these can be used to create movement in their designs.

To showcase their learning, the children will design and make their own moving picture inspired by the traditional tale Hansel and Gretel.

Jigsaw

Our key themes this term will be ‘Being Me in My World’ and ‘Celebrating Differences’.

Through circle times, games, stories, and class discussions, children will explore what makes them unique and learn to appreciate and celebrate the differences in others. We will encourage kindness, empathy, and respect, helping the children to build positive relationships and develop a strong sense of belonging within our classroom community.

RE

This term, our big enquiry question in Religious Education is: “What does it mean to belong?”

Through our unit, Living with Family and Friends, children will explore what makes each of us special and reflect on the important people, places, and objects in our lives. They will learn about how different families show love and care for one another, and how a sense of belonging is built within the home.

As part of this learning, children will also be introduced to special objects and traditions from a range of faiths, helping them to appreciate and have mutual respect for the beliefs and practices of others.

In the lead-up to Christmas, we will focus on the Nativity story, exploring its significance for Christians. We will also look at the many ways Christmas is celebrated by people of different backgrounds and beliefs, encouraging children to recognise and value the diversity of traditions around them.

Science - Everyday Materials

This term in Science, we will be exploring materials and their properties. Children will investigate what different materials look and feel like, and begin to use scientific vocabulary to describe, compare, and sort them based on their characteristics.

To bring our learning to life, we’ll be using the story of The Gingerbread Man as a fun and imaginative starting point. The children will take on the challenge of finding out which materials are best suited to protect the Gingerbread Man from getting wet when he falls into the river. This exciting investigation will encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and early scientific thinking.

 

 

You can visit our subject pages to find out more about how we learn across the curriculum at Sheringham, including our specialist programmes for Music, Drama and PE.