What we do in Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 is the Junior Stage of Primary School, covering Years 3 to 6. The Head of Key Stage 2 at Longvernal is Mrs Diane Lawrence.

In 2009 the children opted for 'trees' as the theme for our class names to go with our new forest school and outdoor learning focus. So in Key Stage Two at present we have two mixed age classes called Maple Class (Years 3 and 4) taught by Mrs Kerry Costello, and Sycamore Class (Years 5 and 6) taught by Mrs Lawrence.

We operate an 'open door' policy so that parents or carers are able to come in and share any concerns they may have. We feel strongly that it is always easier to sort out any worries or problems sooner rather than later because if we don't know then we can't help!

'Topic Based' Learning

In Key Stage Two we use a 'topic-based' approach to deliver the creative curriculum. This means we decide upon a central theme, and then link as many subjects to that theme as possible, to make our learning relevant.

In the past few years we have studied topics as diverse as: Rainforests, Native Americans, Thailand, Ancient Egypt, and Our Britain. As far as possible we link our learning to celebrate local and national events leading to Easter Egg Hunts and our very own Royal Wedding.

The children are really enthusiastic about this way of working. They are used to starting each topic by posing lots of questions to frame our learning for the term. We then spend time working our way through each and discovering the answers! They often do some of their research for homework and we are really grateful for any help you can give them as parents.

We try to deliver as much of our Literacy learning through topic as we can. So, for example, when learning about the Vikings, we read and wrote Viking myths and legends then wrote news reports about Viking Raids. We believe strongly that good readers make better writers so we ask for parents' support in making sure that every child practises their reading at least three times a week at home.

In Maths we are always working to improve our mental maths speed to help our written maths. It is essential that children have instant recall of their number bonds to as their multiplication tables within five seconds. So we encourage you to keep them practising!

Games and Swimming

Games/PE happens at least twice a week so it is helpful if their kit is in school during the week – by all means take it home on Friday for washing.  PE kit should be navy shorts and white t-shirt with daps for inside work or trainers plus dark tracksuit if cold. For one term a year your child will go swimming at South Wansdyke Leisure Centre.  For health and safety reasons they expect boys to wear trunks not swimming shorts and girls to wear a one piece costume. Long hair is to be tied up or tucked into a swimming hat.