St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi was a kind and gentle man who lived a long time ago in Italy. He loved nature and believed that all animals are special and should be treated with love and care. He even talked to birds and helped sick animals. St Francis believed we are stewards of the Earth, which means we have a responsibility to care for nature and animals. People remember him because he showed kindness to everyone, especially animals and people who were poor or in need.
Why is St Francis important to Year 1?
In Year 1, we learn about being kind, caring, and looking after the world around us. St Francis is important because he teaches us how to love animals and nature. He believed that animals are our friends and that we should protect them. That is why he is the patron saint of animals, someone who watches over them and helps us remember to be gentle and loving. We also explore animals throughout our science lessons in Year 1, which helps us understand how to care for them and appreciate their place in the world.
Being Stewards of the Earth
St Francis teaches us that we are all stewards of the Earth. This means we have a special job to take care of nature, animals, and the environment. In Year 1, we learn how to be responsible and look after the world around us. By being kind to animals and keeping our planet clean and safe, we follow St Francis’s example and help make the Earth a better place for everyone.
Mrs Natalie Guoite
Year 1 Class Teacher
My name is Mrs Guoite and I completed my undergraduate degree in Primary Education at the University of Worcester in 2013. During my training, I worked with children from EYFS all the way through to Year 6 but developed a real passion for working with children within Key Stage 1. I have a strong interest in Early Reading and Mathematics, as well as developing a curriculum which enables every child to succeed. Outside of school, I love to spend time with my young family (I have twin boys!), especially going on walks and exploring the great outdoors.
Mrs Denise Hannon
Year 1 Class Teacher
Mrs Rachel Barron
HLTA
- Saint Francis' homework will be set on a Friday. English and Maths homework will alternate each week. This will need to be completed and sent back in on the following Wednesday on teams.
- Once per term, the children will also have Religious Education Homework.
- P.E will happen every Tuesday and Friday- Please come to school in your P.E kit.
- Reading at home is very important for all children. Children will be rewarded with a reading point if they have read at home five times per week. They can earn up their reading points to earn Bookworm badges!
- Each week a child will bring home our Class Prayer Bag. Within the bag you will find a cloth (linked to our liturgical season), prayers and religious objects linked to the time of the year. Please use this to pray together as a family.
My hope for Year 1 is to inspire, excite, motivate, and encourage children to become resilient, empathetic, confident, and aspirational individuals who strive to reach their full potential. I hold high expectations for the children to ensure they achieve their best, and I encourage them to set high expectations for themselves as well. The children work incredibly hard throughout the day, following a consistent timetable that includes Guided Reading, Maths, Phonics, Liturgical Prayer, Writing, Maths on Track, and Topic Work.
In Year 1, the children encounter the teachings of Jesus through various subjects, including Religious Education and RSHE. We teach them the importance of loving one another, showing empathy to their peers, equality and following in Jesus' footsteps, using our little way: Little acts, great love, big difference.