Our highly skilled Year 2 teachers help the children transition between the play-based learning of the Foundation Stage and prepare them for the expectations of Year 3.
Pupils who have been with us since Reception or Year 1 are used to the space of the Preparatory School by the time they are formally in this class, due to the nature of the School’s make up. Sentence removed Year 2 continue to have access to outdoor learning opportunities as appropriate.
Our English work uses a book-based approach to spark interest and ensure that acquisition of language is at the centre of our thought process. The book is linked to the topic or theme of study for the whole class to enrich the learning experience and bring it to life. The children also benefit from synthetic phonics sessions in addition to their English lessons allowing us to develop decoding and reading and ultimately transferring this into spelling strategies. Children also continue to have regular, timetabled access to the School Library.
Building key understanding of Mathematics is vital in Year 2. A lot of concrete and practical manipulation of equipment along with a focus on rapid recall of key facts allow children to become confident in their application of maths. We also begin to introduce concepts of problem solving and reasoning allowing the theories learnt to be put into practical application and develop the resilience sometimes needed in problem solving.
Our curriculum in every year group is made clear to parents via Route Maps and these are used to report progress clearly to parents. As well as the core subjects of Maths, English and RE, children continue to experience a broad and balanced curriculum that continues to include Modern Language (Spanish), Music and PE taught by specialist teachers as well as weekly access to swimming lessons and regular Forest Schools. Pupils in Year 2 also receive group tuition in a string instrument from a specialist musician.
The School continues to look for many ways for its pupils to develop holistically from starring roles in nativity plays to leading the Preparatory School in an assembly; from participating in Co-Curricular Clubs to performing in the School’s annual dance show.
The experiences and learning provided for children in Year 2 give them all that they need to feel confident in their move to Year 3