Handwriting

Our children are supported in developing the skills they have learned in EYFS and continue to have access to opportunities that develop fine motor control. We continue to focus carefully on perfecting the tripod grip for handwriting, provided the children are developmentally and physically able. As the children move through Key Stage 1, they progress from precursive to cursive handwriting to ensure fluency and stamina when writing. As the children consolidate the cursive style, they are encouraged to write in pen in preparation for Key Stage 2.

Mathematics

As the children move into Key Stage 1, we continue to support mathematical fluency throughout their engagement with the learning environment. As part of this, we ensure the children are given opportunities to apply their mathematical understanding in reallife contexts, which helps them develop a love of the subject. We continue to support the children in developing a firm understanding of numbers, building upon the knowledge and understanding acquired in EYFS. The children are encouraged to apply their mathematical understanding to problem-solving and to describe the reasoning behind the steps they take. The children begin to understand the cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing data, and this is applied in different contexts, including through their play.

In Key Stage 1, we ensure that the children are fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics, are able to reason mathematically, can solve problems and are ready to build upon these skills and develop confidence in tackling concepts and strategies in the Primary phase.

Science

In Key Stage 1, a great deal of attention is placed on enabling children to experience and observe phenomena, closely examining the natural and man-made world around them and building upon the experiences they have gained in EYFS. Our environments are carefully planned to promote curiosity, encourage children to ask questions and develop their understanding of scientific ideas through inquiry. We provide opportunities for first-hand practical experiences to support the children with developing their own investigations to find answers to their questions and to test hypotheses. Our Discovery units are planned to ensure the children develop skills and obtain a firm understanding of critical scientific knowledge related to living things and everyday materials. The children’s experiences in Key Stage 1 prepare them for broadening their scientific view of the world around them in Key Stage 2 (the final stage of DBIS Primary).