Year 2 had a fantastic time investigating mini-beasts at Gibside. They explored a range of different habitats, carrying out fieldwork in the meadows and discovering creatures in the forest. After all their hard work, the children enjoyed some well-earned fun in the forest playground!

As part of STEM Week, our Year 2 children had great fun learning about different careers—such as doctors and engineers—to help inspire their scientific thinking. They also enjoyed taking part in a range of exciting investigations throughout the week.   Slime Investigation They mixed cornflour, water and food colouring to make some amazing slime.This slime is special because it doesn’t behave like normal liquids. When you poke it, squeeze it or press it, it suddenly becomes ha

In their Geography lesson, Year 2 children named, located, and identified the key characteristics of the four countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom and its surrounding seas, our Year 2 children took part in a collaborative research activity. Working in small teams, the children explored facts about each of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. They gathered information, created colourful and informative posters, and then proudly presented their work

In Year 2, the children have been learning about Living Things and Their Habitats . They explored the school grounds to investigate real-life habitats, carrying out observations and collecting data about the different plants and animals they found living there.

Safer Internet Day 2026 was marked on Tuesday 10 February, centred around the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.” This important event encouraged children and young people to think carefully about how they use artificial intelligence, voice assistants, and online content, helping them make safe and informed choices in the digital world. Across the whole school—including Year 2—children took part in an online assembly featuring safe

Year 2 carried out a fair scientific investigation to explore the question: “Do plants need light to grow healthy?” The children planted cress seeds and placed two pots in a dark cupboard and two pots on a sunny windowsill where they could receive natural light. After one week, they observed a noticeable difference. The cress grown in the light was fresh, green, and strong, while the cress grown in the dark became tall, thin, and had yellow leaves. From their observations, th

Children in Year 2 have been learning about the religion of Islam. This week, they explored how and why Muslims pray (Salah), deepening their knowledge and understanding through discussion and new vocabulary. The key words they focused on included Salah, Allah, Wudu, and Halal. We were especially fortunate to have Muslim children within Year 2 who were enthusiastic about sharing their faith. They helped their classmates understand the beliefs and daily practices that are an i

Year 2 dressed in their party best and joined Year 1 for a fantastic end of term disco. The children enjoyed plenty of dancing and games, followed by a drink and a hot dog treat. Everyone had a wonderful time!

Children in Year 2 have been inspired by Picasso to colour and paint portraits. They explored his abstract paintings and developed the knowledge of primary colours in order to mix and use the colours they made. They also drew and painted various shapes using different brush strokes and markings seen in his paintings. The pupils were then inspired to draw a Picasso picture using an APP for painting. Application of skills •      Develop knowledge of the colour wheel •      Mix

Each class from St Joseph’s Primary School attends All Saints Church on a weekly rota. During these visits, pupils have the opportunity to participate in Mass and worship alongside parishioners. Father Maridas, our parish priest, leads the Mass. This week was the turn of Year 2.

Year 2 enjoyed visiting Seven Stories to watch a pantomime of Puss in Books!   ‘Once upon a time, in a land far away, resides Puss in Books – the most famous and fearful scaredy cat in all of Storyland. Puss in Books is strictly a library cat, risking all his nine lives through the safety of a good novel. But when he discovers his friends have disappeared is Puss brave enough to venture outdoors and into the deep dark forest to find them? The Cheshire Cat thinks Puss has what

Fairground Wheel The children enjoyed designing and making their fairground wheels. Children needed to know various key skills: ·         Everyday objects have mechanisms. ·         Many things that move have parts inside to help them work. ·         Mechanisms usually limit unwanted movement. ·         Everyday objects utilise wheels and axles. ·         Wheels must be able to turn to work effectively. ·         Axles allow wheels to turn without falling off. ·         The f

Throughout this term, Year 2 have enjoyed building teamwork skills during PE team games.   The children have worked on many skills that include: ·        Coordination ·        Teamwork ·        Communication ·        Problem-Solving ·        Strategic Thinking ·        Decision-Making ·        Understanding Rules ·        Confidence ·        Resilience ·        Motivation The children always look forward to these weekly sessions with Mr Stephenson.

The Sleepy Shepherd Year 2, alongside Year 1, performed The Sleepy Shepherd as their nativity story. It told the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of a very sleepy shepherd who was visited by Angel Gabriel and told of the good news! The shepherd travels to meet the new baby Jesus, alongside the angels, stars, wise men and camels. He eventually finds Mary, Jospeh and of course baby Jesus in a stable and this is where it all begins. The children enjoyed telling the

Year 2 children joined an online webinar live from Antarctica. This was hosted by Robert Swan OBE,  the first person to walk to both poles,  and Jenny Cooke from the 2041 Schools charity and founder of Oddizzi, in which we are using for our Geography lessons. The children learned a lot about life in the Antarctica as well as the ongoing mission to save  Antarctica  from the realities of climate change. The children had the opportunity to ask questions and listen to the respon

The children in Year 2 have been making their Advent promises as part of our preparations for Christmas. The children have been reflecting on the meaning of Advent and have thoughtfully created their Advent promises and related it to their everyday lives. These promises encourage the children to live out Catholic Social Teaching by showing love for others, caring for creation, and promoting justice and peace as they prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Year 2 children will be learning about photography during the Autumn Term.   They will learn to recognise that different devices can be used to capture photographs. They will learn the skills of capturing, editing, and improving photos. Finally, they will use this knowledge to recognise that images they see may not be real. The first lesson was to learn simple technical skills of basic camera operation. The children explored the grounds of St Joseph’s to capture images they c

In October we dedicated time to praying the Rosary to celebrate the "Month of the Rosary," a Catholic tradition . This involves teaching pupils about the Rosary, reflecting on its mysteries and praying together. Year 2 took time to reflect on Mary and learn about the different parts of the Rosary beads. Mary  is celebrated as a central figure of faith, love, and devotion. She is a symbol of love, humility, and trust in God, inspiring the pupils to emulate her virtues.

Year 2 visited Beamish Museum to learn about life in Victorian times. The children started their visit in a Victorian Classroom. They learned all about the expectations and got to experience a real-life Victorian Teacher! They practiced writing on a slate and used a graphite pencil. They looked around the pit village as well as the 1900 town. They enjoyed the visit to the farm and experienced travelling on a tram!

PICCOLO MUSIC   Children in Year 2 have been enjoying participating in music lesson provided by Piccolo. Piccolo Music sessions focus on learning through play, moving to music, singing, inventing actions and sounds and experimenting with musical instruments. Year 2 children have been focusing on using their own bodies to create music by making a repeating pattern and rhythm.