Year 2

In Year 2, children are supported to develop the skills required for more formal learning. Reading and writing continue to be an important focus and phonics teaching continues to ensure that all children can read for both pleasure and for learning. Themes remain engaging and flexible and build on the children’s EYFS and Year 1 curriculum before concluding with a theme which brings all knowledge together as the children end this phase of their education. The school’s mission, vision and aims remain central to the implementation of the curriculum to inspire children and fuel their aspirations. Children are introduced to a range of inspirational figures (past and present) who are representative of the school community and the diverse wider world ensuring that children are able to picture themselves within a world of possibilities and opportunities.
 

Children continue to develop deep thinking skills and are supported to understand more abstract concepts. Children begin to discuss and reason with each other using subject related technical vocabulary and have more flexibility of thought to consider the views and opinions of others. Staff continue to use the children’s verbal explanation and reasoning to further extend and assess the children’s actual understanding. However, formal recording methods are taught and children's presentation of work begins to take a stronger focus. Children’s recording of understanding is scaffolded until they are able to do this independently. 

Learning continues to be purposeful, engaging and exciting whilst still preparing children for the next step in their education. Children continue to learn through a variety of first hand experiences, but this is structured and planned rather than self directed through play. More playful, child directed learning is promoted through Forest School activities where the children are able to build on their knowledge from taught sessions and apply their understanding and skills through engagement with the outdoor, natural environment. Teachers work closely with the Forest School Lead to ensure the continuity of learning and curriculum coverage between the indoor and outdoor classrooms, particularly in Science, Design Technology and Art.