Welcome to Year 2

Our topic this term is

How has London changed?

Welcome to the Year 2 page!

Our first topic of the Autumn term explores the changes that have occurred in London, as well as its key Geographical features in comparison to Harbury and Leamington.

We will begin the topic by taking an imaginary ‘open tour bus’ around 'London' and exploring its famous landmarks. We will then identify its position on a UK map and compare its size to our local area. Following on from this, we will explore both human and physical features and will identify a range of these in both London and Harbury. The children will develop their map reading skills by locating a variety of key places, as well as devising their own maps using simple symbols and a key.

In History we will learn why Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and Sir Christopher Wren were so significant and will find out about the suffragette movement in the 1800s. We will also investigate a significant event that occurred in 1666 and will engage with a range of historical sources and artefacts from this key point in History. 

Science will focus on everyday materials and their uses. We will find out how shapes of solid objects can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching, as well as the impact heat can have on various materials. We will also carry out an investigation to find out which materials are waterproof and which are not.

Our writing will be inspired by a number of texts including; A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino, Paddington by Michael Bond, Katie in London by James Mayhew and The Great Fire of London by Emma Adams. We will also spend some time on traditional tales. These will be, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the alternative version, Jim and the Beanstalk by Raymond Briggs.

We will spend the Autumn term working hard on our key number skills in maths. Our objectives will be related to place value, addition and subtraction, as well as shape towards the end of the term.

In Art we will be exploring a variety of London inspired artwork by both classic and contemporary artists. We will recreate Monet's famous, Houses of Parliament painting, as well as Mark Ashkenazi's cityscape using watercolour. 

In RE we will be focusing on Creation and Incarnation.
Our values are Love and Respect for this first half term. Our reflection areas will demonstrate these values and how we incorporate these into our classroom.

Take a look at our class letter and topic web to find out more!