Useful Links

Useful Links

Key Stage 1

 

Key Stage One consists of separate classes for Year 1 and Year 2, each containing up to 30 children.

All National Curriculum subjects are taught by the class teachers following National Curriculum guidelines but we tailor work to suit the individual needs and abilities of the class.

We also use the extensive facilities offered by the Secondary Phase, including the Sports Hall, ICT suites and the music room.

Each term we post curriculum information on Class Dojo to inform parents of the learning going on in the classroom and also of ways you can help out.

We aim to take the children on a visit at least once a term and details are included in the curriculum posts. We believe that this is an integral part of the learning process and supports and enhances learning in the classroom.

For further information on KS1 classes including curriculum posts please see the individual class pages. 

Reading

The key focus on the teaching of reading in KS1 is the systematic teaching of phonics.

Phonics sessions take place on a daily basis in Reception and Year 1. We follow the Little Wandle Scheme across KS1 which is a systematic phonics approach developing an understanding of sounds, blending to read and segmenting to spell. Guided reading sessions are a central part of the programme.

Our reading books are matched to the Little Wandle reading scheme and available for the children to read at home.

Pupils are also encouraged to choose their own reading book from the library.

Parents are encouraged to read on a daily basis with their child and to discuss the content of the stories as well as supporting the reading process. Home reading diaries are used both to record what has been read and also to make any comments about the reading.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Batley Grammar School, Primary Phase, is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all pupils and gives them the skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare them for their future lives.

It ensures that academic success, creativity and problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning.

The curriculum celebrates the diversity and utilises the skills, knowledge and cultural wealth of the community while supporting the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For our long term plan please see individual class pages.

The curriculum has been developed over a two-year rolling programme. Themes are shared across the school and linked through an overarching question with underpinning concepts that are integrated into teaching. For example, ‘Time Travellers’. The key question for this theme is ‘Is change always good?’ and the underlying concepts are change, conflict, power and reform.

Moral Purpose

We aim to do what is good and to be positive in everything, showing respect and care for others, across cultures, distance and generations; our environment, both near and far, and ourselves, our health and well-being. We aim to achieve this through LORIC and the ‘A Mind to be Kind’ Programme.

LORIC is a progressive programme of materials and strategies to develop life skills. We refer to as attributes: Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication - LORIC.

We believe these skills are essential for all young people, no matter what their personal level of achievement might be.

A Mind to be Kind

We aim to develop a culture of kindness without an expectation of reward. Rather than focusing on performing acts of kindness for a reward, we are aiming to shift the focus to how it feels. By doing so, it is hoped that giving and receiving kindness becomes the norm and the school will be a happier, calmer and a more productive place for everyone.

Kindness is explored through three main themes:

  • Acts of Kindness
  • Living Without Harming Others
  • Respect