Key Stage One

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 EYFS, lessons continue to be practical and engaging, and to foster a love for learning. 

We don’t call our children the Explorers for no reason. Chapter House pupils study their world through a variety of themes across science, humanities, art, and design technology.

In Key Stage One, our Explorers investigate their home through six exciting topics: Home and Away, Forest and Fairies, Sun, Sea and Sand, Castles, Polar Regions, and Scientists at Work.

"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 COLLEGIATE 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. Our Occupational Therapist, Joanne Duston, helped to support the project and run the activities.
Key Stage One girl participating in movement for learning.
 

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. In Year 2, Science is taught discreetly as a separate subject once a week.

Year 1
  • Home and Away – Drawing self-portraits, learning about the human body, exploring the history of nursing, and discovering all things Africa (art, animals, and weather).
  • Forest and Fairies – Science lessons focused on plants, designing fairy tales with moving pictures, exploring the history of flight, and participating in Forest School sessions.
  • Sun, Sea and Sand – Comparing holidays from the past with those of today, Grace Darling's seaside rescue, science lessons on floating, sinking, and waterproof materials, designing a lunchbox for the Lighthouse Keeper, and creating seascapes in the style of Van Gogh.
Year 2
  • Ice and Fire – Two contrasting topics: the geography of the polar regions and a historical enquiry into the Great Fire of London.
  • Animals Through Time – A science-focused topic exploring the habitats and life cycles of animals. The topic will also delve 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 with your local area and Leeds.
Key Stage One pupils holding painted plates at Chapter House, primary school in York.
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Key Stage One pupils at Chapter House, Queen Ethelburga's
Chapter House pupils at Queen Ethelburga's

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