Welcome to Class 2

Dear Parents,

I hope you all had a wonderful summer break. Miss Barker and I have really enjoyed getting to know the children these last two weeks — they’ve settled in really well, reconnecting with friends and showing great enthusiasm for their learning. We’ve especially loved our afternoon art sessions, and the children were full of excitement creating a colour wash using spray bottles!
We have a very busy term ahead. Our topic for the term will be ‘Being Human’ – see below for more details. A few advance dates for your diary – The PTA colour run will take place on Sunday 20th September 2-4pm and the PTA Christmas fair will take place on Sunday 6th December 2026 2-4pm. 
 
Being Human  

In Class 2 our focus for each subject area will be as follows:

• Art: exploring painting and mixed media through the work of Gillian Ayres and Wassily Kandinsky, experimenting with bold colour, abstract shapes and expressive mark-making; developing confidence with brushes, layering techniques and responding creatively to modern art. 
• British Values: rules — understanding why rules are important, how they help us stay safe, support fairness and make our classroom a positive place to learn; practising following school rules and discussing what happens when rules are not followed. 
• Computing: learning how to stay safe online, including recognising personal information and knowing who to talk to if something feels wrong; understanding what a computer is and how different parts work together; creating and debugging simple algorithms, using logical reasoning to predict and improve digital instructions. 
• D and T: healthy eating – exploring food groups, planning balanced meals and preparing simple dishes that support a healthy lifestyle; textiles – designing and making a Christmas stocking, learning how to cut, join and decorate fabric using basic sewing techniques and evaluating the finished product. 
• Geography: investigating our local area by identifying human and physical features; developing map skills such as using simple symbols, sketch maps and basic compass directions; carrying out fieldwork to observe, record and describe what we see around us. 
• History: exploring how hospitals and medical care have changed over time, comparing past and present; learning about Mary Seacole, her life, her work during the Crimean War and why she is remembered as a significant individual in history. 
• Music:— Let Your Spirit Fly in Autumn 1, focusing on singing, pulse and rhythm; Glockenspiel Stage 1 in Autumn 2, developing instrumental skills, reading simple notation and performing short musical patterns. 
• PSHE: Learning about feelings, friendships, personal safety and healthy choices; developing strategies for managing change, understanding privacy and recognising how our actions affect others. 
• PE: Running and football, developing teamwork, coordination, resilience and confidence while building core movement skills and improving stamina. 
• RE: exploring why people have different ideas about God; learning about stories, prayers and images of God from a range of religious traditions; discussing Humanist views and how people find meaning without religious belief.
• Science: Animals, including humans– learning about what humans and animals need to survive, the importance of exercise, hygiene and nutrition; understanding body parts, skeletons and muscles; investigating how humans grow and change, how we stay healthy, and comparing human needs with those of other animals.

Homework

Homework will be set weekly including the following.

• Reading – little and often, listening to your child and asking questions about the book; 
• Spellings to learn for test on Fridays – a few minutes regularly throughout the week; 
• Times tables – to learn for test on Fridays – again a few minutes regularly throughout the week; 
• English – one small task per week; 
• Maths – Times Tables Rockstars – to be practised daily. 

We will be holding a parent’s homework information session on Tuesday 15th September at 3.45pm. This will be an opportunity to find out more about helping your child with their homework and we can discuss any questions you may have. The children will also need a pair of wellies and some waterproofs in school. These will be kept in our shed so they can access the field and enjoy outdoor play whatever the weather. If they would like to buy a biscuit at break time, please send in a small purse with some money inside. We keep all purses safely in our class purse box so the children can access them when needed. Please remember also to send your child to school with a full water bottle every day. 
Children will need PE kits in school on Mondays and Fridays for running and football.

A final polite reminder that children are allowed just one keyring on their book bag to help them identify it. Also, toys, such as squishies, should not be brought into school. Amongst other reasons, it can be upsetting 
when they do get lost or broken in school, so they are best kept safely at home!

I’m always happy to chat, and you’re very welcome to come and see me at the start or end of the school day if you have any questions or worries. If it’s easier to get in touch by email, please feel free to message me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I am really looking forward to getting to know the children more and sharing a very busy, exciting term together.

Ellie Mills