Year 3

Welcome to our Year 3 page.

Year 3 is the first step of the Key Stage 2 journey, where children will learn to work with increasing independence and build their confidence and knowledge within a new setting. We aim to build on the foundation knowledge from Key Stage 1 and stretch children to deepen their skills across all subjects.

Our year 3 team consists of Miss Holley supported by Mrs Symes, Miss Randell supported by Ms Bragg and Mrs Bryant (lower phase leader) supported by Mrs Squires. We plan and work closely together to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment, adapting our teaching to meet the needs of the children.

We use ClassDojo as our main communication platform, so please contact a member of the Year 3 team if you have any questions.

What we learn in Year 3.

Reading:

 

We explore and read a variety of engaging texts. We focus on skills of skimming and scanning to locate and answer questions with a focus on retrieval, inference and ordering.

All children use Accelerated Reader to read, quiz in school, and move up to the next level when they are ready, whilst working towards earning their bronze, silver and gold badges. These initial levels are based on termly Star Reader tests which are completed in class.

 

Handwriting:

 

We develop cursive joined handwriting, using the correct tripod pencil grip, starting with a focus of joining individual letters, progressing to joining whole words which we practice regularly.

 

English:

 

In Year 3, we write for a range of purposes including diary entries, persuasive, narratives, recounts and many more!

Our tests include:

  • Leon and the place between.
  • The First Drawing.
  • The BFG.
  • The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
  • Cloud Tea Monkeys.
  • The Thames and Tide Club.
  • The Tin Forest.
  • Our Tower.

We follow the National Curriculum for SPAG objectives and tailor this to each class.

 

Mathematics:

We have a focus on times tables fluency in preparation for the Year 4 multiplication check, using a range of strategies including Ashley Downs, Times Table Rockstars and Times Tables Olympics. We focus on fluency and reasoning and encourage children to explain their answers to deepen understanding linking to Mastery in Maths. Topic covered in year 3 include:

  • Number and place value.
  • Addition and subtraction using a formal method.
  • Multiplication and division using a formal method.
  • Fractions – unit and non-unit.
  • Measurement including length, time, mass and capacity.
  • 2D and 3D shapes, including right angles.
  • Statistics including bar charts and pictograms.

 Science:

In Year 3, we focus on a range of topics including:

  • Rocks and soils.
  • Forces and magnets.
  • Animals including humans.
  • Plants.
  • Light and shadows.

We complete investigations and explore fair tests, enquiries and processes, some of which are recorded in our floor book.

History:

Our Year 3 topics include:

  • Prehistoric Britain – from Stone Age to Iron Age.
  • The Mayans.
  • Shang Dynasty.

We focus on historical enquiry, evidence, vocabulary and making connections. We also try to have a fun wow session within these to inspire learning.

Geography:

Our Year 3 topics include:

  • Our local area of Hamp – including a walk.
  • What would it be like to live in a different county – comparing Somerset to Greater Manchester.

We also focus on the different types of geography and the meaning of it.

Religious Education (RE):

In Year 3, we learn about different religions and respectfully explore why these are all important to different people. These all start with an investigative question. We cover the following areas of different religions:

  • What is important to me? – Christianity and Judaism.
  • What can we learn from the life and teachings of Jesus? – Christianity.
  • Why are some stories special? – Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.

Computing:

We use Purple Mash and follow the scheme of work for this on iPads. Topics include:

  • Coding and programming.
  • Online Safety.
  • Touch typing.
  • Spreadsheets and databases.
  • Emails.
  • Simulations.

Art:

Children learn how to use a range of techniques and materials within art. They look at different artists and create gestural drawings using charcoal.

Design and Technology (DT):

DT follows a set structure where we look at and evaluate products using CAFEQUE, complete market research, practise skills, design and then make a final product.

In Year 3 our topics, each with a cross-curricular link are:

  • Mechanisms.
  • Structures.
  • Textiles.

 

Physical Education (PE):

• Developing coordination and fitness.
• Participating in team games and athletics.

PSHE:

In Year 3, PSHE consists of:

  • Being me in my world.
  • Celebrating differences.
  • Healthy me.
  • World of work.
  • Relationships.
  • Money matters.

However, additional PSHE around in school or world-wide topics may also be covered in assemblies and circle time. All children are encouraged to show how they are feeling on the board each day.

Music:
• Singing, performing and composing using Charanga.
• Exploring rhythm, pitch and melody.
• Learning to play the recorder.