Oughton Primary & Nursery School
  • Our School
    • Vision and Mission
    • Ethos and Values
    • Staff
    • Governors
    • Useful Information
    • Ofsted
    • Results & Performance Data
    • Statutory Information
  • General Information
    • Term Dates
    • School Events
    • Classes >
      • Nursery (Plum)
      • Reception (Pear)
      • Year 1 (Elm)
      • Year 2 (Oak)
      • Year 3 (Alder)
      • Year 4 (Beech)
      • Year 5 (Willow)
      • Year 6 (Silver Birch)
    • Attendance and School Hours
    • Curriculum >
      • EYFS
      • English
      • Mathematics
      • Science
      • Religious Education RE
      • Computing
      • PSHE
      • Physical Education PE
      • MFL French
      • Design Technology DT
      • Art
      • Music
      • Geography
      • History
    • Newsletters
    • School Council
    • Home Learning
    • Pupil Premium
    • Sports Premium
    • Catch Up Strategy
    • Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Designated Senior Person (DSP)
    • Policies & Plans (A-Z)
  • Admissions
    • Nursery Admissions
  • Parent's Hub
    • Dates for the Diary
    • School Meals
    • Wrap Around Care
    • Clubs
    • Uniform
    • DIRECTORY OF CONTACTS
    • COVID-19 INFORMATION
  • Contact Us
 
Oughton Primary and Nursery School, Mattocke Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 2NZ
Telephone: 01462 450716

Email: [email protected] 

YEAR 2 (OAK)

 Teacher:  Miss Sparks
Welcome to Year 2 Oak Class. In our class, we enjoy our learning in all areas of the curriculum. Our aim is for each child to reach their potential. 
​

Our morning work is focused on English – reading, writing, spelling and phonics – and Maths.
In the afternoons, we use these skills and those specific to the subject in other curriculum areas. We learn in different ways, with a partner, in a group as well as working independently.  
We aim to make our learning exciting with whole school events, class WOWs, trips and using our outside school environment.  ​

pARENT/Carer iNFORMATION hANDBOOK

We have put together an overview of the curriculum for your child this year and also some general information and reminders that we hope you will find useful.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
This information can also be downloaded:
Year 2 Parent Handbook 2025-2026
File Size: 279 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

year 2 Spring 2026

During the Spring Term we had many exciting learning experiences and special events. We were lucky to have a couple of special visitors come to our school. A Rabbi visited our class to talk to us about Shabbat, explaining why it is an important day of rest and celebration in the Jewish faith. We learned about some of the traditions families follow, such as lighting candles, sharing special meals and spending time together.

We also took part in a Chinese New Year workshop, where we learned about how the festival is celebrated in different parts of the world. We discovered some of the traditions, stories and customs linked to Chinese New Year, and enjoyed taking part in activities that helped us understand more about this celebration.
Another exciting event was watching an Alice in Wonderland production based on the famous story Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The performance was very entertaining and brought the well-known characters to life on stage. We also celebrated World Book Day, which gave us the opportunity to share our love of reading and explore lots of different stories and authors.
We also had a fantastic WOW day where we designed and created our own Ferris wheels. We worked creatively to build structures that could turn and move, thinking carefully about how to make them strong and stable. It was a fun and hands-on experience that helped us develop our problem-solving and teamwork skills.
In Geography, we learned about Kampong Ayer, a fascinating water village located in Brunei. We compared life there with life in Hitchin, thinking about the differences in homes, transport and daily life. We also began learning about where our food comes from, exploring how food is grown, produced and transported before it reaches our plates.
As part of this topic, we went on a school trip to Wimpole Estate, where we visited the farm and saw a range of different animals. It was a great opportunity to learn more about farming and how food is produced.
In PE, we have continued to practise our ball skills, improving our control, passing and teamwork. We have also been developing our dancing skills, learning new movements and practising performing them with rhythm and confidence.
Overall, the Spring Term has been full of interesting learning, exciting experiences and lots of opportunities to try new things.

YEAR 2 AUTUMN 2026

During the Autumn Term we learned about animals, including humans, in Science. We explored how different animals live, what they eat, and how their bodies help them survive. We also learned about different animal habitats and how animals are suited to the environments they live in. As part of this topic, we imagined travelling to the freezing continent of Antarctica, where we discovered how animals such as penguins and seals survive in the cold, icy conditions.

In History, we learned about World War II. We explored what life was like during the war and how it affected people’s everyday lives. We talked about evacuation, rationing, and how communities worked together during difficult times. It helped us understand how different life was for children and families during this period in history.
During the term we also took part in some exciting school events. We celebrated the Scarecrow Festival, where we enjoyed seeing all the creative scarecrows that had been made. Later in the term, we entered the school Christmas Tree competition and were very proud to win. Everyone worked hard to decorate the tree and make it look bright, festive, and colourful.
In English, we went on a walk around the school grounds to help us create instructions. We observed the route carefully, noting each step and important details, and then used what we had seen to write clear, step-by-step instructions. This activity helped us improve our descriptive writing and learn how to explain things clearly for others.
In PE, we spent time practising our ball skills, learning how to control, pass, and catch a ball more confidently. These activities helped us improve our coordination and teamwork while having lots of fun. We also developed our dancing skills, working on rhythm, movement, and performing with confidence.
Another highlight of the term was preparing for our school play. We spent lots of time practising our lines, songs, and actions. We were also very lucky to have a special visitor who came to help us with our acting and gave us tips on how to perform with confidence and expression. It was exciting to learn new skills and work together to put on a great performance.
Overall, the Autumn Term was full of exciting learning, creativity, and teamwork, and we all worked very hard while having lots of fun.

​Year 2 spring 2025

​This week in Maths, we explored how many cups it would take to fill various containers.
​This week in PSHE, we collaborated in groups to design a bird for our dream garden.
This week in Science, we investigated different materials to discover which one would be the best for a raincoat. After testing, we found that bubble wrap provided the most protection from water!
This week in PSHE, we worked together to create designs for the front of our cards to give to someone at home. Each group had a team leader to guide the process.
This week in Science, we explored which fabric is the stretchiest. Our investigation revealed that tights were the most stretchable material.
 This week in PE, we have been developing an understanding of dynamics and how they can show an idea. We also focused on improving our football skills by practicing ball dribbling techniques.
This week in art, we've been exploring how to mix primary colours with secondary colours to create new and exciting shades!
For Science, we will dive into an exciting exploration of materials! Through hands-on activities and investigations, children will learn about the properties of everyday materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and glass. They will discover how materials can be used, changed, and chosen for different purposes. By observing, testing, and asking questions, students will develop their scientific thinking and understanding of the world around them. This engaging topic encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as we explore the fascinating world of materials together!
In Literacy, we have been exploring Traditional Tales, with a focus on Rapunzel. We have engaged in thoughtful discussions about whether certain characters can be seen as good or bad. Additionally, we brought the story to life by retelling it using props.

Year 2 Autumn 2024

We won the Christmas Tree competition! Well done Oak!
Picture
In DT, we looked at exploring structures and how different shapes affect their stability. Our end goal was to create a chair for Baby Bear.
In Art, we looked at mapping out our journey to school. We drew our journey in our sketch books, we then used felt, and finally we printed our journey.
In PE, we looked at Dance, Striking and Fielding games, Fundamentals and Gymnastics.
In Science, we have looked at Animals including humans. ​This exciting unit explores the fascinating world of animals, including humans! Students will investigate the basic needs of animals for survival, their life cycles, and how they grow and change.
Thursday 24th October 2024
Trip to Antarctica- Geography

Year 2 went on a trip to Antarctica to look for penguins. Once they had received their ticket and itinerary for their journey they plotted their route on a world map. They packed their rucksacks with all the equipment they might need. As they would need shelter, they worked in groups to build igloos. Finally, having experimented with ice, imagining what the sea must be like on the edge of Antarctica.
​​

Year 2 Update

This term, Year 2 has been working with clay in their Art work.  We have practised flattening and smoothing the clay as well as rolling shapes.  We have also made pinch pots, joining shapes to these using the scoring and slipping techniques.
​This term in year 2 we have been:

Enjoying learning about invasion games; practicing passing and defending the ball in hockey, basketball, handball and football. 

We have won attendance ted numerous weeks running and so enjoyed a board game afternoon to celebrate our perfect attendance. 

In Science we have been learning about Animals and their habitats. We enjoyed exploring our school habitats especially looking at the pond habitat and seeing the frogspawn change into frogs. 
During Year 2's visit to St Mark’s, Reverend Jane and her warden talked to us about what they do in their jobs as the church vicar and one of the four wardens. 
They also talked to us about the different features of the church as well as the different garments worn by Reverend Jane.  We ended our visit with the challenge of finding all ten of the church mice that were hidden inside the building.
In DT, we have been learning about structures.  We tested different materials to investigate their strength and stability.  Our design criteria was to make a chair that was suitable for Baby Bear or one of our own cuddly friends from home.  We went on to use paper, pipe cleaners and straws as well as recyclable materials and it looks like they found our final products quite comfortable.
​Year two has embarked on an exhilarating journey of exploration during their science sessions, delving deep into the fascinating world of fabrics. The classroom has become a playground for curiosity as young minds touch, feel, and investigate different materials, unravelling the secrets of materials around us.

But the excitement doesn't end there! The musical symphony echoes through the corridors as Year two musicians take centre stage with the glockenspiels. The harmonious chimes and melodic tunes fill the air, transforming the classroom into a vibrant concert hall where each note is a step towards musical mastery.
Picture
Picture
Picture
On Tuesday 28th February, a visitor came to show us artefacts from over 100 years ago. We discussed how the objects had changed and developed over the years.  Then we all had a go at washing clothes like they used to. We used carbolic soap, a grater and a posser. It was hard work!
 ​


SEN & DSP

HOMEWORK

For further information about supporting your child with their homework, please see the Home Learning section of the Parents Area. Information about the Phonics programme used at Oughton can also be found here.
Homework Help

LETTERS

Year 2 Curriculum Letter Summer Term 2022
File Size: 475 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Year 2 Curriculum Letter Spring 2022
File Size: 540 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Year 2 Curriculum Letter Autumn Term 2021
File Size: 689 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Year 2 updates

GALLERY

Picture
Reading Area
Picture
Science
Picture
Art
Picture
Our Classroom
Picture
English
Picture
Our Outdoor CHIL Area

Art Week

The children made some wonderful art during Art Week which was displayed at our Art Exhibition in June. ​

Victorian Workshop

​In February, Year Two welcomed a visitor from the museum who came to share artefacts from over 100 years ago with them. They discussed how the objects had changed and developed over the years. They then we all had a go at washing clothes like they used to, using carbolic soap, a grater and a posser. It was hard work!
 

Antarctica WOW Day

​Year Two left a bright Autumnal day to head for the colder realms of the Antarctica to look for penguins in October. Once they had received their ticket and itinerary for their journey they plotted their route on a world map. They checked the weather forecast for the day so that they could pack their rucksacks with all the equipment they might need. As they needed somewhere to stay, they worked in groups to build igloos. It took a great deal of perseverance as they kept falling down! Finally, they experimented with ice imagining what the sea must be like on the edge of Antarctica.

CURRICULUM

The Curriculum Overview Plan for Year 2 can be found in the Curriculum section within this website.