Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

Our Lady of Sion - Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
Years 1 and 2 are for children aged 5 to 7 years. Maximum class size is set at 20 pupils, and our well-qualified and experienced class teachers deliver the majority of lessons. French, Music and PE are taught by specialist teachers. Year 2 pupils take advantage of swimming lessons at the local pool. Computer, Italian and Spanish Club (from Year 1) and Tennis Club (from Year 2) are available after school for a nominal extra charge. As well as formal lessons, trips and visitors are an important part of our balanced and extensive curriculum.

School uniform must be worn.

After school supervision is available at no extra charge.

School opens 8.00 am
Registration 8.50 am
Morning break 10.20 am
Lunch break 12.00 noon
Afternoon break 2.15 pm
School ends 3.15 pm Year 1; 3.30 pm Year 2
Supervision ends 5.00 pm

Lessons last for 30 minutes. School Assemblies are held on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings.

Key Stage 1 Curriculum

Years 1 and 2 - ages 5 to 7 years

Great emphasis is placed on Literacy and Numeracy. These subjects are complemented by lessons in Art, DT, French, Geography, History, ICT, Music, PCSHE, PE, Science and Religious Education.
ICT is an integral part of the curriculum. Our networked system comprises a dedicated ICT suite, a computer in each classroom, all with regulated internet access. Pupils also have the use of an interactive whiteboard.

We offer a variety of trips to enhance the curriculum and to keep learning fun. These may include visits to the theatre and to the Wetlands Trust in Arundel, as well as walks to the local library, museum, shops, Post Office and seafront.
Visitors are regularly invited to the school to talk to the pupils about subjects as wide ranging as Road Safety, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dental Health.

Art - This information is in the process of being updated
Art classes generate work of a very high standard in our well-equipped Art Room. Pupils work creatively using a range of media such as clay, charcoal, pastels, watercolours and silk paints. The school's kilns are used to great effect to fire the pupils' exciting ceramic work. Examples of their work are on display throughout the school.

French - This information is in the process of being updated
Pupils have French lessons with a specialist teacher, introducing them to the concept of learning a second language through games and activities.

ICT
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) establishes links with all curriculum areas across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
The aim of the curriculum is to give our children the ability to use ICT effectively in order to enable them to become more confident and competent in skills vital for modern society.
We strive to achieve these aims by;
• Helping all pupils to use ICT with purpose and enjoyment;
• Helping al pupils to develop the necessary skills to exploit ICT;
• Meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum as fully as possible and helping all pupils to achieve the highest possible standards;
• Helping pupils enrich their learning across all subject areas by including ICT where relevant.
The following skills and techniques are developed in increasing depth throughout each year group;
General Technological Awareness
Keyboarding Skills
Paint / Draw / Graphics
Word Processing
Data Handling
Control
The school benefits from four interactive whiteboards, three around the school and one in the purpose built ICT suite. Each class has timetabled sessions in the ICT suite every week. Each classroom also benefits from a computer linked to the system network.
In addition to timetabled ICT lessons, the children in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 have the opportunity to join our “Computer Explorers” after school club.

MUSIC (Reception, Year 1 & 2)
Our very successful music department aims to develop aesthetic and creative ability in all pupils.  It strives to develop pupils’ understanding, knowledge, skills and enjoyment of music through involvement in performing, composing and listening.  Above all, pupils are encouraged to develop a love of music, and are encouraged to become actively involved in the musical life of the school.
• Timetable: Two class music lessons per week with a specialist teacher.
• Singing: Pupils learn and memorise an expanding repertoire of songs.  Develop an understanding of basic singing technique.
• Instrumental:  An opportunity to express their individual creativity through the use of percussion instruments. 
• Performance:  Performance is encouraged individually and collectively within the lessons and in a concert setting.
Forthcoming Events:  Reception, Year 1 & 2
October 14th 2009 Stomp/Body Percussion Workshop - to see photos of Stomp workshop - Click here
December 9th 2009 Nativity: 9.30 Junior School Hall
December 10th 2009 Nativity: 9.30 Junior School Hall


Sport & PE (Year 1 and 2)
A broad and balanced programme of PE is taught throughout the school by specialist and non-specialist staff enabling every child to find something they enjoy and through which they can gain a sense of achievement. 
Co-operation and a competitive spirit are developed through inter-house sporting activities and regular fixtures against other local schools.  Our specialist Games teachers ensure that sport plays an important part in the life of the school. 
There are Annual House competitions in most of the sports mainly for Years 5 and 6 as well as House Mini Swimming Galas for all classes from Year 2 to Year 6.
We offer Key Stage 2 pupils, extra- curricular team practices for football, netball and summer games which take place each term either at the Junior School, Senior School or Off-site.
Tennis coaching is offered to Years 2 – Year 4 at the Junior School.
Starting in the Foundation Stage with basic skills, the curriculum steadily builds to cover a range of activities including dance, gymnastics and ball skills.
The large, well equipped Senior School is also used by Years 3 to 6 for some lessons each week.  Years 2 – 6 are able to enjoy a structured and progressive swimming programme at the nearby 33m Aquarena Pool.
The school was recently awarded a Sport England Activemark, reflecting the breadth and quality of the PE curriculum.
The Year 6 Netball team also won the Summer Netball League.
Key Stage 1
All children from Reception to Year 2 have a minimum of four thirty minute lessons a week.  The activities covered include music and movement, educational gymnastics, athletics, tennis, net and wall games, striking and fielding games and invasion games. 
In Year 2, the pupils start swimming in the summer term which culminates in a mini-gala at the end of their session.
All children in Key Stage 1 take part in the annual Sports Day which takes the form of ‘Potted Sports’, as enjoyment and inclusion is one of the top priorities.