Year 2 Class Page | St. Michael's C.E. Primary School

MATHS AUTUMN 1 – Place Value and Addition and Subtraction

In Term 1, Year 2 children deepened their understanding of place value by working with numbers up to 100, comparing and ordering them with increasing confidence. They learned a range of strategies for addition and subtraction, including using number bonds, number lines, and partitioning. Problem-solving and reasoning are woven through lessons to help pupils explain their thinking and apply skills in real-life contexts.

MATHS AUTUMN 2 – Shape

In Term 2, we explored 2D and 3D shapes, identifying key properties such as sides, vertices, edges, and faces. They learn to sort and compare shapes and recognise them in the world around them. Practical activities helped the children build spatial awareness and develop language to describe shapes accurately.

SCIENCE AUTUMN 1 – Materials

In Autumn 1, Year 2 children explore a range of everyday materials such as wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and glass. They investigate the properties of these materials and consider why they are suited to particular uses. Through simple tests and hands-on activities, pupils develop early scientific skills such as observing, sorting, and comparing.

SCIENCE AUTUMN 2 – Animals Including Humans

In Autumn 2, pupils learn about different animal groups and explore what all living things need to survive. They study the human body, naming basic body parts and learning about the importance of hygiene, exercise, and a healthy diet. Children build understanding through enquiry, observation, and discussion about how animals and humans grow and stay healthy.

RELIGION AND WORLD VIEWS AUTUMN 1 – Special Holy Books

In Autumn 1, children learn that many religions have special holy books that guide the beliefs and lives of their followers. They explore stories from texts such as the Bible, the Qur’an, and the Torah, reflecting on why these books are treated with respect. Pupils discuss the importance of special writings and consider what stories or books are meaningful to them.

RELIGION AND WORLD VIEWS AUTUMN 2 – The Birth of Jesus and the Nativity/Christmas Story

In Autumn 2, pupils learn about the Christian story of the birth of Jesus and explore why Christmas is an important celebration for Christians. They retell key events from the Nativity and learn about the symbolism of characters and traditions. Through discussion and creative activities, children reflect on themes of hope, celebration, and the meaning of Christmas.

ART AUTUMN 1 – Colours and Textures

Children explore how colours can be mixed, matched, and changed to create different moods and effects in their artwork. They experiment with a variety of materials to create texture, learning how surfaces can look and feel different. Through hands-on activities, pupils develop confidence in using artistic techniques to express their ideas creatively.

GEOGRAPHY AUTUMN 2 – Maps and the World Around Us

Children learn to use simple maps to explore their local area and understand how places are represented. They begin to recognise key map features such as symbols, landmarks, and compass directions. Pupils develop curiosity about the world around them, comparing different environments and thinking about their place within the wider world.

HISTORY – Old and New Toys

Children explore how toys have changed over time by comparing modern toys with those from the past. They learn to investigate materials, designs, and features to understand how toys reflect the lives of children in different eras. Through handling artefacts, asking questions, and using historical sources, pupils develop a sense of chronology and appreciation for how everyday life has evolved.

ENGLISH – Autumn 1: The Three Little Pigs (Read and Respond)

In Autumn 1, children enjoy exploring The Three Little Pigs, using the story to develop their understanding of characters, settings, and key events. They practise creating well-structured sentences, focusing on capital letters, full stops, and using adventurous vocabulary. Pupils answer questions about the text to build comprehension, explaining their ideas and using evidence from the story.

**ENGLISH – Autumn 2: Gorilla by Anthony Browne (Read and Respond)**

In Autumn 2, children explore the picture book Gorilla, using its rich illustrations and storyline to deepen their understanding of characters and emotions. They develop storytelling skills by retelling key events and discussing how the characters change throughout the story. Pupils learn to recognise and describe emotions, using evidence from the text and images to explain how the story makes them feel.