RED HALL PRIMARY SCHOOL
CURRICULUM NEWSLETTER
AUTUMN TERM 2016
YEAR 2
Our theme is ‘Fire and Ice’
Maths
In number and place value, the children will count forwards and backwards in steps of 1, 2, 3, 5
and 10. They will apply this knowledge to their times tables. They will also use these counting
skills to count a large number of items by grouping. The children will be able to explain what
each digit in a two digit number represents. Through addition and subtraction the children will
solve problems using concrete objects and pictorial representations. In measurement, the
children will compare and order lengths, mass and volume / capacity. They will compare and
sequence intervals of time. In geometry, the children will identify and describe the properties
of 2-D and 3-D shapes.
Science
In science, the children will focus on ‘Changing Materials’. The children will learn that objects
made from some materials can be altered by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching. They
will also learn that some materials often change when they are heated or cooled and that
sometimes this process may be reversible or irreversible.
Creative Curriculum (History focus)
English
The children will work through three units of work, covering fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In
the fiction unit, the children will focus on stories about fantasy settings and be encouraged to
use their imagination and senses in order to describe settings and characters. They will predict
continuations and endings of stories set in a fantasy world. By the end of the unit the children
will be able to write their own fantasy stories, choosing and describing their own characters and
applying the appropriate story language. Through non-fiction, the children will understand how
to use and write instructions, using the appropriate ‘time’ vocabulary. They will also be able to
understand, sequence and describe famous events in history and write newspaper articles and
diary entries. Through poetry, the children will identify and use onomatopoeia, use their senses
and apply this to their own poetry writing. They will write and present poetry, based on Bonfire
Night. The children will continue to work on their grammar and punctuation. They will reinforce
and build on the skills that were taught in year 1. These skills are necessary for good writing
and reading. They will include capital letters and full stops, commas in a list and question marks.
Computing
The children will use an art package to create settings linked to ‘Fire and Ice’. They will draw,
paint and choose appropriate colours and tools to create their picture. The children will also use
the internet to research their theme and answer questions posed by themselves, in order to
further their understanding of ‘Fire and Ice’.
Art
The children will use collage, textures and cutting skills to present ‘Fire and Ice’ pictures. They
will use these ideas to present chalk scenes. The children will apply the skills taught through
collage and chalk to present Bonfire art work.
History
The children will focus on two famous events from history. Firstly, ‘The Gunpowder Plot’ and
‘Guy Fawkes’. The children will use drama and hot seating to understand and re-enact the events
that unfolded as a result of the plot. The children will sequence the events of the Gunpowder
Plot. Secondly, the children will research ‘The Great Fire of London’ and the diarist ‘Samuel
Pepys’. They will describe the devastating scenes in London, through newspaper articles and
diary entries.
Geography
In geography, the children will be able to locate hot and cold countries in the world and
understand the reasons for temperature and climate in identified countries. The children will
also use atlases and globes to locate and plot volcanoes.
P.E
This term the children will be focussing on Games and Gymnastics. Year 2 will also be learning
dance routines based around their theme “Fire and Ice”.
Foxes P.E. days – Monday and Wednesday
Owls P.E. days – Tuesday and Thursday
R.E
The children will be talking about being unique and developing a sense of being special. The
children will discover different ways in which people care for others and learn different ways to
help others. They will have opportunities to talk about people that help them and talk about
their own thoughts and feelings relating to religion. The children will also focus on religious
festivals.
Homework
Spellings – Given out on a Monday to be handed in on a Friday for a spelling test.
Reading Book and Words – changed at least once per week. We would appreciate you
commenting on your child’s reading in the diary provided.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD’S READING BOOK, WORDS AND DIARY ARE IN
SCHOOL EVERYDAY.
Creative Curriculum – At least one piece of work to be completed each half tem (see homework
books).
Home Tasks – Three projects per term.
Mathletics – The children are expected to spend at least 30 minutes per week accessing this
program.
Staff:
Foxes -
Teacher: Miss Caddick
Owls – Teacher: Mrs Jones
Teaching Assistant: Mrs Coxon
Teaching Assistant: Mrs Beddow
Dates for your Diary
Dudley Fire Station Visit: -
Owls – 28th September 2016
Foxes – 29th September 2016
Parents Evenings – Wednesday 19th October 3.30 – 5.30pm and Thursday 20th October 5.00pm-7.00pm
Christmas Nativity – Zoar Church 7th December 2016