Welcome to Year 2

Year 2 is an important and exciting stage in your child’s learning journey. Our aim is to establish a strong foundation for every child by providing a rich, engaging and stimulating curriculum that builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and the Early Years.

English

In Year 2, we place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading. Our team carefully cultivates a culture of Reading for Pleasure, with each teacher selecting high-quality texts from a wide range of genres to suit the interests of their class. In addition to daily Read Aloud sessions, children enjoy listening to a class story at the end of the day. Pupils also visit our well-stocked library each week. To further support reading at home, we warmly invite parents and carers to join our weekly reading sessions every Thursday, providing a valuable opportunity to share and enjoy books together.

Mathematics

Developing children’s numerical fluency is a key priority in Year 2. We want pupils to become confident and efficient when working with addition and subtraction. Through the Mastering Number programme, children take part in a daily 15-minute session designed to deepen their understanding, strengthen number relationships and build fluency. Each week, we will also roll out a fluency focus on key number facts, including number bonds from 5 to 20, which are practised and revisited regularly. Pupils will be assessed each half term to monitor their progress. We also use the NumBots app in school and encourage its use at home to support children in visualising numbers and improving their recall skills.

Science & the Wider Curriculum

In History, children learn about the Great Fire of London, exploring key events, significant individuals and historical sources from the time. This topic is enriched by a fire safety workshop delivered by the London Fire Brigade, helping children make meaningful real-world connections.

In Geography, pupils develop their knowledge of the UK and beyond by learning about countries, capital cities, and human and physical features. They also take part in exciting trips, including a seaside visit, where they explore coastal environments and landmarks firsthand.

In Art and Design, children explore colour, texture and technique by creating “The Barking of Their Dreams,” using hot and cold colours, blending and a range of brush strokes. In Design and Technology, pupils apply their creativity and practical skills by preparing balanced meals as part of our very own ‘Gascoigne Masterchef’.

Science is brought to life through a wide range of practical investigations and experiences. Children explore topics such as minibeasts and animal life cycles, including memorable visits to Mudchute Farm to see farm animals up close. These hands-on opportunities help foster curiosity and a lasting enjoyment of science.

Personal Development

Children continue to grow in independence and responsibility. We encourage resilience, a positive attitude to learning and respectful teamwork. Pupils develop confidence in expressing themselves and learn the importance of fairness and empathy, preparing them for the next stage of their education.

We are committed to making learning meaningful, enjoyable and inspiring, and we plan regular educational visits to enrich the curriculum. The Year 2 team also values strong partnerships with parents and carers, and we encourage open communication. Please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the team if you have any questions or concerns.

Year 2 - Recent Events

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