Welcome to the Launchpad - Year 1

The Launchpad is made up of foundation Stage two and year one. We have designed the structure of the Launchpad to provide children with opportunities to lead their own learning and follow their individual curiosities balanced with structured teacher-led activities. We recognise that children’s development at this age is not linear but more like a web with many aspects to it. It is with this understanding of child development  in mind that we have a shared ethos across the two year groups. This helps the children as they move from foundation to year one to experience a smooth transition. Although the structure of the environment and the philosophical ethos and understanding of child development now is unified across the Launchpad, the curriculum content and expectations differ. The foundation curriculum is based on the EYFS profile and in year one it is based on the KS1 curriculum and year one outcomes. Our vision for all children across the Launchpad  is aspirational and, as we move through the year, the children will be prepared for their transition into the next year group. 

During  year one, children work on the KS1 curriculum. The children are expected to meet the year one outcomes by the end of the year. They are taught the following subjects:

ART

Portraits - use of pencils for self portraits linked to the topic all about their bodies. Children look at different artists and draw self-portraits of themselves. 

Printing and Collage - castle pictures using drawing, block printing and collages.

Land art - leaf compositions and observational drawings linked to geography.

COMPUTING

Pupils are taught computing using the NCCE Teach Computing scheme. This covers: recognising technology in school; choosing appropriate tools to create art and writing digitally; writing short algorithms to move a Bee-Bot/character on screen; sorting and grouping objects as data. 

Autumn 1 - Technology around us

Autumn 2 - Digital painting

Spring 1 - Moving a robot

Spring 2 - Grouping Data

Summer 1 - Digital writing

Summer 2 - Programming animations

DT

Freestanding Structures - as part of the geography topic in autumn term, pupils design and create freestanding structures linked to the local area, Handsworth. The children design something new to add into Handsworth. This also links in well with the local history topic about shops in Handsworth. 

Mechanisms - sliders and levers. This is linked to our space topic. The children will design and make their own space pictures using levers and sliders, pivot points and moving pictures, learning about different mechanisms.

Food Technology - preparing fruit and vegetables. Pupils design and make a fruit salad; learning is linked to the science topic of the body and senses.

ENGLISH

Every classroom strives to create and uphold a strong writing culture. Throughout Y1, children are developing their skills in transcription, oral rehearsal of sentences, and sequencing their ideas. We develop their confidence in discussing and sharing their ideas with their peers and with staff.

We use 'Helicopter Stories' in Y1, where children dictate their stories to an adult scribe. Later the same day, the whole class sit around a taped out stage and the stories are acted out. This encourages children to see themselves as storytellers and writers even before they can write fluently themselves which builds confidence. It also instils a love of stories and storytelling. 

Genres covered in Y1 writing may include: traditional tales, letters, instructions, setting and character descriptions, poetry and recounts.

Click here for the programmes of study for English

GEOGRAPHY

We introduce the children to the basic concept of geography and the world in which we live through these topics:

What is the geography of where I live?  Pupils look at the human and physical features of the local area of Handsworth.

Why do we love being beside the seaside so much? Pupils look at Cleethorpes and distinguish the similarities/differences between rural, urban and coastal areas. 

How does the weather affect our lives? Pupils look at different types of weather and compare climates across the world. 

We also look at significant places in the United Kingdom and places that are important to the children.

HISTORY

We begin by developing the children’s understanding of history by learning about changes within the local area linked to shops and other developments that have happened in Handsworth. 

We then move on to learn about a range of significant individuals; Mary Seacole, Mary Anne Rawson, William Wilberforce, Queen Victoria and a range of others linked to the termly topics.

FOREST SCHOOL

During the autumn term, the children have the opportunity to continue with their weekly Forest School sessions in the Enchanted Garden.  This is an exciting way to learn in an outdoor setting and is proven to improve children’s confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills as well as them having lots of fun!  They develop skills in team work, using tools safely and learning about looking after our natural environment. During the session, the children will take part in a range of activities including den-building, wood craft, playing games and cooking on a campfire! 

What will my child need?

Forest School will happen in all weathers (unless it is VERY windy or icy). School will provide wellies, waterproof trousers and jackets, however, please make sure your child has plenty of warm clothes including a jumper, gloves and a hat (sunhat in sunny weather). Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.  Please make sure your child is suitably dressed to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience.