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Woodthorpe Church of England Primary School

 

Class 2

Welcome to Class 2

In our class we have Year 1 and 2 children. Our learning journey is as exciting and memorable as possible, following the Key Stage One Curriculum. Each day, we do Phonics (Read, Write Inc), Maths (White Rose Maths) and English, as well as two foundation subjects in the afternoon. We really look forward to having Chesterfield Football Club teach us once a week too! We have such a fun, busy school day  with plenty of opportunities for learning through play.

In Class 2, Miss Hewitt and Mr Wilshaw put the children at the heart of our learning and work closely to provide a calm, supportive and engaging learning environment.

  • Year 1 children will be taught by Miss Hewitt every day
  • Year 2 children will be taught by Mr Wilshaw every day.

Miss Hewitt

Mr Wilshaw

Amazing things we are learning about!

Each term, our work is based around an exciting new topic. See details of these outlined below:

Autumn Term 

Our main subject driver in Autumn 1 is Geography. We will be learning about our local area and the world around us. The children will learn how to read simple maps and understand symbols as well as looking at aerial photographs to see places from above. They will carry out fieldwork in the school grounds to explore their environment and learn simple compass directions such as north, south, east and west. Children will also learn where Woodthorpe is and how it compares to Chesterfield.

In Autumn 2, we will explore how homes have changed over time. Children will be introduced to the concepts of history and the past before comparing homes from different periods, including Tudor, Victorian and modern times. They will investigate historical evidence and artefacts to discover how we learn about life in the past and learn about the significant inventor Thomas Edison and how inventions have transformed homes. Throughout the unit, children will develop their understanding of chronology, change over time and the use of historical sources while making comparisons between homes of the past and present.

The 'Animals including Humans' project in Science teaches children that humans are a type of animal known as a mammal. Children will learn about the senses, the body parts associated with each sense and their role in keeping us safe.They will learn what humans need to grow, stay healthy and survive. They will also learn the different parts of animals and what these parts do. Children will explore how to sort and group animals in different ways. 

In Art,the children will explore colour and creativity. They will learn how to mix colours to create new ones. They will practise painting and experiment with different techniques. They will also study the work of the artist Alma Thomas and create their own colourful artwork inspired by her style.

 

Children will learn what a recipe is and investigate what makes food appealing, including taste, texture, smell and appearance in Design and Technology. They will discover where different foods come from and begin to understand the journey from farm to fork. Using this knowledge, children will design their own baked or cooked product, learning about food preparation, kitchen tools and basic food safety. They will then follow their design to make their own recipe before evaluating their finished product, considering what went well and what they might improve in the future. 

The children will be taking part in the Fair, Share, Dare unit in PE. The unit aims to help pupils understand and follow rules, compete fairly and take turns whilst ensuring everyone is included. They will develop their ability to cooperate and work collaboratively with their peers, as well as learn how to resolve disagreements appropriately. Children will also be developing their agility, balance and coordination skills through a range of fun, engaging activities and challenges during Chesterfield Football Club sessions on a Wednesday.

In Computing, the children will learn to identify and label the main parts of a PC and explore how different devices can be used. They will develop their understanding of how to use a laptop trackpad and the main keys on a keyboard. The children will learn how to launch applications, move and adjust windows, and save, find and open files within folders.

In RE, children will learn about the Christian belief that Jesus brought Good News to people. They will explore stories from the Bible and discuss the messages Jesus shared. Children will learn that Christians believe Jesus taught people about love for God and others as well as forgiveness when people make mistakes

In Personal Development, children will explore feelings and learn words to describe emotions in the 'Wellbeing' unit. We have an exciting yoga session with Lisa Stephenson where we will learn gentle stretches and breathing to help us relax and feel peaceful. Children will also learn how to enjoy the online world safely and responsibly during the 'Digital Lives' unit in Autumn 2. They will explore how to stay safe online, communicate kindly with others, know where to get help if something worries them, and make sensible choices about sharing information, photos and videos.

In Music, children will learn a fun cumulative song about different foods eaten throughout the week. They will develop listening skills, keep a steady beat, explore pitch through echo singing, and work together to create a theatrical performance.

If you would like to read more about our topics, please follow the links below to the knowledge organisers:

 

Spring Term

Our main topic driver in Spring 1 is History. The children will explore how transport has changed over time. They will compare the ways we travel today with transport from the past and learn about significant people such as George Stephenson and Neil Armstrong, who helped change the way people travel. Children will also discover how museums, including Crich Tramway Village, help us learn about transport and life in the past.

In Spring 2, children will learn about the United Kingdom, including its four countries and their capital cities. They will explore what makes each country special and discover the seas that surround the UK. Using maps and atlases, children will develop their geographical skills by locating countries, capital cities and surrounding seas, helping them to build a better understanding of the UK and its place in the world.

Children will be learning about plants in Science. Year 1 children will explore the plants growing around our school, learn about how seeds and bulbs grow, and identify the difference between wild plants and garden plants. Year 2 children will build on this learning by investigating germination and how plants grow, as well as learning to identify and compare deciduous and evergreen trees. Through practical investigations and outdoor learning, children will develop their understanding of the life cycle and needs of plants.

In Design and Technology, our topic is 'Terrfifc Trasport'. The children will explore how vehicles move by investigating wheels and axles. They will design, make and evaluate their own moving taxi, developing their skills in planning, constructing and testing products. Through this project, children will learn how simple mechanisms help vehicles move and how designs can be improved.

In Art, the children will learn about the artist Georgia O’Keeffe and explore her famous flower paintings. They will develop their observational drawing skills, experiment with colour mixing and learn how to enlarge details to create bold, eye-catching artwork. Children will then use these skills to create and evaluate their own Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired flower paintings.

 

Children will learn about Judaism in RE and what it means to be Jewish. They will explore the belief in one God, learn about the Torah as a special holy book, and discover how Jewish people show their faith through worship, celebrations, traditions and everyday life. Children will also learn about important Jewish festivals and reflect on the values of kindness, respect and helping others. This learning will encourage children to appreciate and respect different beliefs, cultures and ways of life.

 

In Personal Development, Year 1 children will celebrate what makes them special, explore similarities and differences between people, and learn how rules help to keep everyone safe and treated fairly. Year 2 children will learn that every family is unique, explore what helps us to be ourselves, consider how we can make everyone feel included in our school community, and learn about how our bodies change as they grow older. During the 'Healthy Choices' unit, children will learn how to stay safe at home, when walking to places and while out and about. Year 2 children will explore ways to keep clean and healthy, stay safe around medicines and household chemicals, know what to do in an emergency and learn how to care for their teeth and bodies.

 

If you would like to read more about our topics, please follow the links below to the knowledge organisers:

Summer Term 

In Summer 1, our subject driver is History and we will be learning about the topic ‘English Monarchs'. This project teaches children about significant British queens, including Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Children will explore who these monarchs were, when they lived, how their lives were different and why they are remembered today. Through stories, photographs and historical sources, children will begin to understand how the role of the monarch has changed over time.

In Summer 2, our subject driver is Geography and we will be learning about Our Wonderful World. Children will explore the world's oceans and continents, develop their map skills and learn about the importance of caring for our planet. They will investigate how people can help to protect the environment and discover simple ways to make a positive difference in their local and global communities.

In Science, children will learn about everyday materials and their properties. Year 1 children will identify different materials and describe the objects they are made from, while Year 2 children will explore why certain materials are chosen for specific purposes and investigate how the properties of materials make them suitable for different uses.

Our topic in Design and Technology is the 'Super Stitchers' project, where the children will learn how to cut, stitch and join fabric to create something useful. Inspired by the colourful designs of Cath Kidston, they will explore fabrics, practise sewing skills and create their own textile product. This unit will help to develop creativity, resilience and fine motor skills as children work through the design, make and evaluate process.

Children will learn about the sculptor Alexander Calder and explore his famous moving sculptures called mobiles. The children will investigate how mobiles balance and move, before designing and creating their own artwork inspired by Calder. Through this project, children will develop their creativity, practical making skills and understanding of sculpture and movement in Art.

 

Children will learn about different faith communities in RE and what it means to belong. They will explore how people show their beliefs through worship, celebrations, symbols, stories and acts of kindness. Children will reflect on communities they belong to and learn to respect and value the beliefs and traditions of others.Children will also explore why caring for other people, animals and the natural world is important.

 

In Personal Development, children will explore the themes of aspiration and money. They will learn about perseverance and understand that new skills take time and practice to develop. Children will also begin to understand what money is, where it comes from and how it is used, helping them to develop an awareness of making choices and understanding value. During the 'Healthy Relationships' unit, they will learn about the importance of family and friendships, how to be kind and respectful towards others, what makes a good friend, and how to recognise when they feel safe and supported. 

If you would like to read more about our topics, please follow the links below to the knowledge organisers:

 

Useful Documents and Links for Key Stage One

Phonics and English

(Please always check the website before a child uses it)

Please find attached the Year 1 and Year 2 common exception word mats below. These include words that children are expected to read and spell confidently by the end of the year.

You can support children with spelling and phonics at home using the following websites:

Oxford Owl Read Write Inc. guide for parents 

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guideFree games on Spelling Frame 

https://spellingframe.co.uk/

Free games on Top Marks

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/5-7-years/words-and-spelling

Maths 

As a school, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which shows what your child should be learning in maths throughout the year.

Each year is divided into three terms – Autumn, Spring, and Summer – and each term contains blocks of learning on specific topics. Below is the overview for each term.

Year 1 White Rose Maths Overview 

 

Year 2 White Rose Maths Overview 

 

To support your child in maths, start by practising number bonds to 10 and 20 as well as their times tables. Begin with the 2, 5, and 10 times tables and then 3 times table for Year 2. Make it fun and engaging using games, songs, or challenges to help your child practise at home.

Children also take part in the NCETM Mastering Number programme 3x a week. This is designed to develop strong early number sense, build confidence with number facts and strengthen children's understanding of mathematical concepts. It helps to reinforce key learning, address gaps in understanding and provide secure foundations for future maths learning.

 

Top Marks Maths Games 

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/Search.aspx?Subject=16&AgeGroup=2

Foundation Subjects

Other useful websites that could be useful to learn at home with your child could include:

BBC Bitesize - useful for all areas of the curriculum 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z3g4d2p

Books for Topics - brilliant ideas for books your child could read.

https://www.booksfortopics.com/

While every attempt has been made to ensure the suggested websites are child-friendly and safe, please tell a member of staff if you have any e-safety concerns regarding these suggestions.