Year 3 Summer 1 Curriculum Information

During this half term, there will be lots of exciting learning and hopefully more sunshine!

We will be reading a range of books, including Stig of the Dump, which explores the themes of loyalty and bravery. We will read `Can you hear the trees talking? which looks at how you should explore a forest. This book provides some interesting questions, such as ‘How do trees breathe?’ and How do trees drink? and ‘Why don’t trees fall over?’  

In English, we shall be writing about The Happy Prince by Jane Ray.  This is a lovely book which is based on the theme that love and sacrifice are important values in human life and that happiness comes to those who make others happy. The children will empathise with the different situations that the characters faced and the selfless actions of the prince. The children will use techniques of personification and alliteration in their writing.

For History, the focus is on ‘Law and Power.’ The children will learn about The English Common Law and how legal cases were decided by Trial by Ordeal, which was by fire, water or combat. The children  will learn about Henry II and Thomas Beckett and discover the importance of Richard the Lionheart. We will look at the reign of King John and how he was forced to agree to The Magna Cart. All whilst thinking about our `Big Question.’

`Throughout history, has the quest for justice and peace through law and order been straightforward?’

In Maths, the main area of focus will initially be on fractions and comparing and ordering non-unit fractions. We will also move on to mass and capacity and the children will have opportunity to weigh objects and to measure the volume of liquids. The children will  continue to revise multiplication and division questions through their use of TT Rockstars as well.

In PE, the children will have Athletics and Football. Developing the children’s fitness and ball skills.

In PHSE, the children will study Relationships with friends and look at family roles and responsibilities. We will look at how to keep safe online and who to go to for help. We shall read our ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ book ‘Blown Away by Rob Bidduloph to compliment this unit. As the book explores supporting friends.

In Music, the children will continue to have weekly ukulele lessons, which they are currently enjoying. They will continue to use the three main chords and apply them to short songs!

In Science, the children will be continuing to build on their understanding of plants. They will initially review the various parts of the plant and to understand how plants grow, live and reproduce. The children will also look at the seasonal cycles in nature and how the Northern Hemisphere experiences warmer days in the summer, as it tilts towards the sun. This will help the children to answer the `Big Question,’ ‘What are natural cycles in nature and why are they important?’

In RE, the children will explore Hinduism. Exploring their beliefs and culture. We shall answer the following question, ‘How can Brahman be everywhere and in everything?’.

Moving swiftly onto Geography, the children will explore Western Europe, questioning ‘Western Europe – What is it like to live there?’. They will look at countries, settlements, climate and trade.  

In computing, the children will continue to look at developing their programming and publishing skills. We shall also recap online safety and what to do if something online worries or upsets us.

In Art, the children will be revising their understanding of the term architecture and architect. Looking at modern architecture they will study the work of the Spanish architect Gaudi and how he was inspired by nature.

During this term, among the plentiful things happening, the children will be provided with resources from The Creative Learning Services.

Our Class Dojo is updated regularly, so please have a look to see pictures and reminders of what is happening in Year Three!

Thank you 😊

Year 3 Spring 2 Curriculum Information

During this half term of Spring two, there will be lots of exciting learning.

We will be reading a range of books, including ‘Peter Pan’ by JM Barrie. Peter is a free spirited and mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up. He spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on the mythical island of Neverland as the leader of the lost boys, interacting with fairies, pirates, and mermaids!

In English, we are exploring ‘The Secret of Black Rock.’ The children will write in detail about the events that take place aiming to use descriptive sentences and extend their writing using literary techniques, such as alliteration and personification.

In History, we will study the Vikings and their settlements.  We will explore the many Gods that the Vikings worshipped and investigate the reign of King Alfred.  There is a story about him dreaming he defeated the Vikings, only for him to burn some cakes. Finally, we will explore the reigns of King Canute and Edward the Confessor to the Norman invasion. The children will study these events, which will lead the children to answer the ‘Big Question.’

‘How could the uniting and shared tolerance of the Anglo-Saxons, have created a more successful and positive community?’

In Geography, the children will develop their understanding of the Southwest of England. They will look at locating various areas on a map and explore famous landmarks. The children will investigate the importance of tourism, the effects of coastal erosion and answer the ‘Big Question.’

`How has our south coast changed over time?’

In Maths, the main area of focus will initially be on division looking at sharing amounts and using a number line. Then we will move on to length and perimeter and understand what these terms mean. Finally, the children will explore fractions. The children will also have the opportunity to practise multiplication and division questions through their use of TT Rockstars.

In PE, the children will have hockey and tennis and will develop their skills in these areas.

In PHSE, the children will study ‘Healthy Me’, and the children will look at the importance of exercise and having a balanced diet.

In Science, the children will be looking at plants and how they reproduce. Initially we will look at how flowering plants have roots, leaves, and flowers. We will then look at how some plants need different amounts of water to stay alive study factors, such as water transportation and pollination. This topic will be enhanced with our visit to the Botanic Garden in Leicester, in which they will investigate the conditions that particular plants need to grow, and they will experience using outdoor materials to make a natural sculpture of a tree. All whilst thinking about our ‘Big Question.’

‘Why do plants reproduce?’

In RE, the children will be studying ‘why Christians call the day Jesus died as Good Friday?’  We will look at the word salvation and how Christians believe that Jesus rescued them by dying on the cross.

The children will continue with their French lessons, and they will be practising asking and answering questions.

In computing, the children will be looking at developing their programming skills.

In DT, the focus is on textiles and the children will be learning skills such as using a cross-stitch to join two pieces of fabric together. They will then make a cushion that includes cross-stitch and applique.

The children will also be provided with resources from The Creative Learning Services, which will assist learning. We have a ‘Viking Raiders’ session on the first week back!

Our Class Dojo is updated regularly, so please refer to that to see what is happening in the class. We have so many exciting learning planned.

Year 3 - Spring 1 - Curriculum Information

Happy New Year! This half term there will be lots of exciting learning. Firstly, as you know how much we love reading, we will be reading an exciting range of books!

We will be exploring ‘The Tempest’ BY William Shakespeare and studying the events that occur in the story, look closely at the vocabulary used, which will be incorporated in our VIPERS lessons. It is a charming, magical tale of power and justice! We will also read `Max the Champion’ by Sean Stockton.

In English, our focus is on ‘Flood,’ which is a lovely picture book by Alavaro Villa about a family who are preparing for the ominous progression of a storm. The book focuses on the transition from calm to storm and the effects that the storm and the resultant flood has on the family. The story is shown pictorially, as a narrative and this helps the children empathise with the events and what the characters are feeling and thinking. The children will use their understanding of this to write their own version of the story.

In History we will be studying the Anglo-Saxons and looking how they settled in Britain. We will explore their settlements and how they lived by examining their culture, how they traded and religion. Thinking about our BIG QUESTION: ‘How could the uniting and shared tolerance of the Anglo-Saxons, have created a more successful and positive community?’

We will then look at the how the Vikings invaded and how they created Viking settlements. The tensions and battles between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings will be explored through King Alfred the Great. We will also be reading the `Dragon’s Hoard’, which are myths  from the Viking period.   

In Maths we will continue to consolidate the children’s understanding of addition, subtraction, and place value but the focus will be on multiplication and division.

The children will build on their initial understanding of recording practically and pictorially, but also develop their methods of being able to record this using the written method. They will become familiar with arrays and how to group amounts accordingly. The children will also have the opportunity to practise this through their use of TT Rockstars.  Please keep doing this at home too!

In PE, the children will have dance and OAA (Outdoor, adventurous activities), and they will develop their skills in these areas.

Moving swiftly onto Geogrpahy! We will be looking at The Southwest, learning about the beautiful landmarks, coasts and how coastal erosion occurs. Thinking about our BIG QUESTION ‘How has our South coast changed over time?’

In PHSE, the children will study Dreams and Goals and recognise the difficulties that people may face in achieving success and recognise the importance of trying to overcome obstacles. The children will also learn about refugees and how we can stop racism.

In Music, the children will be exploring how to compose using your imagination. They will focus on songs like, Disco Fever, Your imagination, You’re a Shining Star and Amazing Grace. The children will continue to develop playing the glockenspiels and attempt to read music.

In Science, the children will be looking at Light and investigating different surfaces and examine opacity, transparency, and translucency. They will also use mirrors and look at patterns in changing shadows. The Big Question is ``Why do we need light?’’

In Art, we will be looking at Anglo Saxon designs, as well as interlocking and interlaced patterns. We shall practise symmetry, illumination, and embroidery. We will refine our drawing skills through creating patterns and use different grade brushes when painting.

In RE, the children will be studying Jesus’ Miracles.’ We will look at incarnation and delve more into Christianity. Exploring the question ‘Could Jesus heal people? Were these miracles or is there some other explanation?’

The children enjoy their weekly French lessons, and the focus is on months of the year and birthdays.

In computing the children will be looking at creating media and videos, filming, using transitions and editing them.

During this term, among the plentiful things happening, the children will be provided with resources from The Creative Learning Services.

Our Class Dojo is updated regularly, so please have a look to see pictures and reminders of what is happening in Year Three!

Year 3 Autumn 2 Curriculum Information

In Autumn two, we will be exploring many exciting new things while always trying to include our school values in everything we do.  This term we will be working on resilience, enthusiasm, confidence and more.

The class will be reading several new books including ‘The Last Bear’ by Hannah Gold, ‘The Egyptian Cinderella’ by Shirley Climo and our Everyone’s welcome book: ‘The New Jumper’ by Oliver Jeffers.  We will be using these books to encourage the children with their writing.

In English, the children will learn how to write a non-chronological report about skeletons and muscles. This links beautifully with our science topic: The Human body.

In Science, we shall be thinking about our Big Question: ‘What makes us human?’ We will be learning about the different systems of the human body. Children will learn about voluntary and involuntary muscles and their purpose. They will also build prior knowledge from Year 2 through studying names of bones, joints, and their functions. The children will be examining the skeletal system, nervous system and seeing how the digestive system works!

In Geography, our learning will be about settlements. Building on an understanding of local geography, children will learn that settlements are places where people live. They will look back to ancient times when humans were nomadic hunter gatherers and will link to their learning in history about Ancient Egypt and people settling along the Nile to farm. We will begin to reflect on the settlements we have today and why they were first built. The children will also look at the link between the geography of a place and its human features. They will learn that rivers were an important resource for travelling and transporting goods in the past and that many cities grew around a river. We will look at the differences between cities, villages and hamlets and compare rural and urban settlements. Linking it to our Big Question: `Where do we live and what are the areas like?’ 

In History, we are exploring Ancient Egypt! Thinking about ‘How did a belief in gods and goddesses’ effect how Egyptians led their lives?’. During this, the children will look at Ancient Egypt’s hierarchal society at this time. Children will look at social pyramids and be introduced to the terminology- slaves, Viziers, Craftsmen/Artisans, and Pharaoh. They will also learn about what it would be like to live in Egypt at this time, looking at how archaeologists have been able to find out about the food they ate, the clothes they wore, the houses they lived in and the jobs they did. The children will learn about the similarities and differences between the lives of the rich and the poor. We shall also look at the religious beliefs of Ancient Egyptians as this was paramount to understanding some of their great achievements- such as the building of the pyramids. We will look at Egyptians beliefs regarding the afterlife and will look at the artefacts found in the tombs of both a craftsman and his wife, as well as one of the most well-known pharaohs- Tutankhamun. This will give pupils a deeper understanding of life in Ancient Egypt.

In Maths, we will be reinforcing the children’s understanding of addition and subtraction and developing their skills of multipliying and dividing. Please use TT Rockstars to encourage your child with their timestables.

In Art and Design Technology, the children will recognise how a castle is made up of multiple 3D shapes and they will use their skills to build a complex structure.

In RE, we are exploring Christianity and thinking about the following question: Has Christmas lost it’s true meaning?’. We shall see if sacred texts have to be ‘true’ to help people undrestand their religion.

Moving on switly to PHSE! Our focus is looking at ‘Celebrating differences’ and how important it is to care for each other. We shall also look at the effects of bullying and how to solve it.

The children will be continuing to learn French with a specialist teacher and they will also have computer lessons on systems and networks. The focus will be on ‘a journey inside a computer!’.

In PE, the children will be exploring dodgeball. Additionally, on Friday mornings we are very fortunate to have a cricket coach from Leicestershire County Cricket Club, who will be teaching the children.

We are very fortunate to have workshops provided by the Creative Learning Services. A historian will come into school to talk about the River Nile and Egypt.

There will also be an interactive Assembly on Remembrance Day and a Christmas Assembly titled ‘Deck the Halls,’ which will explain what Christmas was like in Leicestershire in 1891.

We have so much more planned for this half term, which we look forward to sharing with you all on Class Dojo. Please keep looking on our Class Dojo page for regular updates and information.

Year 3 - Autumn 1 Curriculum Information

Are you ready for a new year with lots of learning? We will be exploring many new and exciting things! We will be reading several new books including ‘The Wild Robot,’ by Peter Brown and ‘The Street Beneath my Feet’ by Charlotte Gillion. In ‘The Wild Robot’, robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time and discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is - but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realises that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. As Roz befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home - until, one day, her mysterious past comes back to haunt her. The children will love this heartwarming and action-packed illustrated novel exploring what happens when nature and technology collide.

  In the classroom we will be using these books to encourage the children with their story writing. In English, we shall be reading ‘Stone Age boy’ by Satoshi Kitamura. One day, a little boy is walking along when he trips, stumbles and falls ... into the Stone Age! He meets a girl his own age and her tribe and learns all about their way of life. He watches them make tools, clothes, and weapons. He sees how they hunt, fish, cook, celebrate – and even how they paint on the walls of caves. This links with our History topic ‘The Stone Age to the Iron Age’, where we shall be looking at ‘How have British settlements developed to improve civilisation in the modern world?’

We will also be talking about where we live in Geography, thinking about our Big Question: ‘How can we find our location?’. Throughout this unit, children will be building on their understanding that maps, made by cartographers, give us information about different locations. They will look at Ordnance Survey symbols and understand what they represent. Children will encounter new and ambitious vocabulary that features throughout the unit, offering children many opportunities to rehearse and apply it in their talk tasks and written work.  

 In Science we shall be exploring different kind of rocks, whilst thinking about our Big Questions: ‘How are rocks formed?’. We shall be exploring key knowledge of rocks, including their appearance and simple physical properties We will also be learning about different scientists and particularly what geologists do.

In Maths we will continue learning about place value, and be reinforcing our knowledge of addition and subtraction. Please use TT Rockstars to encourage your child with their timestables as this will really help them in their maths lessons!

In Art the children will have opportunities to practise their skills about different artists on themed days. For Art this half term, the children will be focusing on lines as a basic tool. This includes lines with different materials, line weight, different types of line, different ways to use line, printing to create lines. As a result, the children will be developing their continuous line drawing, line weight and drawing contour line.

In RE this term, we will be exploring Hinduism and focusing on the questions, ‘Would celebrating Diwali at home and in the community bring a feeling of belonging to a Hindu child??’. In PHSE our focus is looking at ‘Being me in my world’ and considering self identity and worth, which compliments our everyone’s welcome book, ‘Dogs don’t do Ballet’ by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilive. This is a fabulous feel-good book about a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams. Can she be a ballerina and a dog in her world?

In computing, we will explore computing systems and networks. The children will also start learning French with a specialist teacher, practising oracy and greeting skills. Moving swiftly onto PE! The children will be developing their balls skills, practising control, as well as practising Fundamentals, where we will develop the skills of balancing, running, jumping, hopping, and skipping.

At the Grove, we are always trying to include our school values in everything we do. This term, we will be working in the classroom on self-belief, honesty, confidence, teamwork and more! We will also be going on numerous trips throughout the year. Our first trip will be to a working farm, which will be very memorable experience for the children.

We have so much more planned for this half term, including our memorable learning boxes, which give us artefacts and books for children to get hands on with their learning. Finally, we look forward to sharing this with you all on Class Dojo. Please keep looking on our Class Dojo page for regular updates and information.