BISP recently held a comprehensive and insightful event for parents of children transitioning from Reception to Year 1. The event was designed to ease any concerns and provide valuable information about the upcoming changes, ensuring both parents and children are well-prepared for this exciting new stage.

The session kicked off with introductions to the dedicated Year 1 teaching team, including Ms. Griffiths, Ms. Newhouse, Ms. Price, and Ms. Bailey. These experienced educators will be supported by teaching assistants Ms. Kwang, Ms. Kampoo, and Ms. Anny. Their collaborative approach aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for all students.

Parents were given a virtual tour of the Year 1 classrooms and the Year 1 and 2 pod. The learning environment in Year 1 includes vibrant classrooms, an outdoor area, and various new learning spaces such as the sports hall, auditorium, and primary playground. These facilities are designed to support a diverse range of activities and learning experiences.

The transition to Year 1 brings a new daily routine for the children. Parents learned that children can drop off their bags at the lockers from 7:30 am and play in the main playground until the bell rings. The school day will start at 7:50 am and finish at 2:35 pm. Additionally, book bags will be sent home on Mondays, and online reading homework will be assigned through the classroom app.

The Year 1 curriculum introduces a variety of engaging topics to stimulate young minds. The themes for the year include:

• Plant Detectives
• Learning to Learn
• Pirates
• Fairy Tales
• Time Travellers
• Amazing Animals!

These topics are designed to make learning fun and interactive, encouraging children to explore and discover new interests.

A new addition to Year 1 is the Colour Team Points system. This initiative aims to foster a sense of teamwork and healthy competition among students, motivating them to achieve their best and work collaboratively.

Preparation Tips for Parents

To help their children transition smoothly, parents were given several practical tips:

• Reading for Enjoyment: Encourage a love of reading at home.
• Independence: Foster independence by allowing children to handle daily tasks on their own.
• Playdates: Organise playdates to help children build social skills and confidence.
• Build Excitement: Talk positively about starting Year 1 to create enthusiasm.

To ensure a safe and organised school environment, parents were reminded of several important guidelines:

• No toys or food from home.
• Avoid bringing expensive items to school.
• Arrive on time in the morning and at the end of the school day.
• Visit the Primary Office if arriving late.
• Provide doctor’s notes if children will miss swimming lessons.
• Check with the school nurse if a child is unwell.
• No nuts are allowed in birthday cakes or cookies.

The Year 1 team emphasised the importance of open communication between parents and teachers. Engaging with teachers can significantly enhance the learning experience for children and ensure that any concerns are promptly addressed.

David Hyde, the Primary Principal, concluded the session by reassuring parents of the school’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for their children. He encouraged parents to reach out with any questions and to trust in the expertise and dedication of the Year 1 team.

This event provided parents with a clear understanding of what to expect in Year 1 and how they can support their children during this transition. With a strong foundation laid in Reception, the children of BISP are set to thrive as they move into Year 1, ready to embrace new challenges and adventures.

Parents can review the slides below or contact their child’s teacher for any clarification needed.