Introduction to Year Two (Age 6-7)

The teaching programme in Year 2 is designed to foster children's excitement about learning in all areas of our varied curriculum, but with particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Research has suggested that it is in this year that children begin to form their motivational patterns about learning, so it is our aim to accelerate children's literacy and numeracy skills as much as possible, believing these to be the basis of all subsequent learning.

Children sit in groups of four to six, each child having his/her own place, though for some activities they may be working in a different area of the classroom. Much class teaching is done with the children in a group sitting on the carpet in the book corner. Children may often work in smaller groups led by either the teacher or classroom assistant, but individual work is encouraged too. An ability to work independently is fostered. In all areas of the curriculum work is given to pupils according to their ability in that subject.

The children enjoy a complete learning curriculum. Subject areas include Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Geography, History, Art and Design and Technology, ICT (computing), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and P.E.

There is a computer in the classroom and children are taught to use a variety of programs, including simple word-processing, Art design, map-making and Mathematics. The children also have a regular, weekly session in the computer suite.

Children who speak little or no English are quickly made to feel a part of the class. They are taught English in small groups by a specialist EAL teacher and rapidly learn to communicate with their fellow pupils. All children are helped and encouraged to develop their social skills to the full, by co-operating with their peers and negotiating solutions to any interpersonal problems. We promote moral values of kindness, tolerance and honesty as part of PSHE.

Parent volunteers are welcome to support the learning in the classroom in a variety of ways. They may take small groups of children for activities such as sewing, cooking and field trips.

Children need to bring very little equipment to school, but it is essential that they have their P.E. kit (T-shirt, shorts and P.E. shoes, all clearly labelled with the child's name) in a drawstring P.E. bag at school every day. In the winter there should also be a pair of house shoes or slippers permanently at school for children to change into after outdoor play. It is not necessary for children to bring their pencils and crayons, though many like to do so.

Homework is given approximately three times per week. Homework assignments, which should take no more than twenty minutes each, include practising and learning spellings, maths worksheets and handwriting practice. Children may also be asked to finish off work not completed at school.

English

Children are encouraged and expected to listen carefully to what others say (e.g. at story time and in class discussion), show that they have understood and make appropriate responses. They are encouraged to talk to the class about topics of personal interest, speaking clearly and using suitable vocabulary. They have daily opportunities to practise these skills in the classroom.

Reading is taught using both the phonic and 'look and say' methods. Children take books home on a regular basis to read aloud to their parents, or, when reading skills are well established, to enjoy reading alone. We use the Oxford Reading Tree as the basis for our reading programme, but many other schemes may supplement this according to individual needs. Children also have access to an extensive class library and may take books home to read as and when they wish.

Children are taught to communicate in writing in both narrative and non-narrative forms. They are encouraged to use more interesting and suitable vocabulary and to give their stories a more coherent structure. The use of simple punctuation (full stops and capital letters) is taught. Emphasis is placed on correct spelling and words are taught on a 'word family' basis, e.g. 'meet, sweet, speed'.

We use the Nelson Handwriting Scheme and have regular handwriting lessons, teaching the correct formation and placement of letters. Pupils who make good progress are encouraged to adopt the Nelson cursive style of handwriting.

Mathematics

IBIS follows the English Numeracy Strategy, using the Collins Primary Maths Scheme as the basis for this. The Numeracy Strategy promotes a daily three-part lesson lasting about an hour. We begin with whole class teaching, emphasising mental calculation and the devising of strategies to support speedy mathematical thinking. Children are taught to think logically about any given task and are encouraged to attempt different ways of tackling it. This is then followed by the children working independently on written or practical work. The children may work individually or in groups at this stage. The final 15 minutes or so of the lesson is given over to a plenary session where the whole class reviews the work that has been done and discusses the way in which the problems were solved.

The Collins Primary Maths Scheme in Year Two has three workbooks for number work and one for shape, space and measure. The children generally work through these books in sequence and thus cover all the attainment targets set out in the Numeracy Strategy. Included in this scheme is extension work for more able pupils, support worksheets for the less able and also homework suggestions and worksheets.

Science

Children take part in the planning and preparation of simple classroom investigations. They are encouraged to predict outcomes and discuss possibilities, to observe closely and consider evidence and, in time, to understand and devise fair tests. They may record their work in simple written or pictorial form. Topics covered in this subject are changing materials, hot and cold and light. In the Summer term, the general topic of Minibeasts covers the concepts of life cycles, habitats and living conditions, as well as classification.

History

In teaching History we aim to stimulate children's growing awareness of, and interest in the past, through hearing true stories about historical figures and through examining pictures and artefacts. The people and topics covered in this subject are - houses through the ages, Guy Fawkes, Pilgrim Fathers and Thanksgiving, Mary Secole, Louis Braille, King Alfred the Great, amongst others.

Geography

During Year Two children are taught to interpret and make simple maps and plans using signs and symbols, understand the use of an atlas, find Germany and their country of origin on a world map and develop the use of geographical terms. They are encouraged to increase their knowledge and understanding of geographical processes such as the water cycle and environmental issues.

Information Technology

Much of the Information Technology work done in Year Two is enhancing those skills already acquired by children in previous years. However, those children who have little or no experience of computers are taught basic skills on the keyboard and with the mouse. We use a variety of programs to extend teaching in many subject areas including Art and Design, Mathematics, spelling, map-making and reading.

Design Technology

Design technology gives the children the opportunity to study how simple things work (e.g. wheels, hinges, joints) and to design and make them themselves. This subject involves planning, deciding on suitable materials to use, and the practical business of making the article. The major design technology projects include models with wheels and axles, and mechanisms.

German

German is taught for four or five lessons per week and the children are divided into separate groups according to their experience of the language. For fuller details of the German teaching, please refer to Modern Foreign Languages. Social Studies may also be taught in German.

Art and Design

Children are helped to develop their visual perception and artistic skills through using a range of techniques and materials and also through studying the work of a recognised artist in the third term of study.

Music

The children in Year 2 have one lesson of Music a week with our specialist teacher.

Personal, Social and Health Education. (PSHE)

There is a separate assembly for Key Stage 1 during which a particular moral or ethical topic is introduced. Further discussion follows and during the year many other topics, such as bullying, honesty and fairness, are discussed.

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Support from a specialist teacher, usually in small groups, is given to children who, we feel, need extra help. The amount of help will depend upon the age of the child and his or her level of English.

Physical Education

There are regular, weekly lessons of P.E. in which children participate in a variety of activities, including large apparatus gymnastics, dance and simple team games. They develop increasing control of body movement whilst learning the need for safety and co-operation with others.