Welcome to Year 3!

Meet the Staff:

Class Teacher: Sam Rogerson

Teaching Assistant: Amanda Butcher

Click here to read the Class Newsletter - TERM 1

Click here to read the Class Newsletter - TERM 2

TERM 3

English

This term, we are immersing ourselves in the thrilling story Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit. The tale transports us to ancient Pompeii, where Tranio and Livia experience life in the bustling Roman city before escaping the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Our English lessons will focus on:

• Diary Writing: Pupils will imagine themselves as children living in Pompeii, detailing the sights, sounds, and daily routines of a vibrant Roman city. They will explore the culture, architecture, and lively markets while practising descriptive language.
• Breaking News Report: Pupils will step into the role of reporters, creating and performing a breaking news segment about the volcanic eruption. Using green screen technology, they will bring their reports to life with dramatic flair, combining factual details with persuasive and engaging presentation skills.
• First-Person Recount: Through the eyes of a survivor, pupils will write an emotional and vivid recount of escaping the eruption, focusing on sensory descriptions and the feelings of urgency and relief.

These activities will enhance narrative skills, foster creativity, and build an understanding of historical contexts.

Maths

In Maths, we’ll conclude our work on subtraction before delving into multiplication and division. A major focus will be on mastering the 3, 4, and 8 times tables, key components of mathematical fluency.

Pupils will engage in:

• Hands-On Activities: Exploring real-world scenarios to apply multiplication and division concepts.
• Interactive Learning: Using platforms like Maths-Whizz to personalise and reinforce their understanding.
• Mental Maths Challenges: Developing speed and accuracy with fun and competitive exercises.

These lessons aim to build confidence and prepare pupils for more complex problem-solving.

Science

This term’s topic is Forces and Magnets. Pupils will uncover the fascinating world of physics through interactive investigations and experiments.

Key learning areas include:

• Understanding Magnets: Pupils will explore how magnets attract and repel, test their properties, and learn about their practical uses in daily life.
• Exploring Forces: From pushes and pulls to the effects of friction, pupils will discover the principles behind motion and how forces interact with objects.
• Isaac Newton and Gravity: Pupils will learn about Newton’s groundbreaking discoveries and their relevance today.

This hands-on approach will inspire curiosity and develop scientific thinking as pupils hypothesise, test, and draw conclusions. 

Ways You Can Support Your Child at Home

To support their learning, we recommend these daily activities:

• IXL Practice: Spend 10 minutes improving Maths or English skills.
• Times Table Rockstars: Dedicate 10 minutes to practising times tables.
• Reading: Share a book with your child for at least 15 minutes and discuss the story together.
• EdShed Spellings: Practise weekly spelling patterns and vocabulary.

Your involvement at home is invaluable in reinforcing classroom learning and boosting confidence. 

PE Reminder

PE lessons are every Wednesday, and proper kit is essential for safety and full participation.

• Required Kit: Dark tracksuit bottoms, a house team T-shirt, a school jumper, and trainers.
• Safety Note: Incorrect clothing can lead to injuries, so please ensure your child is dressed appropriately.

We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe and ready to enjoy PE activities.

Timetable

 Here’s a closer look at a typical day in Year 3:

• Morning Work: A mix of IXL, Times Table Rockstars, EdShed, or creative free writing.
• Registration: Starting the day together as a class.
• Reading Carousel: Small group sessions tailored to improve fluency and comprehension.
• English: Engaging lessons based on our term text, Escape from Pompeii.
• Break: Time to recharge and socialise.
• Accelerated Reader (AR): Independent reading followed by comprehension quizzes.
• Maths: Hands-on problem-solving and skill development.
• Story Time: Exploring a class text to foster a love of literature.
• Lunch: A well-deserved break to refuel.
• Close Reading: Deep analysis and discussions of texts.
• Wider Curriculum: Covering Science, History, Geography, or Art.
• Handwriting Practice: Enhancing handwriting fluency and neatness.
• Hometime: Wrapping up the day.

Year 3 is packed with opportunities for learning, creativity, and exploration. Thank you for supporting your child’s journey, and we’re excited for the term ahead!