Year 2

Welcome to Year 2’s homepage. Year 2 is going to be a jam-packed year of exciting learning, trips and performances. In Year 2 we build upon our love of learning and grow to become more independent – ready for the Juniors! We will follow our varied interests and develop our many talents. On our class blog, you will find photos of all our trips, fun workshops and learning as well as exciting events.

Year 2 Team!

Class Teacher: Ms Johns-O’Neill

Teaching Assistant: Mrs Kabir

Timetable

Autumn

This half term, Year 2’s topic is ‘History of Camden Canals’. We will look at photos and paintings of the canals from the past and present and make comparisons between them, talking about their original purpose and how that may have changed over time. We will also use drama and related picture books to explore the history of our local canals and to inspire our writing.

In Maths, we will explore place value and different ways of representing 2-digit numbers. We will also begin exploring different methods for addition and subtraction.

In Science, our focus will be ‘Animals (Including Humans)’ and we will be exploring the different things that all animals need to survive, as well as the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. In Computing we will concentrate on online safety, as well as some basic coding.

In Art, we will be exploring our pop art theme by looking at the work of artist Andy Warhol and creating artwork inspired by some of his pieces.

In RE, we will be learning about the Sikhism and Christianity and the children will be able to explain their beliefs as well as learn about the ideas of others.

Important dates for Year 2 in Autumn

Friday 11th October – Year 2 class assembly

Spring 1

This half term, Year 2 will begin with a focus on our Geography topic, which is China. We will look at photographs and maps of different areas in China and compare the similarities and differences to London and the UK. We will swap letters with a class in China and find out more about Chinese New Year, so that we can share our learning in an assembly. For Science Week, our Biology focus will be on animals and their habitats. We will look at what makes animals suited to their habitats and explore the microhabitats we find around school. We will also practise recording our findings in a variety of different ways. After Science week we will begin our Shakespeare project for this year, which is The Tempest, and start preparations for the production next half term.

In Maths we will begin by learning about money. We will practise recognising coins and notes, as well as making different totals and calculating change. After this, we will begin working on multiplication and division, with a focus on grouping and separating.

In Art we will do some work on 3D modelling and sculpture. This will be inspired by our China topic, specifically the Terracotta Army.

In R.E. we will focus on Christianity, looking specifically at important ceremonies within the Christian faith and their significance.

Important dates for Year 2 in Spring 1

Friday 24th January – Year 2 class assembly (Chinese New Year)

Wednesday 12th February- Year 2 class trip to The Globe Theatre.

Spring 2

In Spring 2, Year 2 will be focusing on The Tempest as part of our Shakespeare project. All of our writing for this term will be based around The Tempest. In History we will be looking at how life in Shakespearean London was different from life today. In Science we will explore different materials, their properties and their uses.

In Maths we will continue our work on multiplication and division, with a focus on division. After this, we will be representing data with tally charts, pictograms and block diagrams. Later in the term, we will look at measurement (length and height), followed by shapes and their properties.

In Art we will be focusing on drawing natural objects with close detail. We will work on drawing controlled lines and shading, before moving onto using ink.

In R.E. we will continue to focus on Christianity in the run up to Easter.

Important dates for Year 2 in Spring 2

March 23rd- dress rehearsal for The Tempest.
March 24th- performance of The Tempest at school.

Week of March 30^th-April 2^nd– performances of The Tempest as part of the PSC Camden festival

Summer 1

Our History topic in Summer 1 will be the question ‘how did the first flight make the world more connected?’. We will be looking at the history of flight and the effects this has had on our lives today. Our Writing will focus on a different book each week. We will explore extracts from these books and use them to influence our own Writing.

In Science this term, we will be studying plants. We are going to grow our own plant via online learning and observe what happens to it over time by keeping a Plant Diary.

In Maths this half term we will focus on fractions and measurement (both length and weight).

In R.E. we will be asking the question ‘why is it important to listen to the stories Jesus told?’. We will be exploring several different parables and their messages.

In PSHE we will be talking about feelings, and concentrating on how we can respect others’ feelings and express our own emotions in healthy ways.