Year 3 |
Welcome to Palm and Pine Class
| Palm Class Staff |
| Teacher: Miss Rowswell |
|
|
| Teacher Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA) is usually half a day on a Friday; Mrs Bailey teaches the class during this time. |
| Pine Class Staff |
| Teacher: Mrs Shires (Monday & Tuesday) |
| Teacher: Mrs Stewart (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) |
|
Teacher Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA) is usually half a day on a Tuesday and Wednesday; Mrs Bailey teaches the class during this time. |
|
|
Welcome to an exciting new Autumn Term in Year 3! We are so looking forward to welcoming the children back and beginning another wonderful year of learning, discovery and adventure together.
This term promises to be full of exciting opportunities, as the children settle into their new routines, develop their independence and build on all the wonderful learning from Year 2. We have planned a rich and engaging curriculum filled with creativity, curiosity, exploration and plenty of hands-on experiences.
Below, you will find an overview of the exciting topics and subjects the children will be exploring throughout the term. We can’t wait to see their enthusiasm, confidence and love of learning grow as we embark on this new chapter together!
English
We begin our English learning this term with free verse poetry, inspired by the imaginative and magical poem The Magic Box by Kit Wright. The children will explore how poets use descriptive and powerful vocabulary to create vivid images in the reader’s mind. They will experiment with language, expanded noun phrases and exciting imagery before creating and performing their own magical free verse poems.
Our next focus is narrative writing, inspired by the charming story Mini Rabbit Not Lost by John Bond. The children will explore character and setting, learning how to develop ideas and structure an engaging story. They will practise using descriptive language, conjunctions and a range of sentence structures as they create their own narratives based on the text.
We then move on to the wonderful world of fables. The children will explore the features and purpose of traditional fables, thinking carefully about the morals and messages they teach. Inspired by the uplifting stories of Rachel Bright, including The Lion Inside and The Koala Who Could, the children will develop their own characters and create fables with meaningful messages. They will learn how to use dialogue, descriptive language and carefully chosen vocabulary to bring their stories to life.
Later in the term, we turn our attention to non-chronological reports, inspired by Incredible Jobs You've Probably Never Heard Of. The children will discover some truly unusual and fascinating careers while learning how to organise factual information clearly for the reader. They will explore the use of headings and subheadings, technical vocabulary, facts and present-tense writing before researching and creating their own factfiles about a weird and wonderful job they would love to do.
Throughout the term, the children will have lots of opportunities to develop their vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure, while most importantly building their confidence and enjoyment as writers. We are looking forward to seeing their imaginations shine through in their creative writing and discovering the wonderful ideas they have to share!
Maths
Our Maths learning begins with place value, helping the children to build a strong foundation for their exciting journey through Year 3. We will explore numbers up to 1,000, looking closely at the value of each digit and learning how numbers can be partitioned in different ways. The children will practise counting in different steps, compare and order numbers and use their growing understanding of place value to tackle a range of reasoning and problem-solving challenges.
We then move on to addition and subtraction, where the children will develop their confidence when working with increasingly larger numbers. They will explore a range of mental and written strategies, learning how to add and subtract efficiently and accurately. They will also begin to use exchanging when working with larger numbers and apply their skills to a variety of practical and problem-solving situations.
Following this, we begin our work on multiplication and division. The children will explore the relationship between these two operations through practical activities, equal groups, arrays and sharing. They will develop their understanding of multiplication and division facts and begin to recognise the links between related calculations. Alongside this, we will work on building fluency in the 3, 4 and 8 times tables, helping the children to recall these facts with increasing speed and confidence.
Throughout the term, we will encourage the children to talk about their mathematical thinking, explain their methods and learn from mistakes. They will have regular opportunities to develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills, while building the confidence, resilience and independence they need to become successful mathematicians. We are very excited to see the children grow in confidence as they begin their Year 3 Maths journey!
Science
Our Science learning this term begins with the fascinating topic of Animals, Including Humans. The children will learn about the important role of skeletons and muscles in helping our bodies move and stay supported. They will identify and name different bones in the human body and explore how muscles work in pairs to create movement. We will also investigate the different types of skeletons found in the animal kingdom, including endoskeletons, exoskeletons and hydrostatic skeletons, comparing how they support and protect different animals. Alongside this, the children will learn about the importance of keeping our bodies healthy through a balanced diet and the correct nutrition, exploring how the food we eat provides our bodies with the nutrients and energy they need. Through practical activities and investigations, the children will develop their understanding of how our bodies are structured and how they work together to keep us healthy and active.
We then move on to Forces and Magnets, where the children will explore the fascinating forces that act all around us. They will investigate how objects move when a force is applied and explore the effects of pushes and pulls. The children will discover how magnets attract and repel, identify magnetic materials and investigate which materials are attracted to magnets. Through practical experiments and fair tests, they will make predictions, observe carefully, record their findings and use evidence to explain what they have discovered.
Throughout the term, the children will have lots of opportunities to develop their scientific enquiry skills, including asking questions, making predictions, carrying out fair tests, recording results and discussing what their findings tell them. We are excited to nurture their natural curiosity as they begin their Year 3 Science journey and discover more about the fascinating world of science!
History
Our History learning this term takes us all the way back to The Stone Age to the Iron Age, as we begin an exciting journey through one of the most fascinating periods of British history. The children will discover what life was like for people living in Britain thousands of years ago and explore how their way of life changed over time.
We will begin by exploring the Stone Age, learning about hunter-gatherers, early settlements and the ways people survived without the modern technology and resources we have today. The children will investigate the development of farming and consider how this significant change affected the way people lived, worked and organised their communities.
We will then travel through the Bronze Age and into the Iron Age, discovering how new materials and technologies changed everyday life. The children will explore the development of metalworking, settlements, trade and weapons, while learning how archaeologists use artefacts and other evidence to help us understand the past. They will develop their chronological understanding and begin to consider how and why life changed throughout this period.
A real highlight of our topic will be our exciting visit to Celtic Harmony in October, where the children will have the opportunity to step back in time and experience life in the Stone Age for themselves. Through hands-on activities and immersive experiences, they will be able to bring their classroom learning to life and develop a deeper understanding of how people lived during this fascinating period.
Throughout the topic, the children will have opportunities to become history detectives, examining evidence, asking questions and making deductions about the people who lived during these fascinating periods. We are looking forward to bringing this incredible period of history to life through practical activities, creative learning and our exciting visit to Celtic Harmony!
French
In French, the children will begin building their confidence with some of the essential language needed for simple conversations. They will learn how to use everyday greetings, ask someone’s name and respond using simple phrases. They will also learn the names of different colours and numbers, practising these through fun, interactive activities and games to help develop their pronunciation and recall.
We will then move on to the delicious topic of fruits! The children will learn the French names for a range of different fruits and develop their ability to understand and use this new vocabulary in simple spoken sentences. Through songs, games and practical activities, they will have lots of opportunities to practise their French in a fun and memorable way.
Throughout the term, the children will be encouraged to listen carefully, join in confidently and have a go at speaking French, developing their pronunciation and growing their enjoyment of learning a new language.
Music
Music remains an exciting part of our curriculum. Throughout the term, the children use their voices and a variety of instruments to play and perform both individually and together. They learn about rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics and begin to understand how these musical elements work together to create different moods and effects. They also explore the history of music in greater depth, listening to pieces from different times and discussing how music has changed and developed over the centuries. By the end of the term, the children will have created their own musical patterns and short compositions, showcasing their creativity and growing confidence.
Computing
In Computing, the children will develop their digital communication skills as they learn about email. They will explore how emails are used to communicate with others, learn how to compose and send messages and discover how to use features such as attachments. We will also focus on the importance of communicating appropriately and safely online, helping the children to understand how to be responsible and respectful digital citizens.
We will then move on to route planners, where the children will develop their problem-solving and computational thinking skills. Using Purple Mash, they will explore how routes can be planned and represented, following instructions and making decisions to navigate from one place to another. They will practise giving clear instructions, identifying the most efficient routes and solving challenges using logical thinking.
Throughout the term, the children will have lots of opportunities to develop their confidence using technology, while learning how digital tools can help us communicate, plan and solve problems. We will encourage them to think carefully about how they use technology and to become confident, safe and responsible users of the digital world.
PE
In PE this term, the children will begin by developing their fundamental movement skills through Fundamentals, focusing on balance, coordination, agility and control. They will take part in a variety of activities designed to develop their confidence in moving their bodies effectively and safely. We will also explore Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA), where the children will work together to solve challenges, follow instructions and develop their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
We then move on to Fitness, where the children will explore different ways to improve their stamina, strength, speed and overall fitness. They will take part in a range of activities and challenges, learning how to recognise the changes that happen to their bodies during exercise and beginning to understand how regular physical activity helps us to stay healthy.
Finally, the children will explore Dance, developing their ability to move with control, rhythm and expression. They will learn and perform a range of movements, working individually, with partners and in groups to create sequences and respond creatively to music. Throughout the term, our PE lessons will help the children develop physical confidence, resilience, teamwork and a positive attitude towards being active.
Design & Technology
Our Design and Technology topic this term is all about cams and moving toys. The children will begin by exploring how mechanisms work and investigating how a cam can be used to create different types of movement. They will look at examples of moving toys, identifying the different parts and considering how the mechanism makes the toy move.
The children will then design and make their own moving toy, selecting an appropriate cam and mechanism to create a desired movement. They will develop their practical skills as they measure, cut, join and assemble materials, learning the importance of accuracy and careful construction. They will also think creatively about the appearance of their toy and how they can use different materials to bring their ideas to life.
Throughout the project, the children will plan, make, test and evaluate their designs, making improvements when something does not work as expected. We are looking forward to seeing the children’s creativity and problem-solving skills shine as they bring their very own moving toys to life!
Geography
In Geography, the children will develop their understanding of maps and mapping skills, building important skills that will support their geographical learning throughout Year 3 and beyond. They will explore different types of maps and learn how maps can be used to represent places and help us understand the world around us.
The children will learn how to use compass directions, symbols, keys and grid references to locate and describe places on a map. They will develop their ability to read and interpret maps, following routes and giving clear directions using appropriate geographical vocabulary. They will also have opportunities to create and draw their own maps, carefully considering how information can be represented clearly.
As the children develop their mapping skills, they will begin to understand how scale, distance and location help us make sense of different places. Through practical activities and problem-solving challenges, they will become increasingly confident in using maps to navigate, describe locations and communicate geographical information.
This exciting topic will help the children become confident map readers and young geographers, developing skills that they can apply to their learning about the wider world throughout their time in school.
Art
In Art, the children will begin the term by developing their drawing skills, exploring how artists use different lines, shapes, textures and patterns to create detailed and expressive artwork. They will experiment with a range of drawing techniques and materials, learning how to control their tools and make thoughtful choices about the effects they want to create.
We will then explore the fascinating world of prehistoric art, taking inspiration from the cave paintings created by early humans. The children will investigate examples of prehistoric paintings and consider why people may have created them and what they can tell us about life in the past. They will experiment with natural colours, textures and mark-making techniques before creating their own prehistoric-inspired artwork.
Throughout the unit, the children will develop their skills in painting and mixed media, exploring how different materials can be combined to create interesting effects. They will have opportunities to plan, create and evaluate their artwork, making thoughtful decisions about colour, composition and texture. We are looking forward to seeing the children’s creativity shine as they take inspiration from the earliest artists and create their own unique pieces of prehistoric-inspired art!
Religious Education
In RE, the children will begin by exploring the question “What is the Trinity and why is it important for Christians?” They will learn about the Christian belief in one God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, exploring what Christians mean by the Trinity and why this belief is important to Christian faith and worship. Through stories, discussion and creative activities, the children will consider how the three persons of the Trinity are represented and how Christians understand God.
We will then explore “How is faith expressed in Sikh communities and traditions?” The children will learn about important Sikh beliefs, practices and traditions and discover how faith is expressed within Sikh communities. They will explore the significance of the Gurdwara, the Guru Granth Sahib and key Sikh practices, considering how these help Sikhs to live out their faith in everyday life.
Throughout our RE learning, the children will be encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, share their ideas and listen respectfully to the beliefs and experiences of others. These topics will help them develop their understanding of Christianity and Sikhism while appreciating the diversity of religious beliefs and traditions around them.
Reading in KS2
In KS2, children are encouraged to become confident, expressive and passionate readers. Most children will move fairly quickly onto the broader range of books available in the Brown, Grey and Blue book bands. Your child may spend quite a while on each book band. This isn't because they are not progressing, it is rather an opportunity for your child to be exposed to a wide range of authors, genres and styles of writing at a level in which they can comprehend what they are reading. They will be asked to answer comprehension questions to show their understanding of what they have read and encouraged to discuss the books they have enjoyed from the book band and the ones they have disliked.
We aspire to make every child a passionate reader and need your help to do this!
We will try to read with your child as often as we can in school. This will be either 1:1 with an adult, or in a guided reading activity where the children will read in a group and discuss the text together. We aim to read with your child once a week but encourage you to supplement this by reading with your child as often as possible at home.
Ways you can help at home
- Read with your child for 10 minutes every day
- Support your child to complete the homework set each week
- Ask your child questions about stories that they are reading to you, or about stories you are reading to them.
- Ask your child to tell you the time to help them to practise the skill of telling the time. To challenge your child, you could ask them to tell you the time on both an analogue and digital clock.
- Ask children to help you to count out money and ask for change
- Encourage your child to write stories, recounts, shopping lists to help build their stamina for learning.
Websites for homework:
TT Rockstars
Spelling Shed
If you have any questions please talk to any of the team in Palm and we will be happy to help you. You can also make an appointment at the school office. Look out for further messages about events in school through parent mail.
We thank you for your support this year.