This year in school we will be covering lots of exciting themes. We will cover many subjects throughout the year, such as; English, Maths, D&T, Science, Art, History, Geography and Music. This year our themes are:

1. Set in Stone - What was new about the New Stone Age?

2. Set in Stone - What was more impressive - the Bronze Age or the Iron Age?

3. Feel the Force

4. Precious Plants

5. Light of the World

6. Empire Strikes

AUTUMN TERM THEMES 

The children will have the opportunity to study two exciting themes during the Spring Term: LIGHT OF THE WORLD & EMPIRE STRIKES

SET IN STONE:

The Stone Age

Throughout this History-based theme, the children will investigate the Stone
Age, including the Early, Middle and New Stone Ages. We will discuss why the period was called the Stone Age, and what archaeological evidence there is from the period, particularly in the form of artefacts and monuments. The main focus will be on the New Stone Age and how that contrasts with the earlier periods. The children will look in detail at the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae and the conclusions we can reach from the evidence found at the site. In our Art lessons, we will also research early communication through art in the form of cave paintings and use Stone Age techniques to make our own paints and tools to create collaborative artwork. For Science this term, we will firstly be investigating the human body and what it needs to stay healthy. We will explore the various food groups identifying which foods will fit into each category, as well as looking at what makes a balanced diet. We will go on to consider how animals have different types of skeletons and muscles which perform important functions.

SET IN STONE:

The Bronze and Iron Age

For the second History focus of Year 3, the children will explore the key features of the Bronze and Iron Ages, and come to conclusions about the changes to life, architecture and the development of metal tools and equipment in comparison to the Stone Age. Throughout the unit, the children will use a variety of sources of evidence to investigate the period, including archaeological evidence. The children will have the added excitement of a visit to Flag Fen Archaeological Park, Peterborough, when we will experience setting foot in a replica Bronze Age hut, handling Bronze age artefacts, making pots out of clay and seeing an original Bronze Age causeway found close to the site. Our Science unit will investigate the properties of rocks and soils. We will base our practical enquiries around rocks found locally: their appearance, similarities and differences and any changes over time. We will also investigate fossils as well as looking at soil formation and the effects of rubbing different rocks together.

In Year 3, your child will receive 6 high frequency words and 6 RWI Logbook Spellings to learn each week. Spellings will be given on a Tuesday and tested the following Monday.

It is expected that children make time to read some of their reading scheme book at least three times each week and alongside this are encouraged to choose a reading for pleasure class library book from our ‘Friday Library time’. This is invaluable and helps the children to develop a love of reading. Reading books will be changed once a week on a Thursday, when accompanied by at least three adults signatures in your child’s reading diary. We encourage your child to read their reading scheme book at least twice before we change it so as to develop reading fluency and to discuss the questions at the back of the book to help their understanding.

Also it is expected that children complete TT Rockstars for 10 minutes/ 10 Garage sessions per week and IXL.com for 10 minutes each week. Choose English or Maths Year 3 activities which have stars highlighted yellow next to them. Finally, please see our fun optional Homework tasks linked to our current theme if your child wishes to attempt any of them.

PE will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Year Three. It is expected that your child will have the appropriate indoor and outdoor PE kit available on these days. The correct PE kit consists of: a white t-shirt, navy shorts or skort and plimsolls for indoor sports. Trainers are requested for outdoor activities. A navy tracksuit is required for outdoor activities, when the weather is colder.  Please ensure all of your child's clothing is labelled - then we can make sure the correct item of 'lost' clothing goes to it's rightful owner.