Humanities – History
This term started with our new topic ‘The Unsinkable Ship’. The children learned about the magnificent Titanic and the events that led up to the terrible tragedy of 1912. As historians, they had to use their research skills to look at artefacts such as newspapers, tickets, posters and menus to find out what life was like as First , Second or Third Class passengers. They compared the features of the Titanic with those of modern day cruise liners . The enquiry question ‘Was one thing to blame for the sinking of the Titanic?’ encouraged the children to decide on which sources of evidence were reliable and which were unreliable. Our Titanic Day was a great success and the children’s costumes were wonderful!
The two classrooms were set up as First and Third Class dining rooms and the children got a chance to taste some of the delicacies on board. The plum pudding and rice pudding in Third Class proved the most popular.
Literacy
We used the Titanic topic to inspire us in Literacy. The children wrote a diary entry as a First Class passenger arriving at Southampton Docks and seeing the incredible ship for the first time. They also wrote a letter in the role of a survivor of the tragedy, rescued by the ‘Carpathia’ and taken to New York.
Our grammar focus this term was proper nouns and how to use the apostrophe correctly.
Daily reading and phonics continue and the children are very independent when choosing their own books to read at home.
PSHCE
A visit from the school nursing team this term helped the children learn about staying safe. They used the NSPCC learning materials which helped the children discuss who is a trusted adult and about privacy and consent. This was done in a fun and engaging way with the character of the ‘Pantosaurus’ . There was a story and song to go along with the workshop that the children thoroughly enjoyed .
ICT
Thank you to Julian from Gem Education who came in to deliver a fantastic coding workshop. The children learned how to program Microsoft Micro:bits . This involved coding on the computer, connecting the micro:bit and programming it to make light and sound patterns. The children learned so much with many of them saying they wanted this to be their job in the future!
Numeracy
Our focus this term has been multiplication and division. So many of the children are using Times Tables Rockstars a home which is brilliant and is really supporting their learning in class. There have been lots of practical activities to introduce the concept of multiplying in equal groups ,and sharing equally.
In our measure topic on a Friday , Year 2 have been learning about mass. They have used scales to measure in grams and kilograms.
It would be great to show your child food packets , jars and containers at home to reinforce that all our food is measured this way and printed on labels.
RE
The children had a wonderful trip to the synagogue in Gosforth. Thank you to our local community for supporting our children’s learning . Throughout their time at Archibald the children learn about many religions and cultures. This is to foster respect, tolerance and understanding in our young people as they live their lives in a multi-cultural world.
DT
In the first week of term the children made their own felt pouch. they had to learn how to tie a knot with thread, thread a needle and sew a running stitch . They designed their own pouch and a created an appliqué panel on the front. The children were delighted with the finished result.
Thank you to all our Year 2 families this term. We value your support; particularly with homework, reading and spelling. We are looking forward to seeing you at parents’ evenings as the term comes to a close. This will give us the opportunity to give you an update on your child’s progress and plan next steps for the remainder of Year 2 .
Enjoy the Easter break
Mrs Marshall and Miss Stewart
