Year 2
Growing independence. Bigger discoveries. Proud “I did it!” moments.
In Year 2, children have so much to say, discover and create. They become increasingly confident readers, thoughtful writers and resourceful mathematicians, while learning to ask questions, explain their ideas and work together. With caring adults who know them well, they have the encouragement to try something new and the support to keep going.
Books that take learning somewhere exciting
A good story can start an extraordinary learning journey. From exploring Lost in the Museum through drama to writing instructions for Queen Victoria’s bathing machine, our children discover that reading and writing have a purpose.
They talk through their ideas, explore new vocabulary and learn how to make their writing clear, interesting and full of character. Daily Read Write Inc. phonics sessions build secure reading foundations, while shared stories and individual reading help children develop fluency and enjoyment.
One Year 2 pupil captured our ambition beautifully when explaining that ambitious vocabulary means “making words better”—a small phrase that says a great deal about children taking pride in their learning.
Maths that clicks
Counters, cubes, drawings and discussion help children understand what is happening behind the numbers. Through our “I do, we do, you do” approach, teachers demonstrate, children explore together and then apply their learning independently.
Children build a secure understanding of numbers to 100 and use familiar number bonds to tackle addition and subtraction. Investigating shapes and symmetry gives them opportunities to spot patterns, test ideas and explain what they notice. We regularly revisit foundational knowledge so that confidence grows alongside understanding.
History children can step into
What was childhood like before today’s toys and technology? Our Childhood topic invites children to explore artefacts, photographs and family trees, making connections between their own lives and those of earlier generations.
Learning about Magnificent Monarchs has taken children from Alfred the Great to William the Conqueror, with pupils working together to recreate the Bayeux Tapestry. Stories, sources and creative activities help them think like historians: looking closely, asking questions and considering what the evidence tells us.
Visits to either Blenheim Palace or Warwick Castle bring history to life beyond the classroom, making the most of the remarkable places within reach of Bloxham.
Big investigations for curious minds
Our young scientists make predictions, observe changes and look for explanations. In Plant Survival, children have grown seeds with and without water to investigate what plants need. Exploring Everyday Materials gives them opportunities to sort, compare and test materials, discovering why different properties matter.
Our Coastlines learning connects geography with children’s own experiences, including photographs of family visits to the British coast. And being some distance from the sea is no obstacle: children create their own erosion experiments to explore how coastlines change.
Creating, performing and solving problems
Year 2 offers plenty of ways for children to express themselves. They create portraits through collage, chant and sing together, and develop coordination and confidence through PE.
In computing, children have created their own ScratchJr animations, discovering how a sequence of instructions can bring an idea to life. These experiences encourage them to experiment, solve problems and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something themselves.
Learning to build each other up
Growing confidence also means learning to listen, include others and recognise that everyone has something to contribute. Year 2 pupils have enjoyed shared learning experiences with children from Frank Wise School, creating opportunities for friendship and putting our inclusive values into practice.
Our vision—“Encourage one another and build each other up”—runs through everyday life: a reassuring word, a shared discovery, a helping hand and a celebration of someone else’s success.
These highlights give you a flavour of life in Year 2 at Bloxham, where thoughtfully chosen visits, activities and experiences bring learning to life and spark children’s curiosity. Each year brings new opportunities to explore, discover and grow.
Each term, we share a curriculum overview with families, outlining the learning journey alongside knowledge organisers introducing key concepts and vocabulary. Current families can find these and further resources on our Parent Portal. Our fluency homework helps children revisit foundational knowledge, practise vocabulary and share their discoveries with you at home.
Year 2 Long Term Plan
