Thematic

This week, we have kicked off our science learning by learning about the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Through hands-on activities, our year 3’s have had the opportunity to observe and classify a variety of rocks. Whether exploring rocks found in the natural environment or examining samples brought into the classroom, children have been using their scientific observation skills to describe key features such as texture, colour, and grain size. It’s been wonderful to see curiosity sparked and questions flying as we investigated how each type of rock is formed and what makes them unique.

Also this week, the children stepped into the shoes of real archaeologists as they explored what it means to study the past through ancient objects and discoveries. They were fascinated to learn how archaeologists carefully uncover and piece together history, and just how much patience and precision is required in this important work. To bring their learning to life, the children took part in their very own archaeological dig. With trays, brushes, and plenty of curiosity, they carefully unearthed hidden artefacts buried beneath the surface. Each discovery sparked excitement and conversation, as they considered who might have used the object, how old it could be, and what it might tell us about life long ago.

           

       

   

    
Next week, we’ll be continuing our journey through Earth science by turning our attention to soils and fossils. We’ll explore what soil is made of, why it's important, and how it supports life. We’ll also take a look at fossils: what they are, how they form, and what they can tell us about life millions of years ago.

Maths

In Maths this week, the children have continued to consolidate important concepts that lay the foundation for their number sense and mental maths skills. This week, our focus has been on partitioning, flexible partitioning, and fact families. The children have been working hard to master these ideas, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way! 

Next week, we’ll continue to build on these skills and explore new ways to apply them in different mathematical contexts. We’re excited to see how Year 3 will use their newfound number knowledge in the coming lessons. Keep up the great work, Year 3! 

English

In English this week, the children honed their writing skills, focusing on the use of first-person perspective, using our class text: Stone Age Boy. The children put themselves in the shoes of the main character writing a detailed recount of their journey back in time. By writing in the first person, it helps the reader feel as though they are experiencing the events alongside the character, which is exactly what our budding writers aimed to do this week! 

Next week, we will be writing instructions for building a Stone Age fire.

Colour Run 2025!

Today was nothing short of incredible: the Colour Run was an explosion of energy, laughter, and of course, COLOUR! From start to finish, it was pure joy seeing everyone come together, cheering each other on and having fun in such a vibrant, positive way.

It’s not every day you get to end your week running (or walking, or dancing!) through a cloud of colour, but wow, what a way to do it. Faces were glowing, clothes were splattered with every shade of the rainbow, and the atmosphere was filled with so much excitement. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether you ran, supported, or just came along to soak up the fun. You made the event what it was: uplifting and unforgettable.

    

  

Term 1 Art competition

Term 1’s Art Competition is inspired by Henri Rousseau and his famous Jungle paintings. Rousseau’s work often captured dreamlike visions filled with exotic plants, wild animals, and imaginative scenes. Now it’s your turn to do the same!
Your task is to create an artwork in any medium (painting, drawing, digital art, collage, or mixed media) that communicates a dream you have had – just as Rousseau brought his dreams to life through his Jungle scenes. The deadline is the end of Term 1, and you must submit your artwork to Mr Mason. Winners and selected works will be featured in a special exhibition in Term 2.

Let your imagination roam free – whether your dream takes place in a jungle, under the sea, or on another planet, we can’t wait to see it come alive in your art!

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 they can choose to complete more if they wish. Children have been given a Home Learning book to complete their home learning tasks in.

Home Learning is due in on Friday 17^th October 2025 

Spellings 

Children will have a spelling sheet attached in their home learning book. Each week, they will need to practise the core spellings listed using the ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check’ strategy. Within your child’s home learning book, there are prompts and tips to support children in learning their spellings, along with a spelling list and an example of a table, which children can draw themselves, each time they learn a new set of spellings. Children should choose five spellings to practise at home each week. Please do speak to your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Times Tables Rock Stars 

• Tasks to be completed online, with new tasks set every week. 

• Children’s logins will be stuck into their Reading journal, which will be sent home on Monday 15^th September.

Mathletics 

• Once a week 

• Tasks will always follow the learning that week. 

• Children’s logins will be stuck into their Reading journal, which will be sent home on Monday 15^th September.  

We are in the process of completing children’s Accelerated Reader assessments, on Monday, all children will have a reading record and a book to read at home.

Reminders: 

• Year 3 have PE on Wednesdays and should come to school dressed in the correct school PE kit. 

• 3B and 3G will swim on Thursdays this term- 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. All children must wear a swimming hat and will be expected to remove jewellery (including stud earrings). 

• Please remember to check when your child has their Forest School sessions- the letter that was sent out is attached below.

Key messages: 

• Please can children ensure they bring a Healthy snack in for breaktimes. 

• Children are provided with a school pencil case and so do not need to bring in pencil cases from home or any other toys/resources. 

• Children will also need to make sure they have a pair of Wellies in school, so that they are able to use the environmental area at lunchtimes. 

We would like to say a very big thank you to all our families who joined us for the parents' meetings on Thursday. It was so lovely to see so many of you and to have the chance to talk about how your child has settled into school life. If you were unable to attend, please don’t worry, if there’s anything you’d like to discuss or ask, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership-it makes such a difference to your child’s learning journey.

Have a lovely weekend!

The Year 3 Team