Years 1 & 2
Years 1 & 2 (Key Stage 1: 5 - 7 years)
In Years 1 and 2, children build on the strong foundations developed in earlier years, moving into a more structured and purposeful curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced across subjects, while wellbeing, confidence, and curiosity remain central to everything we do. Children are supported to think deeply, work independently, and take pride in their learning, helping them grow into confident, capable learners.
Developing life long learners
At Polam, children aged 5 to 7 grow in knowledge, confidence, and curiosity through engaging, hands-on learning.
- Curiosity
Academic depth and understanding
In Years 1 and 2, curiosity drives learning across reading, writing, maths, and the wider curriculum. Children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, make connections between subjects, and explore ideas in greater depth, developing strong academic foundations and a genuine love of learning.
How this helps next: confident, engaged learners who want to understand, not just complete tasks.
- Optimism
Belief in their own ability
We help children develop a positive mindset towards learning by celebrating effort, progress, and achievement. As expectations increase, children gain confidence in their own abilities, learning to approach new challenges with assurance and a willingness to try.
How this helps next: children who believe they can succeed and are ready to take on new environments.
- Resilience
Thinking hard and problem-solving
Children are supported to persevere with challenge, think critically, and learn from mistakes. Through carefully planned lessons and problem-solving activities, they develop stamina, focus, and independence - essential skills for managing more demanding learning as they move on.
How this helps next: children who don’t give up when learning feels difficult.
- Empathy
Leadership, responsibility, and respect
As the oldest pupils at Polam, children take on greater responsibility within the school community. Through teamwork, collaboration, and leadership opportunities, they learn to listen, show respect, and support others – building strong social skills alongside academic growth.
How this helps next: thoughtful, respectful pupils who contribute positively to their next school.
Next steps and destinations
Polam children move on with strong academic foundations, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. The majority of our pupils go on to attend Harpur Trust schools, with others moving successfully into Bedford Greenacre Independent School and well-regarded local state schools.
Children are carefully prepared for Harpur Trust entrance assessments, with a consistently strong success rate among those recommended to sit. More importantly, wherever they go next, Polam children settle quickly, thrive academically, and approach new challenges with confidence and independence.
The child they become
By the end of Year 2, children leave Polam as confident, curious learners who believe in themselves and care about others. Guided by our CORE values – Curiosity, Optimism, Resilience, and Empathy – children develop the habits and mindset needed to succeed beyond Polam.
They leave able to think independently, persevere with challenge, work respectfully with others, and take pride in their learning. This wellbeing-led approach ensures children are not only academically prepared, but emotionally ready for the demands of their next school and the years ahead.
Book a Personal Tour
On our tours, you will have the opportunity to meet our Head and other key members of staff, and learn more about what an early education at Polam School looks like.