Core Subjects
In Years 1 and 2, collectively known as Key Stage 1, children begin to transition from the play-based learning of the Early Years into more structured, subject-specific lessons. The core subjects - English, Maths and Science - lay the vital foundations for the rest of a child's education. The focus is on teaching children to communicate fluently, begin to enjoy reading for pleasure and learn how to express themselves clearly in writing.
English
English in Years 1 - 2
Our beautiful environment of sea and countryside is both motivating and exciting for our young Bedians to start their academic journey. It inspires topics – such as nature, the sea and exploration – which are investigated through all aspects of English.
This philosophy is embedded as soon as children join our Bede’s community. Playing with language, revelling in reading, and learning the foundation tools to expression are core to our English lessons. Furthermore, the nurturing environment of Holywell guides our children to be active learners, encouraging each individual to find their own voice and communicate their opinions with confidence.
Lifelong love for language and literature
At these early and rapid stages of development, we develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information. All children follow a staged reading scheme, read with their teacher daily and use the well-stocked Holywell Library. Reading at home is encouraged through a school-home liaison programme, where parents and teachers are in regular communication on specific aspects of their child’s reading progress.
Celebrating our writing and communication is crucial to the development of each individual and the growth of technology has opened exciting possibilities to realise the full potential of our pupils. In Holywell, we take opportunities to develop and publish children’s response to reading and writing using both traditional writing methods and the latest digital technology. But the basics remain integral to learning with focus put on the structured building blocks of spelling, grammar and sentence structure which are central to the development of effective and expressive communicators.
English in Year 1
Year 1 marks the first year of the National Curriculum and, as you might expect, the teaching of phonics plays a big part. Using a multisensory and engaging approach, children will learn how to apply their phonic knowledge and skills in order to decode words, learning how to blend the different sounds in unfamiliar words.
Furthermore, children from an early age are encouraged to take part in national writing competitions. Seeing their work in published form is an empowering moment and at Bede’s, we take every opportunity to enjoy sharing and celebrating our work in a supportive and stimulating classroom environment.
In each term, creative writing is inspired by key stories such as traditional tales, fairy stories and classic fiction. These skills are developed into forming short narratives and retelling of events. Further opportunities for non-fiction writing flourish such as diary writing a set of instructions, compiling a class reference book on a chosen animal and writing a series of sentences to explain a simple process. Likewise, poetry is celebrated throughout the year through reading and performance and children collaborate on a shared poem as well as writing poetry using pattern and rhyme.
English in Year 2
During the year, children in Year 2 explore an array of books which demonstrate a range of genres and writing styles; for example, in the Autumn term, children explore and use drama to role play characters in traditional tales and fables, such as Red Riding Hood, and write a narrative from a character’s viewpoint. Later in the term, they are transformed into reporters, writing news reports on the Great Fire of London. Contemporary and classic poetry is also a highlight, share and performed as a class.
As children move through to the Spring and Summer Terms, they will continue to put their learning into practice, encapsulating ideas, playing with, developing and using new vocabulary.
They use multi-sensory learning and interactive teaching to write their own narratives based on exciting literature chosen carefully to suit the class. During the year, children will also learn about other types of writing including contemporary poetry that celebrates belonging, instructional, travel writing and news reporting tying in with topics studied throughout the year.
There is also a strong focus on developing pupils’ grammatical and technical skills in English, learning how words work and how to form clear sentences and use punctuation effectively.
Maths
Mathematics in Years 1 - 2
At Bede’s Prep, we are committed to fostering a deep understanding of mathematics in our young learners by making it a tangible and exciting part of their everyday lives. We believe that by actively engaging in their learning, pupils can develop essential problem-solving and reasoning skills, which are vital for understanding the world around them.
Our teaching approach is rooted in the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the National Curriculum, ensuring that our pupils build a strong foundation in mathematics through practical, hands-on experiences.
Year 1 - Building Confident Mathematicians
In Year 1, the primary aim is to establish a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles. Pupils start by developing fluency in number recognition and place value, learning to count forwards and backwards up to 100. They are introduced to simple addition and subtraction, using objects and mental strategies to solve problems. A key focus is on understanding the place value of digits in two-digit numbers, which helps build a foundation for more complex arithmetic.
Pupils also begin to explore the concepts of multiplication and division, understanding these as repeated addition and sharing, respectively. They start to work with fractions, recognising and finding halves and quarters of objects and quantities.
Measurement is another significant area in Year 1, where pupils learn to compare lengths, heights, weights, and volumes using appropriate vocabulary. They also start to tell the time to the hour and half-hour and begin to understand the days of the week, months, and seasons.
Geometry in Year 1 involves identifying and naming common 2D shapes (such as squares and circles) and 3D shapes (such as cubes and spheres). Pupils also start to describe positions, directions, and movements, including whole and half-turns
Year 2 - Strengthening Mathematical Understanding
In Year 2, pupils build on the foundations laid in Year 1, deepening their understanding and beginning to apply their skills more independently.
The focus continues on number and place value, with pupils learning to count in steps of 2, 3, 5 and 10 from any number. They also develop their ability to compare and order numbers up to 100 using the symbols >, < and =.
Addition and subtraction become more complex, with pupils learning to add and subtract two-digit numbers using a range of strategies, including number bonds and place value. They also begin solving word problems involving these operations.
Multiplication and division are developed through the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. Pupils use arrays, repeated addition and mental methods to solve simple calculations and problems.
In fractions, pupils learn to recognise and write simple fractions, including 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4, and explore simple equivalences such as 2/4 and 1/2.
Measurement covers length, height, weight, temperature and capacity using standard units. Pupils also learn to use money and tell the time to the nearest five minutes.
In geometry, pupils identify and describe the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, including the number of sides, vertices, edges and faces.
Science
Science in years 1 - 2
At Bede’s Pre-Prep, we are committed to providing a rich and engaging educational experience for your child. As part of our enquiry-based curriculum, we have integrated the Switched on Science scheme by Rising Stars, which beautifully complements our approach to learning in the foundation subjects. The scheme aligns perfectly with our enquiry-based curriculum, encouraging students to ask questions, explore ideas, and discover the wonders of the natural world.
The Switched on Science scheme for Year 1 and 2 is filled with exciting topics that captivate young minds and lay the foundation for a lifelong interest in science.
Year 1 Science - Exploring the World Around Us
In Year 1, pupils begin to develop their scientific understanding through hands-on investigation and observation.
Topics include everyday materials, exploring their properties and uses; seasonal changes, observing weather and the natural world throughout the year; and plants and animals, learning about habitats, life cycles and the characteristics of living things.
Year 2 Science - Investigating and Understanding
In Year 2, pupils build on their scientific knowledge through practical investigations and observation.
Topics include uses of everyday materials, exploring how materials can be changed and adapted; living things and their habitats, learning how plants and animals depend on their environment; and forces and movement, investigating how pushes and pulls affect the way objects move.
Through engaging, hands-on activities, pupils develop curiosity, observation skills and a growing understanding of the world around them.
Year 1 and Year 2 Curriculum booklet
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