For our investigation, the children created missing posters in the hope that others could help us find the polar bear. We watched news reports of the polar bear being spotted in Armley, planned ways to help him return home, and discussed how he might be feeling.
Welcome to our Year 1 class page!
Class teacher: Miss Plant
HLTA cover: Miss Gibbons and Mrs Gibbons
Support staff: Mrs Doherty, Mrs Bi, Mrs Burrow
We look forward to sharing some great Year 1 memories with you!
Spring 1
Spring 1 Writing
Focus book 'The True Story of the Three Little Pigs' by Jon Scieszka
In the Autumn term, Year 1 explored traditional tales and became familiar with well-known stories and their key features. This half term we have been learning about “topsy-turvy tales” – stories where a familiar traditional tale is changed or retold in a different way, often with unexpected twists to characters or events.
During Spring 1, the children compared these new versions with the original stories, spotting what had changed and discussing how the story was different. They developed their writing by making predictions, writing lists, sequencing the beginning, middle and end of a story, and describing characters and their feelings.
To finish the half term, the children took part in a Build It inspiration day themed around The Three Little Pigs. They designed a house for the pigs and measured their plans, linking to maths. They explored different materials to find out which were waterproof, linking to science, and then worked together to build a strong and stable house, linking to design and technology.
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Book Talk
In our Book Talk sessions, I share a book that I enjoy with the children, showing a short snippet of a page or a few illustrations. We have a brief chat about what the book is about and why I recommend it, sparking interest and curiosity. After the talk, the book goes on the windowsill for children to read if they choose.
Some children have also brought in their own favourite books to share with the class. They talk about why they enjoy them and recommend them to their classmates. This allows children to explore each other’s books, encouraging a love of reading and creating excitement around discovering new stories.
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Spring 1 Maths
Place Value within 50
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Autumn 2
12th December 2025 - A visit from Santa Claus!
12th December 2025 - Polar Express Day
The children started the day in true Polar Express style, arriving at school in their pyjamas and dressing gowns, with a fluffy companion in hand. They then lined up to collect their ticket, ready to have it punched before boarding the Polar Express.
Once aboard the Polar Express, the children enjoyed a full day of exciting lessons themed around our Polar Express Day. Activities included baking, colouring, crafts, gift making, and writing letters to Santa, which they were delighted to deliver to him later that day.
Autumn 2 Writing
Focus book 'Lost' by Mariajo Ilustrajo
After breaktime, the children and teachers returned to the classroom to discover a huge mess. Tables had been moved, chairs were turned over, and stationery was scattered everywhere — but the most mysterious sight of all was a trail of giant footprints across the carpet. This unexpected scene left the class full of questions: what had happened to our classroom, who had been inside, and how could we find out? Time to investigate!
20th November - Local Walk to Armley Library
We then received another letter from the polar bear, giving us instructions to help find him. Following the clues led us to Armley Library, where we discovered a book that told part of the polar bear’s journey so far. But where had he gone next?
Autumn 1
Maths in Autumn 1
Within Maths this half term, we are focusing on place value (within 10) and addition (within 10). The children will be exploring number bonds, using number lines, and working with base ten equipment to develop their understanding of simple addition. These activities will help them build strong number sense and confidence in their early maths skills.
10th October 2025 - Swillington Farm Trip
Our class had a fantastic trip to the farm! The children loved meeting all the animals — they fed and gently stroked the sheep, collected fresh eggs from the chickens, and even got to stroke them too. They enjoyed feeding the horses and giving them a friendly pat, before picking apples straight from the farm’s trees. The highlight of the day was making their very own apple juice to drink! To finish, everyone helped feed the turkeys, making it a fun and memorable day full of hands-on farm experiences.
2nd October 2025 - Hansel and Gretel Day
Our Hansel and Gretel Day was filled with excitement and adventure! The children began the day by following a trail of pebbles, which led them to the witch’s house — our Year 1 classroom — where the story began. Once inside, the children had to solve tricky puzzles and riddles to find keys to escape. They took part in scavenger hunts around the school, using their maths skills to solve ‘one more’ and ‘one less’ problems. To break the witch’s spell, they sounded out and blended words, carefully choosing the right ones to complete the magical spell. After escaping the house, they faced a series of obstacles that they had to overcome to finally defeat the witch. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and interactive learning. The children worked brilliantly together and showed great enthusiasm throughout this magical adventure!
First Day of Year 1