Welcome to Class 2
Welcome to Class 2!
We’re so excited to have you join us in Class 2 – a fun, friendly, and supportive place where learning is an adventure every day! This year, we’ll explore a range of exciting topics across the curriculum, from fascinating history discoveries to hands-on science experiments and creative art projects. We love working together, sharing ideas, and celebrating each other’s successes. Whether we're reading new stories, solving maths challenges, or enjoying outdoor learning, we aim to make every day enjoyable and full of opportunities to grow. Keep an eye on our class page for updates, photos, and news about what we’ve been up to!
Year 2 Newsletter – Spring Term
Welcome to the Year 2 newsletter! This term, our children are continuing to show great enthusiasm and dedication to their learning. We have an exciting range of activities planned across the curriculum, including hands-on experiences, creative projects, and opportunities to build independence and confidence. Thank you for your ongoing support—we’re looking forward to a busy and enjoyable term ahead!
Geography
This half term, children will explore the world using atlases and globes. They will learn to identify the seven continents and five oceans, as well as expand their knowledge of the United Kingdom, including its countries, capital cities, and surrounding seas. Pupils will also discover the locations and significance of the equator, North Pole, and South Pole. Through fieldwork, they will create simple maps of the school grounds and observe local features. The unit will finish with a comparison between the human and physical geography of Tulum, Mexico, and our local area.
History
This term, children are learning about explorers from around the world and the exciting places they visited. They will discover the special equipment explorers need and learn about the lives and achievements of famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Neil Armstrong, Ibn Battuta, Roald Amundsen, Sylvia Earle, and Edmund Hillary. Pupils will ask and answer questions, make simple comparisons between explorers, and reflect on modern exploration, considering whether humans will continue to explore Earth and beyond in the future.
PSHCE
Our PSHCE focus this term is learning from people around the world. Children will explore their own family life, homes, and school, and compare these with the lives of children in other countries. They will discover how people’s environments influence the way they live, how we use the Earth’s resources, and why it is important to care for our planet for ourselves and future generations. This unit encourages children to think about how we can all work together to make a positive difference in the world.
Computing
In computing, children will take part in the Creating Media unit. They will explore how different devices can be used to capture photographs, gaining practical experience taking, editing, and improving images. Pupils will also start to understand that some images online may not be real, helping them develop early digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
Music
Children will learn traditional folk songs and explore how to create sounds representing three different landscapes: seaside, countryside, and city. They will practise singing from memory, using different pitches, and performing actions that match the lyrics. Pupils will also work together to compose and perform their own music, developing skills in pitch, dynamics, creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
RE
In RE, children will explore the question, “How do people pray?” They will learn about different forms of prayer across religions, including spoken prayers, quiet reflection, and the use of special places or objects. Through stories and discussions, pupils will develop an understanding of why prayer is important to many people and how it helps them express their beliefs and feelings.
Internet Safety
This term’s focus for online safety is online reputation. Children will learn that what they share online creates a digital footprint. Through discussion and simple activities, pupils will explore how to make positive choices online and understand the importance of being kind, careful, and responsible when using the internet.
PE
In PE, children are exploring gymnastics. They are developing balance, coordination, and strength through movements such as jumps, rolls, and balances. Pupils will link these movements into short sequences, improving control and confidence while working individually and with others. This unit encourages creativity, physical skill, and teamwork in a fun and active way.
Autumn 2
We are delighted to share an overview of what Year 2 children will be learning this term. Our topics are designed to build on the children’s natural curiosity and developing understanding of the world, while encouraging creativity, investigation, and thoughtful reflection across a wide range of subjects.
Science
In Science, the children will build on their Year 1 learning about the four seasons by exploring seasonal patterns and cycles in greater depth. They will learn that the seasons form a continuous cycle and investigate how day length changes throughout the year.
We will also explore how plants, animals and humans adapt to seasonal changes through migration, hibernation and growth, observing how living things rest, grow and change at different times of the year.
Through working scientifically, pupils will develop skills in pattern seeking, communicating ideas, and interpreting data and images. This learning will help them make important connections between seasonal cycles and how living things respond to their environments, laying strong foundations for future learning aboutLater in the term, we will turn our attention to everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, rubber, rock, fabric, paper and brick. The children will identify materials and their properties and explore why different materials are chosen for specific uses — for example, why windows are made of glass rather than fabric! They will carry out enjoyable investigations to discover how materials can be squashed, bent, twisted or stretched, making links to familiar stories and real-life contexts.
Art
In Art, children will explore the exciting world of pattern through drawing and collage. They will study monochromatic patterns and take inspiration from animal markings, mosaic flooring, wallpaper and mehndi designs. The children will learn to describe and create patterns using line, shape and space, while developing pencil control to produce precise and detailed designs. They will also explore the work of artists and designers from around the world, discovering that patterns have been created and enjoyed by humans for thousands of years.
Computing
In Computing, the children will learn that computer programs can respond to different types of input. They will explore how to control on-screen objects using the keyboard and other input devices, as well as a mouse. This will help them begin to understand how interactive games and programs are created.
Music
In Music, children will listen to and explore longer pieces of music, considering how different instruments can be used to tell a story. Inspired by the traditional tale Jack and the Beanstalk, they will create their own soundscapes, thinking carefully about how sounds can represent characters, actions and emotions. This will support the development of both creative and listening skills.
PSHCE
In PSHCE, our learning will support children in recognising, talking about and accepting a range of emotions, both positive and negative. They will explore ways to manage their feelings, think positively and calmly, make good choices and develop resilience. The children will also reflect on the positive emotions linked to being thankful, grateful and mindful.
Religious Education
In RE this term, children will focus on making good choices. They will explore what it means to make kind, fair and thoughtful decisions in everyday situations at school, at home and within the wider community. Through stories and discussion, pupils will consider how their choices help to create a caring and respectful environment for everyone.
Internet Safety
During Internet Safety lessons, Year 2 will learn about online relationships and online bullying. Children will discuss how to communicate kindly and respectfully when using technology and what to do if something online makes them feel worried or upset. The importance of asking for help from a trusted adult and being a responsible digital citizen will be reinforced.
Physical Education
In PE, our focus this term is dance. Children will explore a range of movements to express ideas, feelings and stories. They will work individually, in pairs and in small groups to create short dance sequences, developing their rhythm, coordination and teamwork skills. We look forward to seeing their creativity and confidence grow.
We were proud to take part in a beautiful carol concert at St Michael’s Church. The warm atmosphere, traditional carols and festive spirit made it a truly special occasion. It was a wonderful opportunity to perform together and celebrate the season with the local community.
We enjoyed a magical pantomime visit to the Victoria Theatre to see Beauty and the Beast. The colourful costumes, lively music and laugh-out-loud moments kept everyone entertained from start to finish. With plenty of audience participation and a heart-warming story, it was a fantastic theatre experience and a memorable treat for all involved.
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The children did a wonderful job performing the Nativity Everybody Loves a Baby, led by the FSU and Key Stage 1 classes. They sang confidently, spoke clearly, and filled the performance with enthusiasm and joy. It was a heart-warming celebration of the Christmas story that everyone enjoyed and was very proud of.
We were so excited to welcome a special visitor to our class—Santa Claus! He stopped by to spread some festive cheer, share a few kind words, and listen to our Christmas wishes. The room was full of smiles and laughter, and it was a magical moment that helped us get into the holiday spirit. It was a visit we will all remember! 🎅✨
Our Christmas dinner was a festive and enjoyable occasion for everyone at school. The hall was filled with laughter and holiday cheer as pupils and staff came together to enjoy a delicious meal. It was a lovely way to celebrate the season and share a special moment as a school community.
Autumn 1
Science
This half term, our science topic is Animals Including Humans. The children will explore the basic needs all humans require to survive and thrive, with a focus on how exercise, a balanced diet, and good hygiene contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They will also investigate how different animals, including humans, grow and develop from offspring into adults. Finally, we’ll look at how we can prevent illness and what we can do to take care of ourselves if we do become unwell.
History
In History this half term, we’ll be exploring how technology has changed over the past 60 years. The children will begin by discussing what the term technology means and reflecting on the types of technology they use in their daily lives. They will then look back in time to explore how technology has evolved, comparing modern-day inventions with those from the past. Through this, they’ll gain an understanding of how technological advancements have changed the way we live. The unit will also introduce key historical figures, such as Tim Berners-Lee, and examine the impact of their contributions to the world of technology.
Design Technology
This half term in Design and Technology, the children will be developing their basic sewing skills through an exciting project—designing and making their own bug-themed bookmarks. They will explore how elements such as size, shape, and decoration contribute to a product being both fun and functional. Using techniques like threading, running stitch, and cross-stitch, the children will build their practical skills while learning how to combine creativity with purpose. Once complete, they will evaluate their bookmarks, reflecting on how well their designs meet the needs of the user. This project will help pupils grow in confidence when planning, making, and refining their work to achieve a successful end product.
PE
In PE this half term, our focus is on the Hit, Catch, Run theme. Working with our sports coach, the children will develop their hitting skills using a variety of bats, as well as practise feeding and bowling techniques. They’ll also learn how to hit and run effectively to score points. During our Thursday sessions, we’ll explore different games that involve hitting, catching, and running, while learning how to work as a team to field the ball. The children will also begin to take on specific team roles, such as wicket keeper or backstop, as they build their understanding of the game.
RE
In RE this half term, our theme is Welcoming New Life. The children will explore how different religions celebrate the arrival of a new baby, focusing on the similarities and differences between Christian and Muslim welcoming ceremonies. They will be encouraged to respond thoughtfully and respectfully to the beliefs and feelings of others. As part of the unit, the children will also practise asking and answering questions about the idea of belonging, helping them to develop their understanding of community and identity.
PSHCE
This half term in PSHCE, our focus is on Very Important Persons (VIPs). The children will explore the important people in their lives and learn how to build and maintain positive, healthy relationships with them. They will identify what makes someone special and reflect on the value of family and friendships. Through discussions and activities, children will also learn that while relationships and families can look different for everyone, there are positive ways to resolve conflicts and strengthen connections. The unit also highlights the importance of cooperation and showing care, helping children understand the positive impact of kindness and respect in their relationships.
Computing
This half term in Computing, our focus is Computing Systems and Networks. The children will deepen their understanding of what information technology (IT) is and begin identifying examples in everyday life. They will explore where they encounter IT, both in school and in places like shops, hospitals, and libraries. As the unit progresses, they will investigate how IT helps to improve the world around us and learn about the importance of using technology safely and responsibly.
Music
This half term in Music, our topic is Call and Response. The children will explore this traditional musical form by using instruments to represent different animals, developing their ability to listen carefully and respond through rhythm and sound. They will practise copying and repeating rhythmic patterns, as well as creating their own call and response sequences in pairs and groups. This unit not only builds their musical skills—such as timing, coordination, and creativity—but also supports teamwork and active listening. Through fun and imaginative activities, the children will gain a deeper understanding of how music can be used to communicate ideas and tell stories.
