LEARNING SPRING TERM 

SCIENCE  -  Are all rocks the same? For Science this term, we will firstly be investigating 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.

How does light help us see? For our other Science unit, we will identify examples of light sources, learn that light is needed to see and how its absence causes darkness. We will also be curious about reflection and shadows, including how shadows change.

GEOGRAPHY - Why do people live near volcanoes? In Geography, we will how the Earth is constructed and about tectonic plates and their boundaries.
We will also find out how mountains are formed, explain the formation and types of volcanoes and explore the cause of earthquakes.

PE GYMNASTICS & FITNESS - In PE, we will be developing our gymnastic skills such as; balancing, rolling and jumping both individually and with others. For the fitness unit, we will take part in activities to explore and develop different areas of our health and fitness. We will learn about perseverance and pacing ourselves.

PE SWIMMING - After the half-term break, we will go swimming on Wednesday mornings. Please make sure we have a swimming hat, goggles and lycra style costume/ shorts. Towels with hoods/ poncho towels are great for changing.

ART How can materials be shaped and joined to create sculptures? We will be exploring the way different materials can be shaped and joined, learning about techniques used by artists as diverse as Barbara Hepworth and Sokari Douglas-Camp and creating our own sculptures.

HISTORY Why did the Roman’s invade and settle in the uk?
For this theme we explore Roman Civilization. During our learning we will look at various Roman buildings and their purpose in society. In History, we will examine why Julius Caesar decided to invade Britain. As the unit progresses, we will find out why the Roman army was so difficult to defeat and how they defended their empire. We will also investigate the origins of Hadrian’s Wall.

PSHE - What are our dreams and goals for life?  In PSHE we will be focusing on our dreams and goals. We will consider how to face difficult challenges and become motivated to achieve success.
How can exercise and what we eat affect our bodies? We will then move on in our PSHE lessons to looking at all of the factors that contribute to being healthy such as exercise, eating healthily, keeping safe online.

MUSIC Do all countries have music that sounds the same? Our first unit of music lessons this term will explore pentatonic melodies through the theme of Chinese New Year. The following music unit will focus on the children developing their singing technique. Learning to keep in time and work on musical notation and rhythm.

COMPUTING - How can we use email to send messages and share information?
In Computing we will be fine-tuning our computer skills of communicating via email. We will learn how to attach and send documents via email.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - How do Hindus show that they belong to their faith?  In RE this term we will be investigating the ways in which Hindu’s respect their beliefs through the different rites of passage such as birth, marriage and death.

In Year 3, your child will learn class high frequency words and  RWI Logbook Spellings based on current spelling patterns. Spellings will be given weekly in school and tested regularly and informally by the form of mini quizzes.

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 regularly when adults signatures can be seen 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. 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 Wednesdays and Fridays 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 its rightful owner.