Year 2

Upcoming Events

(Autumn term)

Celebration Assemblies – KS1 – every fortnight (currently virtual)
Break up for October half term – Friday 23^rd October, 2020
Break up for Christmas holidays – Friday 18^th December, 2020
N.B. Due to the Covid-19 situation, we are unable to be clear about future dates.  We will continue to communicate with parents via email, Facebook and our Weekly Word. 

This half term our curriculum topic is… The Victorians

Homework

Due to Covid this homework will be set on Google Classroom.  We are unable to accept models and other creations into school at the moment.  However, we would love to see photographs of your amazing homework, uploaded onto your Google Classroom. 

Our homework is based around our topic and is in a ‘Take Away Menu’ format.  Please choose 1 starter, 1 main and 1 dessert and complete these at your convenience over the half term.  The tasks are linked to our curriculum and also set with personal development and community spirit in mind.  Here is an example:

In addition, we have a number of online resources, to help you to practise your skills when at home.  These are linked below.  Please see your teacher if you need a reminder of your log in.

Phonics

All pupils in reception and year one are taught to read using the Read Write Inc. scheme.  Read Write Inc.is a programme developed by Ruth Miskin, and is taught in over 5000 schools in the United Kingdom. The programme systematically teaches all of the common sounds in the English language, helping pupils to recognise the sounds and then to ‘sound-blend’ them into words for reading. Children become fluent readers and confident speakers as a result of this method of teaching.

Reception and year one pupils receive 30 minutes of RWI each day.  Children in year one are required to take a statutory check to assess their phonic ability.

This year, because of pupils missing out on their phonics screening test in Year 1, Year 2 will continue with their phonics teaching.

Although we have year group bubbles where possible, there may be limited occasions when children in year 1 and 2 mix for their phonics lessons.

Please rest assured that a robust risk assessment has been carried out and will be adhered to to ensure that the children within the different year groups are not in close contact with each other, if ever they are within the same bubble. Phonics bubbles have been created to ensure that your child makes the best progress possible.

 The risk assessment has been checked and agreed with Durham County Council Health and Safety department and the new safety measures have been sent to parents.

Spellings

Once Y2 are confident with their RWI, we will move on to teaching the spelling rules set out in the national curriculum.  We use a range of games and activities to help pupils gain a deep understanding of the spelling rules and when they do and don’t apply, in context.  We then carefully plan for pupils to practise using these words in their writing, teaching editing and improving strategies to encourage self-correction.  Some pupils also continue with their phonics work.  If you wish to help your child with spelling at home, please practise the following words, taken from the word list from the national curriculum for Y2.

Reading

In year 2, reading is taught regularly for 30 minutes.  Year 2 is an introduction to the reciprocal approach, giving the pupils different roles (predictor, clarifier, questioner and summariser), which promotes independence and maximum involvement from pupils, rather than sessions being teacher led.  In year 2, the main focus is retrieval and questioning, preparing pupils for the full set of roles towards the end of the year.

In addition, pupils will hear a class novel at least 3 times per week, as well as having access to the library every week to choose a book for pleasure.

P.E.

Year 2 PE sessions are on a Tuesday.  PE kit is white t-shirt, black shorts and trainers or PE shoes.  If you don’t have this, casual sport clothes are also acceptable.  We ask that pupils come to school dressed in their PE kit every Tuesday.

Cookery

Year 2 have cookery lessons, on a Friday.  This is with a specialist teacher, and is taught in small groups of 6-7 pupils.  Pupils will learn basic cutting, mixing and baking skills.  They also work on hygiene, health and safety and healthy eating.

Music

Year 2 have music lessons every Tuesday morning.  ‘Little Fingers’ is a programme delivered by Durham Music Service and encourages pupils to listen to music and identify key instruments, as well as rhythm work, singing, as well as working with instruments.  Due to Covid, the singing part of the programme is currently on hold.

Get in touch…

If you have any questions or queries about learning or homework, or general enquiries about school, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  easington.colliery@durhamlearning.net

Please download our SIMs app.  Your child’s class teacher will communicate with you via the app, giving reminders about what they need to bring to school, and also to share positive moments and celebrate your child’s achievements.

 If you require help with how to sign up to the SIMs app, please call the office and ask for Mrs Burton.