Year 1

Welcome to Year 1 at Shirehampton Primary School.

Year 1 is an important transition from the Early Years into Key Stage 1. Children continue to benefit from engaging and practical learning experiences while becoming increasingly independent and beginning to follow the National Curriculum.

Our Year 1 classes are Paris and Barcelona.

Meet the Year 1 Team

Barcelona Class
Ms Ashleigh Moodley

Paris Class                                                                                                                         Mr Alfie Thomas

Mrs Marie Pickett supports across both Year 1 classes. 

Our Year 1 team works together to support children as they make the transition into Key Stage 1 and develop their confidence and independence as learners.

Learning in Year 1

Children in Year 1 follow the National Curriculum.

They continue to develop strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics alongside a broad curriculum including Science, History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Computing, Music, PE, Religious Education and PSHE.

Phonics and early reading remain a key priority throughout Year 1.

→ Explore our Curriculum

Phonics & Reading

Children continue to receive systematic phonics teaching through Unlocking Letters and Sounds.

Regular reading helps children develop fluency, confidence, vocabulary and comprehension. Children take home appropriately matched reading material and we encourage families to read regularly together.

As children become increasingly confident readers, they are encouraged to talk about what they have read and develop their understanding of texts.

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

During the summer term, all children in Year 1 take part in the statutory Phonics Screening Check.

The check is a short, individual assessment which helps us understand how securely children can use their phonics knowledge to decode words. Children read a selection of real words and ‘pseudo-words’ (sometimes called alien words) with a familiar adult in school.

The check is carried out in a calm and familiar way, and children are usually unaware that they are completing a formal assessment. There is no need for children to prepare specifically for the check beyond their usual phonics learning and regular reading at home.

Parents and carers will be informed of their child’s result. If a child does not meet the expected standard in Year 1, they will continue to receive appropriate phonics teaching and support in Year 2 and will take the check again during the summer term of Year 2.

→ Parent Guide to Y1 Phonic Check

→ Find out more about Phonics & Reading

 What We Are Learning

Our curriculum overview provides information about what children will learn during Year 1.

📄 Year 1 Curriculum Overview 2026–27

Home Learning

Home learning in Year 1 focuses on reinforcing important skills and developing positive learning habits.

Children are encouraged to read regularly at home and practise phonics and key number facts. Other activities may be provided where appropriate to consolidate learning taking place in school.

 How You Can Help at Home

You can support your child by:

• Reading together regularly

• Practising phonics and sounds

• Talking about books and stories

• Practising counting and number facts

• Encouraging independence with belongings and routines

• Talking about what your child is learning at school

Short, regular opportunities to practise key skills are more valuable than lengthy periods of additional work.

 Useful Information

PE Days

[Add current Year 2 PE days]

Reading books changed

on [day]

What Children Need

Please ensure that all clothing, water bottles and other belongings are clearly named.

Children should bring a named water bottle to school each day.

Communication

Important year-group information and reminders will be shared with families through Arbor.

If you have a question about your child's learning or wellbeing, please speak to their class teacher. For non urgent matters you can email your child's class teacher. These email addresses are checked weekly during term time.

Ms Ashleigh Moodley barcelona@shirehampton-jun.bristol.sch.uk

Mr Alfie Thomas paris@shirehampton-jun.bristol.sch.uk

For urgent matters or information relating to absence, please contact the school office.