Teaching and Curriculum at Hampton Court
House
Key Contacts
Susie Byers
Head of Prep sby@hchnet co uk
Katy Deacon
Vice Principal Academic skde@hchnet co uk
Rob Armiger
Assistant Principal | Director of Studies rwa@hchnet co uk
Imogen Stone
Assistant Principal | Teaching & Learning ist@hchnet co uk
Paul Pearce
Senior Vice Principal | Operations pgp@hchnet co uk
Art
Students will be learning about the wonderful characters created by textile artist Donna Wilson this term In response, they will draw on their imagination and creativity to design and stitch their own hand puppet Pupils will work to improve their scissor skills and build on sewing skills, using a simple running stitch to attach the fabric together
After half term, the students will learn bookbinding skills and stitch their own sketchbook for use over the summer
Term What are we studying?
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Art Calendar: Making art inspired by artists Yayoi Kusama, L S Lowry, Henri Matisse, Barbara Hepworth, Eileen Agar
Art calendar: Making art inspired by artists Mary Fedden, David Hockney, Peter Blake, Howard Hodgkin, Andy Goldsworthy
Solar System: Using a variety of different techniques and materials, pupils will create patterned and textured papers with which to represent the planets on an outer space collage
Spring 2
Summer 1
Clay: Taking inspiration from the work of Clarice Cliff, pupils will learn to master the pinch pot technique to create colourfully decorated pots which will be fired in the kiln
Sewing project: Taking inspiration from textile designer Donna Wilson, pupils will design and stitch a hand puppet This project aims to develop fine motor skills and introduces pupils to the properties of fabric and how to master a basic running stitch
Summer 2
Making: Improving on sewing skills, pupils to discover book binding to create a sketchbook for summer
Découverte du Monde (Discovering the World)
Pupils will have a real-life experience by taking care of ducklings and caterpillars, as well as adapting their behaviour in order for the ducklings to gain their trust. Pupils will deepen their understanding of the subjects of Humanities learning first notions of History, Geography and Biology.
Geography:
We will interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps and use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical features. We will learn about geographical similarities and differences through studying the human and physical geography of a small area in the city or in the countryside. Finally, we will list the reasons why it is important to protect the environment and respect all living beings.
Science:
During the Summer half- term, pupils will compare the mineral, vegetable, animal and human kingdoms. We will learn how to identify the characteristics of living beings. We will compare different habitats. We will analyse the dietary relations between living beings and draw food chains. We will observe the interactions between animals and their environment. Finally, we will learn about the life cycle of ducks and butterflies from the egg to birth/metamorphosis. To learn how to be responsible, taking care of them, feeding them.
History:
We will identify the characteristics of habitats of human beings through an understanding of historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections.
Découverte du Monde
English
The children will continue to work through the RWI programme in the morning and complete the child focussed and targeted tasks set by each group leader.
The children will start the term looking at stories about superheroes. They will explore how to write descriptive sentences. They will also look at using antonyms and comparisons and using capital letters for proper nouns. They will then move on to reading the book ‘Dear Greenpeace’ by Simon James. They will explore the features of letters and write their own. The children will read a range of traditional poems. They will learn what homophones are. They will also look at the use of repetition and rhyme and how to perform poems.
In the second half of the term, the children will read the Max stories by Ed Vere. They will learn how to sequence sentences to write short narratives. Next the children will look at different books about animals, comparing nonfiction and fiction texts. They will learn to write factually.
How it will be assessed
Assessment will be through daily marking and feedback. Through discussion and questioning. At the end of each unit the children will be writing in the style of the author or poet they have been reading. There will also be informal assessment of writing, reading and SPaG at the end of each term.
Forest School
Our Summer Forest School Programme fosters confidence and independence through play, discovery, and skill-building The summer term builds on spring’s outdoor learning, offering children opportunities to explore, create, and develop practical skills in nature Activities encourage teamwork, resilience, and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences Safety remains a priority, with sun protection, clear tool-use guidelines, and risk assessments Engaging families through workshops and events enriches this memorable outdoor learning experience
Topics and Activities:
Nature Discovery: Bug hunts, tree ID, and pond dipping
Bushcraft & Shelter Building: Den making, knot-tying, and safe fire lighting
Outdoor Cooking: Campfire recipes
Creative Arts: Leaf pressing, mud painting, and nature weaving
Sensory & Mindfulness: Barefoot walks, quiet sit spots, and nature mandalas
Water Play: Exploring ponds and streams safely
Team Games & Challenges: Obstacle courses, tracking, and hide-and-seek
Storytelling & Imaginative Play: Nature-inspired tales and cloud watching
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
What are we studying?
Safety in the natural environment and taking safe and supervised risks
Observing the changes in weather and in the natural environment for Autumn and Winter
Celebrate Autumn Harvest and Christmas
Building dens and using tools safely
Celebrate Chinese New Year and harvest from community garden to cook a Chinese meal on the open fire
Celebrate National Birdwatching and make bird feeders for winter birds
Fairytales and stories that link to play in the natural environment
Celebrate National Wildlife Day
Observing new changes in the natural environment coming into Spring and planting
Celebrate World Bee Day
Summer 2 Minibeasts, map making and treasure seeking
This term, Year 1 will develop pleasure in reading and understanding by learning how to read and discover new sounds [ch], [v], [r], [b], [t], [j] using the Alpha's method They will apply phonic knowledge and skills as the route to decoding syllables and simple words During the lesson, the pupils will learn vocabulary about emotions, feelings, sickness, food, drinks, order in a restaurant and breakfast They will also reinforce our knowledge of feminine, masculine, singular and plural of nouns Year 1 will also develop their cultural knowledge by listening to French stories Finally, they will hear and watch different authentic audios, videos and sing songs
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
We will discover the following new sounds [a], [e], [i] We will learn vocabulary about themselves, politeness, instructions, stationery
We will discover the following new sounds [o], [u], [ê] We will learn vocabulary about numbers from 1 to 20, colours, weather, daily routine before school
We will discover the following new sounds [s], [l], [p] We will learn vocabulary about animals in the farm and pets We will also learn to about the rooms of our houses They will also discover feminine and masculine nouns and how to conjugate the adjective
We will discover the following new sounds [m], [n], [f] We will learn vocabulary about the family members, body parts and clothes
We will discover the following new sounds [ch], [v], [r] We will learn vocabulary about emotions, feelings and sickness They will discover the singular and plural
We will discover the following new sounds [b], [t], [j] We will learn vocabulary about food, drinks, order in a restaurant and breakfast To discover how to use a bilingual dictionary to translate and understand simple words
Francophonie Culture
InIn the Summer term, Year 1 will continue their journey into French culture by discovering key celebrations and traditions. We will start with la fête du 1er mai, a day dedicated to workers and symbolised by the gifting of lily-ofthe-valley flowers. As June arrives, we will celebrate la Fête de la Musique, a nationwide festival where streets come alive with performances from musicians of all kinds and discovering French singers and different styles of music.
Students will also learn about le Tour de France, following the excitement of the world-famous cycling race and its challenging routes through the French countryside. The term will conclude with the vibrant festivities of le 14 juillet, France’s national day, as we explore its grand fireworks displays, parades, and joyful celebrations across the country.
How it will be assessed:
Termly online assessments are completed by the pupils to demonstrate their depth of understanding of the mathematical topics that they have been studying. In addition, informal oral assessment takes place in lessons throughout the term to consolidate and assess depth of understanding.
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Place Value
Addition and Subtraction Shape and Data.
Shape and Data Continued Money
Addition and Subtraction Time.
Place Value Money
Addition and Subtraction.
Spring 2
Summer 1
Place Value Fractions (Measures) Multiplication.
Addition and Subtraction Measures and Shape Money.
Summer 2 Time Multiplication, Division, Fractions Data.
Physical Education
In the Summer Term of 2026, Year 1 students will primarily engage in outdoor activities during Physical Education lessons, with a focus on introducing and enhancing their Athletics skills The aim is to foster enjoyment, participation, and achievement in athletics, culminating in a Sports Day during the final half of the term
Students will acquire techniques related to running, jumping, and throwing, along with the fundamental rules governing each competitive event They will explore the distinctions between skills needed for short-distance sprints and longer-distance running Instruction will be provided on both individual skill development and teamwork, exemplified through activities such as relay races
Additionally, students will play cricket – learning about the basics of bowling, batting and fielding
As always, children will be encouraged to take pleasure in sports and maintain an active lifestyle Emphasis will also be placed on the significance of setting and striving to achieve personal goals regarding their performance in terms of timing and throwing distances A spirit of healthy competition and fair play will be actively promoted
Term
Autumn
Spring
Summer
What are we studying?
Football: Passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games
Netball: Passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games
Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls
Games: balance, coordination, agility, throwing and catching
Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding
Athletics: sack race, long jump, javelin throw, obstacle race, relay, 60m sprint
Performing Arts
This term students in Year 1 – 4 will be preparing for their showcase on the 2nd July inspired by the world of Beatrix Potter
Throughout the year, there will also be numerous recitals and concerts, providing students with platforms to display their musical abilities and talent
At Hampton Court House, we believe that the performing arts are integral to our school community Therefore, students will actively participate in various performances throughout the year These performances form the backbone of our curriculum We are committed to offering inclusive opportunities that allow every student to showcase their talents
To prepare for these performances students will focus on developing spatial awareness, musicality, vocal, physical, and character skills to enhance their performance abilities They will learn stage craft and understand how to engage an audience
Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on collaborative and creative skills, which are essential for every child's growth Our classes incorporate engaging games and activities designed to foster teamwork, improve peer interaction, and develop the ability to follow directions Students are encouraged to contribute creative suggestions through music, movement, and dialogue, ensuring a wellrounded arts education at Hampton Court House
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
