Year 2 Spring Term 2012 Curriculum Information

Welcome back! We hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and a restful New Year. Thank you for all of our cards and gifts.

This year we are focusing on the ‘Year of Communication’ as a school, and our target this term is; ‘To explicitly teach the language of social etiquette’ (please, thank you, excuse me, sorry etc.) Please could you help us by reinforcing this at home.

Literacy – This subject follows the National Literacy Strategy. This term we will be writing our own stories based upon the familiar texts Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. This term we are focusing on improving handwriting using the continuous cursive style and to use it in all writing; our aim is for all children to be able to do this by Easter.

Numeracy – This subject also follows the national guidelines. We will be developing children’s number work by finding quick ways of adding and subtracting using mental arithmetic and continuing their understanding of the 2, 5 and 10 timetables. We will also be learning about 3D shapes, symmetry, using money and measuring. Some of the time will be spent interpreting data in block graphs.

Science – In the first half of the term we will be learning about grouping and changing materials, identifying a range of common materials and describing their properties, similarities and differences. We will also investigate how materials change when they are melted or heated. In the second half of the term we will be focusing on forces and movement and this will include a visit to King George’s Park to investigate the movement of the playground equipment.

Information Communication Technology – In the first half term we will be learning how to collect information for a database. We will use a prepared database to answer simple questions and present our findings. After half term the children will learn to use words to communicate messages and recognise that ICT lets them correct and improve their work.

Design Technology – In the second half of the term we will learn about wheels and axles and how to use these when making wheeled vehicles for a specific purpose. The children will be encouraged to develop their design ideas based on investigating vehicles in the world around them and then design and make a vehicle.

Art – In the first half of the term the children will be exploring patterns in buildings and finding out what those patterns tell us. They will learn how to print shapes and patterns on to paper and material.

History – In the second half of the term we will be learning about the history of Merry Hill School, recording specific dates on a timeline and recognising changes to the school. History will include a Victorian Day giving the children the chance to experience school in the past.

Geography – In the first half of term we will be learning about climate, seasons and weather around the world. We will investigate questions such as: what causes it to rain or snow?

Religious Education –This term we will be focusing on belonging, including belonging within a family, school and groups or clubs outside school. We will also be learning about how Christians and Muslims welcome a new baby into their family and community.

Physical Education – We have PE lessons twice weekly. This term, we will be focusing on gym and dance. In gym we will be learning to move around the apparatus by spinning, turning and twisting. In dance we will be learning to move in response to a range of stimuli and will be selecting movements to create the structure of a dance. After half term we will focus on joining movements together in gym, and in games, making up our own games that include kicking, aiming or hitting a ball.

Music – Music will be based upon ‘pulse and rhythm’ for the first half of the term and ‘pitch’ for the second half. The children will be responding to songs with different actions and accompanying their music with instruments.

Personal, Social, Health and Education and Citizenship – In PSHEC we will be supporting the children in setting their own goals. The children will also learn about taking responsibility for their actions.

Homework – Homework across Key Stage 1 will follow the Homework policy. Spellings will be sent home every Thursday and tested on the following Thursday. Other homework may be Literacy, Numeracy or topic based.

Reading – If children have finished their reading book they are encouraged to be responsible for changing it themselves. Please help us to develop the children’s comprehension skills by asking them questions about the books that they read. Children have a range of opportunities to read within class and take part in Guided Reading sessions with a teacher or teaching assistant.

General Information

Home/school link book - We continue to value any comments you are able to make on your child’s progress, both in reading and other areas. Please appreciate that although we do attempt to look in their books every day more urgent matters should be passed on for the teacher’s attention by telephone, via the school secretary or through the message book on the gate.

Parental help – Any help in the classroom is very much appreciated, particularly in Giraffe Class. Please see a member of the Year 2 team if you are able to make a contribution, or make a note in the home/school link book. Please be aware that although you can help in your child’s class, you may not be able to work directly with your own child.

Should you wish to discuss your child with us in person please arrange an appointment via the home-school link book or through a letter.

 Mrs Summers and Miss Honnor