Understanding Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 (KS1) is the first stage of formal education within the British National Curriculum, designed for children aged 5 to 7 years. This stage is pivotal in establishing the academic and personal foundations for your child’s learning journey. If your family is unfamiliar with the British education system, KS1 offers a structured, balanced, and engaging environment to help your child thrive through inquiry based learning.
What Is Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 spans Year 1 and Year 2, equivalent to upper kindergarten and grade 1 many international systems where children transition from early childhood education to more formal schooling. During this stage, the curriculum is carefully crafted to focus on developing critical skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, and a general understanding of the world.
Subjects and Curriculum
Children in KS1 study a range of subjects, including:
Core Subjects:
English: Developing reading, writing, spelling, and phonics skills.
Mathematics: Focusing on numbers, basic operations, shapes, measurements, and patterns.
Science: Exploring the natural world, simple experiments, and observation skills.
Italian: Developing reading, writing, spelling and phonic skills (4 lessons a week of 30 minutes).
Slovene: Developing reading, writing, spelling and phonic skills (4 lessons a week of 30 minutes). Students are split into native and second languages for these classes.
Foundation Subjects:
Culture, History and Geography: Learning about local and global contexts, timelines, and cultures and religions.
Art, Drama and Music: Encouraging creativity and self-expression, often integrated with other subjects.
Physical Education (PE): Building motor skills and fostering teamwork through active play, which is done twice a week for 1 hour, plus we have half a term of swimming lessons.
Computing: Introducing basic digital literacy. All students must bring an ipad or other tablet to school.What Is Key Stage 1?
Key Milestones in KS1
Phonics Screening Check:
At the end of Year 1, students take a Phonics Screening Check to evaluate their reading ability. This helps identify areas where support may be needed early on.Year 2 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs):
These assessments in English and Mathematics measure the progress of students and guide their transition to the next stage of education. The results also help teachers tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each student.
In the UK this is done formally and marked externally, but at KISS we do it formally but market internally.
Why Is KS1 Important?
This stage is not just about academics but also about fostering a love of learning and beginning of critical thinking. It emphasises essential skills such as problem-solving, independent thinking, and collaboration. The curriculum is designed to balance structure with creativity, providing your child with a stimulating and supportive environment.
How KS1 Benefits International Families
For international parents, KS1 ensures your child receives a globally recognized education that emphasises academic excellence, inquiry based learning, and holistic development. The British system also allows for smooth transitions to other international schools or back to your home country’s educational framework. Its focus on foundational skills in reading, writing, and numeracy ensures children are well-prepared for their future studies.
If you’re considering enrolling your child in a British international school, Key Stage 1 offers an excellent start. If you have more questions, feel free to ask for further clarification.