onecourse is delivered to the child in 30–40 minute daily lessons, which cover both literacy and numeracy. Each lesson is created for that child, based on their level, using a pool of thousands of learning units. It gives both structured learning and exploratory play opportunities each day.

In onecourse we combine a phonics approach to teaching reading with exposure to a wide variety of illustrated stories. We begin with sound differentiation practice, before letter sounds are met, first without and then with their corresponding letters. Letters and their sounds are met in an order which allows us to introduce syllables and single-syllable words that children can decode by themselves, as soon as possible. Gradually, children meet more complex words, simple phrases and sentences, and single-paragraph stories, until eventually they are reading stories by themselves, with help where it is needed. Spelling, reading aloud and writing – by hand and typing – are taught both as individual skills and to enhance and embed learning.

The numeracy strand takes children from the basics of early numeracy, from sorting objects, to introducing numbers, counting, adding and subtracting, and early multiplication and division. We begin with the basics of sorting, matching and comparing objects. This lays the groundwork for introducing the words for numbers and allowing children to develop number sense with objects. The numerals are introduced gradually, with lots of practice. This allows children to establish their understanding of numbers before they can confidently differentiate values. Once children have a confident grasp of numbers to 10, they learn simple addition and subtraction, first using pictorial objects, before meeting equations with numbers and symbols. The course progresses through counting to 20, 50, 100 and finally up to 1000, with plenty of practice. Children are taught different methods to help with addition and subtraction, including finger counting and number lines. Word problem activities allow them to put their learning in real world contexts. Throughout the course, children experience numbers in different ways to solidify their understanding and to gain tools that will help them in different scenarios. They learn to count in 2s, 5s and 10s; identify number patterns; and do basic division and multiplication. onecourse also introduces children to 2D shapes, initially through early work on patterns. Later they are introduced to shape names and learn identifying features such as numbers of sides and corners.

Stories help provide context for learning, broaden and deepen vocabulary, teach crucial soft skills such as empathy, and reflect the child’s world while providing a window to others. Children meet stories each time they use onecourse.