Chestnut

Welcome to Chestnut Class, our stimulating and ambitious Year 2 learning environment at Axbridge Church of England Academy. Led by Mrs Preece and Mrs Hector, with skilled support from Mrs Bethell (HLTA), Chestnut Class provides a purposeful and carefully structured learning experience that prepares children for the transition into Key Stage Two.

In Year 2, pupils continue to deepen their knowledge across the curriculum through our rich and connected Axbridge Inquiry Curriculum. Learning is designed to stretch children academically while nurturing creativity, curiosity and confidence. Lessons are thoughtfully sequenced to build understanding over time, ensuring pupils can make links, recall key knowledge, and apply their learning across different contexts.

Reading and writing remain central priorities, with a strong focus on developing vocabulary, comprehension, stamina and accuracy. Children engage with high-quality texts, modelling techniques and guided practice to advance their writing skills. In mathematics, pupils build fluency and reasoning through practical exploration, problem-solving and opportunities to apply number skills to real-life situations.

Chestnut Class offers a learning environment that is calm, organised and intentionally resourced. Children are supported to work with increasing independence, take ownership of their learning, and demonstrate resilience when tackling more complex tasks. Collaborative learning, partner talk, and oracy strategies are embedded throughout the day, enabling pupils to articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence.

Enrichment experiences remain an important part of the curriculum. Whether exploring local geography, investigating science outdoors, or participating in creative arts and music, pupils are encouraged to think like subject specialists—historians, scientists, geographers, artists and more.

Across all areas of school life, our core values of Community, Love and Courage guide the way we learn and interact. Children in Chestnut Class show kindness, support one another, persevere with challenges, and take increasing pride in their personal growth. Strong communication with families ensures that each child’s progress and wellbeing are consistently understood and supported.

Chestnut Class is a year full of meaningful learning, growing independence and exciting opportunities. It is a pivotal stage where children flourish academically, socially and emotionally—equipped with the confidence and curiosity to take the next steps in their school journey.