Welcome to Year 2!

Contact us:

Miss Hawkes- ehawkes@redhill.worcs.sch.uk 

Miss Yarnold -ayarnold@redhill.worcs.sch.uk

Spring Term

In our first half-term, we will become keen historians as we learn all about the race to space. We will explore the key question, “What were the challenges faced in the race to space?”, and investigate why the race to explore space was such an important moment in history.

Children will learn about the events of the Space Race and the competition between countries to achieve major space milestones. They will research and compare key individuals who played an important role in the race to space, discovering their achievements and the obstacles they faced. Children will also develop their historical skills by asking questions, using sources of information, and placing events in chronological order.

As part of our learning, we will visit the Think Tank to deepen our understanding of space exploration through hands-on exhibits and real-life artefacts. This experience will help bring history to life and support children in understanding the challenges, risks and excitement of space exploration.

Throughout the topic, children will be encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively and share their ideas, developing a strong sense of curiosity about the past.

Maths

During the Spring Term in Year 2, children will continue to build confidence with numbers and develop practical maths skills through hands-on learning and problem solving.
Children will learn to recognise coins and notes, count money accurately, and solve simple problems involving making amounts and giving change. They will be introduced to multiplication and division as sharing, grouping, and repeated addition. They will practise recalling the 2, 5 and 10 times tables and use these facts to solve practical problems.
Children will measure and compare lengths and heights using standard units such as centimetres and metres. They will also learn to choose appropriate measuring tools and record their measurements accurately. Children will also compare, measure and record mass and capacity using standard units, including grams, kilograms, millilitres and litres. They will develop understanding through practical activities involving weighing and measuring.

Throughout the term, children will be encouraged to explain their thinking, use mathematical vocabulary, and apply their skills to real-life situations.

English

In English this term, children will be exploring the beautifully illustrated text Lights on Cotton Rock by David Litchfield. This imaginative story about a lonely little girl and a mysterious visiting alien provides a rich starting point for discussion and creative writing.

Through close reading and shared discussion, children will explore the characters, setting and themes of the story. They will develop their descriptive writing skills by using adjectives, expanded noun phrases and similes to bring settings and characters to life, with a particular focus on creating atmosphere and detail.

Building on this work, children will use the text as inspiration to plan and write their own narratives with an alternative ending. They will think carefully about how stories are structured, how characters change, and how to create a satisfying ending for the reader. Throughout the unit, children will be encouraged to edit and improve their writing, developing confidence and independence as young writers.

RE

During the Spring Term in Year 2, children will learn about important Jewish beliefs and celebrations, focusing on Shabbat and Hanukkah. Through stories, discussion and creative activities, pupils will develop understanding of religious traditions and why they are important to believers.
Children will explore the Jewish Creation story and think about why rest is important. They will learn that God rested on the seventh day and that Jewish people keep Shabbat as a special day of rest, following the commandment to “keep the Sabbath day holy”. Pupils will discuss why rest is valued and why it is made a priority.
Children will also learn about the traditions of Shabbat, such as family time and rules around work, including not using electricity. They will consider why these practices are important and learn that not all Jewish families celebrate Shabbat in the same way.
Children will learn the story of Hanukkah and explore why it is celebrated. They will find out about how Jewish families mark Hanukkah today, including special foods, candles and traditions. Pupils will also create Hanukkah-themed artwork to reflect their learning.

Throughout the term, lessons will encourage discussion, curiosity and respect for different beliefs and ways of life.

For all other subjects, see the Red Hill Riches below.