Year 1/2

Welcome to Years 1/2

In Years 1/2, we build upon the fantastic foundations laid in Reception and help the children transition smoothly into more structured learning. Our days are filled opportunities to explore, create and imagine. From discovering the world around us to growing our reading and writing skills, every child is encouraged to be curious, confident, and kind.  

We have three wonderful mixed Year 1/2 classes who each have a teacher and full time teaching assistant. These are the:

Bumblebees, Butterflies and Dragonflies

While we adopt a mixed-age class setup, Maths is taught in separate year groups, following our White Rose programme and our Reading is taught in small discrete groups, following our brilliant Read, Write, Inc. programme. During all other times in the day the children are learning within their mixed classes. We believe this is best for all children to ensure they are getting the learning experience that is best for them.

Curriculum

In Years 1 and 2, the children immerse themselves into all the National Curriculum Foundation Subjects through our exciting ‘Learning Enquiries’. Each learning enquiry will often start with a ‘hook’ to inspire and spark curiosity. Children will engage in many practical activities to help them develop their knowledge and skills within the subject, before reaching a final outcome, which are shared with parents via an invitation to come into school or via our communication platform, Dojo.  

We have a rolling A/B curriculum, meaning that Year 1s and 2s will experience different learning enquiries with us throughout their 2 years in Key Stage 1. More information can be found on our Year A and Year B ‘Long Term Plans’.

Enriching Years 1-2

At Eden Park, we believe learning should be meaningful, memorable and full of wonder. In Year 1/2, we enrich the curriculum with a wide range of hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.

Our children explore history first-hand with a visit to Totnes Castle and get creative with local artists, including making willow lanterns for the Brixham Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations parade. We nurture a love of nature through regular Wild for Learning sessions — gardening, pond dipping, and discovering the natural world around us.

We also develop life skills through cookery and growing projects, learning where food comes from and how to prepare simple dishes. Sports and teamwork thrive with football, tag rugby sessions at our local club, and our popular Ocean Club, where children learn about marine life and caring for the environment. We even learn basic first aid with a qualified professional, helping children feel empowered, safe and capable.  

Visits to inspiring places, such as Paignton Zoo and the Cockington Sculpture Trail, as well as performing a real stage to an audience at Brixham Theatre ensure that our Bumblebees, Butterflies and Dragonflies enjoy a vibrant and varied school experience that builds confidence, compassion and a lifelong love of learning.  

‍