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Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 Pedagogy (Years 1 & 2)

Our creative and hands-on teaching philosophy continues into Key Stage 1, ensuring children remain active, curious, and deeply engaged in their learning. We believe that children learn best when they explore, investigate, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways—both indoors and outdoors.

What Is 'Busy Learning'?

In Years 1 and 2, we build on the principles of Early Years' education with a more structured yet still playful approach known as Busy Learning.

Busy Learning is:

  • Dynamic – combining teacher-led and child-initiated experiences

  • Curriculum-focused – aligning with National Curriculum goals

  • Practical and engaging – offering meaningful, hands-on activities

  • Extended beyond the classroom – utilising outdoor learning environments every day

Key Objectives of Busy Learning

  • Embed curriculum knowledge and skills

  • Challenge children’s thinking and creativity

  • Encourage collaboration and cooperation

  • Develop resilience, independence, and self-help skills

Benefits of Busy Learning

  • Deepens and consolidates learning

  • Promotes problem-solving and risk-taking

  • Builds strong peer relationships

  • Fosters independent decision-making

  • Supports learning through play-based exploration

Busy Learning Environments

Indoor Areas

  • Small World Play – role-play linked to curriculum themes

  • Imaginative Play – e.g., garden shop, museum tour guide

  • Busy Hands – fine motor skill development (cutting, threading, building)

  • Curriculum-Based Activities:

    • Reading & writing tasks

    • Practical maths challenges

    • Art & design for creativity and skill

    • Computing: coding, research, programming

    • Music practice

    • Scientific exploration

    • Historical investigations using secondary sources

Each area includes:

  • Carefully chosen fiction and non-fiction books

  • Clear visual and written guidance for independence

  • A variety of resources for child-led choices

  • “Real” items to enhance authenticity

  • Defined, purposeful learning zones

Outdoor Areas

  • Role Play – expanded versions of indoor scenarios

  • Gross Motor Development – climbing, large-scale construction, mural painting

  • Curriculum-Based Outdoor Activities:

    • Maths, science, and design technology

    • Geography and mapping

    • PE skills and strength-building

    • Outdoor computing and music

    • Real-world history and science investigations

Our Busy Learning approach ensures children are not only gaining essential academic skills but also growing in confidence, independence, and resilience—laying strong foundations for lifelong learning.

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