Spring 2

Writing:

This half term, the children in Year Two will learn about the roles of an apostrophe.  They will learn how to spell words with contracted forms (e.g. couldn’t, didn’t, they’re etc.)  In addition to learning to spell these, the children will learn about the times when contractions should and shouldn’t be used.  They will consider the purpose, the audience and the register of a piece of writing and will begin to write in an appropriate style accordingly. Once children are secure with using apostrophes for contracted forms, they will also learn to use a singular possessive apostrophe (E.g. Mrs Foster’s cat).  The children will then practise and apply this skill by writing fictional letters and diary entries based on the book ‘The Day the Crayons Quit”.

Maths:

In maths this half term, the children will begin by continuing to develop their understanding of division and its inverse relationship with multiplication. Once this knowledge is secure, they will begin a fractions learning journey, during which they will build upon their knowledge of equal groups (or equal parts) as they learn to recognise, find, name and write fractions ½, 1/3, ¼, 2/4 and ¾ of a length, shape, set of objects or a quantity, whilst recognising the equivalence of ½ and 2/4. Children will also work on position and direction. They will order and arrange combinations of mathematical objects in patterns and sequences Use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement including movement in a straight line and distinguishing between rotation as a turn and in term of right angles for quarter, half and three-quarter turns (clockwise and anticlockwise).

Science:

In Science this term, pupils will be learning about habitats and microhabitats, and why they are suitable for different plants and animals. They will explore a range of habitats, including woodlands, oceans and gardens, and identify the living things that can be found there. Children will investigate microhabitats such as under logs or in leaf piles, observing how these small environments provide shelter and food. They will consider what animals and plants need to survive and how habitats meet these needs and will be able to describe different habitats and explain why certain living things live there.

DT:

In Design and Technology this term, Year 2 pupils will be designing and making model houses linked to their history topic on the Great Fire of London. They will explore what houses were like in 1666, considering the materials used and why the fire spread so quickly. Children will practise key skills such as designing, measuring, cutting, joining and evaluating their finished products. They will think carefully about how to make their structures strong and stable, using a range of materials and simple tools safely. By the end of the unit, pupils will have created their own Tudor-style house model and reflected on how design choices can make buildings safer.

Geography:

In Geography this term, Year 2 pupils will be learning about the weather in the United Kingdom and how it changes across the seasons. They will identify different types of weather, including sunshine, rain, wind and snow, and learn how these affect daily life. Children will observe and record the weather regularly, using simple charts and symbols to monitor patterns over time. They will also explore how weather can vary in different parts of the UK. At the end of the learning journey, pupils will be able to describe seasonal changes and talk confidently about the weather they observe.

PSHE:

In PSHE this term, Year 2 pupils will focus on keeping themselves and others safe in different situations. They will learn about personal safety, including how and when to contact the emergency services and what information to give. Children will also explore how to encourage and support others to do their best at school, developing kindness and positive communication skills. As part of their learning, they will discuss how to stay safe online, including what to do if something makes them feel worried or uncomfortable. At the end of the learning journey, the children will feel more confident in making safe and responsible choices.

RE:

 In RE this term, Year 2 pupils will be learning about belief, with a focus on Christian beliefs and the Easter story. They will explore why Easter is important to Christians and learn about key events such as Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Children will discuss themes of hope, forgiveness and new life, and consider why these are meaningful to Christians. They will also reflect on their own ideas about belief and special celebrations. Children will apply their understanding by retelling the Easter story and explaining why it is significant in Christianity.

Music:

In Music this term, Year 2 pupils learning is themed The Man in the Moon, focusing on timbre and texture in music. They will learn how different instruments and sounds can create particular effects and moods. Children will listen to music by Vangelis and discuss how he uses electronic sounds to create atmosphere. They will experiment with layering sounds and choosing instruments carefully to build different textures. To show their understanding, pupils will compose and perform their own space-themed piece, using their understanding of timbre and texture creatively.