CURRICULUM LETTER - SEPTEMBER 2007

To the parents/guardians of children in Year 2

Welcome to Year 2

The purpose of this letter is to let you know the kind of things your child will be doing this year and how you can help. We hope you find it useful.

Subjects taught

The children will be taught all subjects of the National Curriculum, plus Religious Education. Most time will be spent on English, Mathematics, and ICT. The rest of the time they will be taught the foundation subjects of Science, Music, P.E., Art, Geography, History, French, PSHCE, Design and Technology.

Here is an outline of the Science topics we intend to cover this year.

Changing Materials, Forces and Movement, Using Electricity, Health and Growth, Plants and Animals in their Local Environment and Variation (looking at differences in humans and plant life.)

Mathematics

Targets- Year 2

* Count, read, write and order whole numbers to at least 100: know what each digit represents (including 0 as a place holder).
* Describe and extend simple number sequences (including odd/even numbers, counting on or back in ones or tens from any two digit number, and so on).
* Understand that subtraction is the inverse of addition; state the subtraction corresponding to a given addition and vice versa
* Know by heart all addition and subtraction facts for each number to at least 10
* Use knowledge that addition can be done in any order to do mental calculations more efficiently
* Understand the operation of multiplication as repeated addition or as describing an array
* Know and use halving as the inverse of doubling
* Know by heart facts for the 2 and 10 multiplication tables
* Estimate, measure and compare lengths, masses and capacities, using standard units; suggest suitable units and equipment for such measurements
* Read a simple scale to the nearest labelled division, including using a ruler to draw and measure lines to the nearest centimetre.
* Use the mathematical names for common 2-D and 3-D shapes; sort shapes and describe some of their features
* Use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement
* Choose and use appropriate operations and efficient calculation strategies to solve problems, explaining how the problem was solved

PE lessons are timetabled for 2R – Monday and Tuesday, 2T – Monday and Tuesday.

The children must have their PE kit in school.
They need a white T-shirt, navy blue shorts and black plimsolls
During cold weather a tracksuit or sweatshirt and jogging bottoms may be worn in addition to the normal PE kit when working outdoors.
All items must be clearly named.



Spellings

Each Friday the children will be given spellings to learn ready for a test on the following Friday.

The best way for the children to learn how to spell the words is to: -
LOOK at the word and say it out loud
COVER the word
WRITE the word
CHECK the word. The help of an adult to check they know the words is very useful.

We are trying to get the children to learn how to read and spell the most frequently used words in the English Language. We have arranged these high frequency words into targets. When a child can spell all the words in a particular target, he/she will receive a special certificate. The children will need to spend between 5 and 10 minutes each evening learning their spellings, preferably with the help of an adult.

Reading

The children are expected to bring home their reading book each day and read with an adult. This should take about 10 minutes each evening. We ask parents to hear their child read, and comment on the reading record book. We have prepared a leaflet for parents which gives guidelines for helping children learn to read. Please ask for a copy.

Your child will need a reading bag so that school books are not damaged. These can be purchased from the school Office price £3.00. They are very durable and are also useful for making sure that newsletters such as this get home safely!

If your child is not already a member of Evesham Library please take them along to join. Encourage them to choose a wide range of books. Remember that children enjoy having stories read to them at bedtime.

Literacy
Big Writing

“Big Writing” by Ros Wilson is a new approach to the teaching of writing which we are using in our school from this September. It consists each day of lively teaching of the four basic principals for successful writing, vocabulary, connectives, openers and punctuation and culminates in “Big Writing” on a Friday. This is when the whole school writes for 45 minutes to 1 hour on a writing topic that has been introduced to them on Monday. It would help your child if you could discuss the topic for the week with them at home, helping them to think of some ideas for their writing.

Parental Consultations

During the year there will be the chance to discuss your child’s progress during a 10-minute consultation. These sessions take place in October and February. Towards the end of the summer term you will receive a comprehensive written report on your child’s progress.

PLEASE TRY TO AVOID TAKING YOUR CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL ON HOLIDAY DURING MAY AS THIS IS WHEN TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR SATS ARE CARRIED OUT.

Worries or Problems

We hope your child does not encounter any difficulties during the year. If any problems do arise please come and talk to us. Often if a problem is dealt with quickly it can save a lot of worry and upset for all concerned.


Want to help in School?

We’re keen to encourage parents to help in school. This might involve hearing children read, helping a small group to play a game, helping with art, sharpening pencil crayons, etc. we can find jobs to suit all tastes!! If you would like to help, even for just an hour, please contact us.

All helpers need to complete a Disclosure form which has to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. Once we have received notification of clearance you will be able to help.

We hope your child will have an enjoyable and successful year in Year 2.