OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 2 – Lots of Learning – Lots of Fun!
Reading
Our school day starts at 8:45 a.m. with our Morning Reading program, where parents are warmly invited to join us in the classroom. During this time, they can assist by listening to and sharing their child’s take home reading books. Students are encouraged to develop their independence by selecting and swapping their own books each morning.
Every day, students engage in a variety of structured reading activities aimed at developing their reading skills. These activities, conducted through both Literacy groups and whole-class sessions, include comprehension tasks—both literal and inferential—guided reading, and the use of programs such as Reading Eggspress, MyON, and SRA. Additionally, students participate in Library sessions and focus on specific reading strategies to further enhance their literacy skills.
Writing
Students dive into thrilling daily writing adventures where they master the art of various genres, from captivating narratives and detailed recounts to persuasive expositions and vivid poetry. They explore the nuances of each style, honing their skills in crafting compelling explanations, eye-catching descriptions, and informative reports.
Oakleigh South Primary School’s dynamic approach of VCOP, enhances their writing by progressively developing their vocabulary, connectives, openers, and punctuation. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on handwriting and presentation, teaching precise letter formation, encouraging a smooth writing style, and instilling a deep sense of pride in their work.
Spelling
At Oakleigh South Primary School our spelling program incorporates the SMART Spelling approach, designed to help students develop strong foundational spelling skills. This SMART spelling lesson is conducted on Mondays. Throughout the week, students participate in mini-lessons which focus on breaking down their spelling words into their correct graphs, digraphs, and trigraphs. Every Friday morning students are assessed through a spelling test that includes a dictation component to reinforce their learning and application of spelling strategies in context.
Speaking and Listening
The basic listening skills of eye contact, focussing and active listening are taught and constantly reinforced through daily activities and structured speaking and listening tasks. Students are also encouraged to participate in discussions and share their thoughts, opinions and ideas with the class.
The Year 2 Production is the major component of this curriculum area in which the children’s speech, expression and overall confidence is highly developed as they work towards a major stage performance presented to a large, live audience.
Mathematics
Students engage in daily mathematics sessions that cover key curriculum areas such as number, algebra, measurement, space, and statistics. These sessions are designed to build on a solid foundation in mathematics through a blend of practical and written activities, helping students understand mathematical concepts and how they apply to everyday life. To deepen their understanding, students are also challenged to solve worded problems. A strong focus is placed on developing quick recall of number facts and mathematical tables, supported by maths challenges, games, and activities. Furthermore, computer programs like Maths Invaders and Mathletics are integral to the students’ learning, with each child participating in these programs regularly and in a structured manner.
Writing and Maths Groups
At the beginning of Term 2, the Year 2 cohort is divided into differentiated Writing and Maths groups, which meet twice weekly. Teachers carefully structure the groups to meet the unique needs of each student. The groups are designed to offer students targeted learning opportunities that develop, reinforce, and extend their skills in these areas alongside their classroom curriculum learning.
Integrated Studies
Each term we have a themed unit that is integrated throughout our curriculum. The areas of focus are: ‘Hear Them Roar’ (Living, non- living, diet, habitat of animals), ‘Water, Water, Water’, ‘Make It, Move It’ (Simple machines & forces) and ‘Australia’.
Year 2 Production
The major event of our year is the Year 2 Production in which every child participates and has an important role. This is an integral part of the children’s performing arts and speaking and listening curriculum. It is wonderful to see the children’s confidence and ability in singing, acting, dancing and expressive speaking develop throughout the year culminating in nightly performances in magnificent costumes on stage with costumes, lighting and sound.
Swimming Program
As an important part of our Physical Education program, the children are provided the opportunity to participate in an intensive swimming program at Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC).
ICT
Students have access to fully equipped computer labs throughout the school, iPads and a set of computers within each classroom. Computer skills develop competently with extensive use of the computers for research, presentation and learning programs.
Specialist Subjects
The Specialist subjects of music, art, Japanese and physical education are taught by a band of dedicated teachers and children are involved in at least one session of these each week.
