Class 2

Welcome to Class 2 ! I am Mrs Adams and teach each the class every day, with Mrs Murphy. Mrs Nocera is the class teacher on a Thursday morning, while I have my PPA

I hope that this page will keep parents and carers up to date with all the exciting things that are happening in Class 2. I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Aldbury and sharing another stage of your child’s learning adventure.

This is the third year I have been teaching in Class 2, having previously been an EYFS lead, taught in a PRU and in various other roles within KS1. I strive to create a calm and inclusive classroom, where the children feel comfortable and confident to try new ideas and develop at their own unique pace.

Outside of school, I enjoy walking my dog, looking after a little herd of four legged furry friends and surfing.

Please feel free to contact me on our class DOJO and I will aim to respond within 24 hours, or book an appointment via the school office. I am usually around straight after school, but would ask if you could direct any queries to the office in the morning as our priority is settling your child into their classroom.

Spring 2025 Subjects/Topics

English

One of the books that Class 2 will be sharing is called "Leo and the Octopus". In this unit, children explore themes of uniqueness and inclusion while developing their writing skills. The unit begins with a letter from the main character, Leo, which prompts children to consider their own unique qualities and feelings. They then explore a range of emotion adjectives, discussing how different feelings can be triggered in different people. As the unit progresses, children learn about octopuses, using this research to create a fact file. They practice writing in simple past and present tense, using plurals, and different sentence types. Throughout the unit, children have opportunities to write in different formats such as letters of advice, factual descriptions, logbooks, and scripts, and they finally produce a brochure for the London Aquarium. They also explore non-fiction texts to support their research. 

Computing

The term starts off by looking at the unit, "We are astronauts". Pupils learn to program sprites to move around the screen using ScratchJr. They begin by planning sequences of movements in a playground activity, and then translate these plans into code. The unit introduces pupils to input, output, and repetition in programming. They learn to create, test, and debug programs, as well as design costumes for their sprites. Pupils also learn to add text and audio to their sprites, use message passing for sprites to communicate with each other and use different events to launch code. By the end of the unit, most pupils will be able to plan a route, create move instructions, add audio, and design sprite costumes. They also learn that programmers make mistakes (bugs), and how to find and fix these.

After half term we will be looking at the unit "We are games testers". Pupils learn about the rules and algorithms that underpin computer games. They explore existing games in Scratch, working out the sequences of instructions that make the games work. Pupils develop skills in logical reasoning by making predictions and testing them. The unit encourages critical thinking about game design and the role of programmers. Pupils also learn about the safe use of games, including age restrictions. They are introduced to the idea of event-driven programming. By the end of the unit, most pupils will understand that computer games are based on precise instructions, that programmers use many algorithms when making games, and that they can suggest improvements to games. They also play coding based games to learn basic programming skills.

Maths

The spring term starts off exploring the children's knowledge of addition and subtraction within 100. They will begin by understanding related facts and number bonds. They will then learn to add and subtract 1s, progressing to adding to the next 10, adding to a 10, and adding across a 10. Similarly, they will learn to subtract to a 10, subtract from a 10 and subtract across a 10. The children will also learn to add and subtract 10s, and to add and subtract two 2-digit numbers, both with and without crossing a 10. They will work on mixed addition and subtraction and learn to compare calculations using the inequality symbols. Finally they will solve missing number problems. The learning will use a variety of representations, including concrete objects such as base 10 and Rekenreks, as well as number lines.

After a few weeks the learning will move to multiplication and division. Children will learn about multiplication and division through a series of steps, starting with counting in multiples. They will learn to count in 2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s, both forwards and backwards, and use this knowledge to recognise and make equal groups. They will explore arrays and learn to connect these to repeated addition. They will be introduced to the multiplication symbol and use it to write multiplication sentences, understanding the concept of commutativity. The children will then be introduced to division as both grouping and sharing, using concrete resources and the division symbol. They will use their knowledge of times-tables to divide by 2, 5, and 10, and explore doubling and halving. Finally, they will explore odd and even numbers and the relationships between the 5 and 10 times tables.

Before the term finishes the children will explore length and height. They begin by measuring using non-standard units like cubes or paper clips. They will learn that a consistent unit of measure is needed. They will then progress to using standard units, first centimetres, learning to use rulers and the abbreviation "cm". Children will be taught the importance of starting from zero when measuring. Next, they will learn to measure in metres, using metre sticks and tape measures, and using the abbreviation "m". The children will learn to compare lengths and heights using terms like "longer," "shorter," and "taller," and also use inequality symbols. They will then order lengths and heights from shortest to longest or vice versa. Finally, they will apply the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to solve problems involving lengths and heights. They will learn that they need to use the same units when adding and subtracting lengths.

Music

The first unit we look at this term is Football. Football is a lively, rhythmic chant about football. This unit sees children echo singing, composing word patterns, improvising with mi-re-do, and playing a percussion ostinato. Activities will support pupils to understand the difference between pitched patterns and rhythm patterns, higher and lower. 

Most children will be able to:

• Compose word patterns in groups and melodies in pairs using mi-re-do (E-D-C). 
• Chant together rhythmically, marking rests accurately.
• Sing an echo song while tapping the beat, and clap the rhythm of the words understanding there is one beat for each syllable.
• Play a simple ostinato on untuned percussion. 
• Recognise the difference between a pattern with notes (pitched) and without (unpitched).

After half term we will entering the zany world of Anna Meredith’s Nautilus! This iconic, futuristic sounding piece is characterised by its heavy beat and rising pitch patterns. Through this music, pupils will develop their feeling and understanding of pitch, beat, and duration. They will listen actively to the piece, interpreting its gestures in dance. They will engage imaginatively with the piece by drawing to the music. Finally, they will compare their interpretations with contrasting animations and videos, discovering that music can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.

Most children will be able to:

• Perform actions to music, reinforcing a sense of beat.
• Respond to musical signals and musical themes using movement, matching movements to musical gestures in the piece.
• Develop awareness of duration and the ability to move slowly to music.
• Create art work, drawing freely and imaginatively in response to a piece of music.

Physical Education (PE)

In the first half term Mrs Adams will be teaching the children attack and defending skills alongside gymnastics. After half term Game On Sports Coaches will work with Year 1 whilst Year 2 are at Forest School with Mrs Murphy. There will also be whole class PE which will explore send and return skills.

PSHE - Personal, Social, Health Education

We will start the half term looking at our dreams and goals. We will focus on achieving goals and celebrating success. Together, we’ll set realistic goals and plan how to achieve them, recognising the pride that comes with success. By identifying our strengths, we will build perseverance to tackle challenges. We’ll learn to work effectively with others, exploring how teamwork enhances our learning. Through group challenges, we’ll solve problems collaboratively, creating a shared end product like our Dream Birds. Finally, we’ll celebrate achievements as a group, reflecting on how contributing to success feels and storing those proud moments in our “internal treasure chests,” fostering motivation to pursue our dreams and goals.

After half term our topic is 'Healthy Me'. We will explore how to lead a healthy and balanced life. By learning about the importance of healthy choices, we’ll be motivated to make decisions that support our well-being. We’ll identify ways to relax and manage stress, understanding the difference between weak and strong feelings. Together, we’ll discover how medicines work and the importance of using them safely. Through fun activities, we’ll sort foods into groups, create balanced meals, and make healthy snacks to share with friends. Finally, we’ll celebrate our learning by creating healthy recipes, reflecting on how nutritious foods give us energy and support a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Religious Education

In the Spring term, Class 2 will be exploring two Christianity units. In the first unit, children will be hoping to answer "Who made the World?". Children will learn that Christians believe God created the universe and that humans should care for the world because it belongs to God. They will explore the story of creation from Genesis 1:1–2:3, and consider what it tells Christians about God, creation, and the world. They will also discuss how Christians show thankfulness to God through actions like Harvest, grace before meals, and generosity. Additionally, they will consider the importance of rest, and humanity's responsibility to care for God's world.

After half term the focus is on Salvation. Children will be exploring the question "Why does Easter matter to Christians?". Children will learn that Easter is a very important festival in the 'big story' of the Bible. They will learn the story of Holy Week and Easter, including Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, his betrayal and arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection, and how these events link with the idea of Salvation. They will explore the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in Christian belief. They will learn that Christians believe Jesus builds a bridge between God and humans and gives people hope of new life. They will also explore the theme of forgiveness and how Christians try to follow Jesus' example.

Science

We will continue to look at seasonal changes throughout the year. Alongside this we will look at materials and their properties - especially recyclable and renewable materials.