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Geneva English School

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 (age 5-7)

The transition between Reception and Key Stage 1 is an important one. We know that children of this age learn best with a varied and active approach.

In Key Stage 1, we provide an inspiring curriculum in a positive, joyful and caring learning environment. This is an important transition stage between the play-based foundation year in Reception and the more formal Key Stage 2 curriculum.

The work covered builds on the phonic, English and mathematical skills that the children have learned in Reception. Learning is fun and we tailor the National Curriculum to our children’s needs in order to make it interesting, exciting and relevant to them. The children become increasingly independent in their learning through the broad range of activities on offer.

English lessons are taught in whole class and small groups. We consolidate and build upon the reading and writing skills which were started in Reception. We incorporate a range of teaching and learning methods to suit the learning styles of the individual child. We listen to each child read regularly and their reading books go home with them to allow parents to share in important reading time. By the end of the first half of Key Stage 1, most children are already confident readers and writers. Later in the Key Stage, they are introduced to comprehension skills and develop their creative minds through a variety of genres.

The children’s knowledge and skills of Mathematics develops as a result of lots of practical, written and oral work. They initially develop a solid understanding of basic number-work, addition and subtraction, shapes, space and measures. Later in the Key Stage, Mathematics lessons build upon the children’s knowledge with a balance of practical and recorded activities. Opportunities to extend knowledge and understanding of numbers through problem solving activities are regularly provided.

Daily French lessons continue, following on from the Reception year and catering for individual needs and abilities.

We encourage the children to take ownership of their learning; whenever we can, involving their interests and own life experiences when selecting topics. Topic work continues to develop the children’s interest in science, geography, history, and music. Educational visits to places of interest, and guest speakers throughout the year enrich the learning experience for the children and provide them with valuable, practical ‘hands on’ activities.

During the week, the children also participate in computingartdance and drama lessons, all taught by specialist teachers and support staff in specialist teaching areas. Alongside a PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) programme, we ensure the children develop well academically, creatively and socially over the two years so that they are ready for their next step into Key Stage 2.

Close communication between teachers and parents is vital and there are plenty of opportunities to discuss children’s progress throughout the year and to participate in their achievements. During the Autumn and Summer terms, for example, children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 work together to perform a show.

Upcoming Events

19 Mar
Year 12 Geography Fieldwork
20 Mar
Journée Internationale de la Francophonie
20 Mar
iSAMS Europe Conference 09:30:00 - 16:00:00