Year 2: Snow

In line with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1, pupils in Year 2 are taught core subjects of English (Reading and Writing), Mathematics and Science as well as Foundation subjects of Art, ICT, Design and Technology, Music, History/Geography and PE.

Each half term or term, a new topic is introduced that is linked to the objectives of the National Curriculum allowing the children the opportunity to take part in lessons of different subjects within the framework of the topic. English and Maths are also often linked to learning in these topics in order to provide the children with a holistic and more meaningful curriculum.

Through the Read Write Inc phonics scheme, children are taught individual letters and sounds and to blend the different letters together following on from what they’ve learnt in Year 1 and the Foundation Stage. Activities ranging from learning single letter sounds and names, to blending letters to form a whole word, reading tricky words and then on to reading sentences with a combination of both phonetic and tricky key words, are differentiated in order to meet the children’s individual needs.

Every child in Year 2 reads one-to-one with an adult at least once every week, and reads in a group session at least once per week. In these sessions we focus on all aspects of reading: fluency, expression, and comprehension, as well as decoding skills. We also send home reading books with reading journals which are chosen based on the reading ability of the child and are changed at least once a week.

Each week the children are given homework which will have an element of English or Maths as well as something related to their current topic. In line with national standards assessment expectations, the pupils will also be taught to develop their spelling, writing and Maths skills and build on the foundations established in Year 1.

The Year 2 team are always happy to speak to parents regarding any issues, concerns or queries. To apply for a Year 2 place at Burdett-Coutts school, please contact the school office or click here for more information about our Admissions criteria.

Welcome to Year 2.

A very warm welcome back to you all. A new school year is upon us and with September comes a new chapter and a reminder that change can be beautiful. I hope you and your children have all had a restful holiday and are ready to dive into a new term.

This newsletter is intended to give you an overview of the routines in Year 2, together with useful information about what your children will be learning.

I am excited to be working in partnership with you to make lasting learning memories and to have a great year. If you have any questions throughout the forthcoming weeks, please feel free to book an appointment via the school office.

Curriculum

• Writing: Range of texts encouraging on Writing to Entertain
• Maths: Place Value | Addition and Subtraction
• Science: Which material would make the best wellies?
• RE: Christianity: What did Jesus teach?
• History: Female Monarchs through the Ages
• PSHE: Being Me in My World
• Art & Design: Drawing: Tell a Story

PE

• PE lessons in Year 2 take place on Friday afternoon.
• Please ensure that your children wear the correct PE kit to school each week; this includes trainers and not their school shoes.

Book Bags

• Please ensure your child’s reading book and reading record book are brought to school every day in their book bags.
• I would be grateful if you could make a note in your child’s reading record when you have heard them read.
• Books will be changed on Thursday.

Homework

In Year 2, homework will be given online on a weekly basis via Google Classroom (beginning on Week 2: Monday 11th of September). Homework plays a vital role in helping children consolidate what they have learnt in class and it is really important that all children complete their homework each week independently.

• Reading: Children should take part in a reading activity every night. Reading will help your child develop in all areas of the curriculum and your support at home can have the greatest impact on your child’s overall achievement.
• Maths: Children should spend at least 50 minutes a week on IXL.
• Spelling: During this term, we will be revising letter sounds and learning Year 1 Spelling words. Children will be tested on 10 words each week (on Friday). Please spend some time at home helping your child to learn these spellings each week.