Summer 1

This half term in English, we read Jim and the Beanstalk by Raymond Briggs, a creative twist on the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The children explored the similarities and differences between the two stories and discussed how authors can adapt familiar tales to make them their own. Using this as inspiration, the children planned and wrote their own versions of a traditional tale, making creative changes to characters, settings and events. The children worked hard to include descriptive vocabulary, expanded noun phrases and carefully sequenced events to make their stories engaging for the reader.

In Maths, we learned about measuring length, mass and capacity. The children enjoyed taking their learning outdoors, measuring objects around the playground in metres and using scales to compare and find items with equal weights. We also learned began our learning about fractions, identifying and finding fractions of shapes and quantities. To support their learning, the children have been practising their times tables and developing their confidence with multiplication facts.

                                                                     

In Geography, we learned about Ecuador and compared it with the United Kingdom. The children developed their map skills and explored the physical and human features of both countries. We were delighted with the fantastic projects that pupils created at home, which demonstrated a great deal of effort and creativity.

In Design and Technology, we investigated how Ferris wheels are designed and built. The children explored different structures and mechanisms before designing and creating their own Ferris wheel models. They showed excellent creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills throughout the project.

Towards the end of the half term, we enjoyed an exciting class trip to Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre. The children had a fantastic day taking part in a range of hands-on activities. They enjoyed watching exciting science experiments, making slime, creating snow, painting a car and exploring the amazing Imagination Village. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to bring science to life and inspire curiosity through practical experiences.

                                   

 

Spring 2

This half term in English, we enjoyed reading The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. We learned about what it means to go on strike and discussed why people might choose to do so. To make our learning even more exciting, our classroom glues decided to go on strike too! The children wrote persuasive letters to convince them to return to work, using strong reasons and persuasive language. We also explored poetry and wrote our own list poems inspired by 10 Things Found in a Wizard's Pocket, using our imaginations to create some fantastic ideas.

In Maths, we focused on multiplication and division, developing our understanding of equal groups, arrays and number facts. We are really starting to develop our fluency with number facts and how they relate.  We then learned about the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, identifying and describing their features.

In History, we learned about the life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. The children enjoyed discovering what hospitals were like in the past and learning about the improvements Florence Nightingale helped to make. We brought history to life by recreating scenes from the hospital at Scutari Barracks through drama activities and taking part in an exciting clue hunt around the classroom.

  

In PE, the children had great fun learning pirate-themed dance moves. They worked together to create and perform their own pirate dances, showing creativity, teamwork and confidence.

                

We have had another fantastic half term filled with creativity, practical learning and lots of enthusiasm from all the children.

Spring 1

This half term in English, we enjoyed reading Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis. The children created their own explanation reports about how to look after a bog baby and showed great imagination when designing their own creatures. They then used these ideas to retell and adapt the story, creating their own narratives.

In Maths, we consolidated our understanding of addition and subtraction using Base Ten equipment and learned how to use exchange when solving calculations. We also explored money, learning how to add amounts and calculate change. The children particularly enjoyed using real and play money in practical activities and role-play shop games.

     

In Geography, we learned about Kenya and what it might be like to go on a safari. The children developed their knowledge of the country's landscape, wildlife and culture. We were delighted by the fantastic safari-themed models that pupils created and brought into school to share with the class.

 In Design and Technology, we focused on cooking and nutrition. We learned about the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and explored the different food groups. The children then designed and made their own healthy wraps. They prepared a range of ingredients, including homemade coleslaw and chopped salad, before choosing a protein filling such as cheese, tuna, tuna mayonnaise, egg, egg mayonnaise or beans. The children thoroughly enjoyed preparing their ingredients safely and creating their own healthy lunch wraps.

        

 

Autumn 2 

In English, we read the books 'The Great Fire of London' and 'The Snowman'. We really loved learning about the Great Fire of London and writing diaries in the style of someone who experienced it.  After looking at the book 'The Snowman', we began to write our own instructions about how to build a snowman. These were fantastic!

     

                                                                                                          

In History, we learnt about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. We learnt why the UK celebrates Bonfire Night. We learnt about what we would experience during Bonfire Night. We then went on to find out more about Guy Fawkes and the reasons being the planning of the Gunpowder Plot. Everyone really enjoyed learning the poem 'Remember, Remember the fifth of November' and we performed these in groups with actions.

     

In Art, we created maps out of mixed materials. We really enjoyed mapping out our local areas and using a range of different materials to make our finished maps.

To celebrate 'Human Rights Day', every class took part in creating artwork as a class to promote our rights. In Y2 we looked at the classic art piece 'The Golden Rule' and completed our own interpretation of it. We were very proud to display this in our art show later that day!

For our Christmas show, we learnt about Christmas traditions in the UK. We looked at how Christians celebrate Christmas and made our own Christingle oranges.                                   

It has been yet another brilliant term for Y2. They have shown hard work, resilience and a lot of joy and enthusiasm. They look forward to starting our new geography topic 'On Safari' and designing and making our own healthy wraps for D&T.

Autumn 1

It has been a wonderful start to the year in Y2.

We have been very busy and working hard. 

In English, we have been reading the book The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield. While looking at this book, Y2 have been doing lots of speaking and listening activities to generate ideas. We have been doing pieces of drama in groups, pairs and as a whole class to build our understanding of character intent. We have also taken part in a 'conscience alley' to help us advise the character 'Bear' on his future decisions. 

 

 

 

In Geography, Y2 have been learning about life on the farm. We have had a visitor in from the NFU to tell us all about farming. Pupils have learnt about the different types of farms, seasonal changes during farming and have been using the four compass points to navigate map reading on a farm using a key.  They have brought in some fantastic home-learning projects about life on a farm. 

 

In Design Technology, Y2 have been learning to sew. We found it a little bit difficult to thread the cotton and needle but are now on our way. Pupils have really enjoyed the designing part of the project. 

To round off an amazing half-term, Y2 did the school proud in our performance as part of the HATE CRIME AWARENESS WEEK assembly. They all wrote fantastic acrostic poems on the word EQUALITY and they really enjoyed practising the song GOLDEN. 

Next term we are really looking forward to: starting our new book in English all about the Great Fire of London; starting a new project in art (creating collage maps) and learning all about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.