AGES 5-7 · Year 1 and Year 2
Key Stage 1
Strong foundations. Caring hearts. Confident changemakers.
In Years 1 and 2, children strengthen essential academic skills while learning to think independently, build positive relationships and use their growing knowledge to make a difference.
KEY STAGE 1 AT LIS
Learning to understand, connect and contribute
Key Stage 1 is an exciting stage of growing confidence and independence. Children develop secure foundations in reading, writing, mathematics and science while learning to ask thoughtful questions, communicate their ideas and make meaningful connections across the curriculum.
Learning at LIS extends beyond academic achievement. Through our Kindness in the Classroom programme, children develop the interpersonal and emotional skills to understand themselves, build healthy relationships and navigate challenges with respect and care. Education for Sustainable Development connects their learning to the wider world, encouraging them to explore issues affecting people and the planet and discover how their choices and actions can create positive change.
Children grow as capable learners, thoughtful friends and confident young people who understand that they can make a difference.
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
From curiosity to understanding
In Key Stage 1, children are active participants in their learning. Purposeful teaching is combined with inquiry, collaboration, creativity and opportunities to apply new understanding in meaningful ways.
Explore and Question
Children ask questions, examine materials and investigate ideas through practical activities, observation and first-hand experiences.
Understand and Connect
Through discussion, stories, guided practice and reflection, children build knowledge and begin to recognise connections between subjects, people and the world around them.
Collaborate and Create
Children listen to different perspectives, share responsibility and apply their learning through writing, designing, building, problem-solving and creative projects.
Reflect and take action
Children consider how their learning influences their choices and identify age-appropriate ways to contribute positively to their classroom, school and wider community.
OUR KEY STAGE 1 CURRICULUM
Strong foundations
A broad world of learning
Our Key Stage 1 programme develops secure foundations in English, Mathematics and Science while providing children with a rich and balanced curriculum.
Learning is grounded in the National Curriculum for England and supported by Cambridge Primary frameworks.​
CORE LEARNING
English
Children develop confidence in phonics, reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar, speaking and listening.
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Mathematics
Children build fluency, reasoning and problem solving through practical challenges.
Science
Children ask questions, investigate and share what they discover about the world around them.
A BROAD AND BALANCED CURRICULUM
Education for Sustainable Development
Children explore real-world issues affecting people and the planet, developing the knowledge, values and confidence to take action.
Computing
Children learn to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively.
Art and Design
Children express themselves through drawing, painting, building and creating.
Music
Children develop creativity through singing, rhythm, performance and playing instruments.
Physical Education
Children build coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Social Emotional Learning
Children learn to manage emotions, build positive relationships and make responsible choices with respect, care and confidence.
At LIS, academic learning, character development and meaningful action come together—helping children grow into knowledgeable, compassionate and capable young people.
A DAY IN KEY STAGE 1
Each day brings opportunities to learn, connect, investigate and make a difference.
No two days are exactly the same, but every day provides a thoughtful
balance of collaboration, independence and connection.
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Connecting as a Community
Building Essential Skills
Questioning and Investigation
Creating and Collaborating
Reflecting and Making a Difference
Children begin the day by connecting with their teachers and classmates, sharing ideas and preparing themselves for learning.
Focused English and mathematics lessons develop secure foundations through clear teaching, purposeful practice and appropriate challenge.
Children ask thoughtful questions, explore ideas and deepen their understanding through inquiry, discussion and hands-on discovery.
Creative activities and shared projects encourage children to express their ideas, solve problems and work positively with others.
Children celebrate their progress, reflect on their choices and consider how their learning can contribute positively to their community.