Class 2 currently has Year 3 and Year 4 pupils.
Children come into class first thing and complete morning maths calculations and also reading. English and Maths are usually taught in the mornings with the children carrying out tasks matched to their individual abilities. A wide range is taught in English, from Grammar and punctuation tasks, to writing instructions, to story writing. We use ‘Talk for Writing’ quite a lot, which encourages the children to write more independently. This approach uses pictures which the children use to help them to structure their sentences and paragraphs correctly and in sequence. We follow a structured programme for reading, phonics and also Maths. The National curriculum objectives are covered in each subject across the curriculum. The children are also encouraged to read independently from a wide range of books we have available in the classroom.
The afternoons are usually taken up with the remainder of the curriculum such as Geography. This term the children are looking at the United Kingdom and Europe from different perspectives. In Science they are learning about Forces and Magnets and they’ll be carrying out investigations to explore this topic further. ICT is taught as a specific subject and also used to support other subjects in the curriculum. Staying safe online is one of the very important lessons taught to children in Class 2. In Art, Autumn is used as a stimulus. The children will be collecting leaves and learning how to pencil draw them, progressing later to detailed paintings.
P.E. is taught on a Tuesday afternoon and this term the children are learning skills used in invasion games, such as football, basketball and netball. This half term we have a specialist coming into school to teach gymnastics. We cook a range of sweet and savoury dishes which the children can take home. The Durham Music Service will be teaching across the school throughout the year and this usually starts with the ukulele.
Occupational Therapy is delivered through Future Steps who come into school to work on individualised programmes with the children who have access to this service. We also follow a handwriting programme which helps to develop fine and gross motor skills. Other support is also available such as CAMHs.
We make every effort to engage the children fully in all lessons. They are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities across the curriculum which are very much ‘hands on’. They are also encouraged to be as independent as possible which in turn increases self confidence and promotes a healthy interest in all learning opportunities provided.
Mrs Diane Blake, Mrs Joan Atkinson and Mrs Louise Anderson.
For further information about our curriculum or long term plans please visit the curriculum section of our website.
