St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School

Welcome back to school. In Year one there will be plenty of new learning and time with our friends.

THE YEAR 1 TEAM

Mrs Chester – Class Teacher
Mrs Smith– Learning Assistant (Monday to Wednesday)
Mr Brown – PE coach (Wednesday PM)
Mrs Hastings - PPA teacher (Wednesday PM)

What you need to bring to school?

Your child will be given reading books which match their learning in Animaphonics. Please support your child in practising applying their reading skills at home. Please try to hear your child practising their reading daily and sign the reading diary when you have heard your child read.

Children need to bring their reading books and diaries to school every day. Reading books are collected in on Mondays. New books are handed out on Wednesdays.

Children should bring a water bottle. Please could this be named. We ask that your child only brings water (no juice or squash please)

Our PE day is Wednesday. Please wear your PE kits on those days. Please see the school uniform policy for guidance.

Homework

Homework will be set each week on Wednesday and will need to be returned the following Monday.

Reading

Children need to read at least five times a week and make sure they have their diary signed by an adult.

Library books

Children have the opportunity to visit the Library each Monday and are issued a Library book to take home. Please ensure library books return to school each Monday so they can be changed for a new one.

Spellings and handwriting

Children will be given a set of words to practise at home. They should use their phonic skills to segment and then write the word. The spelling will link to the Animaphonics focus for the week. There will also be a Rainbow word (Phonetically irregular word) for them to practise. Spelling tests do not start in year 1 until the summer term.

Handwriting practise focuses on letter family groupings and will connect to handwriting lessons during the week.

Maths

Children will be given a maths activity that links to the learning they have completed in class. It is an opportunity to practise skills and facts they have learned. Children can also use Numbots and Times Tables Rockstars to practise number facts and develop fluency.

Please see resources below that can be used to support your child with phonics, spelling and handwriting.

Our Class Saint

Our Year 1 Class saint is Saint Francis of Assisi.

Year 1 chose Saint Francis of Assisi as their class saint because he always followed God and wanted to follow Jesus. He was generous to others, sharing with those less fortunate and putting God before others. He praised God for the wonders of Creation, caring for animals and the world around him.

Saint Francis of Assisi’s feast day is 4^th October. This year is the 800^th anniversary of his death and Pope Leo X1V declared it a of jubilee.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Key assessment dates – Phonics Screening Check

During year one, children will continue to have daily Phonics teaching, through our Animaphonics lessons.

The date for the Phonics Screening Check 2026 – 2027 is:

Week beginning: Monday 14^th June 2027

This will be carried out with a familiar adult. The outcome of the assessment will be shared as part of children’s end of year reports. Please read the guide for parents document for more information. (Document available to download)

Welcome Back - Autumn Term 2019 | Brookside Primary School

Curriculum

Please see below the year 1 general timetable and curriculum overview for details as to what we are learning each half term. As part of our transition from Reception, we are gradually building up to a full timetable. There are times when our timetable will change due to various school events.

Educational Visit

In the Spring term, year one will be taking part in Mousike Ensemble. This is a fantastic opportunity to share our musical talents with other Coventry schools. We will visit another school to share singing and music for the morning.

We will be visiting the Herbert Art Gallery in May.