Year 3

In maths this term we will be focusing on multiplication and division, length and perimeter, fractions and mass and capacity. The children will be extending their knowledge of multiplication and division and learning to use formal written methods. We will also be looking at fractions in more depth which will build on their year 2 summer knowledge. Children will support their progression through TTrockstars, remember they can play this at home too! 

This term in English we’ll learn to use speech punctuation and prepositions and adverbs for cause. We’ll then look to apply these new skills in a range of text types including an explanation on how to train a dragon, a recount based on the day in the life of a stone age boy, instructions on how to wash a woolly mammoth and some cross curricular writing linked to our RE learning about Desmund Tutu.

In reading lessons we will explore a range of texts including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. We will be working on fluency, comprehension, retrieval and inference - looking for clues within texts. Children are expected and encouraged to read four times a week at home to develop their fluency and comprehension. Children will quiz weekly in Accelerated Reader to check how well they have understood their book just like in Year Two. There will be prizes and rewards for those who are reading regularly at home.

In history, we’ll be learning about the three periods of the Stone Age - Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic. We’ll then build on this learning delving into the Bronze Age and the Stone Age. We’ll then make comparisons between these three time periods. To support this learning we’ll have an off timetable experience day delivered by a historic workshop company. We can’t wait!

In PSHE we will be learning about safety and the changing body. This will include how to spot a fake email and how to respond in emergency situations. 

In art we’ll be completing a paint and mixed media unit where we’ll use our Stone Age learning for inspiration. We’ll use natural objects to make tools to paint with and make and mix our own natural paints. We’ll also work on our craft and design skills creating our own paper.

In RE we will be learning about Hinduism. We will learn about Ghandi and Hindu beliefs around Karma. We will then move onto Christianity where the children will be learning about why Jesus is thought of as the King and the Kingdom of God. 

In science we will be learning all about rocks and how they are formed. We will be doing lots of experiments to test rocks and investigate how different rocks are formed as well as fossils. We will spend the second half of the spring term learning about animals including humans and what nutrition they need as well as looking at their skeletons.

• Year 3 will have PE on a Wednesday and a Thursday. Please ensure your child is wearing the correct PE with tape provided or earrings taken out. Children with long hair also need to ensure they have their hair tied back. 

• Children are expected to complete the spelling sheet that is sent home every Friday and TTRockstars for 15 minutes each week. 

• Children are expected to read at least 4 times a week at home and record this in their planners.

As geographers, we'll explore the fascinating world of biomes and vegetation belts. We'll learn how different climates and environments create unique ecosystems, from the dense, humid rainforests to the vast, dry deserts. We'll also investigate the journey of a river, tracing its path from a tiny source high in the mountains to its wide mouth as it meets the sea. Along the way, we'll discover how rivers shape the landscape and support a diverse range of plant and animal life.

In maths this term we will be focusing on multiplication and division, place value and addition and subtraction. The children will be extending their year 2 knowledge and learning and begin to add and subtract numbers across 100. We will also be looking at multiplication and division in more depth. Children will support their progression through TTrockstars, remember they can play this at home too!

This term, we'll dive into the world of traditional tales by exploring the story of Rapunzel. We'll use this classic narrative to develop our writing skills, focusing on how to craft a compelling plot with interesting characters and a vivid setting. We'll also specifically be learning about and using prepositions in our writing to show where things are in relation to each other, like saying the tower stood above the trees or the prince waited by the door. Additionally, we'll be using the book The Tin Forest as a creative springboard for lots of different writing activities, from descriptive passages about a desolate world to imaginative stories about a new beginning.

In reading lessons we will explore a range of texts including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. We will be working on fluency, comprehension, retrieval and inference - looking for clues within texts. Some of the texts that we will be reading in the Autumn term are: The Enormous Crocodile, Hodgeheg and The Otter Who wanted to Know. Each week, we will be having a non-fiction Friday. Children are expected and encouraged to read four times a week at home to develop their fluency and comprehension. Children will quiz weekly in Accelerated Reader to check how well they have understood their book just like in Year Two. There will be prizes and rewards for those who are reading regularly at home. 

In PSHE we will be learning about family and relationships. This will include ways to resolve friendship problems and about who we can trust and what trust is. We will also be learning about health and wellbeing.

In art we will be carrying out our drawing thread which will include learning about creating tone by shading, making textured rubbings and using paper shapes to create drawings.

In RE we will be learning about Christianity, linking to reconciliation. We will focus on how reconciliation is taught, reconciliation in the bible and who Desmond Tutu was. We will then move onto Islam where children will be learning about how and why Muslims pray.

In science we will be learning all about rocks and how they are formed. We will be doing lots of experiments to test rocks and investigate how different rocks are formed.