Year 2
This year all our class names are based on plants.
Rose Class
Miss H Kidger
Mrs I Mannion (TA)
Lilac Class
Miss A Tansey
Mrs S Brough (TA)
Miss M Tibrewal(TA)
Sunflower Class
Mrs Moorhouse
Mrs D Goodair (TA)
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Summer 1
Art
In Art, our focus this half-term is sculpture. The children will be learning about different artists, such as Barbara Hepworth and Andy Goldsworthy and they will be evaluating some of their sculptures. We will be working in groups to make a sculpture using clay and we will prepare for this by exploring clay and using it to make different shapes as well as using tools to create different textures.
Computing
In computing this half term we will be using an app called ‘Stop Motion Studio’. We will be learning about animations and how they work. We will then plan our own short animation using characters, props and a background. We will then film and edit a stop-motion animation. We will enjoy watching them and will then evaluate our animations.
RSHE
In RSHE, this half-term the children will be learning about how to stay safe. Within the topic, the children will look at the main question: What helps us stay safe? We will be looking at harmful substances, medicines, fire safety, water safety and road safety. In addition to this, we will also be considering taking risks and what to do in unsafe situations. We will also be looking at Internet safety too.
Science
Over the Summer term we will be learning about and developing our knowledge and understanding of plants, including identifying and naming different common plants. We will also be attempting to grow different plants from seeds in school, hopefully providing them with the perfect conditions to grow. We will be learning the names for different parts of plants and flowers.
R.E
Year 2 children will be moving onto a new unit called ‘How and why do we celebrate special and sacred times?’ We will be focusing on Christianity and Islam. One of the sacred times we will be learning about is Eid.
School Trip to Canon Hall
We are also VERY excited as we will soon be going on our school trip to Canon Hall to experience being a Victorian for the day.
You do not need to bring anything with you as you will be making your lunch there but you will need to come to school in your Victorian costume. Please try and get to school on time as we will be leaving promptly and we do not want anyone to miss it!
Home Reading
We will be continuing our reading rewards scheme. The children are encouraged to work as a class to complete a home reading chart which is displayed in their classroom. Each time a student reads at home they will have a book stamped off the chart. Once the class has filled the chart they will get the opportunity to choose a book to keep in their classroom.
Please try your best to read with your child as much as possible at home...it makes a huge difference to their progress in reading.
Thank you to the families who spend time every week listening to and supporting the children with their reading — we really do appreciate it!
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Spring 1
Curriculum- Design and Technology
This half term Year 2 will be focusing on wheels and axles in their DT topic. The children will be finding out about wheels and axles and how they are used to help vehicles move, as well as evaluating a range of toy vehicles. They will then design and make their own vehicle, fixing on axles and wheels, ensuring the vehicle can move.
Art
In Art our focus is painting. The children will be learning how to mix different colours and how to make colours lighter and darker by adding white or black paint. They will be finding out about secondary colours and how to mix the colour brown with paint. The artist the children will be finding out about is Alfred Wallis, and they will be creating a painting in the style of Alfred Wallis, by painting on cardboard as he did. They will paint a scene by using images of paintings which he had done.
Computing
In computing this half term we will be using a computing software program called Espresso Coding. This will develop and extend their knowledge from the work they began in Autumn term. They will develop how to give instructions by pressing buttons and will learn to fly a helicopter through a variety of activities.
RSHE
In RSHE this half term children will be learning about what helps them to grow and stay healthy. Within the topic, the children will find out that different things will help their bodies to be healthy, including food and drink, physical activity, sleep and rest. The children will understand the effect sugar can have on their health, including dental health. They will discover how to be physically active and how much rest and sleep they should have everyday. They will find out about the importance of limiting screen time and how to look after themselves when in the sun.
Science
This half term our topic is living things and their habitats. During the topic, the children will compare the differences between things that are living, dead or have never been alive. They will find out that most living things live in a habitat that they are suited to and how different habitats provide the basic needs for different kinds of animals and plants. The children will identify a variety of animals within a particular habit, including microhabitats, such as a jungle or ocean.
R.E
Year 2 children will be finding out about Muslims and their beliefs in God. They will re-tell a story about the life of the Prophet Muhammad and recognise some of the objects used by Muslims and why they are important.
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Autumn 2
Geography
This half term, as part of their Geography lessons, Year 2 will be focusing on the features of the UK and comparing these to the features in Kenya. Within the Geography lessons, the children will learn about the physical and human features of the UK. We will look at different areas of the UK and focus on key features such as valleys, lakes, ports and harbours. We will also compare England to Kenya, to identify the main similarities and differences between the two countries.
Art
During this half term, thechildren will be learning about drawing in their art lessons. They will explore different grades of pencil to show tone and texture. They will also use charcoal and oil pastels to create different drawing styles. They will use a viewfinder to focus on a specific part of picture before drawing it.
Computing
Our Computing unit this half term is ‘We are photographers.’ As part of this, we will learn how to effectively use the camera on the I-Pads to take digital photographs. We will also review the photos we have taken, before editing and enhancing one of the photos.
RSHE
Our topic for this half term is ‘What jobs do people do?’ We will learn about the different types of jobs people have and the skills and strengths they need to do these jobs. We will also learn about earning money and having a job helps people to buy things they need and want.
Science
Year 2 are starting a topic called ‘Materials’ this half term. They will be learning to identify and compare different materials for their suitability for particular uses. They will learn how some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching them.
R.E
Year 2 children will be learning about Islam within the unit of ‘Who is a Muslim and what do they believe?’ This half term they will be learning all about the Islam religion, their beliefs and special things they use and where they go worship and what it is like in a mosque.
Music
Year 2 children will be working through the unit called, ’Animals’. Children will be using instruments to listen and respond to a piece of African music that represent animals. They will learn and perform a song as a class.
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Autumn 1
History
This half term Year 2 will be focusing on Wangari Maathai in their history sessions. Pupils will be taught about why she is known as the ‘woman of trees’ and why she is famous in Kenya. They will learn about her being an inspirational figure through reading the ‘Wangari’s Tress of Peace’. The children will find out why she won a Nobel Peace Prize and how she inspired people across the world to fight for green spaces.
Art
In Art our focus is textiles. The children will be learning how to stitch two pieces of fabric together and develop skills using a needle and thread. They will also look at colour and patterns within different materials. The children will look at examples of weaving, understanding how to weave paper under and over in order to make a finished piece of work.
Computing
In computing this half term we will be using a computing software called Espresso Coding. They will be learning how to give instructions within a program and to a character to make it move and do actions.
RSHE
In RSHE this half term children will be learning about relationships and in particular about ‘how we can be a good friend.’ Pupils will learn how to recognise other peoples’ feelings, including loneliness and strategies they can use to include people. They will learn how to build good friendships and manage any problems which may occur within a friendship. Pupils will also learn how to ask for support in a friendship and if someone is making them feel uncomfortable or unhappy.
Science
This half term our topic is animals including humans. Children will learn that animals move in order to survive and how different animals move in different ways. They will gain an understanding of the importance of exercise and how it helps to keep bodies in good condition. Children will learn about the life cycles of different animals, and that adults do not keep growing once they have matured.
R.E
Year 2 children will be finding out what we can learn from sacred books. They will talk about some of the stories that are used in religion and why people still read them. The children will recognise some of the ways that Christians, Muslims and Jewish people treat their sacred books.