At Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, our Year 2 curriculum encourages children to become curious explorers, creative thinkers and increasingly independent learners. Through six engaging topics, children build their knowledge of the past, investigate the natural world and develop an understanding of their local community and the wider world.

• Beyond the Castle Walls – Children explore castles and castle life, investigate towers, bridges and tunnels, and learn about the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. They test the properties of everyday materials and design and construct their own castles.
• The Marvellous Materials Lab – Practical investigations help children discover how materials can be mixed, shaped and changed. They develop their creativity through colour mixing, painting, texture and collage.
• Secrets on Our Doorstep – Children investigate their local area through fieldwork, map-making and learning about community life. They compare homes, schools and shops in Victorian times with those today, alongside finding out what humans and other animals need to grow and stay healthy.
• The Secret of the Pirate’s Map – Children learn about pirates, explorers and rescue at sea, including the story of Grace Darling. They locate continents and oceans, use maps and compass directions, investigate plant growth and develop clay techniques to create a lighthouse.
• A Bug’s World – Children explore minibeasts, habitats and microhabitats, learning about life cycles, simple food chains and how living things depend on one another. Outdoor exploration supports careful observation, while designing fairy furniture develops their understanding of strong structures.
• Treasures of the Shore – Children discover coastal features, rock pools and seaside wildlife, compare seaside holidays past and present, and consider how pollution affects our oceans. They also develop their design and construction skills by making a working fairground wheel.

Throughout the year, stories, practical activities, outdoor learning and visits bring learning to life. Music, PE, computing and online safety develop children’s physical, creative and digital skills. RE explores Christian and Jewish beliefs and encourages reflection on caring for our world, while PSHE and No Outsiders promote kindness, respect, inclusion, healthy relationships and personal safety.