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Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 (Ages 5 to 7)
In Years 1 and 2 our children build on their Foundation Stage skills. They enjoy learning in a friendly, family environment and are taught by their class teacher for the majority of the time. They benefit from specialist teachers in PE, Science, French, ICT, Music and Dance.
Whole-school resources continue to be available, such as the Art/Music Studio, ICT Suite, and newly-refurbished Library. Classrooms are equipped with an excellent range of learning resources and there are many opportunities for creative, social and emotional development. Great importance is attached to the acquisition of social skills and we encourage respect and consideration for others.
In Years 1 and 2 our children are taught within a happy and caring atmosphere in classes of around 20, each with a full-time support assistant. The move from Reception Class to Year 1 is an exciting time for children and the teachers work together closely to ensure a smooth passage.
We use the National Curriculum as a framework, while providing a broad and balanced learning experience for all children appropriate to their stages of development. Each child is treated as an individual and is given the opportunity to develop his or her abilities and talents to the full.
Progress is carefully assessed and is communicated through written reports and Parents’ Evenings. We aim to foster excellent links between home and school and welcome the chance to discuss the children’s progress with parents.
School Life
The school day begins with registration at 8.45am and finishes at 3.15pm. A freshly-prepared healthy and nutritious lunch is provided by our chef and his team along with a snack at mid-morning break. There are many before and after school clubs and activities that extend the school day.
Our classrooms in Years 1 and 2 are well-equipped with an excellent range of learning resources. The day is structured to provide a balanced mix of academic, physical and creative experiences. We increase the frequency and amount of homework at the start of Year 1 so that our pupils start to work independently to reinforce their learning.
Trips are a core part of school life and pupils in Years 1 to 6 have many opportunities to learn outside the classroom in a way that deepens and enriches their experience. These range from theatre and museum trips, history and art trips, residential camps and adventure holidays.
Oaklands has an inclusive sports programme to involve as many children as possible in a wide variety of sports activities. This helps them to develop healthy lifestyles and to value teamwork.
Key Stage 1 FAQs
As the children move from year group to year group their experiences change as we pack more into the school day. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you need any further information about any aspect of the education we provide. We are always on hand to support parents as their child progresses through each stage of his/her education with us.
We have a Free Breakfast Club from 7.30am until 8.40am each morning and an After-School Club that runs until 6pm. These are run by Oaklands staff for children from 3 to 11 years.
For Breakfast Club drinks, breakfast cereals and toast are provided each morning. Children are given a range of activities after breakfast that engage them until the school day begins at 8.35am.
Our Teatime Club is staffed by the same team, and provides sandwiches and fruit every afternoon. Homework can be completed in the quiet area and there is a variety of activities on offer.
It is advisable to book into these clubs via the School Office.
We regularly assess children within the class through a variety of formal and informal tests. We also level them against the national average ability expected for their age range by using PIPS (Performance Indicators In Primary Schools).
We are fortunate to have a well-resourced Learning Support team, coordinated by our SENDCo. We have a large number of Teaching Assistants who work in a variety of classes. All work is routinely differentiated to meet the range of abilities of our children so that they are all able to access the curriculum.
Our specialist staff give one-to-one targeted support to pupils to help them make progress. We also have specialist dyslexia teachers who provide lessons for some of our pupils and undertake assessments if necessary.
The children receive a snack at morning breaktime with a drink of milk or water.
We have a wide range of food on offer at lunchtime freshly prepared by our Chef and his team. There is a daily choice of a hot main meal with a hot vegetarian alternative, together with a cold buffet that includes filled baguettes and a wide variety of salads. A daily pudding choice is available or plenty of fresh fruit and yoghurts.
There are many members of staff on duty to help children with their choice of food and to ensure that they eat a balanced meal. We always encourage children to try new food. Our team is used to catering for all dietary needs.
Parents have the opportunity each day to talk to the class teacher either in the morning or in the afternoon. We are very happy for parents to contact us to make a longer appointment if they need a more detailed conversation with the form teacher or a member of the senior team. The Headmistress is readily available to see parents about a variety of matters.
We have at least one formal communication with home each term, which takes the form of a short report, full report or parents’ meeting. There are regular newsletters and the website is always updated with information and news. We have a text messaging service and we email letters and news home. We also tweet our news!
There are termly drop-in mornings for Early Years, Infant and Junior parents to visit the classrooms and annual coffee mornings for all parents to chat with the Group Managing Principal and Headmistress about school.