London's Burning

Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful and restful half-term break, and that you're now feeling energised and ready for the new half-term. The theme in Year 2 for this half-term is 'London's Burning'.

As part of The London’s Burning unit, Year 2 will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral to learn about the Great Fire of London. Pupils will take part in a workshop led by a presenter to learn how St. Paul’s will rise like a phoenix from the Great Fire of London in London’s Burning. They will also visit The Monument to the Great Fire of London, which commemorates the Great Fire of London and celebrates the rebuilding of the city.

English

In English, Year 2 will delve into the thrilling tale of "The Baker's Boy and the Great Fire of London" by Tom Bardman. As the story unfolds, young readers will follow the courageous journey of Will Farriner, who awakens to the ominous sounds and smells of a raging fire consuming his family's bakery. Determined to halt the fire's destructive path, Will embarks on a heroic mission to save his beloved city from utter devastation. Year 2 will create their own writing, including a newspaper report and diary entry, using this text.

Following their visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, pupils will write a recount, detailing their experience at the iconic landmark, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions they encountered during their visit.

Maths

With a focus on all pupils achieving mastery in mathematics, Year 2 will delve into various topics. In geometry, pupils will compare and sort common 2D and 3D shapes alongside everyday objects. Additionally, they will identify and describe the properties of 2D shapes, including the number of sides and line symmetry in a vertical line.

In statistics, they will interpret and construct simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams, and simple tables.

Furthermore, in measurement, pupils will choose and use appropriate standard units to estimate and measure length/height in any direction (m/cm) and mass (kg/g) to the nearest appropriate unit, utilising tools such as rulers and scales.

History

Children will immerse themselves in the historical context surrounding the Great Fire of London, gaining a deep understanding of its devastating effects on the lives of Londoners. They will explore various aspects such as the rapid spread of the fire, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, the displacement of families, and the challenges faced by individuals in the aftermath of the catastrophe.

Science

In science, pupils will continue their exploration of everyday materials, learning to identify and compare their suitability for various uses. From wood to metal, plastic to glass, and even brick, rock, paper, and cardboard, we will investigate the unique properties of each material and discover which ones are best suited for specific purposes.

Moreover, we will delve into the fascinating world of shapes and solids, discovering how the form of objects made from certain materials can be altered through simple actions like squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. Through hands-on experiments and engaging discussions, we will uncover the transformative potential of these materials and gain a deeper understanding of how they shape our world.

Art/DT

Children will explore a variety of mediums to vividly recreate a scene depicting the Great Fire of London. They will immerse themselves in artistic experimentation, using paints to capture the fiery hues of the flames, collages to depict the chaotic destruction, and printing techniques to add intricate details to their compositions. Through this multi-faceted approach, they will not only develop their artistic skills but also deepen their understanding of the historical event, as they consider how to effectively convey the intensity and devastation of the fire through their artwork.

PSHE

In PSHE, pupils will learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They will understand relaxation and stress, recognise weak and strong emotions. Pupils will grasp the basics of medicine and its safe usage. They will identify food groups and learn which foods are essential for health. Pupils will cultivate a positive relationship with food, enjoy making healthy snacks, and appreciate sharing nutritious foods with friends.