This term, Year 2 have been learning how to add shade and tone to their drawings as part of our art unit. Inspired by the work of Paul Cezanne, the children studied his still-life compositions and discussed how he used light and shadow to create depth.

This week, they created their own observational setup featuring Cezanne-inspired items such as fruit, a metal jug, a tablecloth, and flowers. To make the arrangement personal to our school, they added a cross as a central element. The children thoroughly enjoyed observing the details and completing careful drawings of what they could see, applying their new skills in shading and tonal variation.

Alongside this, the children have been developing their sketchbook skills, using them to record ideas, practise techniques, and reflect on their own work and the work of others. This reflective process has helped them think critically about their artistic choices and celebrate progress.

On Tuesday, Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic trip to the local library filled with stories, creativity, and exploration!

The children were captivated by a selection of Halloween-themed stories, which sparked lots of excitement and imagination. After the storytelling session, they got crafty and made their very own ghost decorations to take home—each one unique and wonderfully spooky!

There was plenty of time to explore the library shelves, and the children loved sharing books and reading with their friends. It was lovely to see their enthusiasm for stories and their growing confidence as readers.

Before heading back to school, we had a little time to visit the wonderful exhibition on the first floor. The children were fascinated by the displays and enjoyed discussing what they saw.

A big thank you to the library staff for making us feel so welcome. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

In our most recent writing unit, our writing has been inspired by the delightful book Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper. The children have been learning how to write clear, step-by-step instructions — and what better way to practise than by writing a recipe for pumpkin soup!

On Monday, Mrs McHugh followed the children’s instructions to make a big pot of pumpkin soup, filling the classroom with the warm, comforting smells of autumn. The children then had the exciting opportunity to taste the soup they had written about. For many, it was their very first time trying pumpkin soup — and their reactions were a joy to see!

Now, the children will be using this experience to write a diary recount of their first taste of pumpkin soup. We’re looking forward to seeing how they capture their thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences in their writing.

Thank you for your continued support — a

nd don’t be surprised if your child asks to make pumpkin soup at home!

This week, Year 2 have been diving into the world of shade and tone as part of their art learning. The children explored how artists use light and dark to create depth, mood, and contrast in their work.

Yesterday, they experimented with a variety of techniques to build their own tonal ladders. Using pencils, they practised:

• Hatching and cross-hatching for textured shading
• Stippling to explore tone through dots
• Pressure control and pencil hold to vary the darkness of their marks

It was wonderful to see the children so engaged, carefully observing how small changes in technique can make a big difference in their artwork. Their tonal ladders are now proudly displayed in the classroom, showing off their growing skills and creativity!

Yesterday, our Year 2 children had a fantastic time taking part in a First Aid workshop! They learned lots of useful and interesting information, including how to give CPR and the importance of items like bandages, gloves, and wipes when helping someone in need.
The children were enthusiastic and engaged throughout, and it was wonderful to see them developing such valuable life skills in a fun and interactive way.
Well done, Year 2!

🎨 Our First St Bede’s Art Gallery!

We’re delighted to invite you to explore our very first St Bede’s Art Gallery, a celebration of creativity, reflection, and faith. Over the past academic year, children from Nursery to Year 5 have taken part in the Spirited Arts competition, exploring the theme “All God’s Creatures.”

Each piece of artwork has been thoughtfully linked to words from Scripture, helping our pupils reflect on the beauty and meaning of God’s creation. From colourful collages to intricate sculptures, the children have poured their hearts into expressing how animals and nature connect to faith, care, and wonder.

🖼️ The gallery is on display for you to enjoy from Monday to Wednesday this week on your way to and from the curriculum meetings. We hope it brings you joy, inspiration, and pride in the incredible work your children have created.

This is our first time hosting an art gallery, and we hope to make it a yearly tradition—not only to showcase our children’s talents, but also to help raise funds for the school.

📖 Before you leave, please take a moment to share your feedback or ideas in the book provided at the door. Your thoughts will help us grow and make future exhibitions even more special.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yesterday, Year 2 had an incredibly busy and exciting morning working alongside the talented local artist, Pui Lee! The children were absolutely buzzing with creativity as they teamed up in small groups to design and build stunning sculptures of butterflies and dragonflies.

With Pui Lee’s expert guidance, the classroom was transformed into a hive of artistic activity. The children explored different materials, shared ideas, and brought their imaginative visions to life through sculpture. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn new techniques and express themselves through art.

These beautiful creations are being prepared for entry into the Spirited Art Competition, and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort and teamwork shown by everyone involved.

We’re even more excited to announce that these wonderful works of art will be showcased in our school exhibition this autumn term. Keep your eyes peeled for the exhibition date — we can’t wait to share our masterpieces with you all!

Year 2 had an absolutely amazing day at Hall Hill Farm, filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable animal encounters! 🐾

As part of our Science topic on animals and their habitats, the children explored how different animals are suited to their environments. They learned lots of fascinating facts and saw these ideas come to life all around the farm.

Here are just some of the highlights from our day:

• 🍼 Bottle-feeding lambs – a hands-on experience the children loved!
• 🐣 Holding fluffy chicks and learning about their life cycle
• 🐐 Feeding sheep and goats – some were very eager for snacks!
• 🐇 Petting soft rabbits and talking about their habitats
• 🐄 Milking pretend cows – lots of laughs and great technique!
• 🐹 Holding guinea pigs – gentle and adorable!
• 🦘 Seeing wallabies up close and learning about their unique features
• 🐴 Meeting horses and alpacas – a big hit with everyone!
• 🚜 Enjoying a tractor ride tour of the farm – a brilliant way to see even more animals and the beautiful surroundings

It was a day full of smiles, curiosity, and hands-on experiences that brought our Science learning to life. We truly had the best day!