Welcome to Year 2

Year 2 is a wonderful year of growing confidence, independence and curiosity as children build on all they have learned in Year 1 and prepare for the exciting journey into Key Stage 2.

Children become increasingly responsible for their learning, developing greater resilience, concentration and perseverance as they take on new challenges. Alongside strengthening their reading, writing and mathematical skills, they are encouraged to think creatively, ask thoughtful questions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we nurture each child's God-given talents, encouraging them to grow in kindness, compassion and respect for others.

Year 2 is a year of important milestones, as children reflect on how far they have come and develop the confidence, knowledge and independence they need to flourish in Key Stage 2.

Year 2 Preparation & Transition

Upon entering Year 2, we hope that the children will be able to…

• Ask for help and explain why they are stuck 
• Ask to go to the toilet appropriately and in good time 
• Look after belongings and put them in the right place 
• Choose the resources they need for a game or activity 
• Choose a new reading book 
• Zip up coat with limited support 
• At times, work without an adult – independently 
• Have a ‘can do’ attitude to try new things 
• Bounce back when things do not go their way

During Year 2 we hope that the children will begin to…

• Work independently for longer periods
• Explain their thinking
• Accept feedback positively
• Correct simple mistakes
• Show resilience when challenged
• Work successfully with partners
• Manage simple homework independently
• Be polite and show good manners
• Show kindness to all

How can parents/carers help?

• Supporting learning at home
• Encouraging children to explain how they solved problems
• Supporting routines without completing work for them
• Celebrating perseverance
• Build in more opportunities for gaining independence

Year 2 Curriculum

What will Year 2 be learning this year?

Term 1 – Sails, Sand & Secrets: Exploring New Worlds

Term 2 – Bake It, Make It, Change It!

Term 3 – Where We Live & Grow

Term 4 – London's Burning

Term 5 – The Story of Our Town/ Town Mouse, Country Mouse

Term 6 – Healthy, Happy & Wild!

 

Will my child have any formal tests in Year 2? 

Children do not sit any formal statutory tests during their time in Year 2. We will use a range of assessment methods on an ongoing basis to work out exactly where the children are. We use this assessment to ensure that we are putting in the best possible support and level of challenge for your child.

Year 2 PE

On Wednesdays, Year 2 will be swimming, while on Thursdays they have their in-school PE lesson. This will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor PE lessons.  

Year 2 Trips

In Year 2, we believe that rich, first-hand experiences help children to deepen their understanding and bring their learning to life. Trips, visits and opportunities to explore the wider world encourage children to be curious, ask questions and make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them. These experiences also help children to develop confidence, independence and resilience as they encounter new places, people and situations. As they prepare for the next stage of their education, we encourage our children to embrace every opportunity to discover, experience and learn, whilst developing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of God's creation and the communities of which they are a part.

Have a look below at what we have planned for this academic year: 

 

Year 2 Homework

Phonics/ Reading Fluency: Reading books will go home on a Monday and will be expected to be brought to school each day. Children should read to an adult at home 3 x week and once a week at school. Books will be changed on a Monday ready for the week ahead, unless they have not been read at home. If appropriate, a child will keep the same book for another week for fluency.
Please record your child’s reading in their KS1 Reading Record each time they read. An adult should listen to your child read and make a brief note in the record to help us monitor and support their reading progress.

Reading Comprehension: Each child will receive a CGP Reading Comprehension workbook. Children are expected to complete one page every two weeks. Workbooks will be checked and marked on Fridays. If the page has not been completed, children will be given time during the Friday session to complete it.

Spellings: Spellings are set by the class teacher on a weekly basis. The number of spellings will be set on an individual basis. The spellings will be in line with year group expectations and topic-specific spellings.
The spellings will be loaded onto the Spelling Frame App.
All children will have a log-in that will be stuck onto the inside page of their Reading Record. Children will be expected to practice spellings at least 2 x week and there will be a class spelling test every Friday.

Times Tables: Children in Year 2 should access the Times Table Rockstars website: https://ttrockstars.com/
All children will have a log in that will be stuck onto the inside page of their Reading Record. Children will be expected to practice year group specific times tables (3x, 4x, 6x) at least once a week.

Useful Information

Below you will find helpful information to support you and your child throughout their time in Year 2. Explore our Year 2 Curriculum Map, read the Meet the Teacher information, weekly timetable and homework expectations to help you stay informed and involved in your child’s learning journey.