Class 2

RecepTion

In Class 2, we have a happy, caring and stimulating environment that promotes enthusiasm and a love for learning. We believe that every child is unique. Our engaging curriculum and learning environment support us to become responsible learners and ensures we meet our full potential whilst having fun!

In class 2, we experience learning which is tailored to meet our needs through whole-class, teacher-led, small group and one to one sessions. Structured and open- ended play opportunities are available both inside and outside the classroom. Our teachers believe play is the main way in which we learn and develop. We are given space to explore, make discoveries, take risks and create links in our learning as we develop our own interests. We can be nurses in the teddy bears hospital one day and pirates making treasure maps the next. We play to learn!

A phased induction at the beginning of the year allows our personal, social and emotional needs to be supported and we are encouraged to develop positive relationships with our peers and adults in school. We are expected to be respectful and well-behaved. We learn to care for each other, the environment and living things. We learn to be respectful of other’s needs, beliefs and cultures and have opportunities to participate in celebrating cultural and religious festivals.

Our year in class 2 is a very exciting time as we develop the necessary skills for future learning. In the mornings, we enjoy daily phonic sessions using the Little Wandle phonic scheme, when we learn letters and sounds and how to apply this knowledge to both our reading and writing. In our mathematics, we work practically with real life objects which supports us to develop a deep understanding of number, shape and pattern.

In the afternoons we develop our skills of understanding the world, art and DT, music and PE through discussion and practical activities. We learn how to be active, analytical and motivated learners as we explore and discover new ideas and concepts through real life experiences.

Our curriculum is linked to clear processes of learning and has specific learning goals for each subject and for personal learning. In class 2 we enjoy learning about our school, toys, dinosaurs, mini beasts and the traditional tales of Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk.

What are we learning?

Explore what ideas, topics and vocabulary our class will be exploring each half term.

Curriculum overview Autumn 1

Meet our staff

Hi, I’m Miss Holmes, and I’m so excited to be teaching Class 2! I have over 10 years of experience working with children across the UK, the United States and Sweden. Early Years education is my passion, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of children’s early learning journeys. I have a Bachelors degree in Childhood Education from the University of Warwick, a Masters in Early Years Education from UCL Institute of Education, and a Primary PGCE from Leeds Trinity University.

I love supporting children’s natural curiosity, creativity and confidence as they take their first steps in their education. I have a particular interest in outdoor learning, inspired by my experience of Forest Schools in Sweden. I enjoy providing children with opportunities to explore, solve problems and develop their communication skills through hands-on experiences.

I have a real love of reading and enjoy bringing stories to life in the classroom, helping children to develop a love of books and a lifelong enjoyment of reading. I am also a strong believer in the value of role play and the opportunities it provides for children to develop their imagination, language and understanding of the world.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, singing in a choir and spending time with my friends and family. I also love visiting my parents’ golden retriever for lots of cuddles!

Our Big Six - books we return to over and over again

The Lion Inside

Rachel Bright & Jim Field
A story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
Handa's Surprise

Eileen Browne
A delightful surprise colourfully unfolds when a little girl called Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend.
The Colour Monster

Anna Llenas
One day, the Colour Monster wakes up feeling confused. His emotions are all mixed up - he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! But with the help of a kind little girl, Nuna, they use different colours to explore and talk about emotions.
Funny Bones

Alan Ahlberg
This is how the story begins... “On a dark dark hill there was a dark dark town. In the dark dark town there was a dark dark street."
Ruby's Worry

Tom Percival
Ruby has a worry. At first it's not such a big worry, and that's all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again?
We're Going On A Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen
Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear