Puffins 2024 - 2025

Welcome to Puffins Class

We are a Year 2 class who are taught by Miss Griffiths.

This is what we will be learning about in the Autumn term:

Maths:

Place Value: Count numbers to 100; Use different ways to show numbers to 100; Use place value grids to make and compare numbers; Compare and order numbers to 100; Count in 2s, 5s and 10s; Count in 3s.

Addition and Subtraction: Use related number facts; Compare number sentences; Make number bonds to 100; Add and subtract 1s and 10s; Add a 2-digit and a 1-digit number; Subtract a 1-digit number from a 2-digit number; Add two 2-digit numbers; Subtract two 2-digit numbers; Find the difference between two numbers; Solve missing number problems.

Shape: Recognise 2D and 3D shapes; Count the sides and vertices on 2D shapes; Learn about symmetry; Count the faces, edges and vertices on 3D shapes; Sort 2D and 3D shapes.

English:

We will develop our reading and writing skills across a range of genres and text types using high quality texts.

The children will write a circular narrative and a letter based on the book ‘A River’ by Marc Martin. We will then look closely at ‘The Night Gardener’ by The Fan Brothers to inspire our writing of a setting narrative and a diary.

In addition, we will have regular ’Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar’ sessions and we will have weekly Guided Reading and Handwriting sessions following the ‘twinkl’ scheme of ‘continuous cursive’. Everyone will also have a daily 20-minute phonics lesson. 

Science:

Uses of Everyday Materials

The children will learn about the uses of everyday materials including wood, plastic, metal, glass, brick, paper and cardboard. They will then go on to compare the suitability of different everyday materials for different purposes. They will explore how objects made of some everyday materials can change shape and how the recycling process is able to reuse some everyday materials numerous times. Furthermore, the children will learn about new discoveries which have been made over time with a specific focus on John McAdam.

The Environment

The children will be introduced to the ecological challenges that face the modern world. They will undertake a range of activities that challenge them to engage with environmental issues and to understand the simple changes we can make to live more sustainable lives. Throughout the lessons, learning is closely focused on the Working Scientifically strand of objectives, providing a range of opportunities for the children to apply practical scientific methods and skills.

History:

The Gunpowder Plot

The children will develop their knowledge and understanding of this significant event in British history: The Gunpowder Plot. They will increase their awareness of the past by finding out about Guy Fawkes and other significant individuals involved in the plot, such as Robert Catesby and Thomas Percy. The children will deepen their understanding of the events of the Gunpowder Plot through several speaking and listening activities, such as hot seating and role play, as well as sequencing events and designing posters. They will also explore how bonfire night has been celebrated in Britain since the 1930s in order to consolidate their knowledge of changes within living memory.

Geography:

Let’s Go to China

Turquoise Class will learn about the geography of China through focusing on the main human and physical features of the country, extending children’s knowledge of the world. The children will learn about the geographical similarities and differences between China and the United Kingdom. They continue to build on their map skills using atlases, world maps and globes more widely, along with using online mapping programmes and interpreting a range of information.

Computing:

Computer Art

The children will learn key skills that will support progression within the KS1 Computing curriculum. The children will have the opportunity to learn about reproducing the painting styles of great artists using computer programs. Each lesson focuses upon a different artist and their particular style. The children will use this as inspiration for mastering specific techniques within design-based software. In the final lesson, children will have the opportunity to use a mixture of the styles and skills learnt within this topic to produce their own computer-painted masterpiece!

Using the Internet

The children will be introduced to using the Internet safely and with a purpose. They will be shown how to search the Internet using one word; how to make sense of the returned results; how to use “for kids” to return more suitable results; how to follow links and return to the search results. The children will be encouraged to use a range of search engines, including Google, Bing and Yahoo, and some more child-friendly engines like Kidrex. The children then learn to blog safely and responsibly.

Art:

Landscapes and Cityscapes

Turquoise Class will learn about the bright colours and bold brushstrokes used by the Impressionists, and other artists, when painting landscapes and cityscapes. They will be introduced to the work of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Jean Metzinger. They will think about the similarities and differences between the work of the different artists, looking at the colours, painting styles, settings, and times of day. They will make paintings, drawings, and mosaic art, inspired by the three artists.

Design and Technology:

Fabric Bunting

The children will learn about working with fabric. They will start by evaluating a range of existing bunting with a theme around counting. The children will then be set a design criterion. They will learn how to use a graphics program to create a design and template for their bunting. Working with felt, the children will cut out a bunting shape and use a simple running stitch. The children will be given the chance to explore different fabrics that they could use to enhance their designs. Using techniques such as sewing, stapling and gluing, the children will decorate their felt flag. Finally, they will evaluate their product.

Religious Education:

Christianity – What did Jesus teach?

The children will explore the concept of kindness, particularly through re-telling the story of The Good Samaritan. They will discuss how this makes Christians behave towards other people.

Christianity – Christmas: Jesus as a gift from God

The children will learn to reflect on the Christmas story and the reasons for Jesus’ birth.

Music:

Through the use of Music Express, the children will cover the topics: Ourselves, Toys, Our Land, Our bodies.

They will explore vocal sounds, play to a steady beat, explore timbre and texture, and play rhythm patterns on body percussion and instruments.

P.S.H.E.:

Relationships – Be Yourself

The children will learn that having confidence to ‘be yourself’ can have a positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing. They will learn to recognise their positive qualities and appreciate their individuality. The children will be encouraged to recognise different emotions and explore different strategies to help them manage any uncomfortable feelings they experience. They will learn about how big life changes impact on feelings and emotions and explore the importance of sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Living in the Wider World – One World

The children will be inspired by the idea that we can benefit from learning about people living in different places to us and their ways of life. They will explore their own family life, home and school and compare these to children’s family life, homes and school from around the world which are different from their own. The children will also learn about the relationship between people and their environment and how this affects their way of life. They will learn about how people use the earth’s resources and the importance of protecting the earth for ourselves and future generations and how we can work together to do this.

Physical Education:

The children will have two P.E. sessions. Indoor PE will be taught on a Tuesday. In Autumn term children will be working to improve their dance and gymnastics skills. Outdoor PE will be taught on a Friday. Lessons will include developing throwing and catching skills, and taking part in invasion games.

On these days, the children will need to come to school dressed in their P.E. uniform: navy shorts and light blue t-shirt; navy tracksuit and light blue t-shirt. No logos or football kits. Trainers should be plain black or plain white. All long hair should be tied back and earrings should be removed.

Homework:

Maths: Maths homework will be set via Class DoJo on a Thursday to be completed by the following Wednesday. We ask for all children to continue to access Numbots online. Later on in Year 2, the children will also access TTRockstars to practice and improve instant recall of key multiplication facts.

English: English homework includes reading and spellings. The children’s books will be changed every Thursday and we ask that the children engage frequently with Spelling Shed to practise their spellings.

Reading: At Weston, we encourage children to develop a lifelong love for reading. We ask for children to read regularly at home to adults and to themselves. Reading is fundamental to the wider academic and personal development of children and the need for children to read widely from a broad and challenging range of texts is even more crucial this term, due to the protracted absence from school. Children will be provided with quality texts appropriate for their age and ability.