As the older students in Key Stage 1, our Year 2 children build on the strong foundations laid in the Early Years and Year 1, taking the next confident steps in their learning journey. Lessons become more structured, but curiosity, creativity, and enjoyment remain at the heart of everything we do. This is a year of growing independence - when children begin to take greater ownership of their learning while continuing to explore the world with enthusiasm and imagination.
In English, students develop their reading fluency and comprehension skills and learn to write in a variety of forms, including stories, poems, letters, information texts, and diary entries. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are strengthened across all areas, helping children become confident and expressive communicators.
In Mathematics, children deepen their understanding of number, place value, and operations while beginning to apply reasoning and problem-solving skills to real-life contexts. They also explore shape, space, and measurement, using practical activities and manipulatives to make learning meaningful and enjoyable.
Science lessons encourage curiosity and discovery, as students investigate topics such as Materials, Animals, The Human Body, Habitats, Electricity, Changing State, and Plants. Through hands-on experiments and observation, they begin to think like scientists - asking questions, gathering data, and explaining their findings using growing scientific vocabulary.
Subjects such as Geography and History broaden their understanding of the world. They explore local and global environments, learn to read simple maps, and develop an early appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and ways of living.
Throughout Year 2, our values of moral integrity, ambition, respect, and kindness continue to guide every aspect of school life. Children leave Key Stage 1 as confident, thoughtful, and motivated learners - ready to embrace the exciting challenges of the Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) and beyond.
Geography involves developing locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography and beginning to use geography skills like mapping. The school is located next to Karura Forest which provides a natural treasure trove of places and features to explore.
History involves researching different time periods and ways of living. Students explore both their local environment and the wider world around them. Topics draw upon different cultures, allowing students to understand that people have different beliefs, customs and traditions, encouraging understanding and tolerance of other people and their environments.
Our core values of moral integrity, ambition, respect and kindness, together with a strong sense of community, is at the heart of a Durham education, ensuring continuity and consistency across all areas of learning and development.
