Year 2 Curriculum

Below is an overview of what Year 2 children cover in each subject over the year.   

 

English 

In English, children build upon their writing skills acquired in Year 1 to look at more complex sentence structures. Each sequence of lessons is based around class texts, including ‘Traction Man’ by Mini Grey and ‘Coming to England’ by Floella Benjamin. Children continue to build upon their phonics knowledge and decoding skills, mastering more complex letter-sound correspondences. Children will progress to reading longer, more complex texts with fluency and understanding.

 

Reading Records

Reading Records are sent home on Monday and need to be returned on Friday. Children will bring home both the book they are reading in their phonics lesson and another matched decodable book to support them with their reading fluency. Children who read at least three times a week will be entered into our weekly Reading Raffle Prize Draw. 

 

Maths 

In maths, children study place value in more depth to build on their understanding of numbers, especially of numbers up to 100. They revise number bonds and secure mental methods to ensure quick recall and application in a range of contexts. Children are taught addition and subtraction methods, using a range of concrete and pictorial representations. These methods are then applied to solving real-life problems, including with money. Children become increasingly more confident at multiplication and division, demonstrating that they can count in twos, threes, fives and tens. Finally, they gain knowledge of both unit and non-unit fractions where they deepen their understanding of halves, thirds and quarters.

 

Science

In science, children learn about living things and their habitats and gain a deeper understanding of the properties and uses of a range of materials.  Children explore the life cycles of a range of animals, including humans, and study both plants and electricity. Lessons include engaging activities and practical investigations which enable children to act as scientists, developing their observation, questioning and problem-solving skills. 

 

Art and Design

In art and design, children explore the works of many different artists, with a deeper focus on Quentin Blake. This enhances their cultural development. Lessons in Year 2 are designed to spark creativity, develop artistic skills, and foster a love of the subject in young learners. Through a series of engaging and hands-on activities, children explore various art forms, techniques, and styles. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and mixed media. Children are encouraged to experiment with different materials and tools. 
 

Computing 

Children learn the basic skills of digital photography and explore concepts of composition, lighting and perspective to make visually appealing images. They also use Bee-Bots to develop their understanding of sequencing, algorithms and problem- solving. Across the year, children have opportunities to create and interpret pictograms, using simple symbols or images to represent data. They have opportunities to compose and arrange music, as well as learning how to create simple interactive quizzes.

 

Design Technology 

In Year 2, children are introduced to the fundamental concepts of design, engineering, and technology through hands-on, creative projects. Children engage in a variety of design challenges, including making a stable chair for Baby Bear, that encourages them to think critically, solve problems and develop practical skills.  

 

Geography

In geography, children begin by exploring the different climates around the world including dry, tropical and polar. They then compare and contrast the physical and human characteristics of Mugurameno, a village in Zambia, with their village of Craghead. They end the year exploring the concept of coasts and learn what happens when the land meets the sea, studying coastal features such as beaches, cliffs, bays and headlands and understand how these are formed through erosion and weathering. 

 

History 

Children continue their journey to becoming historians by investigating how life has changed over the last 100 years. They begin the year with a visit to Beamish Museum to explore how school life has change over time, comparing and contrasting it with their own experiences. In the spring term, children study significant developments in the history of flight. The year ends with children looking at the concept of monarchy, focusing on William the Conqueror.  

 

Music 

In music, children focus on building upon the foundational skills introduced in Year 1. They delve deeper into rhythmic patterns, melody and harmony through engaging and practical activities. After consolidating their understanding of ‘pulse’, children explore other musical elements such as ‘tempo’, ‘dynamics’ and ‘timbre’, while also learning about different musical genres and styles, including that of rock music in a unit called ‘I wanna play in a band’.

 

PE

In PE, children learn about basic skills of movement, engaging in a variety of activities and games that promote coordination, balance, agility and strength. They also take part in gymnastics and dance sessions where they have opportunities to learn sequences and different movements. 

 

RE

In Year 2, children continue to learn about the diverse and rich tapestry of religious beliefs and practices from around the world. Through engaging activities and interactive lessons, they explore major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism through enquiry-based learning.

 

RSE and PSHE

The focus of RSE and PSHE lessons is to nurture children’s holistic development, equipping them with essential life skills and promoting their emotional well-being. Children learn about self-awareness, self-esteem and self-care, including healthy eating and dental care. They also learn about emotions, resilience and healthy coping strategies, empowering them to manage their feelings and relationships effectively.