Year 2 Explained

Year 2 is an educational year group in schools in many countries including England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand. It is usually the second year of compulsory education and incorporates students aged between six and eight.

Australia

In Australia, Year 2 is usually the third year of compulsory education. Although there are slight variations between the states, most children in Year 2 are aged between seven and eight.^[1]

New Zealand

In New Zealand, Year 2 is the second year of compulsory education. Children are aged six or seven in this year group. ^[2] Year 2 pupils are usually educated in Primary schools or in Area schools.^[3]

United Kingdom

England

In schools in England Year 2 is the second year after Reception. It is the second full year of compulsory education, with children being admitted who are aged 6 before 1 September in any given academic year. The equivalent form in the US is 1st grade. ^[4]

Year 2 is usually the third and final year in infant or the third year of primary school.

Wales

In schools in Wales Year 2 is the second year after Reception. It is currently the second full year of compulsory education, with children being admitted who are aged 6 before 1 September in any given academic year. It is currently part of Key Stage 1, although from 2011 will form the final of four years in the Foundation phase.^[5]

Northern Ireland and Scotland

In Northern Ireland and Scotland, the second year of compulsory education is called Primary 2, and pupils generally start at the age of 5.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cost/Benefit Analysis Relating to the Implementation of a Common School Starting Age and Associated Nomenclature by 1 January 2010. Atelier Learning Solutions Pty Ltd. PDF. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20060819231907/http://www.mceetya.edu.au/verve/_resources/Volume_1_CSSA_Final_Report.pdf. 19 August 2006. 2009-01-10.
2. Web site: School years and levels. Team-up website. Ministry of Education. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20081022142236/http://www.teamup.co.nz/Child/SchoolEducation/SchoolBasics/SchoolYearsAndLevels.aspx. 22 October 2008. 2009-01-10.
3. Web site: Types of schools. Team-up website. Ministry of Education. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20081015065951/http://www.teamup.co.nz/Child/SchoolEducation/SchoolBasics/TypesOfSchools.aspx. 15 October 2008. 2009-01-10.
4. Web site: About the primary curriculum. National Curriculum Website. Qualifications & Curriculum Authority. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20080604004656/http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/Values-aims-and-purposes/about-the-primary-curriculum/index.aspx. 4 June 2008. 2009-01-10.
5. Web site: What is the Foundation Phase? . 2009-01-10 . Welsh Assembly Government . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090720133754/http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/policy_strategy_and_planning/104009-wag/foundation_phase/?lang=en . 20 July 2009 .