Year 1 and Year 2 at Argyle House School build on the strong foundations established in Early Years.
These are important stages in which children grow rapidly, develop greater independence and begin to take real pride in their achievements. Our small class sizes allow us to know every child well and to support them both academically and personally. This close attention helps pupils flourish in a calm, caring and ambitious learning environment.
Year 1
A confident step into structured learning
Year 1 is an exciting step forward as children move from a largely play based setting into more structured learning. The biggest change from Reception is the introduction of focused learning time. Pupils spend more time discussing a key task or topic before working independently at their desks. This helps them develop concentration, resilience and a growing sense of responsibility for their own learning.
A favourite highlight for many children is having their own desk and personal space in the classroom. It gives pupils a sense of ownership, pride and maturity as they begin this next stage of school life.
Across the year, children take part in a wide variety of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Lessons encourage curiosity and creativity, and teachers provide the support pupils need while also encouraging them to try things for themselves, ask questions and begin to solve problems with increasing confidence.
Year 2
Building strong foundations for the future
Year 2 is a joyful and important year in which children deepen their understanding and become more independent thinkers. The progress made in Year 1 provides strong foundations that pupils continue to build on. They begin to reason, problem solve and ask thoughtful questions such as “why”, “how” and “when”. This growing curiosity helps them develop a richer understanding of the world around them.
Children often describe one of their favourite Year 2 memories as studying the Great Fire of London. Bringing history to life by designing and building Tudor style houses from cereal boxes is an experience they remember long after the project ends.
There is a strong sense of pride in Year 2 as children prepare to move into the next stage of their learning journey with confidence and excitement.
Educational visits and enrichment
Trips play an important role in learning throughout Year 1 and Year 2. Each term includes an educational visit that links directly to classroom topics and gives pupils the chance to experience their learning in a real world setting.
These visits deepen understanding, spark curiosity and help bring key themes to life.
- Washington Wetlands – linked to Science topics on animals, habitats and classification
- Discovery Museum – supporting learning about materials and their properties
- Hylton Castle – enriching the History topic on castles and life in the past
- The Life Centre, Newcastle – connected to Science themes such as forces, food and nutrition, and space
These experiences help children make meaningful connections in their learning and create memorable moments that enhance their time at Argyle House School.
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