Primary 1 at Dawn House School:

In our Primary 1 class we provide a high-quality education based around EYFS giving students a secure and confident start to their school life. We provide our students with a safe and stimulating environment that builds on each individual’s needs and interests; this is why the Primary 1 class is a mix of students from ages Reception up to and including early Key Stage 2 – taking into account each students learning need. Learning will be fun, engaging and challenging to help every student to reach their full potential.

The Learning Environment:

The Primary 1 classroom gives the students ample opportunities to develop their gross motor skills and meet their sensory regulation needs. The outdoor area mirrors the learning happening inside which allows students to learn where they feel most comfortable. The ability for the students to move freely between indoors and outdoors has promoted a calm environment in which they are able to learn better.

The classroom layout has been planned to allow for child led learning where the students can pursue their own interests. Students interests are also incorporated into to lesson planning to support with engagement.

The Curriculum:

We plan an exciting and challenging curriculum based on our observation of student’s needs, interests and stages of development across the seven areas of learning:

• Communication and Language
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Art and Design

The seven areas of learning shape the educational programmes in Primary 1 at Dawn House School. Observation is a key component of early years practice with practitioners spending the majority of their time interacting and playing with the students.

Primary Themes:

In the primary area of our school, we use engaging half-termly themes to bring learning to life. These themes spark curiosity and provide a central focus that connects all areas of the curriculum, offering pupils a meaningful and immersive learning experience. By exploring topics that captivate interest, we help pupils build essential skills while fostering a love for discovery across a broad curriculum.

• Autumn 1: Paddington and the Great Fire of London
• Autumn 2: Artic Animals
• Spring 1: Chinese New Year
• Spring 2: Past and Present Toys
• Summer 1: Weather and Seasons
• Summer 2: David Attenborough