Welcome to Year 1-2!
What's special about Year 1-2?
We're excited to have you here! This is where you'll find everything you need to stay informed and involved with our class. Let’s make this a fun, engaging, and successful year together!
The teachers in Year 1-2 are Mrs Welsh and Mrs Booth, who are supported by Mrs Dawson (Teaching Assistant). Each team member brings a unique set of skills, passion, and dedication to help every pupil succeed.
Our aim is to create a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where each child feels valued, respected, and empowered to shine. In our class, learning is hands-on, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of every pupil. We thrive to develop every child’s curiosity through developing their confidence and independence.
How We Learn
Our KS1 team is made up of 4 experienced teachers and supported by a number of highly skilled support staff.
In the morning children are taught in their year groups for the core subjects of Reading, Writing and Maths. These groups are smaller class sizes to meet each child’s individual needs and to allow for the best possible progress. Year 1 children are taught by Mrs Welsh and Miss Dale. The year 2 children are taught by Mrs Stephens and Mrs Booth.
In the afternoon the Year 1-2 class are taught by Mrs Welsh or Mrs Booth. Children will explore the foundation subjects of: Science, History, Geography, Music, P.E, Art, Design Technology, Computing, PSHE 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.
Testimonials
“We are delighted to have Clare in St Thomas Primary School. All the teachers and staff are amazing. We have seen how Clare has been developing her skills throughout these years. Thank you everyone.”
“We are so happy with Hania’s progress and the school staff’s effort.”
“Being in Year 2 makes me feel joyful because I have teachers who help me and we have a beautiful class.” - Amir
“Year 2 is so much fun. I love our art lessons best. We get to keep practising our art skills in the afternoon in the creative area.” - Amayrah
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. John
I have worked at St .Thomas for just over fourteen years, from Nursery up to year six. However, I am very settled in key stage one as I love the beginning of independence, but still the need for the odd hug. Prior to St. Thomas I worked in another primary school for over twenty one years. I thoroughly enjoy teaching music and art, as I find children's own personality can shine through more individually.
Outside of school, I have four sons and a grandson. I love nothing more than family time all together, or walking the dogs in our local woods with my husband.
I am missing school, and very much looking forward to getting better then I can back with my St. Thomas family.
Miss Patel
I have been at St Thomas for 14 years now, and during that time I’ve had the chance to teach throughout the school, in different classes. I enjoy providing opportunities for the children to learn in different and individual ways, finding fun ways to embed lesson objectives. I love my job in teaching and the endless rewards it reaps, it brings me a lot of joy and a positive perspective daily. Outside of school, I love to go on adventures, travelling, experiencing different food and cultures. I like swimming, being creative and working out at the gym. I like seizing the day and spreading my sparkle wherever I go.
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!
Mrs Dawson
I have worked at St Thomas for the past 5 years and enjoy working with and supporting children on their learning journey watching them grow and develop. I have worked in education for over 25years and currently work as a Special Needs Assistant.
Outside of School, I enjoy baking, sewing and reading. I also enjoy spending time with my two children and wider family, shopping, eating out and visiting new places, discovering new foods and sharing experiences.
