Computing – Exploring the Internet and Effective Searching

Today, our Year Two pupils began an exciting new Computing unit focused on effective searching. In this first lesson, children were introduced to the idea of the Internet and how we access information online.

We
started by exploring what the Internet is and how it connects millions of computers and devices around the world. Pupils learned that the World Wide Web is just one part of the Internet and that it is made up of the webpages we view when we are browsing online.

The class then discussed browsers, identifying familiar examples such as Chrome, Safari and Edge, and understanding that a browser is the tool we use to access webpages. We also looked at the difference between a website and a webpage, helping pupils recognise that a website is a collection of related pages under one domain.

Later in the lesson, pupils learned about web addresses (URLs) and search engines, exploring how search engines help us find information by searching an index of the web. To check their understanding, pupils completed an Internet quiz, confidently recalling new vocabulary and concepts.

To finish the session, children took part in a fun decoding activity on Purple Mash, using clues from the lesson to reveal missing words and reinforce their learning.

It was a brilliant start to the unit, with pupils showing curiosity, enthusiasm and a growing understanding of how the online world works. We’re looking forward to building on this knowledge as the unit continues.

Year 2: Have you ever tickled a dragon?!

 What an absolutely amazing and inspiring day we had this week! 🐉✨

We were thrilled to welcome Teach Rex, who arrived with a very special guest – Luna the Dragon! The children were completely captivated as they learned all about where Luna came from, her dragon origins, and what makes her so unique. There was a real buzz of excitement and curiosity throughout the session.

Inspired by Luna, the children then designed and drew their own dragons, using special dragon eyes to help bring their creations to life. They didn’t stop there either – everyone worked hard to describe their dragons using expanded noun phrases, thinking carefully about colour, texture, size and personality. The results were imaginative, detailed and fantastic to see.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, we also had a surprise visit from Ollie and his baby dragon, Roger. Poor Roger was feeling a little sad, so the children had to help cheer him up. With lots of encouragement and kindness, something magical happened… Roger changed colour right before our eyes! The children were amazed and so proud of themselves for helping him feel better.

This week is also a special one for us, as it is Miss Taylor’s final week with the class. She has been a wonderful student teacher, and we are so grateful for everything she has brought to our classroom.

To celebrate both an incredible dragon-themed week and Miss Taylor’s last few days with us, we will be continuing the dragon theme on Friday with a special movie afternoon:
🎬 How to Train Your Dragon

Children are very welcome to bring in a soft toy on the day to enjoy the movie with them.

Year 2 Science: Bringing habitats to life!

 Bugfest Brings Habitats to Life!

This week, our children had an unforgettable science experience with a visit from Bugfest – and what a visit it was! 🕷️

As part of our learning about habitats, the children had the chance to get up close with a fascinating range of creatures from around the world. They didn’t just look – they held, observed, and asked questions, turning their classroom learning into a real-life adventure.

During the session, the children met:

• Cockroaches

• Giant African land snails

• Millipedes

• Scorpions

• A variety of stick insects

• Tarantulas

• Centipedes

For many children, this was their first time seeing (and even holding!) animals like these, and they rose to the challenge brilliantly. The excitement in the room was clear – the children were absolutely captivated.

What impressed us most was how confidently the children made links to their science learning. They talked about:

• Where these creatures live

• How their bodies help them survive in their habitats

• What they might eat

• How they are different from animals we see everyday

The level of engagement was exceptional. Children asked thoughtful questions, shared ideas with each other, and listened carefully to new information. Even those who were a little unsure at first grew in confidence as the session went on.

Experiences like Bugfest help bring science to life, sparking curiosity and encouraging children to see themselves as scientists. We are so proud of how enthusiastic, brave, and inquisitive the children were throughout the visit. Some children didn't want to touch the creatures, which is absolutely fine but they still loved the learning experience. 

Ask your child which creature was their favourite – you might be surprised by the answer! 🐌✨