At Phoenix, we passionately believe that young children learn best when they are actively engaged, motivated, and given the freedom to discover. To support this, our Key Stage 1 children have access to high-quality continuous provision—a powerful approach that extends their learning, builds independence, and nurtures their natural curiosity. It also acts as a vital, supportive bridge ensuring a seamless transition from the Early Years.

Our classrooms are carefully mapped out with purposeful learning zones, including construction, writing, maths, and creative areas, which remain accessible throughout the day. Within these zones, children independently strengthen and deepen the concepts introduced during directed teaching time. This structure also allows our teaching team to work with small, focused groups, delivering highly tailored, high-quality instruction that meets every child's individual needs.

Examples of our classrooms can be seen below.

In September 2025 we moved to mixed year group classes in Key Stage One meaning that each Key Stage One class has a mixture of children in Year 1 and Year 2.  This decision was based on considerable research into the benefits mixed year group classes can have on children’s learning, progress and wellbeing.  We understand that all children develop at different rates and the mixed year group approach allows for all children to be seen as individuals, meeting their needs as learners at the point they are at rather than rigid age bands.  By teaching children over a two year period, teachers foster a deeper understanding of the children as learners, helping them thrive to their full potential. 

In addition to the academic benefits, there are also huge social, emotional and developmental benefits for the children.  Some examples of this can be seen through:

• Peer learning & mentoring: Younger students learn by observing older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge by helping others.
• Leadership development: Older students naturally take on leadership and mentoring roles.
• Improved empathy & cooperation: Students learn patience, respect, and how to work with people at different developmental stages.
• Encouraging independence: Students learn self-directed learning skills and responsibility.

We have carefully planned a two year programme for our curriculum meaning that children will not repeat any learning in Key Stage One.  For more information please click on the links for our Planning Cycle A and B below.