Year 2 - Information and Overview
Welcome to Year 2
The children all had a fantastic first transition session and settled exceptionally well into their new classrooms and routines. Before we tell you about all the exciting things we do in Year 2, we would like to introduce you to the Year 2 Team for 2023-2024. Mrs Whitehouse will be the teacher of Spruce Class and will be supported by Mrs Winmill the teaching assistant. The teachers of Cedar Class will be Mrs Sell who will teach Monday-Tuesday and Miss Taylor who will teach Wednesday-Friday, and they will be supported by Mrs Davies. Holly Class will be taught by Miss Cross and she will be supported by Mrs Jones on Monday and Tuesday and Mrs Winter on Wednesday - Friday. Mrs Flood (Deputy Head) is the Year 2 Leader. We are looking forward to meeting you all at our Year 2 Welcome Meeting (more details to follow).
The Year 2 Curriculum
The Year 2 Curriculum continues to include the core subjects alongside a number of foundation subjects as follows:
Core subjects: are fundamental, work together and support development in all other areas.
- English (reading, writing and spoken language)
- Maths
- Science
Foundation subjects: include essential knowledge and skills for children to participate successfully in society.
- Art and Design
- Design Technology
- History and Geography
- Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Computing
- Music
- PDL
The Year 2 curriculum is planned and clearly sequenced so that children build upon previously acquired knowledge and skills; making links and connections with new concepts. In Year 2, children have SATs which are statutory tests set by government in reading and maths. These take place in the Summer term throughout May. You will find out more about these tests at our SATs information evening.
You can find lots of resources and useful information on this page to assist you in understanding and supporting your child's time in Year 2. This includes curriculum newsletters, contact information, ways to support your child at home and information about ‘Seesaw’ the online learning journal we use.
Parental Partnership
At Hiltingbury, we value working alongside parents and recognise the positive impact these successful relationships have on your child’s learning and social and emotional development. You are the experts of your child; their first and enduring educators. If you have any questions of concerns about your child’s learning, social or emotional needs, then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. This can be arranged at drop off or collection if appropriate or alternatively you can arrange a telephone call or meeting through the school office.
Seesaw
We continue to use Seesaw as a secure online learning journal to record photos, observations and comments to build up a record of your child’s experiences during their time with us. This system allows us to work with parents and carers to share information and record the children’s learning in and outside of the classroom. We also upload home learning and set class activities using Seesaw.
Topics
Within Year 2, the topics change each half term and are reflective of the interests of the children. The indoor classroom environment is updated frequently to ensure engaging, motivational and exciting learning opportunities are provided for your child. You can find our yearly overview below and each half term you will receive a curriculum newsletter which will provide you with more detail over subject content.
Phonics and Reading
Some children will continue to follow the Little Wandle phonics programme during their time in Year 2. If they did not pass the Phonics Screening they will also retake this in the Summer term. Once children have exited the main Little Wandle scheme, they will begin to have Little Wandle Fluency sessions which further enhance their prosody, comprehension and understanding of texts.
Alongside our systematic teaching of phonics, we continue to instil a love of reading. This is developed through the sharing of high-quality texts which are carefully mapped out across the school. This enables us to develop children’s cultural capital. We do this through talking about texts, making connections with children’s experiences and broadening children’s horizons through the use of carefully chosen high quality texts.
Transition to Juniors
We have a strong relationship with Hiltingbury Junior School and we provide lots of opportunities for joint activities and events so our children feel comfortable and confident as they move on to their next challenges. We are committed to ensuring a comprehensive transition package is organised and delivered to ensure our children leave feeling confident about the next stage of their school journey.