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.
Miss Aimee Read
Year 1 Class Teacher
My name is Miss Read, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Primary Education before going on to achieve a PGCE at the University of Gloucestershire. During my training, I specialised in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1, which is where my passion for teaching truly lies. I have a strong interest in art, design and technology, and I enjoy creating opportunities for children to express themselves creatively. Outside of school, I love to read and spend time outdoors, especially exploring nature through long countryside walks.
Mrs Tyley Frankcom
1 to 1 Pupil Support
My name is Mrs Frankcom and I am a Learning Support Worker at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in primary schools for many years now, with the majority of my experience being within Early Years and KS1.
Outside of school, I enjoy days out with my family and friends, playing netball and going for long dog walks through the countryside.
- Saint Francis' homework will be set on a Friday, this will include: Spellings. These will need to be practised at home ready for a test every Thursday. 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 Wednesday 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.
- Each day, one child who has shown exceptional REACHing will be chosen to take home Mr Wolf, along with a storybook to enjoy and read together overnight.
Mrs Alice Staples
Year 1 Teaching Assistant
Currently on Maternity leave.
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.