Welcome to our class page! We are Mrs. Loveday and Mrs. Band, and we are incredibly proud to be part of the inspiring and supportive community here at St Andrew's. Having worked at the school for many years, we are deeply committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a love of learning in our students.

We are both passionate about teaching, particularly in Key Stage 1, where we believe a strong foundation is essential for children's future learning and attitudes. It’s in these early years that we strive to create an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive. Our aim is to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to grow both academically and personally. Alongside our whole-class teaching and small group work, we are both committed to the 'continuous provision' approach to learning where a selection of resources and learning areas are available for children to freely and independently explore during our 'explore and learn' sections of the day.

Working alongside us is a dedicated and creative team of Teaching Assistants – Mrs. Byles, Mrs. Magill, and Mrs. Marsden. Together, we support each child’s learning journey, offering encouragement and guidance as they mature and build confidence. Our team works hard to nurture every student and provide a caring and supportive environment for both them and their families.

We are excited to continue working as a teaching team, and we look forward to watching each child grow and thrive in the year ahead.

Year 1 is an exciting time of growth and discovery at St Andrew’s. As children transition from Reception, they begin to experience more adult-led instruction, helping to develop their skills and understanding in a structured way. However, we still recognise the importance of play as a tool for learning, and there is plenty of time for play throughout the day, allowing children to explore, create, and develop key social skills. Group time with adults increases, providing more opportunities for focused learning, while whole-class expectations also grow as children become more confident in their learning. The topics covered in Year 1 are engaging and inspiring, sparking curiosity and making learning an exciting adventure. With a balance of guided activities and independent exploration, Year 1 is a year of enthusiasm, development, and fun!

The Year 1 curriculum at St Andrew’s is designed to open up new worlds of learning, exposing children to topics beyond their previous knowledge and sparking their curiosity. For example, they learn about Oxford Castle and the fascinating story of Empress Matilda, a strong and inspiring female role model from history. In science, children explore the changing seasons, developing their understanding of the natural world around them. English skills are developed systematically through the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme and Get Writing!, ensuring a solid foundation in reading and writing. One of the highlights of the day is story time, a special moment where children can immerse themselves in captivating stories, fostering a love of literature and imagination. The curriculum in Year 1 is designed to be engaging and varied, offering children the opportunity to discover, explore, and develop their skills across all areas.

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