Spring Term 2

Here’s a sneak peek at the exciting learning lined up for this term:

English
Our English lessons will revolve around the beautiful book A River by Marc Martin. Students will create their own circular narrative, describing the places the river passes through as it flows from the mountains to its mouth. Throughout this project, we will continue to focus on key writing features, including the use of suffixes, Year 2 punctuation, and noun phrases to enrich our writing. A major emphasis will be placed on joined-up handwriting, with special attention to developing cursive writing skills. In addition, we will be trialling a new spelling program, Spelling Shed, to support students in improving their spelling abilities. To conclude the term, students will write a brief poem about the jungle, allowing them to express their creativity in verse. We are excited to see the progress students make in these areas!

Maths
In Maths, this half term, students will develop their understanding of position and direction, using key vocabulary to describe movement and turns. They will also work on adding and subtracting along number lines to strengthen their calculation skills. A key focus will be sharpening their times tables through practice and recall activities, helping to build confidence in multiplication. Additionally, students will apply their learning to real-world problem-solving tasks, developing logical thinking and resilience. We’re excited to see them grow in their mathematical skills and confidence this term!

Science
This term in Science, Year 2 students will continue with their topic animals and humans and then we will move onto learning all about plants. They will explore what plants need to grow and thrive, identifying the key parts of a plant and their functions. Through hands-on investigations, they will observe how seeds germinate, track plant growth, and discover the importance of sunlight, water, and soil. Students will also learn about different types of plants and their role in the environment. This exciting topic will encourage curiosity, observation skills, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. We look forward to seeing their discoveries!

Computing
Students will dive into the world of coding using Scratch Junior, an engaging platform designed to introduce young learners to programming. They will learn how to add and customize a face to their characters, move their sprite across the screen, and use program blocks to create simple animations and sequences. Through hands-on exploration, they will develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity while gaining a strong foundation in computational concepts. We’re excited to see their imaginative projects come to life!

Art
We will soon embark on an exciting exploration of the human form through a variety of artistic techniques. Inspired by Julian Opie’s iconic self-portrait style, students will create bold, simplified portraits that focus on shape and colour. They will also experiment with collage, layering different textures and materials to form unique representations of people. To bring their ideas into three dimensions, students will sculpt expressive figures, capturing movement and character. This creative journey will encourage observation, experimentation, and a deeper appreciation of how the human form can be interpreted in art.

History
This term, we’re stepping back in time to the year 1666 for an unforgettable journey through one of the most dramatic events in British history—the Great Fire of London! Your child will become a history detective, uncovering the true reasons behind how the fire started, what caused it to spread so quickly, and how it changed the city forever. But that’s not all! We’ll explore the real-life stories of the people who lived through the fire—their courage, fear, and resilience in the face of such destruction. Through role-playing and interactive activities, your child will gain a deeper understanding of the emotions and experiences of those who survived this monumental event. Finally, we’ll also look at how the Great Fire shaped modern London—from new building regulations to the city's growth and development.

Music
Exploring the rhythms of djembe drumming will be our exciting musical journey! Students will learn about the origins of the djembe, a traditional West African drum, and develop their technique by practicing different hand positions and striking patterns. Through group performances, they will experiment with rhythm, tempo, and dynamics, building their confidence and teamwork skills. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of percussion and the power of music in different cultures. We can’t wait to hear their energetic beats!

PE
In gymnastics, students will focus on controlled movement and balance as they explore zig-zag formations in their routines. They will learn and perform three key moves, such as jumps, rolls, and turns, while incorporating two balances to enhance stability and coordination. Through these activities, students will develop strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness, building confidence in their movement skills. This unit will encourage creativity and teamwork as they sequence their moves into dynamic routines. We look forward to seeing their progress and enthusiasm in action!

RE
Our RE focus this Spring term will be on Muslims and Islam. Students will explore this fascinating religion by identifying important artefacts and learning about key religious stories from Prophet Muhammad. We will take a virtual tour inside a mosque, discussing the significance of the various features within it. Cedar class loves learning about new religions and making connections to their own beliefs.

PSHE
In PSHE, students will explore what it means to be responsible in different aspects of life. They will learn the importance of perseverance through the idea that "practice makes perfect," discovering how effort and resilience lead to improvement. Discussions and activities will focus on helping others in need, understanding the value of kindness and support. Students will also explore the benefits of sports, including teamwork, well-being, and personal growth. Additionally, they will set personal goals and develop strategies to work towards achieving them. This topic will empower students to take responsibility for their actions, build resilience, and develop a positive mindset for success.

DT
This term in Design and Technology, students will become pizza designers as they explore the process of creating their own delicious pizzas! They will learn about different ingredients, flavour combinations, and the importance of a balanced diet while designing their own unique toppings. Through hands-on experience, they will knead and shape dough, prepare fresh ingredients, and assemble their pizzas before baking. This exciting project will develop their creativity, practical skills, and understanding of food preparation. We can't wait to see (and smell!) their tasty creations!

French
This term in French, students will expand their vocabulary by learning the names of different musical instruments. Through interactive activities, songs, and games, they will practice pronunciation and sentence structures to talk about instruments they play or enjoy. They will also explore simple phrases to describe sounds and preferences, helping to build their confidence in speaking and listening. This engaging topic will make learning French fun and immersive, and we look forward to hearing them use their new vocabulary!

We cannot wait to continue our learning with you!

Mrs Pike, Miss Ford and Mrs Londesborough

Please find below information from the Phonics Information Evening that we held in September.