Welcome to Year 1!
What's special about Year 1?
We are very excited about the year ahead and can’t wait to show you all the things we get up to in Year One!
Our aim is to create a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where each child feels valued, respected, and empowered to shine. Through our balanced curriculum, exciting extra-curricular opportunities and guidance linked to our Shine rules your child will flourish.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child’s personal growth, developing academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
In Year 1 we continue to build upon learning from the Early Years. Learning is very practical and hands on to assist children to developing basic skills across all curriculum areas.
How We Learn
Our KS1 team is made up of 4 experienced teachers and supported by a number of highly skilled support staff.
In Year 1, throughout the morning children are taught the Year 1 curriculum by Miss Dale and Mrs Welsh in smaller classes to maximise learning and development.
In the afternoon children are taught by their individual class teachers the foundation subjects such as: Science, History, Geography and R.E. Timetables, curriculum overviews and further documents regarding these subjects can be viewed by clicking on the tabs below.
Things to Look Forward to
We’re looking forward to all the wonderful experiences and opportunities coming up this year! Here are just a few highlights your child can look forward to:
- Fun and Interactive Lessons: Engaging subjects and activities that make learning exciting.
- Trips & Visitors: Real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to the outside world.
- Class Celebrations & Events: Special days to celebrate achievements, holidays, and teamwork.
- Reading Challenges & Book Fairs: Encouraging a love of reading with exciting books and fun incentives.
- Parent-Teacher Events: Chances for families to get involved and celebrate children’s success.
Parent Testimonials
“We are so pleased with Demie’s End of Year Report. We are really proud of her. We would like to say a big thank you to both Miss Dale and Mrs Dawson for all the help and support they have given Demie. Miss Dale and Mrs Dawson are lovely teachers. Thank you so much to both of you.”
“Such an amazing report for Amayrah. Lots of positives. She has definitely enjoyed Year 1 and has always come home with lots of stories to tell. Amayrah has learned lots of new things, we hope this continues in Year 2. Thank you for your support.”
“I am happy with Aisha’s progress. We will support her for further progress. Thank you for your constant support.”
Miss Dale
I have been a teacher for 20 years now and have taught Year 1 for the majority of this time. This is my 10th year at St. Thomas’ and I am looking forward to another great year of fun and learning in our Year 1 classroom. I love this age group as the children become much more independent, confident and they really flourish in all areas of the curriculum. My aim is to give all the children the best start possible in their education and help them to develop a love of learning. I always want to support them in whatever way they need to ‘Let Their Light Shine’.
A little bit about me: I love to travel! I lived in Asia for 6 years where I visited countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives and Vietnam to name but a few. Wherever I go I like to try new things, I am a keen diver, I like climbing and have even surfed, parasailed and skydived! I am very active, I love to go running and to the gym most days. Cooking and reading are also some of my favourite hobbies.
Mrs Welsh
I have been at St Thomas now for 14 years. I started teaching in Year 4 and the last 6 years I have been teaching in Key Stage 1. I love to teach art and writing, and enjoy allowing children to explore their creativity. The most rewarding part of my job is watching children grow in confidence, learn new skills and develop both academically and socially.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two children. I love having days out at the park, building sandcastles on the beach and especially love my caravan holidays.
Mrs Stephens
I have been at St Thomas for 14 years now, and during that time I’ve had the chance to take on lots of different roles. I started out as a teaching assistant while finishing my degree, and since then I’ve taught mainly across Key Stage 1. I’ve always loved teaching maths and art, but my absolute favourite part of the day is story time – there’s nothing better than ending the day by sharing a good book with the class.
Outside of school, I love being outdoors as much as possible – gardening, going for walks, having picnics in the park with my little boy, and going camping whenever we can. I also enjoy reading, baking, and all things arty!
Mrs Booth
I have been a member of the St Thomas’ family for over 5O years and have worked at the school for the past 30 years since gaining my teaching qualification. The majority of my teaching career has been mostly spent in KS1 but I have also had the opportunity to teach in both Year 3 and Reception. I love to teach Maths, History and RE and find it very rewarding when children are able to recall facts they have been taught. I am currently the staff school governor and have enjoyed all that this role entails.
In my spare time I enjoy swimming, walking my golden retriever ‘Henry’ and travelling with my husband. I have two grown up daughters and enjoy games nights with them and their respective partners.
Mrs Chughtai
I have been working in KS1 for several Years and love working with all the children. It always amazes me how quickly the children grow and learn and being part of that environment is an absolute privilege. When I'm not doing this fantastic job I love to spend time with my own children and with friends and family socialising and having fun!
Mrs Patel
I have worked at St Thomas’ for the past 10 years, and I truly enjoy working and supporting children and being part of their learning journey. To watch children grow in both confidence and independence, mastering and developing new skills thorough-out the year is rewarding.
Outside of work, I’m all about family time – especially with my three amazing children, two boys and a girl and my lovely husband. I’m a bit outgoing but also appreciate quiet moments, and treasure my close-knit circle of family and friends. When I’m not reading, sewing and cooking up something delicious, you’ll find me enjoying a good shopping spree, watching a movie, having a fun date night or taking a mini break to recharge. Life’s all about the little joys!
Miss Hardman
I've been working in education for over 13 years now. Along the way I've gathered tons of experience and worked with children of all ages. It is incredibly rewarding to see the children grow, develop, and achieve their full potential. I am very lucky to be able to say that I can now bring all my experience to the wonderful place that is St Thomas'.
A little fact about myself: I have two children that currently attend St.Thomas'. My favourite film is The Wizard of Oz, and my favourite breed of dog is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier!
Mrs Kara
I’ve been part of the St Thomas’ family for over 5 years and feel lucky to work in such a diverse and caring environment. I work across both EYFS and LKS2, and I love helping children grow in resilience, and encouraging them to enjoy learning as they progress through their school journey.
I’m also a mum of three, all of whom attended St Thomas’. My eldest was Head Boy, and they all have fond memories of their time here, so it makes me proud to now be part of the team and help deliver the same experiences to other children.
Miss Daniel
