What We Do in Keystage 1

Key Stage 1 is where children begin the next part of their exciting learning journey at Combe Down. In Years 1 and 2 the children begin to experience the National Curriculum. Across the Key Stage children are taught the core and curriculum subjects through Topics.

Year 1 is an important year as it sees the transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1. In keeping with the ethos of the Foundation Stage, the first term in Year 1 follows a play-based approach to learning where the six areas of learning are covered. Children continue with a strong phonic approach to reading and writing, building on what they learned in Reception. As Year 1 progresses, the children are introduced gradually to the National Curriculum, but even here play-based learning is key to steering them towards independent learning. Throughout the year the children are assessed in literacy and numeracy by ongoing teacher assessments.

Building year by year

Year 2 consolidates the learning and skills acquired in Year 1. As in Year 1, the children work towards independent learning following the National Curriculum, and learning through Topics, ie ‘Florence Nightingale’, ‘The Great Fire of London’ and ‘Seasides Past and Present’. Science really begins to take off now, and children investigate electricity and simple plant formation. By the end of Year 2 the children take part in SATs, the statutory assessments for the end of Key Stage 1. This takes the form of ongoing teacher assessments in Literacy, Numeracy and Science. By the time the children leave Year 2 they will have been given a specific level of achievement in these three areas.

Trips and visits in KS1

Across the Phase the children take part in educational visits, usually tied in with Topic themes. These may be in and around the local environment or further afield, but all will enrich their learning. Year 1 take a trip to Bristol Zoo and Year 2 to Horse World. Prior to these visits an RSPCA representative visits the school to talk about care of animals which provides a starting point for our school trips. There are also special opportunities for extra-curricular activities in the form of football, cricket and gymnastics coaching. As with other year groups, there are always opportunities for parents to help in class or to come in and share their expertise, which always adds a special something to the mix.