We hope families have all had a wonderful Easter break and have spent quality time, doing the things you enjoy. Despite only being back a week, the children in Year 3 have fully immersed themselves into their learning, and have been hard at work, undertaking an array of exciting and engaging activities.  

Personal Development 

This week, we have been exploring Personal Development, and as such, learning has focused on PSHE, well-being and online safety. The week began with the children discussing the key question: Should people have to pay for clean water? 

Children have also learnt: 

• How to maintain a healthy lifestyle 

• About the benefits of being healthy 

• How athletes keep healthy and fit 

• How to help someone who has been bitten or stung 

• How media might not always reflect reality 

Local History Day

On Wednesday, the whole school celebrated Local History Day with a range of exciting and enriching activities. Year 3 had the fantastic opportunity to meet Lara Maiklem, who spoke to the children about her role as a mudlarker. She shared fascinating insights into the history of the local area and explained how historical treasures can be discovered along the river, sparking great curiosity and enthusiasm among the pupils.

The children also learnt about the significant historical figure Sarah Thorne, exploring her legacy and contributions. They reflected on her impact and completed artwork inspired by their learning.

As part of the day, the children took part in their own archaeological dig, carefully examining objects and making thoughtful inferences about what they might have been used for and who they may have belonged to.

In the afternoon, the children enjoyed Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA), where they searched for historical figures hidden around the school grounds, applying their knowledge in a fun and active way.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging day, with all the children fully immersed in learning about local history.

RE 

This week in RE, the children have been learning about Sikhism. They explored key Sikh beliefs and developed their understanding of the importance of the Gurdwara as a place of worship and community. The children also looked at symbolism within Sikhism and discussed the core values of equality, respect, and unity, considering how these can be applied in their own lives.

Next week, the children will begin their new thematic topic, Maya: The Rise and Fall. They are looking forward to exploring this fascinating period of history and developing their knowledge of the ancient Maya civilisation.

It’s been a brilliant week of learning, with lots of thoughtful questions and respectful discussions. Year 3 have shown great curiosity and understanding, and we’re very proud of them! 

Maths 

This week in Maths, we’ve continued our Fractions topic. This week in maths, the children have been developing their understanding of both unit and non-unit fractions. They have explored what these fractions represent and how they can be identified, compared, and used in different contexts.

The children have also been solving a range of problems involving fractions, using different representations such as diagrams, number lines, and concrete resources. This has helped them to build a deeper understanding of how fractions work and how they relate to one another.

Next week, we will build on this learning by moving on to calculations involving fractions. The children will begin to apply their knowledge to solve problems that involve adding and subtracting fractions, further strengthening their confidence and fluency in this area.

English 

This week, Year 3 were very excited to begin our new English text : The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan! To kick things off, we immersed ourselves in the setting of the rainforest, which plays an important role in the story. We used videos, soundscapes, and pictures to help us imagine what it would be like to step into the heart of the jungle. 

The children then put their imaginations to work and wrote some fantastic setting descriptions of the rainforest. They used powerful adjectives and similes to bring their writing to life.

Next week, children will be writing a character description about one of the key people on the text- we can’t wait to see where the chocolatey adventure takes us next! 

Year 3 sleepover: Thursday 21^st May

A reminder of the letters that have already gone out to parents can be found below. Parents of children who are attending need to complete the following form, by Friday 1^st May: https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41841372/10f1/

Nearer the time, a letter will be sent home to parents of children who are not attending, outlining the activities and provision that will be in place for them on Friday 22^nd May. This will ensure parents are fully informed about how their child will be supported while in school.

Reading 

This week, children have taken their Star Reader Assessment and are currently being issued with their adjusted ZPD code, which will be stuck into their reading records. Children are reminded to bring their reading records in, when they have read- we expect children to read every day.

Home Learning 

Attached below is the overarching Thematic Curriculum homework ideas. Please refer to the homework menu which gives a variety of creative tasks for the children to choose from. Children only need to complete one task as a minimum, but can choose to complete more if they wish. Homework is due in on Thursday 21^st May. 

Key dates

• On Wednesday 6^th May, at 2:30pm, we are inviting parents into classes to spend time with the children, playing Times Tables games. A separate letter will be going out to Year 3 parents on Monday.

Reminders for Term 5

• Children need to make sure they are wearing correct school uniform and shoes. 

• Children are bringing in their water bottles. 

• Children to bring in healthy snacks for breaktimes.   

• 3B and 3G will have their swimming sessions on Thursdays. Children will need to come dressed in their PE kit to school on this day, and bring with them their swimming costumes to change into.  

• Swimming kit reminder: full swimming costume/swim shorts and swimming hat.