Key Stage 1 - Year 2
In Year 2, the girls follow a topic-based approach to learning, in which the majority of their work in English, Science, Art and ICT links closely to a History- or Geography-based topic. This helps the girls to make connections between different areas of the curriculum, and allows us to support them in using their personal skills and interests to learn about the topic in hand.
During the Autumn term we study a range of famous people, including Samuel Pepys, Christopher Wren, Florence Nightingale and George Stephenson. In the Spring term, the curriculum is based around the Jolly Postman books; the girls work towards writing their own book about the Jolly Postman’s day, as well as learning about the workings of the Post Office. The Summer term’s work links to the Katie Morag books. We look at contrasts between Durham and the Scottish islands, and the work includes an opportunity to look closely at the plants and animals of our own local environment.
The year also includes a variety of trips related to our topics; these include Durham Fire Station, the Head of Steam Railway Centre and Museum in Darlington and Locomotion in Shildon (including a train ride between the two sites!) and Washington Wetland Centre. Finally, work on a Nativity play and class assembly help the girls to develop their skills in speaking aloud and in teamwork. This action-packed year equips the girls to enter Key Stage 2 with confidence in themselves and enthusiasm for learning.