Year 2
Year 2 is very much a transitional year, that encourages the children to become independent and responsible. Children follow a subject based curriculum with Music, French and P.E. being taught by specialists.
The success of this approach, for this age, is shown by the continued enthusiasm and academic excellence achieved by the children throughout the year.
By the end of Year 2 children are able to write independently, with joined and legible handwriting and can read fluently. Mathematics is taught through a combination of workbooks, individual recorded tasks, mental arithmetic and practical activities, preparing the children for the Year 3 curriculum.
Science, History and Geography are topic based subjects and are practical wherever possible.
Science topics: Life cycles, Investigating Materials, Extinction, Variation and Classification, Growing Plants and Habitats.
History: The Great Fire of London, Florence Nightingale, Ancient Egyptians and World War Two.
Geography: Mapwork, United Kingdom and Continents of the World. Art and D.T. are often cross curricular and the children create stunning work for displays which is exhibited both in the classroom and around the school.
Children in Year 2 attend a daily assembly, the theme of which often links in with the. The musical highlight of the year is the preparation and performance of the Infant Nativity, when the Year 2 children play a major role. Recent productions include "Gold to Bethlehem" and "Straw and Order".
Over the course of the year children have the opportunity to go on several excursions. We visit local museums, which offer Active Learning Sessions with in depth study of Ancient Egypt. The undeniable favourite of both teachers and children is the themed World War Two day at Beaumanor Hall and The Great Central Railway where the children go back in time to become “evacuees”.