Year 2 - Curriculum Overview
As is the case with the rest of the school, each half term we will teach our lessons by focusing on one over-arching theme. Each theme forms part of our whole-school curriculum called Learning Means the World – a new and exciting curriculum that, whilst meeting all of the requirements of the National Curriculum, is forward thinking, highly relevant and deals with tomorrow's issues today.
Our themes are as follows:
Autumn
"The Four Seasons" is a series of two-day sessions designed to be fitted in with the science/geography curriculum for Year 2 over the school year. Each will involve seasonal investigations and outdoor learning.
“Land Ahoy!” is a thematic unit, with a subject focus on science and geography. The science element is based around sound, speed and motion and begins by exploring how things move, linking with a pirate’s journey around the continents
and oceans. The unit concludes with an introduction to sound, focusing on sources of sound and the relationship between distance and volume. Threaded through is the theme of behaving responsibly, with consideration for others.
“Zero to Hero” is a thematic unit about heros and heroines, both past and present, who have overcome major challenges in life and become inspirational figures. There is a key subject focus on history.
Spring
“Inter-Nation Media Station” is a thematic unit all about media and broadcasting. There is a key subject focus on history, through which pupils will learn about early methods of communication, leading to the invention of both the television and
radio. Pupils will develop confidence in oracy, through opportunities to work on their own broadcasts.
“Powhatan People” is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the inspirational story of Pocahontas. She is famous for translating on behalf of her tribe and for her bravery, leadership and negotiation skills between the English colonialists and her people. Pupils will learn, through her life story, all about her achievements and ongoing legacy.
"Dancing Spy" is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the inspirational story of Josephine Baker. She is famous for her performances on Broadway in New York, USA and across theatres in Europe, and was key leader in the fight against segregation and racism. Pupils will learn, through her life story, all about her achievements and ongoing legacy.
Summer
“Light Up the World” is a thematic unit, based around the sun and other sources of light, with a science focus. Pupils will look at solar power and how to save electricity, as well as learning about sun safety and the importance of protecting both the skin and eyes. They will also learn about how shadows are formed when solid objects block light. Nocturnal animals will also be introduced in this unit.
“Never Eat Shredded Wheat” is a thematic unit based around where food comes from, with a key focus on geography. It begins by looking at compass directions and locational language, before moving on to learning about continents and oceans.
Our themes are as follows:
Autumn
"The Four Seasons" is a series of two-day sessions designed to be fitted in with the science/geography curriculum for Year 2 over the school year. Each will involve seasonal investigations and outdoor learning.
“Land Ahoy!” is a thematic unit, with a subject focus on science and geography. The science element is based around sound, speed and motion and begins by exploring how things move, linking with a pirate’s journey around the continents
and oceans. The unit concludes with an introduction to sound, focusing on sources of sound and the relationship between distance and volume. Threaded through is the theme of behaving responsibly, with consideration for others.
“Zero to Hero” is a thematic unit about heros and heroines, both past and present, who have overcome major challenges in life and become inspirational figures. There is a key subject focus on history.
Spring
“Inter-Nation Media Station” is a thematic unit all about media and broadcasting. There is a key subject focus on history, through which pupils will learn about early methods of communication, leading to the invention of both the television and
radio. Pupils will develop confidence in oracy, through opportunities to work on their own broadcasts.
“Powhatan People” is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the inspirational story of Pocahontas. She is famous for translating on behalf of her tribe and for her bravery, leadership and negotiation skills between the English colonialists and her people. Pupils will learn, through her life story, all about her achievements and ongoing legacy.
"Dancing Spy" is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the inspirational story of Josephine Baker. She is famous for her performances on Broadway in New York, USA and across theatres in Europe, and was key leader in the fight against segregation and racism. Pupils will learn, through her life story, all about her achievements and ongoing legacy.
Summer
“Light Up the World” is a thematic unit, based around the sun and other sources of light, with a science focus. Pupils will look at solar power and how to save electricity, as well as learning about sun safety and the importance of protecting both the skin and eyes. They will also learn about how shadows are formed when solid objects block light. Nocturnal animals will also be introduced in this unit.
“Never Eat Shredded Wheat” is a thematic unit based around where food comes from, with a key focus on geography. It begins by looking at compass directions and locational language, before moving on to learning about continents and oceans.
