Prep 1 Curriculum Brief

Reading Comprehension: We will practise answering questions in full sentences. Our focus will continue to develop an interest in reading. Students will ask questions based on their reading to improve their understanding and summarise what they have read. We will also discuss and clarify the meanings of words, linking new meanings to known vocabulary and discussing their favourite words and phrases. Additionally we will introduce skills such as inference, retrieval, predictions, and sequencing.
Handwriting: We will continue to work on forming lower-case and capital letters of the correct size relative to one another. We will also focus on correct letter formation to ensure neatly presented writing. Prep 2 will continue to work on their cursive handwriting (joined-up), paying attention to correctly placing lead-ins.

Phonics: We will continue in our groups with R.W.I. Our phonics work will continue to focus on digraphs, suffixes, spelling choices and spelling patterns. We will continue to practise breaking long words down into syllables to help them spell chunks.

Grammar: To start the term, we’ll focus on writing a newspaper article about Rosa Parks. Our goal is to emphasise clear language and concise information. Students will craft simple and compound sentences and use correct punctuation. Prep 2 will focus on using consistent tenses and delve into crafting expanded noun phrases. We will practise using conjunctions to extend their sentences and introduce alliteration to make the articles more engaging.

Writing – They will use inference skills to show what people might be thinking and feeling by creating scenes from Rosa’s life using freeze frames. We will explore the features of a newspaper report and discuss what makes an effective headline.
The curriculum will be differentiated for Prep 1 and 2.

This Summer Term, our main focus will be on fractions, statistics, and time. The curriculum will be differentiated for Prep 1 and 2. We will continue to build a strong foundation in number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Fractions: Children will be introduced to the concept of fractions as parts of a whole. They will learn to name basic fractions, such as halves and quarters. They will learn to recognise, find and name a half as one of two equal parts of an object, shape or quantity.

Time: They will learn to tell time using both analog and digital clocks, understand the concept of morning, afternoon, evening, and night, and begin to learn about units of time like hours, minutes, and seconds.

Statistics: Children will explore basic statistics, including collecting and interpreting data. They will learn to organise objects and information into categories, understand simple graphs, and interpret data using pictograms and bar charts.

We will learn about plants by observing inside seeds and bulbs and describing how they grow into mature plants. We will also look at different means of dispersal. The children will grow a variety of plants and find out that they need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy.
After half term, we will investigate the variety of living things in our environment. We will see that although individual living things are different, there are similarities which can help to sort them into groups.

Our Geography lessons this term will concentrate around water. The first half of term we will focus on weather; introducing measuring equipment, investigating the types of weather we have in the UK and how the seasons affect this, before exploring weather in different countries and when weather becomes extreme. The second half of term will be spent investigating our rivers and coasts, learning about both human and physical features.

This term we will learn about the Ancient Greeks. Our learning will start from the geographical position of Greece, comparison of the Celts and their belief. We will then begin our research on who they were, their clothes, jewellery and language. To help our understanding, we will learn about what life was like for a Greek child, their houses, towns, entertainments and schooling. Finally, we will look at Greek buildings, the Olympic games and Greek philosophers.

This term, we will continue to build confidence in speaking and writing French through engaging activities such as games, role-play, and singing. Our topics will focus on classroom objects, my family, and food and drink. Students will learn to respond to questions about themselves in French and understand and follow teacher instructions. We will also enjoy learning some new songs, including ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’ and ‘Joyeux anniversaire.’

This term we will continue to build on our knowledge of Jesus and how we can follow his teachings. The children will look at the leadership of Jesus and the importance of prayer to Christians.

This term our core topic is Physical health and Mental wellbeing. We will be exploring the following areas:
Why sleep is important; medicines and keeping healthy; keeping teeth healthy; managing feelings and asking for help
Growing older; naming body parts
Safety in different environments; risk and safety at home; emergencies

This term we will be looking at the work of different artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Piet Mondrian, considering the techniques that were used to create their individual and unique styles. 

The children will be creating art work inspired by these artists using a variety of media including collage, watercolours, pastels and paints.

This term, the children will be using their imaginations to ‘paint pictures with music’. They will listen to a range of pieces by different composters from different countries, and think about the images that they conjure up.

Due to the exploratory and ‘spontaneous’ approach in this subject, we will often go off in different directions depending on the ideas and interest of the children. And so the formal lesson plans are often deviated from to preserve a flexibility and originality of approach. New projects often ‘evolve’ from the children’s ideas in the sessions and it is an important part of the approach and style in this subject to maintain this flexibility and spontaneity. This generates a feeling with the children that they are going on a ‘journey’ in this subject each term. The formal lesson plans are only intended to be used as a basis and guide to the type of work and projects that are covered and are not intended to be rigidly adhered to.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3

The children will be looking at the topic of ‘theatre designs.’ This project combines artistic creativity with three dimensional design work involving plywood, jelutong and balsa. The children may use some other materials to incorporate into their designs. The children will have a card front to their theatre (40cmx20cm). They will then decide on the theme, scenery, props. They will then be given the opportunity to present mini performances using their theatre designs.

Weeks 4, 5 and 6

Model boat designs using hull templates.
This project involves designing and making model boats using modelling foam for flotation. The children will also be looking at ways to move their boats using construction of sails and simple steering mechanisms. Other materials will also include, blockwood, dowelling and plywood.

Weeks 7, 8 and 9

Linking with the topic of forces and motion in science, the pupils will be looking at balancing puzzles. 3 dimensional shapes which are designed and made so they balance on wire or dowelling. The pupils will need to look at the shape, where and how the weights are attached, the colour/decoration of the model and materials used. They will also need to look at the design and construction of a supporting structure.

In the latter part of the term, the children will be able to work on some projects of their own choice, provided they can show the necessary planning.

This term pupils will be able to understand about algorithms in computing and how to de-bug any mistakes using a variety of coding activities. They will be able to search the internet appropriately to research for a project.

Drama is a vibrant and engaging subject that plays a crucial role in developing various skills.
This term, our focus is on fostering creativity, enhancing communication, building confidence, promoting collaboration, and deepening understanding of drama techniques.