WB 13.7.26

Our Geography Walk

Today, Thursday 16th of July, we went on a geography walk around our local area. We explored how the land has been used and looked carefully for physical and human features. As geographers, we identified physical features such as trees, grass, and hills that occur naturally. We also spotted human features, including roads, houses, shops, and playgrounds, which have been built by people. We discussed why different areas are used in different ways and thought about how people have changed the environment to meet their needs. Our walk helped us understand more about the places around us and how physical and human features work together to shape our local area.

               

In Maths, we have been exploring positional language and are able to describe position, direction and turns. We have explored the difference between clockwise and anticlockwise. This learning is linked to our geography learning of using north, east, south and west to give directions.

In English, we have been learning all about instructional writing in preparation for writing and following our own instructions to make delicious carrot and potato chips. First, we explored the key features of instructional texts and discussed what makes instructions clear and easy to follow. We then planned our own recipes by organising them into different stages and creating lists of the equipment and ingredients needed. After watching a video demonstrating how to make the chips, we drew pictures to represent each step of the process and helped us remember the correct order. To make our instructions even clearer, we used time adverbials such as first, next, then, after that and finally to show the sequence of events. We are now developing our skills as instructional writers and are ready to create our own step-by-step recipes.

WB: 6.7.26

What a fabulous Tuesday it has been! 

Today, Year 2 had a visit from a lady called Annalea, from Bonanza Creative. She delivered a workshop all about the dangers of CO to help the children to understand what it is and how we can keep ourselves safe. The information was shared with the children in a friendly, reassuring way to help them feel confident about safety.

Why is this important? 

Most homes are completely safe, and it’s very unlikely that carbon monoxide (CO) is present.  CO can sometimes be produced if fuels like gas, oil, coal, or wood don’t burn properly, but simple steps, like fitting an audible CO alarm, keep everyone protected. If your child has any questions or worries, please reassure them and let them know that learning about safety is an important way to take care of ourselves and each other. You can’t see, hear, smell, taste or touch CO so it’s difficult to detect and exposure to it can be very harmful, so it’s important to know how to spot the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.

To support this learning, your child has brought home an activity pack with additional information about CO should you wish to learn more. We encourage you to review this resource with your family to reinforce the knowledge shared during the session. 

            

Forest school

This week at Forest School, we sat around a fire and toasted marshmallows. It was fun and helped us learn how to stay safe around a fire.

          

                 

 

Join the Challenge!

Today in assembly, we had two visitors from Loughton library to tell us all about the Summer Reading challenge. 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge? 

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge will inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity. This year's challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate. The challenge runs from Saturday 18 July to Saturday 5 September in all Essex libraries and mobile libraries.  There are six stickers for children to collect over the summer.  They earn them by telling us about the books they have read or doing related activities. (A list of suggested activities is on the sticker folder given to each child taking part.) After collecting six stickers, they earn their certificate and medal. A ribbon to show off their medal can be bought from the library (while stocks last) for 50p each. Children can read any library book of their choice; fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers – they all count.  Children under four are not forgotten, with a special version of Read to the Beat just for them. It is open to all children, free of charge.

 

Field to Fork

Surprise... we have potatoes... 

We will be harvesting all the potatoes over the coming weeks. 

WB: 29.6.26

A super exciting week this week!  

We began by having Aspirations Day on Monday. The children came into school dressed as what they aspire to be when they grow up. It was so lovely to see them engaged and excited to share with their peers. 

 In Maths, we continued to explore pictograms. The children drew and interpreted some.  

In Science, we have continued to observe our cress seeds to find out which conditions help them grow best. We planned our investigation and are carefully watching the changes each week. So far, the cress seed that has had both sunlight and water has grown the best. We have enjoyed making observations, comparing our results and learning about what plants need to grow healthy and strong.

In DT, we have been learning how to plait. We used three pipe cleaners to learn how to plait. First, we clipped the pipe cleaners onto a clipboard to hold them still. Then, we practised crossing the pipe cleaners over each other using our new plaiting technique.

We had to concentrate carefully and remember the pattern. Some of us found it tricky at first, but we kept trying and got better and better. We were proud of our colourful plaits and enjoyed learning a new skill.

       

Year 2 Perform Drama Workshop

Year 2 had a fantastic time taking part in an exciting drama workshop led by a teacher from Perform Drama School. Using their imagination and teamwork, the children worked together to build ships using their bodies before setting sail on an adventure to Captain Hook’s famous ship, the Jolly Roger. Along the way, they played a fun game where they had to carefully pass “Stompy” the crocodile to reach the ship safely. Once aboard, the children met Captain Hook and became brave helpers in a mission to recover Peter Pan’s stolen treasure. The workshop was full of energy, creativity and laughter, helping the children to develop their confidence, communication skills and imagination through drama.

            

     

WB 22.6.26

Breck Foundation Visit – Learning About AI

Year 2 enjoyed a visit from a speaker from the Breck Foundation, who taught us all about Artificial Intelligence (AI). We learnt that AI is all around us and can be found in many of the devices and apps we use every day.

The children discovered that although AI can be very helpful, it does not always give correct information, so it is important to check facts and think carefully about what we see online. We also learnt that AI is not a real person and does not have feelings or emotions, so we should always talk to trusted adults, friends or family if we need emotional support.

The session was engaging and informative, helping the children to develop their understanding of technology and how to stay safe in an increasingly digital world.

                    

In Maths, the children have began exploring tally charts and tables. We learnt how to draw a tally and that on the fifth line it crosses the other 4. We practised counting in our 5s using the tally. We also answered a range of questions with tally charts and tables. 

In English, we explored riddles and the children were able to plan and write their own riddles. The riddles were about a fruit or vegetable linking to our topic this half-term. We loved solving these riddles. 

Then, to end the week, we had transition day. Where the year 2s become year 3s for the morning and spent some time with their new teachers.  

WB 15.6.26

In Maths, we have been revisiting lots that we have learnt since Autumn, exploring and reminding ourselves of the four operations and fractions mostly. This revision is super helpful as it keeps what we have learnt in our working memory and hopefully, into our long-term memory.  

In Science, we have been learning about plants, and we set up a fair test this week to see what is absolutely essential for plants to grow. The children are excited to observe this over time. In addition, we checked our potatoes and carrots that we planted back in the spring term to check the progress, and we were super impressed and excited that they are almost ready to be harvested.   

In English, we have been reading the traditional tale Little Red Riding Hood. We looked at the features of a traditional story and worked together to put the events in the correct order. We then planned our own alternative version of Little Red Riding Hood, changing the wolf to a dragon. After planning our ideas, we wrote our own stories, using descriptive language and our imaginations to create exciting new versions of the tale.

WB 8.6.26

Welcome back!

We hope you all had a restful break and enjoyed the extra week off. Can you believe that we are in the final half-term of Year 2? Where has the time gone? 

In Maths, we have continued to explore time and telling time in 5 minute intervals past the hour and to the hour. We also explored minutes in an hour and how we can begin to problem solve with this. Do you have analogue clocks at home? Maybe you could sit together and revisit this with your child.

In Art, we explored the work of artist Nancy Azara, taking inspiration from her use of natural forms and pattern. We experimented with printing techniques using a variety of fruits and vegetables, carefully observing the unique shapes and textures each one created. By repeating and overlapping our prints, we developed layered compositions full of colour, and movement. Through this creative process, we built confidence in using different tools and techniques while expressing our own artistic ideas.

                  

We had great fun testing out the catapults we designed and built, using them to propel Maltesers across the hall floor! We explored how to adjust our catapults to change the distance and direction, enjoying the challenge of seeing whose could travel the furthest. This was a brilliant hands-on activity that encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and lots of laughter as the Maltesers rolled in every direction!

                

In English, we have been learning about the key features of persuasive writing, such as using powerful vocabulary, rhetorical questions, and clear reasons to convince the reader. We put these skills into practice by planning our own persuasive letters, aiming to encourage the rest of the school to visit and buy delicious treats from our Enterprise stall. The children showed great enthusiasm, thinking carefully about how to make their writing appealing and convincing to their audience.

WB 18.5.26

It has been a very busy week in Year 2, which concluded with our KS1 Sports Day. The children had lots of fun and showed great sportsmanship – well done everyone!

In maths, we have continued to explore time and telling the time in 5 minute intervals past the hour and to the hour.

In English, we planned and started to write a play script based on the classic story The 3 Little Pigs. The children are so excited to  have completed these because it means even more drama opportunities.  

                

In Science, the children finished their topic of living things and their habitats with food chains.   A food chain shows how living things get their food. It begins with a producer, like a plant, which makes its own food using sunlight. Next comes a consumer, an animal that eats plants or other animals. Some consumers are prey, meaning they get eaten by another animal. The animal that hunts and eats them is called a predator. Food chains help us understand how all living things are connected!

In DT, we made our catapults using craft sticks, elastic bands, and wooden spoons. It was great fun launching small pieces of paper across the classroom! After half-term, we will have a class competition, where we will try to see whose catapult can shoot a Malteser the furthest.

WB 11.5.26

In maths, we have started exploring time. We have learnt how to read o'clock, half past, quarter past and quarter to. We have also learnt how to write the time of these. Why not encourage the children to read the time using this language at home?  

In English we started to explore play scripts and the features of them. We also talked about our likes and dislikes of a range of play scripts and even acted one out!

In DT, we planned how we could LIFT A TEACHER! Using our knowledge of mechanisms, we decided that a lever mechanism would be ideal, and we lifted Mrs Mangion and Miss Massey!  

 In DT we have designed our catapults. The children worked in small groups and are excited to make them next week.  

WB 4.5.26

A short but busy week. We welcomed the children back on Tuesday this week.  

In Maths, we continued our work on fractions. We explored how 1/2 is equivalent to 2/4 and how to find 2/4 of an amount. We then learnt how to recognise 3/4 and 3/4 of different amounts. Then we finished the week with learning how to count in factions passed 1.  

In Science this week, we looked at different types of animals and what they eat. Herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat meat, and omnivores eat both plants and animals. We also explored the exciting world of food chains and how living things depend on each other for survival. We learnt that a producer (like plants) makes its own food using sunlight. Animals are called consumers because they eat plants or other animals to get energy. We also discovered what a predator is—an animal that hunts other animals for food. A predator can be found at the top of a food chain. 

During our My Futures Zoom call about 'Life from Earth', we learnt about exciting jobs that help care for our planet. We discovered what a marine biologist does, studying ocean life such as fish, coral, and sea creatures. We also learnt about the role of a park ranger, who looks after natural spaces, protects wildlife, and helps visitors enjoy the outdoors safely. Finally, we explored the job of a conservation manager, who works to protect habitats and make important decisions to look after the environment for the future. This session helped us understand how these careers make a positive difference and inspired us to think about how we can help care for our world. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. 

WB 27.4.26

What a busy week it has been in Year 2. 

In Maths, we have continued our fractions work by developing our knowledge about quarters and also exploring thirds. The children ended the week looking at the difference between unit fractions and non-unit fractions.  

In English, we have been writing our stories inspired by the book 'Audrey the Amazing Inventor'. The children have loved writing their own stories and are looking forward to getting them finished this week. 

In Music, we have been learning to play the glockenspiel with a music specialist. We have learnt the notes E, D and C and practised playing them. We also listened to different pieces of music while we played.

                

Last week, Juniper class and this week, Willow class had a special treat in PE. We enjoyed a fun football training session with coaches from Tottenham Hotspur. We practised our dribbling, passing and shooting skills, and played teamwork games. Everyone worked hard, had lots of fun, and tried their best.

                   

In DT, we have been learning about different mechanisms. This week, we focused on catapults. We looked at different types of catapults and then made our own using craft sticks, spoons and elastic bands. We also designed our own catapults, thinking carefully about what type we would make and which materials we could use.

                         

We hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend. 

Parents – Can you help? 

In our topic lessons we’re going to be learning about how toys move and the different mechanisms inside them. If you’re happy for your child to bring in a toy from home, we’d love to look at any that use:

• Wheels or gears (e.g. cars, vehicles, construction toys)
• Levers (e.g. diggers, grabbers, pop-up toys)
• Winding (wind‑up) mechanisms (e.g. wind‑up toys)

The toys will be used just for looking at and talking about how they work. Please make sure anything brought in is named, not too precious, and safe for school.

Thanks so much for your help — the children always love sharing and learning from their own toys!

Mini Marathon 

Year 2 had a fantastic time taking part in our mini marathon, completing 12 laps of the school track to celebrate the London Marathon. The children showed brilliant determination, cheering each other on and never giving up. It was lovely to see such great sportsmanship, with everyone encouraging their friends and having lots of fun along the way. We are so proud of their effort and positive attitudes — well done, Year 2!

           

WB 20.4.26

This week we introduced a new topic called Marvellous Mechanisms. The children were given the opportunity to explore different mechanisms, including wheels and levers. The children then learnt about a new artist named Jonathon Pradillon, and he has a famous piece named Mechanics, created in 2015. The children took inspiration from this and recreated his artwork.  

In Maths, we started our fractions unit. We learnt that fractions are equal parts of a whole. We then recognised halves and quarters. We also were finding 1/2 and 1/4 of an amount. The children used the sharing method to help with this.  

In English, we have planned our own invention stories inspired by Audrey the Amazing Inventor. We have worked hard to create exciting ideas and characters, and we are really looking forward to bringing our stories to life through writing next week.

This week in science, we learnt about the seven things that living things do to stay alive. We also learnt how to tell the difference between things that are living, once lived and never lived. We enjoyed exploring outside and looking carefully at different plants, animals and objects to see which group they belonged to. It was great fun learning in the fresh air and being real scientists.

 

WB 13.4.26

In Maths, we have explored weight by comparing mass, grams and kilograms. We also used balancing scales to explore and compare masses in the classroom.  

In English, we read the fantastic story, 'Audrey the amazing inventor'. This story is all about a young girl that would like to be an inventor, but she invents lots of things, but they all go wrong. Then, after a conversation with her adult she realises that you make mistakes and learn from them. She then took her time to come up with a great plan, and then she was successful. The children then acted this story out in a short drama session. We also explored past progressive verbs and present progressive verbs.  

In Science, we completed our series of lessons about our microhabitats. We enjoyed seeing all the insects enjoying our bug hotel. The most common insects we saw were worms and ants.  

 

Welcome back! We hope you all enjoyed the Easter holidays. 

Can you believe that we are in the final term of Year 2? This year has really flown by.