Willow Class - Year 1 & Year 2 2026 - 2027
Miss Kerr
Mrs Curzon
Welcome to the Autumn Term!
We are excited to begin a brand-new term with you and your children. Our aim is to provide engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence across the curriculum.
Throughout the term, pupils will be supported to build on prior learning through high-quality teaching, structured activities and carefully planned opportunities for participation. We will continue to place emphasis on developing key knowledge, skills and understanding, while ensuring learning remains purposeful and accessible for all pupils.
We value the strong partnership between home and school and recognise the important role that families play in supporting progress and positive attitudes to learning. Working together, we can help children to achieve their best and to approach new challenges with confidence.
We look forward to sharing another exciting term of learning and achievements with you.
English
We will begin the term by exploring The Girl at the Front of the Class by Pippa Curnick.
This beautiful picture book is told by Adam, a kind boy aged five or six, who notices a new classmate, Layla, sitting quietly and never joining in. Her drawings seem scary, and every picture includes a girl crying. Adam asks his teacher and parents about her, and learns that Layla had to leave her home, family, friends and everything she owned in another country. He then creates a new story in which he and Layla are friends. The back of the book includes five practical ideas for welcoming refugee children, including learning how to pronounce their name, smiling, and saying hello every day.
Big Writes:
- Writing friendship story sentences
Our second vehicle text is King Lion by Emma Yarlett
King Lion is a children’s picture book by author and illustrator Emma Yarlett about a lonely lion ruler who struggles to make friends. In this story, King Lion rules a kingdom where everyone is happy except for him, and he longs for a companion. He tries to wave, smile, say hello, and even tell jokes, but his large claws, sharp teeth, and loud voice only frighten the townspeople, who run away. Feeling wild with sadness, he climbs the tallest tower and roars in despair. Then a lonely little girl hears him, understands his feelings, and comes up with a brave plan to reach out to him.
Big Writes: Writing instruction sentences
Weekly activities will include phonics, spelling, punctuation and grammar practice, alongside regular handwriting sessions. New spellings will continue to be introduced each week.
Reading remains at the heart of learning. We encourage children to read at home daily for at least five minutes and to record their reading in their Home School Journal. Regular reading helps develop fluency, comprehension and a lifelong love of books.
Mathematics
We will continue to follow the White Rose Maths scheme from Reception to Year 6. This carefully designed programme supports children in developing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills while ensuring a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts.
Across the school, children will build their knowledge in a clear, step-by-step way, helping them make connections and grow in confidence. The White Rose Maths scheme gives teachers a strong structure to follow, while keeping learning engaging and accessible. It also helps children revisit important ideas regularly, so they can remember and apply what they have learned with increasing independence.
Science
Local Habitats
Children will investigate different types of habitats, explore what types of animals live in different habitats and investigate local habitats around us.
Later in the term, we will discover Properties and Uses of Materials where children will dentify everyday materials, describe their physical properties, and explain why specific materials are chosen for different uses
Religious Education (RE)
This term we will explore two big questions:
- What is God’s job?
- Why should we care for others?
Through discussion, reflection and enquiry, children learn that God's "job" is creating and loving the world, and that we should care for others because everyone is special and we should treat people the way we want to be treated.
Computing
Children will develop their digital understanding through:
- Bee-Bots- Children will learn the basics of coding and algorithms by programming tactile floor robots called.
- Digital imagery – Children will learn the basics of capturing, creating, and changing digital images using computers, tablets, or cameras
Geography
Where am I ?
Children will investigate exploring their personal address, local surroundings, and their place within the United Kingdom.
History
What is History?
The study of the past, focusing on what life was like before they were born and how things have changed over time.
Exploring changes within their own lives, their parents' lives, and their grandparents' lives (such as comparing old and new toys, clothes, or transport)
Art and Design
Sculpture and 3D – Clay Houses
children learn basic manipulation and shaping skills to turn a soft, natural material into a three-dimensional art piece
Design and Technology
Mechanisms- Making a Moving Monster
Children learn how simple mechanical parts work together to create purposeful movement
PSHE
Citizenship
Through our PSHE lessons, children will learn about being responsible citizens, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and recognising how they can make positive contributions to their community.
School Days
Children will explore life in the classroom and all the routines that make our school day run smoothly. We will also learn vocabulary related to school life, subjects, classroom language and daily routines. This will support the children as they talk, listen and build confidence using new words in meaningful situations.
Homework
Homework will continue to be set on Tuesdays and due the following Monday. Please support your child in completing it on time, as this helps reinforce what we are learning in class.
We are looking forward to a wonderful Autumn Term filled with curiosity, creativity and exciting learning opportunities. We cannot wait to share the children’s achievements and successes with you throughout the term!
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We really value working in partnership with you and are excited about all that lies ahead.
