A natural next step
The move into Year 1 marks an important moment in a child’s education.
Having developed confidence, curiosity, and independence in the Early Years, pupils begin to engage more directly with structured learning. This transition is carefully managed, ensuring that the strengths of Early Years practice are retained, while gradually introducing greater academic rigour.
At Rugby School Hanoi, Years 1 and 2 form the beginning of Key Stage 1 within the English National Curriculum, providing a clear and internationally recognised framework for learning.
A broad and structured curriculum
In Years 1 and 2, pupils are introduced to a broad range of subjects, allowing them to develop both core academic skills and a wider understanding of the world.
English and mathematics form the centre of the curriculum, supported by science, history, geography, computing, and the arts. Alongside these, pupils take part in music, physical education, and language learning, ensuring a balanced and varied experience.
While subjects are increasingly defined, learning remains connected. Themes and questions often extend across different areas, encouraging pupils to make links and to think beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines.
Developing core skills
A key focus of this stage is the development of secure foundations in literacy and numeracy.
In English, pupils build confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Phonics plays an important role in early reading, while writing develops from simple sentences into more structured expression. Pupils are encouraged to communicate clearly, both verbally and in written form.
In Mathematics, pupils develop a strong understanding of number, pattern, and calculation. They begin to apply these skills to problem-solving, developing accuracy alongside reasoning.
These core skills are revisited regularly, allowing pupils to build fluency and confidence over time.
Learning through enquiry
Learning in Years 1 and 2 is designed to be engaging and thought-provoking.
Pupils are encouraged to explore questions that stimulate curiosity and imagination. They may consider ideas such as whether dinosaurs once lived in Hanoi, how humans might survive on the moon, or how stories shape our understanding of the world.
These enquiries allow pupils to develop knowledge across subjects while also building skills in questioning, reasoning, and communication. They reflect an important Rugby principle: that learning should involve thinking, not simply receiving information.
The role of the class teacher
In Pre-Prep, pupils are taught predominantly by a class teacher, who has responsibility for both academic progress and pastoral care.
This allows for continuity and a deep understanding of each child’s development. At the same time, pupils are introduced to specialist teaching in areas such as music, physical education, and language, ensuring both consistency and expertise in their learning experience.
Language and international perspective
English is the primary language of instruction, ensuring strong academic development and access to the wider curriculum.
Alongside this, pupils study Vietnamese language and engage with local culture, providing an important connection to their environment. German language and cultural elements are also introduced, reflecting the school’s broader international outlook and partnerships.
This combination supports both academic development and global awareness from an early stage.
Assessment and progress
Progress in Years 1 and 2 is carefully monitored through ongoing assessment.
Teachers use a combination of observation, classwork, and structured tasks to understand each pupil’s development. Learning objectives are clearly defined, and pupils are gradually introduced to reflecting on their own work and identifying areas for improvement.
Work is often recorded in portfolios, allowing both teachers and parents to see progress over time. Feedback is regular and constructive, ensuring that pupils are supported and appropriately challenged.
Developing independence
As pupils move through Year 1 and Year 2, increasing emphasis is placed on independence.
Children begin to organise their work, follow routines more confidently, and take responsibility for aspects of their learning. They are encouraged to approach challenges with resilience and to reflect on their progress.
These habits are introduced gradually, ensuring that pupils feel supported while developing the confidence to work more independently.
Preparing for the next stage
By the end of Year 2, pupils have secured the essential foundations required for the next stage of their education.
They are confident in reading, writing, and mathematics, and are able to engage with learning in a more structured and sustained way. Just as importantly, they have developed curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to take part in their learning.
This ensures a smooth and confident transition into Prep School, where learning becomes increasingly subject-specific and intellectually demanding.
The importance of these years
Years 1 and 2 represent more than the beginning of formal education.
They are the stage at which children begin to understand themselves as learners — developing the confidence to express ideas, the discipline to build skills, and the curiosity to explore further.
At Rugby School Hanoi, these years are given both structure and space, allowing pupils to develop not only what they know, but how they learn.
Because from these foundations, everything else follows.