Hello! A warm welcome to Year 2. I am Mr. Murphy and I'm heading into my 17th year as a teacher. I am very much looking forward to continuing as a Year 2 teacher and making the year as fun and fulfilling as possible for each and every one of you. 

I have a passion for all things sports and enjoy the challenge of learning something new. I love running the sports teams and extra-curricular sporting programme at English Martyrs. I still stay as active as possible by cycling, running and playing the odd game of 5-a-side football and rugby whenever I can. I also love to read and spend time with my family (I talk about them a lot in class!) and friends, as well as travelling to new countries and cities.

Welcome to Year 2

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela.

In Year 2, learning becomes more formally structured in a fun and purposeful learning environment. Our classroom has the children at the centre, focusing on their own interests and needs for learning. 'Working Together' and sharing ideas and learning is at the heart of all that we do allowing the children to build confidence, take ownership of their learning and become much more independent along the way. As Mother Teresa said "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things." This allows the children to be role models for Key Stage 1.

The children’s learning begins to take a more skills-based approach. In maths, the children use their knowledge to solve problems, to reason and make links with maths in the world around them. We nuture and promote a love of reading, through linking high quality texts to our writing work and in the topics that we learn about. As scientists and historians the children are encouraged to ask questions, make observations and follow lines of enquiry. 

The children begin to think more deeply about the world around them: how does their local area compare to others, how they can make a difference, how to treat other people in our world and how to be a living example of Christ’s teaching. As artists and designers, the children have opportunities to explore, experiment and create through learning a range of techniques.

All children are encouraged to work to the very best of their ability and give their all, being challenged and supported every step of the way. At the heart of it all, our priority is to ensure every child is happy, safe and learning.

As the children make their transition into Year 3 they will undertake the End of Key Stage 1 assessments, enabling us to make judgements about the children’s attainment and progress. As role models to the children in Year 1 and EYFS, the children begin to have more responsibilities such as becoming a Play Leader or taking part in the School Council and Sports Council.