Year 2 Curriculum Overview Autumn 2025

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2 Curriculum Overview Autumn Term and Year Summary 2025/202

Teaching and Curriculum at Hampton Court House

Hampton Court House Prep is about providing an educational experience centred around the child with bespoke approaches for every individual. Whether in classroom settings, extra-curricular activities or charity work, we teach the children to be well-rounded and caring and to contribute to all aspects of school life. Our day-to-day curriculum is one of the foundations of this approach. Lessons are designed to be interesting, engaging, supportive and challenging so that all children feel able to do their best. Teachers will always enable children to contribute fully to lessons, learn and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and ideas, and to shape their voice as part of a dynamic, but homely, community.

Intent

At Hampton Court House, our Years 1 – 6 curriculum is designed with the holistic development of each child in mind. We aim to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, and confidence in our students. Central to our intent is the bilingual program for Years 1 – 4, where approximately (30%) of the curriculum is delivered in French. This unique approach not only enhances language skills but also broadens cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility. Our goal is to support every child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth through a rich and balanced curriculum where mistakes are accepted, and questions welcomed.

Implementation

Our curriculum is implemented with a focus on creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment with a sense of fun. For Years 1 – 4, the bilingual program integrates French into everyday learning, covering subjects such as history, geography, science, and drama. Each student receives support through a variety of tools, such as visual and auditory aids, including pictures, games, gestures, key sentences, and videos, that create a rich French-speaking environment. Students are encouraged to express themselves in the target language using songs, role-playing, and stories, which help boost their confidence and motivation to communicate in French. This immersive setting enables children to progress naturally and quickly, developing both their comprehension and speaking skills. Lessons are structured to build on previous knowledge, ensuring a smooth progression. Within years 5 and 6 more specialist teachers are used to deliver the curriculum which allows for the development of skills necessary to start their secondary education in year 7. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including individual tasks, group work, and hands-on activities, to cater to different learning styles. Continuous assessment practices allow us to monitor each child's progress closely and provide personalised support as needed.

Impact

The impact of our carefully crafted curriculum is seen in the enthusiasm and active participation of our students. They develop strong foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, and science, along with the ability to think critically and solve problems. The bilingual program enhances their language skills and cultural awareness, giving them a broader perspective and improved cognitive abilities. Our students also grow in confidence, independence, and social skills. Regular assessments demonstrate enhanced academic progress and personal development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their education with a lifelong love of learning and a unique bilingual advantage.

Key contacts

Year 2 students will identify the changes that autumn brings to our surroundings, in particular the differences we can observe in trees. Studying the work of artists such as Gustav Klimt, Henri Rousseau and Andy Goldsworthy, pupils will make observations about the methods used to depict various landscapes. Pupils will be introduced to the medium of acrylic paint and will develop their drawing skills and colour theory to create various artworks in response to the artist studies

Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

What are we studying?

Trees: Making art in response to ‘The Tree of Life’, by Gustav Klimt and ‘Surprised! (or Tiger in a Tropical Storm)’, by Henri Rousseau Focusing on pattern, shape, symbolism, collage and drawing skills

Trees continued: Making art in response to the art of Andy Goldsworthy and Piet Mondrian Focusing on temporary art, sculpture, tonal values, pattern and introduction to acrylic paint

Ernest Shackleton: Pupils will read William Grill’s telling of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to cross the Antarctic, making art in response to the illustrations in the book Building upon drawing skills by looking at new techniques and approaches, introducing mixed media

Superheroes: Working on a large-scale collaborative piece, pupils will study the drawings of James Gulliver Hancock and create a cityscape in which to place various superheroes, villains and villainous inventions

Clay: Birds Looking at the bird studies of Matt Sewell and John James Audubon, students will learn watercolour techniques to paint different birds Pupils will each make and decorate a clay bird to be fired in the kiln, revisiting pinch pot techniques and expanding on skills with clay modelling and building techniques

Sewing project: Taking inspiration from textile designer Donna Wilson, pupils will design and stitch a soft toy This project aims to develop fine motor skills and revisits mastery of a basic running stitch

Découverte du Monde (Discovering the World)

DDM is split into discrete subjects in order to cover a wide range of knowledge across humanities and sciences. Whilst it is an interlinked curriculum, we ensure that the essential foundation of knowledge needed for the later years of prep in each subject and senior are covered.

History

In Year 2 this term, we will explore the chronological order of significant historical events. We will look at the significance of events behind living history - focus on Remembrance Day. We will also discover the Royal family, understand that generations succeed one another starting at George I. We will also discover Versailles and Louis XIV. Throughout Black History Month we will learn about key events in our mutual history and how nationalities, civilisations and people are connected.

Geography

We will identify and name the continents and oceans, recognise the cardinal points and situate ourselves on maps and globes according to the equator. We will locate countries on a map, recognise their flags, capital cities and important facts about them. We will also learn about the United Countries and its countries.

Science

We will explore different materials like glass, plastic, metal, wood, paper, brick, and rock, and describe their properties using vocabulary such as stretchy, stiff, hard, soft, shiny, dull, bendy, inflexible, rough, smooth, absorbent, unabsorbent, waterproof, and permeable. Through hands-on activities and discussions, we will deepen our understanding of these concepts and develop scientific inquiry skills.

Découverte du Monde, continued

Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

What are we studying?

Read the time on a digital watch and situate the moments of the day looking at our school timetable.

Use a timeline to order events.

Events behind living memory that are significant nationally or globally: Remembrance Day (France and UK).

Learning about the role of the monarch, Queen Victoria, Elizabeth II and King Charles III. Explore a selection of materials and discuss how they might be tested for their suitability

Understand the difference between man-made and natural materials.

Discover the history behind Versailles.

Learn about Louis XIV and his influence on France.

Observe the various states of matter (gas, liquid, solid) and its changes.

Know the process of the water cycle.

Identify and name continents, oceans and the four cardinal points.

Link climates and landscapes. Identify cold and hot areas in the world in relation to the Equator.

To identify the United Kingdom and its countries on a map; know their flags and their capital cities, customs, and traditions.

Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other.

Use world maps, atlases and globes to locate countries.

Focused work on the following countries: Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Madagascar.

Use simple compass directions to describe the location of features and routes on a map. Describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food.

Events behind living memory that are significant nationally or globally, focus on the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart

Exploration of the new world: Christopher Colombus. Discover the inventor’s role in developing exploration.

Explore the birth cycle of animals and humans

Describe the importance for humans of exercise, eating the right amounts of different types of food, and hygiene.

Recognise the different typologies of landscapes and use basic geographical vocabulary. Sustainability with links to exploitation of resources inf rain forest; protection and preservation. Observe and describe how seeds and plants grow.

Understand the needs of plants and what is meant by dispersal.

English

In Y1 and 2 we use the ‘Read Write Inc.’ phonics program. It is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme for teaching early reading and writing, designed to ensure progress for every child. Children move through the course according to their own individual progress. Most children will have completed the course half-way through Y2. Those pupils will then explore other aspects of reading and writing to consolidate their skills. Those pupils who need a little more time will continue on the programme to ensure they make the desired progress to ensure all pupils are ready for Y3.

We make sure that Read Write Inc. teachers inject their lessons with energy and enjoyment, from teaching the first sounds to developing fluency and comprehension and engaging children in the best stories that reflect all children’s lives. Children learn to read sounds and blend them into words. They apply this phonic knowledge to read and comprehend Storybooks that are carefully matched to the sounds they know. Children learn to read these books with a storyteller’s voice supporting development of prosody (stress and intonation) and expressive communication skills. The aim of Read Write Inc. Phonics is for children to learn to read early. By the end of term 2 in Year 2 children should be able to read stories at over 70 words per minute.

They also learn how to form letters using mnemonics to help them. They learn to spell correctly using their Fred fingers. And they learn to compose their own writing - drawing upon ideas from the story they’ve just read.

Everything knits together: The phonics supports the reading and writing; The reading supports the writing, the writing supports the reading. While your children are learning to read, they work in progress groups to master each level of phonics and reading. The reading leader assesses and re-groups children every half-term. This allows you to whisk children through the phonic stages as quickly as possible. Children work in these progress group for one hour each day. This means they are learning at their ‘challenge’ level for five hours a week.

The children progress through colours which identify a different level of phonics knowledge and reading stage.

Children who have started the curriculum in September in Reception should have completed all levels by the time they finish year 2.

Extra - support

One-to-one tutoring:

Even with the best teaching and the best programme, there are some children who need extra practice to keep up. We accelerate the progress of these children with 10 minutes one-to-one tutoring every day. However long it takes, we don't give up!

Home support

Read Write Inc. provides everything parents need to help their children practise reading at home. Each week, children take home their Read Write Inc. Storybook and corresponding Book Bag Book. Virtual Classroom videos are sometimes sent home during holidays to help with motivation and to continue the momentum build up.

Forest School

Forest school is the part of our prep curriculum built entirely around outdoor learning At HCH we have the advantage of excellent grounds that we take full advantage of Throughout Year 1 and Year 2 children develop their confidence, self-esteem and risk-taking skills further through a variety of purposeful and adult led activities in Forest School Children will develop a wide range of skills that are cultivated in an outdoor environment, such as bush craft skills, curiosity and care of the natural environment Our curriculum links to Science, Art and Geography And considers the wellbeing of every child as we go through the curriculum We will start the year covering being safe around a fire We will then lead to exploring the natural environment focusing on the changes that they see during seasons

Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

What are we studying?

Safety in the natural environment and taking safe and supervised risks

Observing the changes in weather and in the natural environment for Autumn and Winter

Celebrate Autumn Harvest and Christmas

Building dens and using tools safely

Celebrate Chinese New Year and harvest from community garden to cook a Chinese meal on the open fire

Celebrate National Birdwatching and make bird feeders for winter birds

Fairytales and stories that link to play in the natural environment

Celebrate National Wildlife Day

Observing new changes in the natural environment coming into Spring and planting

Celebrate World Bee Day

Summer 2 Minibeasts, map making and treasure seeking

Year 2 Curriculum Overview Autumn Term 2025

In the autumn term, Year 2 will begin their French learning journey by exploring a range of key sounds including [a], [i], [u], [ch], and [r]. They will learn vocabulary related to themselves, politeness, instructions, and stationery, helping them build basic communication skills. As part of their cultural learning, pupils will write a Christmas card in French for elderly people in France, developing both language and empathy. They will also be introduced to using a bilingual dictionary to translate and understand simple words.

In the second half of the term, they will focus on new sounds such as [e], [é], [o], and [j], and expand their vocabulary to include numbers from 20 to 30, colours, weather, and daily routines. Year 2 will also begin to explore simple grammar rules, including the use of capital letters and full stops.

Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

What are we studying?

We will learn the sounds [a], [i], [u], [ch], [r]. We will learn vocabulary about themselves, politeness, instructions, stationery. Year 2 will write a Christmas card for the elderly in France through the Culture lesson. To discover how to use a bilingual dictionary to translate and understand simple words.

We will learn the sounds [e], [é], [o], [j]. We will learn vocabulary about numbers from 20 to 30, colours, weather, daily routine. They will discover some grammar rules, such as beginning to punctuate sentences and using capital letters and full stops.

We will learn the sounds [an], [on]. We will learn vocabulary about pets, animals, countries, nationalities. They will discover the masculine and feminine nouns.

We will discover the following new complex sounds [ou], [in]. They will also discover singular and plural nouns. We will learn vocabulary about professions, workplaces, transports.

We will discover the following new complex sounds [oi], [eil]. We will learn vocabulary about physical description, personality traits. We will discover some grammar rules, such as the present tense of the verbs to be and to have using je/tu/il/elle. Year 2 will write a letter to a penpal in Belgium through the Culture lesson.

Year 2 will be able to read and find independently information to answer comprehension questions through Sami and Julie level 1 beginner. We will discover some grammar rules, such as the present tense -er verbs using je/tu/il/elle. We will learn vocabulary about instruments, leisure, sports, activities.

Francophone Culture

Our aim is to continue to explore the francophone world, whilst also remember and celebration culture in France, by marking some of the big celebrations and festivals of the year.

In year 2, in the Autumn term, the children are learning about another country where French is spoken: Belgium. From recognising the country’s flag and capital city to finding out about the main monuments to visit in Brussels, the children have also been introduced to 5 main cities and their architecture as well as traditional Belgian food and drink. Year 2 have also found out about a couple of famous Belgian cartoonists and have learned about the traditions of Christmas in Belgium. It’s been wonderful to see the children’s engagement and enjoyment in learning about French culture.

Term

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

What are we studying?

This half term, the children locate Belgium on a map, recognise its flag and find out about the capital Brussels and its monuments. They will find out about Belgian food and drink, as well as be introduced to the tradition of the Halloween tradition.

The children will be introduced to the comic writers originating from Belgium. They will read some, watch some and create their own. They will also look at the Belgian traditions for Christmas, learn French songs and create a French greeting card.

Year 2 will begin the term with an introduction to the ‘Galette des rois’. They will learn about the royal family of Belgium. They will also enjoy French and Belgian pancake day and look at the festival of Saint Valentin.

This term will begin with an introduction to the ‘Carnaval de Binche’, create our own masks and find out about the celebrations. The children will learn about Isala Van Diest for International Women’s Day and will also find out about the Festival Van Vlaaderen. We will finish with understanding the traditions of Easter in Belgium.

We begin by discovering about the wildlife in Belgium. Then the children will work on la ‘Fete du 1er mai’. They will also go back in time to learn about the history of Belgium through the Battle of Waterloo.

In this last half term, the children will find out about Ommegang – a historical Belgium celebration. Year 2 will discover the Belgian artist, Rene Magritte. The children will recreate art in his style. We will also learn about la Fete Nationale de la Belgique- 21 Juillet.

In the first half term the pupils will learn about:

Count to 100, identify number, estimate

Place value in 2-digit numbers

Make and write amounts of money

Make amounts of money; give change

Addition/subtraction facts; missing nos

Know how many to next multiple of 10

Add and subtract 10/20; extend to 11/21

Use facts to add several numbers

Add/subtract numbers bridging 10

Understand multiplication as sets

Understand doubles/halves to 20

In the second half term the pupils will learn about:

Measure lengths in metric units; rulers

Measure weights in g and kg

Measure capacities in litres

Understand hours, minutes, seconds

Tell the time; introduce 5-min intervals

Add/subtract using facts and place value

Use facts/patterns to add/subtract

Add/subtract multiples of 10

Add/subtract 11, 12, 21, 22, etc

Add/subtract near multiples of 10

Add pairs of 2-digit numbers

Left, right, clockwise, anti-clockwise turns

Draw and describe 2-D shapes & polygons

Sort shapes: Venn and Carroll diagrams

Tally charts, block graphs and pictograms

3-D shapes; identify edges, faces, vertices

How it will be assessed:

Termly online assessments are completed by the pupils to demonstrate their depth of understanding of the mathematical topics that they have been studying In addition, informal oral assessment takes place in lessons throughout the term to consolidate and assess depth of understanding

Term

Autumn 1

Place Value and Money

Addition and Subtraction Multiplication and Division

Autumn 2 Measures Addition & Subtraction

Shape and Data

Place Value and Fractions

What are we studying?

Spring 1

Addition and Subtraction Multiplication and Division

Spring 2 Time Multiplication and Division

Summer 1

Summer 2

Number, Fractions, Money Calculation Strategies

Puzzles and Problems

More calculation: Ready for Y3?

Organised physical activity is vital to child development, both in terms of strength and growth cognitive, motivational and social skills The Year 2 children will focus on the core skills of two invasion games, football and netball. In football, the children will be taught how to perform the core skills to play the game This will include passing, shooting, dribbling, agility and small sided conditioned games In netball, they will learn the fundamental skills of catching, throwing and movement Students will be taught the basic positions, how to shoot and the different types of passes they can use in competitive game situations

Term

Autumn

Spring

Summer

What are we studying?

Football: Passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.

Netball: Passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games

Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls

Games: balance, coordination, agility, throwing and catching.

Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding

Athletics: sack race, long jump, javelin throw, obstacle race, relay, 60m sprint.

Performing Arts

At Hampton Court House, we believe that the performing arts are integral to our school community. Therefore, are curriculum is built around students actively participating in various performances throughout the year. We are committed to offering inclusive opportunities that allow every student to showcase their talents.

In our lessons, to prepare for these performances students will focus on developing spatial awareness, musicality, vocal, physical, and character skills to enhance their performance abilities. They will learn stage craft and understand how to engage an audience.

Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on collaborative and creative skills, which are essential for every child's growth. Our classes incorporate engaging games and activities designed to foster teamwork, improve peer interaction, and develop the ability to follow directions. Students are encouraged to contribute creative suggestions through music, movement, and dialogue, ensuring a well-rounded arts education at Hampton Court House.

We begin the year by preparing for our Christmas show, Year 2 students will focus on developing their ballet skills, alongside incorporating singing into their performance.

In Year 2, Drama will be taught in French, enhancing language skills through theatrical expression. By the Easter term, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a dedicated showcase event.

Throughout the year, there will also be numerous recitals and concerts, providing students with platforms to display their musical abilities and talents.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

Our PSHE curriculum in provides pupils with a broad and balanced programme that nurtures their personal development, emotional wellbeing, and understanding of the world around them. It encompasses all areas of PSHE, including the statutory elements of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education.

The curriculum is structured into six key learning themes, delivered across the academic year. These themes are revisited annually, allowing children to deepen and extend their understanding as they progress through the school. This spiral approach ensures that each topic is explored with increasing maturity and relevance, building pupils' confidence, empathy, and resilience at every stage of their development.

Parents have a right to request to withdraw their child from sex education delivered as part of RSE up to three terms before their child turns 16. At this point, if the child themselves wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school will make arrangements for this to happen in one of the three terms before the child turns 16 - the legal age of sexual consent. More information on this will be provided in the parent information meeting in September.

How

it will be assessed

PSHE lessons are predominantly discussion based, with some written tasks for deeper comprehension and application. At the end of the lesson, the students will complete self-reflection sheets for teachers to monitor understanding and adapt future teaching. Teachers keep track of the students’ levels and understanding of the different elements of PSHE across the year.

Autumn 1

Spring 1

Being Me in My World

Hopes & fears for the year

Rights & responsibilities

Rewards & consequences

Safe & fair learning environment

Valuing contributions

Choices

Recognising feelings

Relationships

Different types of family

Physical contact boundaries

Friendship and conflict

Secrets

Trust & appreciation

Expressing appreciation for special relationships

Dreams & Goals

Achieving realistic goals

Perseverance

Summer 1

Learning strengths

Learning with others

Group cooperation

Contribution to & sharing success

Autumn 2

Spring 2

Celebrating Difference

Assumptions & Stereotypes about gender

Understanding bullying

Standing up for self & others

Making new friends

Diversity

Celebrating difference & remaining friends

Changing Me

Life cycles in nature

Growing from young to old

Increasing independence

Differences in female & male bodies

Assertiveness

Preparing for transition

Healthy Me

Motivation

Healthier choices

Summer 2

Relaxation

Healthy eating & nutrition

Healthier snacks & sharing food

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