Infants (Year 1 & Year 2)
Key Stage One
At Carleton House Preparatory School, Key Stage 1 represents an important transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to a more structured educational approach. In Years 1 and 2, our curriculum continues to blend hands-on, play-based learning with more formalised academic experiences, ensuring a smooth and engaging progression for our young learners.
Curriculum Overview:
The Key Stage 1 curriculum builds upon the foundational skills developed in EYFS, integrating structured learning with interactive experiences. This approach keeps children motivated and curious as they delve into more formal subjects.
Core Subjects:
Pupils study a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science. Our focus is on developing essential skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, while encouraging scientific inquiry through practical experiments and observations.
Creativity and Expression:
Creative subjects such as Art, Music, and Design Technology are integral to our curriculum. Children are provided with opportunities to express themselves through various media, fostering their creativity in a supportive environment.
Personal and Social Development:
We emphasise personal, social, and emotional growth, helping pupils develop strong social skills and a positive attitude towards learning. Topics related to relationships, respect, and responsibility are embedded into the curriculum.
Support and Staffing:
Our dedicated and highly skilled teachers, supported by full-time teaching assistants, ensure that every child receives the attention and support they need. Each Year 1 and Year 2 class benefits from the expertise of both a class teacher and a teaching assistant, with class sizes limited to a maximum of 23 pupils. This allows for personalised attention and tailored support.
Hands-On Learning:
To bridge the gap between EYFS play-based learning and Key Stage 1’s more formalised approach, we incorporate plenty of hands-on and interactive activities. Children engage in practical tasks, group projects, and exploratory play, which make learning both enjoyable and effective.
School Trips and Extracurricular Clubs:
To enrich the learning experience, Key Stage 1 pupils have access to a variety of school trips linked to the curriculum. These outings provide real-world connections to classroom learning, offering valuable opportunities for exploration and discovery. In addition to school trips, a range of extracurricular clubs is available to pupils.
Sporting Opportunities:
Children in Key Stage 1 also participate in school-based sporting competitions, supported by the Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership (LSSP). These activities foster physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and introduce pupils to the joys of competitive sport.
At Carleton House, we are committed to offering a well-rounded and stimulating Key Stage 1 curriculum. Through a blend of structured learning, creative exploration, hands-on activities, enriching school trips, and diverse extracurricular clubs, we aim to support the academic, social, and emotional development of our young learners, preparing them for continued success and a lifelong love of learning.