Welcome to Year 3
There are 18 wonderful pupils in our Y3 class and we look forward to the year ahead.
Curriculum
We have a broad and balanced curriculum in Year 3.
In English we study a range of texts including Stone Age Boy, Iron Man and A Necklace of Raindrops. Children will write for a range of purposes and read for meaning.
In science we study a range of topics including light, animals including humans and plants. Children will spend time making observations, planning and carrying out investigations.
In history we study Stone Age to Iron Age and Ancient Egypt. Children will ask questions about the past, look closely at artefacts and study primary and secondary sources.
In geography we explore ‘Why do we have Cities?’, ‘What can we discover about Europe?’ and ‘Why is the North-East So Special?’ Children will develop their fieldwork skills through these topics.
In art we study painting, drawing and sculpting. We study the artwork of Turner, Bridget Riley and create pottery in the style of Denise Wren. In DT we study structures, mechanical systems and food. The children will plan, design, make and evaluate their product.
In computing we study systems and networks, creating media and programming. Online safety units of work are taught every half term.
In PE we study topics focussed on dance, gymnastics and team games. We work closely with the Schools Sports Partnership who come into school and deliver specialised events.
In RE we study Hinduism and Christianity. We focus on beliefs, worships and celebrations.
In music, children enjoy listening to and appraising the music of various artists. They enjoy singing various styles of music from RnB to Disco. They accompany their singing by playing the glockenspiel.
Each half term in PSHE, we look at a range of topics including ‘what makes a community’, ‘keeping ourselves safe’ and ‘how to be a good friend.’ To ensure that all children have a voice, we hold class councils where the information is then fed back to school council.
PE
Our P.E. days are Tuesday and Friday. Please ensure that your child comes to school in their full PE kits on those days.
Home Reading
Teaching children to become fluent and confident readers, who understand what they have read, is at the core of our reading curriculum. It is important that children are the opportunity to consolidate these reading skills at home. We ask that you read with your child each night and record the pages they have read in their reading diary. Whilst hearing your child read every night, you could ask them questions such as:
- What do you predict will happen next? Why?
- How do you think the character is feeling?
- Why do you think the character did that?
- Are there any words you are unsure of?
- Can you summarise what has happened so far?
Please ensure that reading books are brought to school each day for group reading sessions.
Reading for Pleasure
At Ropery Walk Primary School, we are passionate about developing a lifelong love of reading and have created a classroom environment that values and promotes reading for pleasure. Alongside their reading book, children can choose a reading for pleasure book. This book can be read independently or shared with an adult. At the end of each day, children have the opportunity to enjoy listening to a story read by their class teacher. Watch out on Class Dojo to find out what we are currently reading and further book recommendations.
Additional Reading Platforms
In school, children have access to a program called Reading Plus. This programme develops fluency, reading speed, understanding texts and a wider vocabulary range. Children have their own usernames and passwords. To access this at home visit https://student.readingplus.com/seereader/api/sec/login
The children also have the opportunity to access Fiction Express which is an innovative book platform that connects students with professional authors. This encourages reading for pleasure through fun co-creation of stories. To access this at home visit https://en.fictionexpress.com/account/login/
Times Tables
It is also very important that your child knows their times tables as they help with almost every area of maths. They will receive times tables to learn each week. The test will be a rapid recall test on a Friday. Alongside this, they can practise at home on Times Table Rockstars. The children know their usernames and passwords and can access it by visiting – https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student
Spellings
The children will be given spellings on a Friday and we will complete a spelling test on the following Friday. Even though we complete lots of spelling activities during the week, the children are still encouraged to practise their spellings when they are at home.
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