Primary schools across England split year groups into key stages: foundation stage (nursery and reception), key stage 1 (KS1) and key stage 2 (KS2).
Many parents/carers ask teachers the simple question, “What do they actually do in school?” – This blog outlines the key learning that takes place in KS1 and details the statutory assessments undertaken in this phase.
What is KS1?
KS1 comprises of year 1 and 2 (ages 5-7).
What is taught in KS1?
Moving away from the Early Years framework, KS1 is more subject specific, meaning that the compulsory subjects outlined in the National Curriculum will be taught. These include: English, maths, science, history, geography, computing, art and design, design and technology, music and physical education (PE). Primary schools must also provide relationships and health education and religious education (RE). Schools often also teach personal, social and health education (PSHE), citizenship and modern foreign languages (not compulsory at KS1).
English in KS1
English is a core subject in the national curriculum. The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The programmes of study include reading, writing and spoken language.
The programme of study for reading consists of two dimensions: word reading and comprehension (both listening and reading). The programme of study for writing is constructed similarly to those for reading: transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing). Statutory requirements underpin all aspects of spoken language and are reflected and contextualised within the reading and writing.
Mathematics in KS1
In KS1, children are taught to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort numbers. The national curriculum explains that children should begin to understand mathematical language, understand the fundamentals and solve problems by applying knowledge. The KS1 maths curriculum is split into the following areas:
- Number and Place Value
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Fractions
- Measurement
- Properties of shapes
The following link (national curriculum) provides further information detailing what is taught in each subject:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425601/PRIMARY_national_curriculum.pdf
Year 1
Year 1 is very important for children as they are transitioning from Early Years to KS1. The structure of the day will be more organised as time is allocated to specific subjects rather than continuous provision.
During the summer term, children in year 1 will take the statutory phonics screening check. The phonics screening check assesses children on how well they can decode certain words. Decoding means sounding out an unfamiliar written word. To do this, children will need to be able to recognise letters and the sounds that they represent. This is an important part of achieving reading fluency.
For further information about this check click the following link:
https://collins.co.uk/pages/what-is-the-phonics-screening-check
Year 2
Year 2 marks the last year of KS1. During the summer term, year 2 children may participate in assessments known as SATs, which is an acronym for Standard Assessment Tests. From the 2023-24 academic year, all key stage 1 Sats tests are no longer statutory. As these tests are now optional and the results will not be reported, it is up to each school to decide if and how the tests should be taken.
The tests will still comprise of papers in reading, maths and spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG):
Reading
Paper 1- a selection of texts with questions interspersed
Paper 2- a reading booklet containing two different texts. Children will be required to write their answers in a separate booklet.
Maths
Paper 1- Arithmetic
Paper 2- Problem solving and reasoning through a variety of question types.
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)
Paper 1- Spelling
Paper 2- Questions regarding correct grammar/punctuation
The Department for Education (DfE) state that the test can be used by schools to “support in the measurement of pupil achievement” and to “help identify where their pupils need additional support”.
For further information about SAT’s click the link below:
https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/curricula-and-exams/sats-standard-assessment-
At Space To Learn, we offer fun and personalised booster sessions with our qualified Wirral tutors, focusing on all areas of KS1; early reading, phonics, maths and English.