Key Stage One | Queen Ethelburga's | Primary School In York

Key Stage One (Years 1 & 2) is an exciting point in children's learning as they begin classroom lessons full-time. Building on the foundations laid in Reception, lessons continue to be practical and engaging, and to foster a love for learning.

We like to compare our students to Explorers, discovering the world for the first time. Chapter House pupils study their world through a variety of themes across science, humanities, art, and design technology.

In Key Stage one, our learners further develop their knowledge and skills through engaging topics such as Forest and Fairies, Sun, Sea and Sand, Polar Regions, and We Are Explorers!

"Teaching strategies and planning are typically based on pupils' interests and needs and pupils respond by engaging in the activities with enthusiasm."

QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S ISI INSPECTION REPORT, OCTOBER 2023

Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, primary school in York.

Lessons are practical and engaging, and foster a love for learning.

Roles Of Responsibility

Key Stage One brings new experiences and opportunities for greater responsibility and teamwork within the school community.

Children can volunteer as Playground Buddies to develop their sense of responsibility, social skills and to create a positive and inclusive playground atmosphere.

We also have a Student Voice Committee encouraging children to make decisions and be involved in shaping the school environment.

Movement For Learning

Twice a week, children in Key Stage One engage in a range of activities designed to hone their motor skills and develop a greater sense of control over their bodies.

Loughborough University collaborated with Chapter House to pilot and refine the “Movement for Learning” programme to improve children’s academic learning and behaviour.

Overview of the Curriculum

English and Mathematics lessons are taught every day, with three PE sessions (including a dedicated swimming session) each week. Computing, Mandarin, Spanish, Topic (Science, Humanities, Art, and DT), and Performing Arts lessons are taught on rotation. The lessons are delivered by subject specialists. Science is taught discreetly as a separate subject once a week.

Year 1
Home and Away – Starting with a history focus, this topic deepens the children’s understanding of where they live and gives them the opportunity to explore the past through the history of toys. The focus then switches to geography, where we explore the country of Kenya, learning about its climate and landscapes, as well as the people and animals who live there. Forest and Fairies – A science and geography topic inspired by traditional tales, plants and map work. Weekly Forest School sessions also help bring this topic to life. Sun, Sea and Sand – This topic continues to develop the children’s understanding of the United Kingdom and compares holidays from the past with those of today. We also learn about Grace Darling and her famous seaside rescue.

Year 1

Home and Away – Starting with a history focus, this topic deepens the children’s understanding of where they live and gives them the opportunity to explore the past through the history of toys. The focus then switches to geography, where we explore the country of Kenya, learning about its climate and landscapes, as well as the people and animals who live there.
Forest and Fairies – A science and geography topic inspired by traditional tales, plants and map work. Weekly Forest School sessions also help bring this topic to life.
Sun, Sea and Sand – This topic continues to develop the children’s understanding of the United Kingdom and compares holidays from the past with those of today. We also learn about Grace Darling and her famous seaside rescue.

Year 2
Ice and Fire – Two contrasting areas of learning: the geography of the polar regions and a historical enquiry into the Great Fire of London. Animals Through Time – A science-focused topic exploring animal habitats and life cycles. The topic also delves into the animal timeline, including dinosaurs, evolution and how humans have used animals throughout history. We Are Explorers – Learn about key historical figures, explore the country of Japan, and make comparisons between Japan and your local area.

Year 2

Ice and Fire – Two contrasting areas of learning: the geography of the polar regions and a historical enquiry into the Great Fire of London.
Animals Through Time – A science-focused topic exploring animal habitats and life cycles. The topic also delves into the animal timeline, including dinosaurs, evolution and how humans have used animals throughout history.
We Are Explorers – Learn about key historical figures, explore the country of Japan, and make comparisons between Japan and your local area.

Key Stage One | Queen Ethelburga's | Primary School In York

Your Bookmarks