We hope families have all had a wonderful half-term 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.

Hook Day

Year 3 launched into their exciting new topic, Revolutionary Romans, with an immersive and action-packed Hook Day! Designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm, the day was filled with a carousel of activities, giving children a hands-on introduction to life in ancient Rome.

Children handled and explored real and replica Roman artefacts- they examined objects that gave them a glimpse into everyday life. They made inferences about how these artefacts were used and what they could tell us about Roman culture and society. By analysing mosaics, paintings, and written records, they began to understand the importance of different types of historical evidence and how they help us learn about the past.

The children explored the tale of Romulus and Remus and then took part in activities to retell and explore its themes. They considered how this legend shaped Roman identity and why it remains such a significant story today.

Another highlight of the day was learning about the Roman Army. The children discovered what it took to become a Roman soldier, the strict discipline and training they underwent, and the impressive strategies they used in battle.

To further enrich their understanding, they also examined Roman housing, which helped them develop an appreciation for the social structure of ancient Rome and the stark differences in daily life for different people in society.

Throughout the term, Year 3 will explore the vast Roman Empire, learning how it expanded to become one of the most powerful civilisations in history. They will also learn about Roman Britain, discovering how the Romans influenced life in Britain and left behind a legacy that we can still see today. We can’t wait to get stuck in!

Personal Development

This week, we have been exploring Personal Development, and as such, learning has focused on PSHE and well-being, specifically, ‘Relationships’. This week, we have taken a deep dive into understanding what makes relationships healthy and meaningful. Through various activities and discussions, we explored the importance of kindness, the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and how to navigate the digital world safely.

Throughout the week, we examined how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our daily interactions. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, listening with empathy, or simply giving a genuine compliment, kindness fosters connection and strengthens our bonds with others. We reflected on how being kind doesn’t just benefit the receiver but also brings joy and fulfilment to the giver.

One of the most insightful parts of the week was learning about the characteristics of healthy relationships and how they contribute to our overall well-being. By learning about and practising these characteristics, the children have explored how they can foster relationships that are positive, fulfilling, and empowering. Whether it’s with friends, family, or peers, building strong and healthy relationships enhances our lives and contributes to a happier, more connected community.

And finally, during our online safety lessons, we learnt about digital footprints—the traces of information we leave behind when using the internet. We discussed what is safe to share online and what should be kept private to protect our personal information. A key takeaway was that anything posted online, even if deleted, can still be accessed or shared by others, making it crucial to think before we post.

As we move forward, the lessons from this week remind us that relationships shape our lives in profound ways. Whether online or offline, being kind, recognising healthy and unhealthy dynamics, and practising online safety are essential skills that will serve us well throughout life. By applying these lessons, we can build stronger, more positive relationships and contribute to a kinder, more respectful community.

Maths

In Maths this week, we have been learning how to use the inverse when solving multiplication and division equations and problems. Understanding the inverse relationship between these operations helps us to check our work and solve problems more efficiently. Mastering the inverse operation makes maths more intuitive and improves problem-solving skills. As we continue our learning, we will apply this knowledge to more complex equations and real-world scenarios.

Next week, we will be moving onto a new topic in Maths, where we will be learning how to solve more complex equations, using formal written methods.

English

This week in English, we began our new text: Revolt Against the Romans. The children travelled alongside Marcus, the main character, as he journeyed from ancient Rome to Britannia. Through his adventures, they gained insights into life during that time and the challenges he faced along the way.

To deepen their understanding of Marcus's experiences, the children engaged in discussions about the historical context and the significance of his journey. They considered the difficulties of travelling in ancient times, the cultural differences between Rome and Britannia, and the emotions Marcus might have felt as he ventured into unfamiliar territory.

One of the most exciting activities this week was writing a diary recount from Marcus's perspective, describing his perilous journey on a boat, through a fierce storm. Immersing themselves in the tension of the moment, they captured the chaos and intensity of the journey, describing the crashing waves, the shouts of the crew, and the struggle to stay afloat.

As we continue reading Revolt Against the Romans, next week, we will further explore Marcus’s journey, the people he meets, and the conflicts he encounters. The children will continue developing their analytical and creative writing skills, by writing character descriptions of those that Marcus meets, once he lands in Britannia.

 Reading

This week, children have taken their Star Reader Assessment and from Monday, will be issued with their adjusted ZPD code, which will be stuck into their reading records. With this in mind, please could we ask that all children bring their reading records into school on Monday. Children are reminded to bring their reading records in, when they have read- we expect children to read at least, three times a week.

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 3^rd April.

Spellings

To support children with their spellings, we would like children to practise ‘Level 2- PRESSURE PROUT Bundle’ 

To access it on a laptop, PC, Mac or Chromebook (therefore IWBs): 
1. Type in the browser itself where you normally type www (not a search engine)...app.sirlinkalot.org (with no Ws before it) 
2. Click on 'More' (top right) 
3. Click on 'Sign in' 
4. The children will then need to type in their access code  

Times Tables Rock Stars  

• Tasks to be completed online. 

• Children’s logins are stuck in their Reading journal.   

Mathletics  

• Mathletics tasks will be set from Friday to Friday.  

• Tasks will always follow the learning that week.  

Children’s logins are stuck into their Reading journal.  

Reminder to ensure:

• Children are wearing correct school uniform and shoes.

• Children are bringing in their water bottles.

• Coats are being worn to school.

• Children to bring in healthy snacks for breaktimes.  

• 3R and 3Y will have their swimming sessions on Mondays. 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.