Welcome to Spring Term 2026

Welcome to Spring Term 2026

Mrs Stevenson and Miss Jones

Welcome Back to School – Year 2

A very warm welcome back to school and to a new year! We hope that you have all had an enjoyable break and are looking forward to 2026 as much as we are.

The start of the term was not quite what we expected, with the heavy snow and challenging road conditions. We hope that you were still able to spend some of this time creating special memories with your children.

We are so excited for the new term with your wonderful children and would like to share some updates about what’s happening this term. There have been some changes to our staffing structure at St. Gabriel’s, which means that our Year 2 family is slightly different this term. We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Tennyson-Kee and Miss Morris to our class team.

Year 2 Class Team

• Mrs. Stevenson – Class Teacher (Tuesday and Wednesday)
• Miss Jones – Class Teacher (Monday, Thursday, and Friday)
• Mrs. Chetwood – Teaching Assistant
• Mrs. Hall – Teaching Assistant
• Mrs. Tennyson-Kee – Teaching Assistant
• Miss Morris – Welfare Assistant

Year 2 Learning

The children will continue to build on the knowledge and skills developed in the autumn term, following the National Curriculum through a broad and balanced scheme of work.

Religion
This term, our topics are Galilee to Jerusalem and Desert to Garden. We continue to focus on ‘Be Graceful’ alongside embedding Catholic Social Teaching standards across the curriculum. The children enjoy learning their prayers daily and taking part in class and whole-school collective worship each week. Last term, they explored praying for others, and we now have a beautiful collection in class. Class worship will continue to develop their knowledge, understanding, and ability to consider others thoughtfully.

• Maths
  We will continue using the Primary Stars programme, beginning with the topic of money. Children will also have access to Times Tables Rockstars from home to practise times tables; login details and an accompanying letter will be sent at the start of term. Mental maths skills will be developed through daily Maths Mastery sessions, alongside in-class times tables practice.
• English
  English lessons will follow a text-based approach, using picture books and non-fiction texts linked to our topic themes. Discrete grammar, spelling, and handwriting lessons will complement this, with guided reading sessions each Monday. Children will also begin the term by writing resolutions and personal goals for the year ahead.
• Art and Design Technology
  Last term, the children developed sketching and drawing skills through African art, self-portraits, and seasonal textures. This term, we will explore the theme People, studying artists such as Lowry, Elisabeth Frink, and Quentin Blake. In Design Technology, children will develop planning skills in moving parts and learn about healthy eating in Food Technology.
• Science
  Our science topic is Biology – Humans and Animals. Children will explore life cycles, human growth, basic needs for humans and animals, balanced diets, caring for pets, and keeping healthy.
• History
  This term, children will explore the life and pioneering work of Florence Nightingale during the Victorian era, building on last term’s study of the Great Fire of London.
• Geography
  Children will study continents, seas, climates, land features, and habitats, comparing locations around the world and learning about where different animals live.
• Computing
  The focus this term will be online safety and using programs to create digital pictures, accessed via iPads in class.
• PE
  PE takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please ensure all earrings are removed and that children have both indoor and winter PE kits in school, including navy tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts for outdoor sessions.
• Homework
  Homework will be sent home on Wednesday and should be returned the following Wednesday. This includes spellings and other activities to support learning at home. Daily spelling practice using the look, say, cover, write, check method is very helpful. Supporting your child with homework will contribute significantly to their progress.
• Reading
  Daily reading at home is essential. Developing comprehension skills through discussion and questioning is key. Children will read to a member of the team on their designated reading day, and reading diaries will be updated. Books can be returned and changed throughout the day. Recommended online resources include:
• Oxford Owl
• BBC Bitesize KS1
• Times Tables
• TT Rockstars
• Belongings
  Children should bring a water bottle daily. A healthy fruit/vegetable snack will continue to be offered each morning. Personal toys or items of emotional value should be left at home to avoid distractions or upset if lost. All clothing should be clearly named.

Contact Information

For queries or concerns, please contact us directly:

Mrs. Stevenson: cstevenson@stgabriels.cheshire.sch.uk

Miss Jones: ajones@stgabriels.cheshire.sch.uk

For urgent matters, please contact the school office:

Telephone: 01270 875770

Email: admin@stgabriels.cheshire.sch.uk

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fantastic term ahead!

With all our best wishes, The Year 2 Team.