Year 2 2025 - 2026

We would like to welcome everyone back to year 2 and we hope you have had a lovely summer break. Here is an overview of our curriculum for this Autumn half term.

To Know You More Clearly

Branch One-Creation and Covenant

In this unit the children will learn about the story of Noah, the sacrament of Baptism and that the Bible is split into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Branch Two- Prophecy and Promise

In this unit the children will learn that prophets and prophetesses communicate God’s message and that John the Baptist is born to be a prophet, that Advent is the season when Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus and that Mary is the mother of God.

English & Phonics

This half term the children will be exploring two texts ‘The Hueys in the New Jumper’ and ‘What We’ll Build’ both by Oliver Jeffers.      

Some of the children will be following the Read Write Inc programme and will still receive two books a week. Please remember that we recommend that the children read the books several times to build confidence and fluency. One will be a familiar text that they have looked at in class, (this will also be available to read via the Oxford Owl Website) and one will be an unfamiliar read that is linked to the sounds and tricky (red) words learnt that week.

Spellings

We will begin to send spellings home this term, also known as ‘red’ words that will be differentiated according to their reading level. The spellings will be assessed in their writing during the week. The spellings will also be sent home on a Thursday alongside their reading book. These ‘red’ words are non-decodable, so they will have to learn how to spell them. After half term we will be starting Read, Write Inc spelling- more details to follow.

Handwriting

Please encourage your child to practise their handwriting at home. The links below model how to write their letters on the line and with horizontal and diagonal lines.  

Handwriting stage 1a/1b

rwi_RPhO_HW_1a.pdf (oxfordowl.co.uk)

rwi_RPhO_HW_1b.pdf (oxfordowl.co.uk)

Handwriting Stage 2

rwi_RPhO_HW_2.pdf (oxfordowl.co.uk)

rwi_RPhO_HW_3.pdf (oxfordowl.co.uk)

Capital Letters

rwi_RPhO_Capitals_chart.pdf (oxfordowl.co.uk)

Maths

In Maths, the children will be focussing on recognising the place value of each digit in a two-digit number and to be able to compose and decompose two-digit numbers using standard partitioning.  They will learn to compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100; use <, > and = signs. . They will read and write numbers to at least 100 in numerals and in words. This half term we will also focus on addition and subtraction. The children will recall and use addition and subtraction facts to 20 fluently and derive and use related facts up to 100. They will secure fluency in addition and subtraction facts within 10, through continued practice. We will also start to add and subtract across 10.

Science

In science this half term we will be looking at Animals including humans. The children will learn that animals, including humans, have offspring which grow into adults. They will find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air). We also look at the importance of exercise, eating the right amounts of different types of food, and hygiene.

 Geography

In fieldwork we will be learning about the local area, and name and locate key landmarks. We will learn to recognise a natural environment and describe it using key vocabulary. Make observations about, and describe, the local area and its physical and human geography. The children will follow a route on a map and use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West).

History

In History we will be looking at the Local History of Little Crosby. The children will develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. Remember parts of stories or memories of the past. Tell the difference between past and present in own and other people’s lives.

P.E

This half term the children are focusing on fundamental movement skills.

Computing 

In computing we will be looking at IT around us. We will look at how IT is being used for good in our lives and how IT benefits society. We will learn about the responsible use of technology and how to make smart choices while using it.

Art - Drawing

In Art we will be developing our drawing skills by looking at silhouettes of animals and patterns on animals. The children will produce their own silhouette of an animal and be able to draw their animal’s pattern.

You, Me, Everyone

This half term we will be focusing on our No Outsiders books. We will look at the following three books and themes.

The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman- To understand what diversity is.

Just Because by Rebecca Elliot- I know that some bodies work in different ways.

What the Jackdaw Saw by Julia Donaldson- There are different ways to communicate.

Homework

Daily Reading – It’s important that you read every night for at least 10 minutes.

Children will bring home their book bags with a reading for pleasure book on a Monday and this should be returned on a Thursday.  This is a book that could be read to your child at bedtime or something they could share with you by telling you the story through the pictures.

Book bags will also go home on a Thursday with 2 phonics books or a reading scheme book.  These should be returned no later than the following Monday. The books will be matched to your child’s reading level and will help them consolidate the sounds and tricky (red) words learnt that week.  It will help your child to read these books more than once to help improve reading speed and expression.

*Please can you sign your child’s reading record to show they have read*

Spellings - The children will have five spellings from their own reading level. Spellings will be tested during the week. The children will be expected to apply these spellings in a sentence. We will no longer set a test; instead they will be assessed during the week in their written work.

Other Homework - Occasional projects linked to topic work will be set. throughout the year. Maths activities to go home when relevant and to support learning.

If you need to speak with your child's teacher, please approach us on the playground and we can arrange a time. We would ask that you kindly wait until we have seen all the children safely to their parent or carer before speaking to your teacher and we will be happy to chat. Alternatively, you may wish to ring the school office to arrange an appointment.

Things to Remember

• Please ensure all items, but especially coats and jumpers are clearly labelled with the child’s name.
• We aim to go outside often so please can you ensure your child brings a waterproof coat each day to school - one can be left on their peg if you prefer.
• Children need to bring their water bottle in every day.
• Children will bring a reading book home every Monday and Thursday and this needs to be returned each Monday and Thursday with their reading diary.

We look forward to working with you all this year. Please contact any member of the Year 2 team if you require any further information.

Mrs Graham, Miss Fitzsimons, Mrs Moody, Mrs English, Mr Hoy, Miss McCobb & Miss O’Hare