Burnley Road Academy

Welcome to Class 2!
We’re so excited to have you join us in Class 2 – a fun, friendly, and supportive place where learning is an adventure every day! This year, we’ll explore a range of exciting topics across the curriculum, from fascinating history discoveries to hands-on science experiments and creative art projects. We love working together, sharing ideas, and celebrating each other’s successes. Whether we're reading new stories, solving maths challenges, or enjoying outdoor learning, we aim to make every day enjoyable and full of opportunities to grow. Keep an eye on our class page for updates, photos, and news about what we’ve been up to!

This half term, our science topic is Animals Including Humans. The children will explore the basic needs all humans require to survive and thrive, with a focus on how exercise, a balanced diet, and good hygiene contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They will also investigate how different animals, including humans, grow and develop from offspring into adults. Finally, we’ll look at how we can prevent illness and what we can do to take care of ourselves if we do become unwell.

In History this half term, we’ll be exploring how technology has changed over the past 60 years. The children will begin by discussing what the term technology means and reflecting on the types of technology they use in their daily lives. They will then look back in time to explore how technology has evolved, comparing modern-day inventions with those from the past. Through this, they’ll gain an understanding of how technological advancements have changed the way we live. The unit will also introduce key historical figures, such as Tim Berners-Lee, and examine the impact of their contributions to the world of technology.

This half term in Design and Technology, the children will be developing their basic sewing skills through an exciting project—designing and making their own bug-themed bookmarks. They will explore how elements such as size, shape, and decoration contribute to a product being both fun and functional. Using techniques like threading, running stitch, and cross-stitch, the children will build their practical skills while learning how to combine creativity with purpose. Once complete, they will evaluate their bookmarks, reflecting on how well their designs meet the needs of the user. This project will help pupils grow in confidence when planning, making, and refining their work to achieve a successful end product.

In PE this half term, our focus is on the Hit, Catch, Run theme. Working with our sports coach, the children will develop their hitting skills using a variety of bats, as well as practise feeding and bowling techniques. They’ll also learn how to hit and run effectively to score points. During our Thursday sessions, we’ll explore different games that involve hitting, catching, and running, while learning how to work as a team to field the ball. The children will also begin to take on specific team roles, such as wicket keeper or backstop, as they build their understanding of the game.

In RE this half term, our theme is Welcoming New Life. The children will explore how different religions celebrate the arrival of a new baby, focusing on the similarities and differences between Christian and Muslim welcoming ceremonies. They will be encouraged to respond thoughtfully and respectfully to the beliefs and feelings of others. As part of the unit, the children will also practise asking and answering questions about the idea of belonging, helping them to develop their understanding of community and identity.

This half term in PSHCE, our focus is on Very Important Persons (VIPs). The children will explore the important people in their lives and learn how to build and maintain positive, healthy relationships with them. They will identify what makes someone special and reflect on the value of family and friendships. Through discussions and activities, children will also learn that while relationships and families can look different for everyone, there are positive ways to resolve conflicts and strengthen connections. The unit also highlights the importance of cooperation and showing care, helping children understand the positive impact of kindness and respect in their relationships.

This half term in Computing, our focus is Computing Systems and Networks. The children will deepen their understanding of what information technology (IT) is and begin identifying examples in everyday life. They will explore where they encounter IT, both in school and in places like shops, hospitals, and libraries. As the unit progresses, they will investigate how IT helps to improve the world around us and learn about the importance of using technology safely and responsibly.

This half term in Music, our topic is Call and Response. The children will explore this traditional musical form by using instruments to represent different animals, developing their ability to listen carefully and respond through rhythm and sound. They will practise copying and repeating rhythmic patterns, as well as creating their own call and response sequences in pairs and groups. This unit not only builds their musical skills—such as timing, coordination, and creativity—but also supports teamwork and active listening. Through fun and imaginative activities, the children will gain a deeper understanding of how music can be used to communicate ideas and tell stories.