KS1 Curriculum Guide

In KS1 we believe in working with every child to enable them to reach their full potential. The main building blocks for life-learning experiences are formed during these important years and we strive to create stimulating opportunities for our children in order they may achieve these.

VES follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales as a base for planning with the option to make adjustments to meet the specific needs of our children who join us from a range of countries and cultures. We aim to give every student the opportunity to experience success in learning through individual, group or whole class activities. We provide an effective learning environment; setting targets for learning and securing motivation by using a variety of resources and techniques. Our core subjects in English, Mathematics, Science and Topic are taught by class teachers, with specialist staff delivering Arabic and Islamic Studies according to the Ministry of Education”s scheme of work. Other foundation subjects including French, Music, Computing, Physical Education and Swimming, are taught by subject specialist teachers.

ENGLISH

The skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society. Pupils must learn to speak, read and write fluently.

During Year 1 teachers build on work from the EYFS making sure that pupils can sound and blend unfamiliar printed words quickly and accurately using the phonetic knowledge and skills that they have already learnt.

The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:-

  • Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
  • Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
  • Improve their vocabulary for reading, writing and spoken language
  • Develop their grammar skills and understanding
  • Write clearly and accurately
  • Take part in discussions in order to learn and explain their understanding
  • Speaks clearly with confidence

MATHS

Mathematics is essential in everyday life, critical to science and technology and it provides a foundation for understanding the world. The principal focus of mathematics in KS 1 is to ensure that pupils develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value. This should involve working with numerals, words and the four operations.

Pupils should develop their ability to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and use the related vocabulary. Through sending a weekly information note to parents they are being informed of which unit of work we are doing that particular week.

SCIENCE

The principal focus of science teaching in KS 1 is to enable pupils to experience and observe the world around them. They should be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They will be made aware of patterns and relationships, observe changes over time, decide how to sort and group them and classifying things, carrying out simple tests, predictions and observations. They will begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas to individuals, groups and teachers. Most of their learning about science will be done through the use of first-hand practical experiences but they will also use a number of resources, equipment, books, photographs and videos.