Class 1 is our Reception and Year 1 class, which is taught by Mrs Hinchliffe and Miss Haigh with Mrs Brackenbury as our main Educational Teaching Assistant.
In Class 1 we want every child to become a confident and independent learner. We recognise that children develop in individual ways and at varying rates. For Reception we plan our programme of teaching and learning based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS). Pupils acquire new knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through seven areas of learning:
- Communication and Language
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
- Physical Development
For the Year 1 children we plan our programme of teaching and learning based on the National Curriculum. Both Recption and Year 1 children will experience our Read Write Inc Phonics Scheme, Talk for Writing and Whiterose Maths. We believe that through our topic afternoons and with class 1 and 2 working together closely, we can ensure that each individual child reaches their full potential.
The Class 1 curriculum is organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are areas where the children can be independent and active, be quiet and rest or complete a focused task with an adult. The classroom is set up in learning areas, where children are encouraged to independently access equipment and resources linked to our topics.
Play and independent learning is paramount as this is how our children explore and develop learning experiences, which help them make sense of the world. They practise and build up ideas, and learn how to control themselves and understand the need for rules. They have the opportunity to think creatively alongside other children as well as on their own. They communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems.
Class 1 has its own enclosed outdoor area. This has a positive effect on the children’s development. Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on a different scale. It offers the children a chance to explore, use their senses and be physically active and exuberant. At Hepworth school we are also lucky enough to have extensive grounds and woodland. We plan learning activities for the children to access the wider outdoors that help to develop all areas of learning. The children will often learn outdoors or experience 'welly walks' to explore and investigate or simply to use their senses to experience the different seasons.
Teaching and learning is split into cross curricular topics based on a three year cycle. We are currently on cycle A and our topics include: Light and Dark, Shops and Food, Dinosaurs, Pirates and finally Minibeasts.
We have good links with Hepworth Pre-school and many other local Nurseries. To support children in their transition to school the teachers will visit new starters in their current setting. This enables them to meet new pupils and speak to their key workers. We also encourage transition visits in class 1 for new starters to prepare them for beginning school.
Please contact the school office if you would like to arrange a visit and tour of Hepworth School and Class 1. We look forward to seeing you!