Year 2
Welcome to Year 2!
We would like to welcome you to Year 2 where everybody is special. We love to explore and work together to learn exciting things. Come and explore our class page to find all sorts of useful information and to find out what we have been getting up to!
Mrs Gallacher - Year 2 Teacher (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
Miss Prasher – Class TA (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) Class Teacher (Thursday & Friday)
Mrs Kousar - Class TA (Thursday & Friday)
Mrs Patel - HLTA
Spellings are tested every Friday, please make sure your child has their spelling book is in school with them.
Your child's reading book change will either be Monday or Wednesday, they know which day themselves.
Please encourage your child to practice their spellings and read at home.
Our PE days are Wednesday and Friday. Please ensure that your child comes to school in their PE kit on these days.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We will be available to answer any questions at the end of the day at pick up time.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs Gallacher & Miss Prasher
Summer Term in Year 2
English
For the first half term in summer, we are looking at animal adventure stories, with a focus on Lesley Sims’ retelling of The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Children will become familiar with the text through discussion, reading comprehension and creating writing activities. Children will learn lots of new vocabulary whilst also exploring different themes, characters and settings from within the text. All children will be given the opportunity to express their own ideas by retelling part of the text.
Children will also be developing their writing skills by creating recounts of an event from the past. They will learn how to organise their ideas in chronological order, use time connectives such as first, next, and finally, and include details that bring their experiences to life. Through reading examples and sharing their own memories, pupils will gain confidence in using the past tense and writing with clarity and purpose.
Phonics
In Phonics, we follow Little Wandle to develop strong reading and spelling skills. Children will learn to recognise and blend sounds, read and write words and build confidence in decoding texts. Through daily lessons, engaging activities and regular practice pupils will develop fluency, comprehension and a love of reading.
Maths
This term the children will be deepening their understanding and knowledge in a range of mathematical areas. They will also be applying their knowledge through practical activities, problem solving challenges and reasoning tasks.
Fractions - Children will learn to recognise, find and name simple fractions such as 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4, using practical resources and visual models. They will explore fractions of shapes and quantities, whilst building confidence through discussion, reasoning and real-life problem solving.
Time – Pupils will learn to tell the time to the nearest five minutes, including quarter past and quarter to the hour and begin to understand minutes past and to the hour.
Statistics – Year 2 will learn to interpret and construct simple pictograms, tally charts and block diagrams, whilst using these to ask and answer questions.
Position & Direction - Pupils will learn to describe movement and turns using mathematical language such as left, right, clockwise and anti-clockwise. In turn, they will use this knowledge to follow and give simple directions. This will be achieved through practical activities and exploration allowing children to build confidence in navigating spaces and explaining their reasoning clearly.
Throughout this term, the children will be applying their learning through hands-on activities and real-life examples. This will develop develop their confidence, problem-solving skills and understanding of maths is applied in the world around them.
RE
Religious Education is at the heart of our learning. It helps all children—whatever their faith background—grow in understanding, respect, and spiritual awareness, while deepening their own connection with God.
This year we are following Lighting the Path, which supports our mission to nurture children’s faith and values in a meaningful and inclusive way.
To the ends of the Earth - The children have learnt about the Great Commission, when Jesus asked his disciples to share his message with others, and discussed what this means for Christians today. Through stories, discussion, and creative activities, pupils have explored how people can spread messages of hope, kindness and faith in their everyday lives. They will reflect on how small acts of care and compassion can make a difference, encouraging them to think about how they can share positivity within their school and wider community.
Dialogue and Encounter - Pupils will explore through stories, discussion, and role-play, the children have learned the importance of listening carefully, speaking respectfully, and valuing the views of others. They explored examples from the life of Jesus, reflecting on how he welcomed and showed kindness to everyone he met. Pupils consider how they can follow this example in their own lives by building positive relationships, celebrating differences, and showing respect and understanding within their school and wider community.
PSHE
For the first part of the term, children will focus on the theme ‘Being My Best’. Pupils will explore what it means to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing, including developing healthy habits, building resilience, and setting personal goals. They will be encouraged to recognise their strengths and understand how to make positive choices that support a healthy lifestyle.
For the second half of the term, children in Year 2 will learn all about growing and changing. This topic will cover personal development, relationships, and the changes that occur as the children grow. Lessons will be delivered in an age-appropriate way, helping pupils to build confidence, understand their emotions, and develop respect for themselves and others.
Science
During the first half of term, Year 2 will be learning about animals, including humans, with a particular focus on life cycles. The children will learn about how different animals, including humans, grow and change, and will begin to understand the stages of life from birth to adulthood. We will look at a variety of animals, comparing their life cycles and discussing what they need to survive and stay healthy. Pupils will develop their scientific vocabulary and curiosity about the natural world, while building a strong foundation in understanding how living things grow and change.
During second half of the term, Year 2 pupils will explore using everyday materials. Children will identify and compare a range of materials, discussing their properties and suitability for different purposes. They will investigate how materials can be changed, for example by squashing, bending or stretching, and carry out simple tests to answer questions. Pupils will develop their scientific enquiry skills while building their understanding of how materials are used in the world around them.
Art
During this term, Year 2 will be inspired by the work of Henri Rousseau. The children will explore his unique style, particularly his vibrant jungle scenes, and learn how he used colour, shape, and imagination to create detailed artworks. Pupils will experiment with different materials and techniques to create their own pieces inspired by nature.
History
This term, we will be exploring the Victorian seaside and giving children an insight into how holidays have changed over time. Children will learn about seaside traditions in the Victorian era, including popular activities, entertainment and the introduction of rail travel. Through engaging sources, discussions and comparisons with modern-day holidays, children will develop their understanding of the past and how it differs from life today.
Geography
This term, we will be exploring the topic “The World” and supporting children to build a broad understanding of our planet. Pupils will learn about continents, oceans and different countries, as well as comparing climates, landscapes and ways of life around the globe. This will be done through maps and real-world examples; children will develop their geographical knowledge and begin to understand how people and places are connected.
Computing
Spreadsheets – Children will learn how to enter and organise data, use simple formulas and create charts to present information clearly. Through engaging, hands-on activities, children will begin to understand how spreadsheets can be used to solve problem and interpret data, whilst building key digital and analytical skills.
Coding - Pupils will create simple programs by giving instructions and using sequences. They will learn how coding helps computers follow commands and begin to develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
Making music – During this term, year 2 will explore making music digitally. Children will learn how to create, edit and combine sounds using simple software tools, whilst experimenting with tempo, rhythm and different instruments. This will be achieved through creative, hands-on activities. Children will also develop confidence in composing their own pieces while building an understanding of how technology can be used to produce and perform music.
Physical Education
Striking:
Year 2 will develop their striking skills through a range of fun and engaging activities. The children will learn how to hit a ball with control using different equipment, as well as practise aiming, coordination, and timing. They will also begin to understand how to work as a team and apply simple tactics in small games.
Rounders:
Year 2 will build on their striking and fielding skills while learning the basic rules of the game. The children will practise batting, running between bases, and working together to field and get players out. Through gameplay, pupils will develop teamwork, communication, and an understanding of fair play in a fun and supportive environment.
Athletics:
Year 2 pupils will develop their running, jumping and throwing skills through a range of fun athletics activities. They will practise basic techniques, improve coordination and work towards simple personal goals while building confidence and teamwork.
Bouncing:
Year 2 pupils will develop their bouncing and ball control skills through a range of fun activities. They will practise bouncing a ball with control, moving in different directions and working with a partner on simple challenges. Pupils will also take part in small games to build coordination, confidence and teamwork.
Music
The children will explore rhythm, pulse, and pitch through a range of engaging songs and musical activities. They will have opportunities to sing, play simple instruments, and listen to different styles of music, developing their confidence and musical understanding. Pupils will also begin to recognise basic musical elements and express their ideas creatively through performance and composition.