2026-27 Class 1 - Lower School
Class 1 at Marwood School is a mixed-age class comprising Reception and Year 1 pupils. Nestled in the beautiful rural setting of North Devon, our curriculum is rooted in our core values of Learning to Learn, Respectful Consideration and Ambitious Progress.
We provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children develop the foundational knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for future success. Our curriculum carefully blends the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) National Curriculum, ensuring a smooth and meaningful transition from Reception into Year 1. Our curriculum is planned over a two-year cycle in most areas and is designed so that knowledge, vocabulary and skills build progressively over time.
Whilst many aspects of learning are taught through shared themes and experiences, some areas, such as phonics and mathematics, are taught separately to ensure teaching is closely matched to children's developmental stage and curriculum expectations. This allows Reception children to access the EYFS curriculum whilst Year 1 pupils access the KS1 curriculum, ensuring all children make strong progress from their starting points.
Learning to Learn
Our Lower School curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love of learning. Through play, exploration, practical experiences and direct teaching, children develop independence, resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Throughout both years, we encourage children to:
- Ask questions and investigate.
- Explain their thinking.
- Persevere when learning is challenging.
- Reflect on and improve their work.
- Make connections between different areas of learning.
- Develop confidence and independence.
Respectful Consideration
Relationships sit at the heart of everything we do. Children learn to work and play alongside others, developing empathy, kindness, cooperation and respect.
Our mixed-age classroom allows children to learn from one another. Reception children benefit from observing older pupils’ learning habits and routines, whilst Year 1 children develop confidence and responsibility as role models within the classroom.
Ambitious Progress
Every child is unique, and our tailored approach ensures that each pupil is appropriately challenged and supported.
In Reception, children develop the essential foundations for future learning through the seven areas of learning in the EYFS. In Year 1, children build upon these foundations through increasingly structured subject learning.
We believe ambitious progress begins with secure foundations. Rather than rushing children on to more complex content, we prioritise the essential knowledge, vocabulary and skills they need to be successful in future learning.
Curriculum Documents
To find out more about learning in Class 1, please view the documents below:
📄 Class 1 Curriculum Map (2026-27)
📘 Class 1 - Curriculum and Assessment Document
parent booklet curriculum and assessment.pdf
The curriculum map provides an overview of the themes, subjects and learning experiences taught throughout the year, whilst the Curriculum and Assessment booklet explains the essential knowledge, vocabulary and skills children develop in Reception and Year 1 and how these prepare them for future learning.
Foundational Knowledge and Future Learning
A key feature of our curriculum is the emphasis placed on foundational knowledge.
Foundational knowledge is the essential understanding, vocabulary, skills and learning behaviours that children need before they can access more complex learning. By securing these foundations early, children are better prepared for future success across the curriculum.
Communication, Language and Literacy
Reception children develop speaking and listening skills, build vocabulary, learn phonics and begin to write simple words, phrases and sentences.
These foundations enable Year 1 pupils to become increasingly fluent readers and writers, developing handwriting, spelling, sentence construction and composition.
Mathematical Understanding
Reception children develop a secure understanding of number, pattern, shape and measure through practical exploration.
These foundations prepare Year 1 pupils for place value, calculation, fractions, time, geometry, measurement and problem-solving.
Understanding the World
Reception children learn about people, places, communities, nature and change through first-hand experiences and exploration.
These foundations prepare children for future learning in science, history, geography and religious education.
Physical Development
Reception children develop gross and fine motor skills through play, movement and practical activities.
These foundations support future learning in PE, handwriting, art, design technology and everyday classroom learning.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Reception children learn to manage emotions, build relationships, cooperate with others and become increasingly independent.
These skills underpin successful learning throughout Year 1 and beyond.
Our Curriculum
The curriculum in Class 1 combines the seven areas of learning from the EYFS with the Year 1 National Curriculum. Wherever possible, learning is planned around shared themes and experiences that allow Reception and Year 1 pupils to learn alongside one another. However, some areas, such as phonics and mathematics, are taught separately to ensure learning is carefully matched to children's needs.
Our curriculum is organised into four broad areas of learning:
The Arts
(Including Communication and Language, Literacy and Expressive Arts and Design in EYFS)
Reception
Children develop early communication, language, literacy and creativity through storytelling, role play, discussion, music and imaginative play.
Year 1
Children continue to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through high-quality texts and purposeful writing opportunities. They develop handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, sentence construction and composition through carefully sequenced learning. Children also explore a range of artistic techniques, materials and musical experiences that encourage creativity and self-expression.
STEM
(Including Mathematics and Understanding the World in EYFS)
Reception
Children develop early mathematical understanding through practical exploration of number, shape, pattern and measure. They investigate the world around them through observation, questioning and first-hand experiences.
Year 1
Children build mathematical fluency through topics including place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, time, measurement and geometry.
In science, children develop enquiry skills whilst studying:
- Everyday Materials
- Seasonal Change
- Living Things and Their Habitats
Children also begin to develop key computing and design technology skills through practical and digital learning experiences.
Humanities
(Including Understanding the World in EYFS)
Reception
Children develop an understanding of people, communities, celebrations, places and the natural world through meaningful first-hand experiences.
Year 1
Children build knowledge about the world through History, Geography and Religious Education. They learn about people, places, significant events and different beliefs whilst developing curiosity and enquiry skills. Religious Education follows the Devon RE syllabus.
Physical and Social Development
(Including Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development in EYFS)
Reception
Children develop physical skills, confidence, independence, emotional regulation and positive relationships through carefully planned learning and play experiences.
Year 1
Children continue to develop physically, socially and emotionally through PE, PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education.
PE includes opportunities to develop skills in gymnastics, dance and athletics, whilst PSHE supports children's understanding of wellbeing, relationships, safety and healthy lifestyles.
Preparing Children for Future Learning
One of the key benefits of our mixed Reception and Year 1 class is the way children learn and grow together.
Learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge and skills build progressively across the two years. For example:
- Early mark-making develops into letter formation and eventually written composition.
- Early phonics develops into fluent reading and accurate spelling.
- Vocabulary is deliberately developed and revisited over time, for example, through stories.
- Mathematical exploration develops into secure number understanding and problem-solving.
- Children develop increasing independence, resilience and confidence as learners.
- Knowledge is revisited and built upon to help children remember more and make meaningful connections across the curriculum.
By the end of Class 1, children have developed strong foundations in communication, reading, writing, mathematics, personal development and understanding of the world. These foundations prepare them not only for Year 2, but for successful learning throughout their Marwood primary education.
Enrichment Opportunities
Learning in Class 1 is also enriched through a range of visits, visitors and first-hand experiences linked to our curriculum themes. These opportunities help bring learning to life, deepen understanding and inspire curiosity about the world around us.
As a small rural school, we place great value on learning beyond the classroom and making the most of our local environment and community.
Working Together
Our small, close-knit community ensures that every child receives the attention and care they need to thrive.
If you would like to know more about the curriculum in Class 1, please speak to:
Mrs Laura Hume
Early Reading Leader, EYFS Leader and Class 1 Teacher
Mrs Allie Barnett
SENDCO and EYFS Leader
Dr Stuart Boon
Headteacher
We look forward to working in partnership with you to help your child develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to flourish both now and in the future.