🌟 Welcome to Year 2!

Year 2 is an exciting year full of discovery, creativity and growing independence. Children continue to build on the foundations from Key Stage 1 while developing confidence in reading, writing and mathematics. Throughout the year, pupils will explore traditional tales, learn about significant events from the past, investigate the world around them and enjoy a range of exciting hands-on experiences.

📚 English in Year 2

English Adventures
This year our reading and writing will be inspired by a range of wonderful stories, traditional tales and non-fiction texts.
Our core books include:

• The Gingerbread Man
• Fantastic Mr Fox
• Disgusting Sandwich
• Toby and the Great Fire of London
• A Walk in London
• Red Riding Hood
• Jack and the Beanstalk

Children will develop their reading, vocabulary and writing skills through narratives, diary entries, information texts, instructions, character descriptions, recounts, poetry and persuasive writing.

✝️ Bible Story Focus

Our class Bible story is Abraham and the Starry Sky, which reminds us that:

God loves us and always keeps His promises.

This story encourages faith, trust and hope — values we explore throughout the year in our reflections and daily life.

Science

Year 2 scientists will explore exciting topics through practical investigations and enquiry.

We will study:

• Animals Including Humans – learning about life cycles, healthy lifestyles and staying active.
• Uses of Everyday Materials – investigating the properties of materials and how they can change shape.
• Plants – exploring how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants.
• Living Things and Their Habitats – identifying habitats, food chains and how living things depend on their environment.

Children will learn through observation, prediction, investigation and recording their findings.

History and Geography

Our humanities topics will help pupils understand the past and explore the wider world.

History

• Changes Within Living Memory – investigating how technology has changed over the last 60 years.
• The Great Fire of London – discovering how this famous event changed London forever.
• Local History Study – learning about Reginald Mitchell and his impact on Stoke-on-Trent.
• Black History Month – studying influential figures including will.i.am.

Geography

• Weather and Climate – learning how weather is measured and recorded.
• My Local Area and Tulum, Mexico – comparing our local community with a locality in Mexico.
• Continents, Oceans and Climate Zones – developing geographical knowledge of the wider world.

Trips and Experiences

Learning in Year 2 extends beyond the classroom through exciting visits and memorable experiences.

Some highlights include:

• 🐄 Lower Drayton Farm Visit
• ⛪ Church Visit
• 🎅 National Adventure Farm Christmas Visit
• 🔥 Weaver Hall Great Fire of London Experience
• 🌲 Stanley Head Visit
• 📚 Library Visit
• 🚒 Fire Station Visit
• 🎭 Now Press Play Experiences
• 🌳 Forest School

These experiences help bring learning to life and create lasting memories.

🎭 Pupil Roles & Responsibilities We believe in helping children take ownership of their learning environment. Year 2 pupils can take on a range of important roles that contribute to our school community:

🎨 Arts Ambassadors

🤝 Peer Mediators

🏃 Playground Leaders

🧥 Cloakroom Monitors

📚 Reading Dojo & Book Area Monitors

🙏 Prayer Partners

💻 Computing

Children will develop important digital skills through:

• Information Technology Around Us
• Digital Music
• Robot Algorithms
• Programming Quizzes
• Digital Photography
• Pictograms and Data Handling

🏃‍♀️ PE and Games

• Please ensure children come to school in the correct PE kit on their PE days. Full details can be found in our school Uniform Policy and on your child’s Class Dojo.

We are excited for all that this year will bring and look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey. Year 2 is a year of curiosity, confidence and achievement — and we're so glad to be on this journey together.

Warm wishes, The Year 2 Team