Year Two

In Prep 2, we build on the firm foundations laid in both Early Years and Prep 1. We continue to follow the “Jolly Grammar” programme, stepping up to the second book which extends knowledge of spelling rules and common features of English grammar in a structured and reinforced way. Extension opportunities are always available for more able pupils. Spellings are given once a week and a spelling test takes place on a Monday morning. There are many opportunities for the girls to put the spelling rules into practice during the week.

The girls read every day, both from fiction texts and from non-fiction, topic-related texts. Comprehension is taught separately, both through guided reading and by following the Schofield & Sims programme. Effective speaking and listening is encouraged and there are many opportunities for the girls to learn the skills required to become competent in this area.

In Maths, we continue with the Longman “Maths Works 2” programme which provides differentiated activities based on the Prep 2 key objectives (see below). We also develop mental maths and problem-solving skills.

We operate a two-year topic cycle and history, geography, art, Design Technology (DT), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Religious Studies (RS) are taught in a cross-curricula fashion. The girls produce a termly topic book which contains work from across the curriculum. Opportunities for independent learning build in whole class and group work. The skills required for research are introduced. Science follows the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) Schemes of Works and is taught using a multi-sensory approach. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is taught through Circle Time activities.

There are two PE lessons each week, both indoors and outdoors. Swimming takes place each Friday at Billingshurst Leisure Centre as part of the curriculum and our aim is that all girls will be able to swim by the time they leave Prep 2. The girls also take part in music and movement lessons.

Numeracy Key Objectives

In Year 2, most children will be able to:

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, usingstandard 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.