Welcome to Year 2
Don’t forget to have a look at our Good Sports page to see how active we have been.
The good sports page can be found by clicking this link : Good Sports
The Things Year 2 Get Up To..
A few more pictures of your friends and their work.
You have been up to a variety of things over and above the activities the teachers suggest. What a busy lot you are. Here are just a few of your pictures but we have seen athletes, artists, musicians, poets, scientists, computer experts, mathematicians, Lexia superstars but best of all we have seen a thoroughly lovely bunch of bananas (No! Honestly!)… a thoroughly lovely bunch of children! Keep enjoying yourselves keeping busy.
St Cuthbert
Year 2 have been learning some local history over the last few weeks; the origin of Durham Castle and also about St Cuthbert.
St Cuthbert’s life was the focus of their recent trip to Durham Cathedral where his story was told as they toured the cathedral and took part in acting out his life. The children will tell you his story started with a sheep and ended with a cow – they can explain.
Let’s Celebrate!
Year 2 have been learning about celebrations this half term. Among the various autumn festivals discussed, Year 2 took a look at Diwali. Mrs Patel came in to share some of her treasured possessions and talk about the stories associated with Diwali and make Diwali lamps. Also, of course, we will long remember the pungent aroma and the fun of making rangoli patterns with dyed rice.
The children discussed and did activities relating to bonfire night, Remembrance day, harvest festival – so many festivals towards the end of the year – but there is a big celebration looming. Great excitement on 1st December when the Christmas advent calendars appeared. The children learned about advent and the symbol of the Christingle orange. There will be more celebrations to follow at home soon but before then Year 2 children at taking the lead with our Christmas performance, “Born in a Barn”.
Lest We Forget 
Sgt Major Goddard came on Remembrance Day to explain to us why we have two minutes silence. The children (and Mrs Lawson) learned lots of things they hadn’t known before about the Remembrance Day traditions as well as about soldiers in the World Wars. Sgt Major Goddard also spoke about his role in the army and answered many, many questions from interested children. Thank you, Sir, for visiting and do come again.
Diwali Rangoli Patterns
Year 2 joined the Diwali celebrations by making their own rangoli patterns using rice BUT this was no ordinary rice. The children dyed rather boring white rice into beautiful bright colours. You might like to try this at home but BEWARE the classroom stank of eau de vinegar for the rest of the week. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Autumn 1 in Class 1
Space
The 50th anniversary of the first moon landing caused great excitement in Year 2, who have been writing the headline news from that great day. They have also been busy in DT, designing and making their moon buggies.
The Goblin Next Door
What a performance! Lots of tears, laughter and whoops of joy as your proud families (and teachers) marvelled at your last infant performance. It was great and a wonderful treat for Mr and Mrs Jackson too. Well done, guys. Wishing you all good luck and a fond farewell as you fly up to the Junior school.
HMS Trincomalee
This year our trip to the Trincomalee included a workshop where we learned to tie knots, investigate strange nautical objects, dress up and various other activities. We were very brave going through the fighting ships exhibition with all the cries and gunsmoke. A good day out where we could envisage and play-out our lives as the pirates that we have been researching.
Mini Olympics 2019
Year 2 had a short trip up to New College one fine morning to take part in the Mini Olympics event. There were lots of schools taking part in improving their skills in basketball, football, throwing and athletics. There was also a competitive element as two teams from the same school tried to get the highest scores. As always, the children put their heart, soul and determination into every activity.
Meadowfield Climbing Wall
This was a sporting trip with a difference. It was wonderful to see our children’s confidence grow as they climbed up, around and down the climbing walls. We saw different sides to their personality too; quiet ones suddenly exploded with attitude to conquer the wall, louder ones became quiet with concentration as they dug deep to find their inner strength to meet this new challenge. All the pupils agreed though that they didn’t just like this activity…they LOVED it.
Spring Multi Skills Festival
Another trip to Maiden Castle to improve our technique in field athletics, team games and ball skills.
World Book Day
Who said children aren’t interested in books these days? That’s not what we saw today. The children in Class 1 and 2 were eager to share their character details and stories or facts. Whilst Harry Potter and Roald Dahl remain a firm favourite, there was a great deal of interest in the non-fiction books – particularly the biographies of great footballers. It was great for staff too as we were introduced to new tales such as “the Bad Guys” and “The 78 Storey Tree House”.
Our Favourite Lesson
Writing instructions, reading scales and Pancake Day are just made for each other. What better way to learn?
It’s Skipping Season
You know spring is just around the corner when the skipping ropes come out.
Puppet Theatre
Year 2 topic this half term is Kings/Queens and Castles. This has led to making puppets of kings, queens, jesters and knights in DT. The children really enjoyed designing and making their puppets and are eager to use them in the puppet theatre. Here are one or two to show you :
Diwali : Hindu Festival of Light
Class 1 and 2 were lucky to have Mrs Patel teach them about the Diwali festival that occurred at the beginning of November. Children enjoyed making their own deepa lamps, Diwali cards and learning about how Hindus observe and celebrate the festival. As you can see from the photographs everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion.
Topic : Space
The space topic never fails to enthuse the children in Year 2. The children have been learning about the first moon landing in 1969 and used this momentous occasion to write the front page of their newspaper…even those who don’t like writing couldn’t resist being involved with this job. In ICT the children produced powerpoint slides presenting information about our solar system. All very good skills and knowledge, but one part of the topic the children really had fun with was DT. Everyone designed and built a moon buggy which they then used in their science lesson to see which surface their buggy travelled on best. All very interesting.
Multi Skills Festival
The lovely sunny, warm weather simply added to the enjoyment of the multi-skills festival this Autumn term 1.
The Wonka Factory
September 13th – Roald Dahl Day. What better way to celebrate than to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and invent our very own chocolates?
