LEARNING AUTUMN TERM 

THEME WORK:
We have many varied and exciting themes to explore in Year Three. There will be two different themes throughout the Autumn Term which are detailed below.

SET IN STONE:
British History: Stone Age to Iron Age Would you prefer to live in Stone, Bronze or Iron Age? Looking at the chronology of mankind from the Stone Age to today, children are introduced to Britain’s past. They use archaeological evidence to learn about the changes from the Stone to the Bronze Age and answer historical questions. They identify the limitations of this type of evidence and when reconstructing the life of the Amesbury Archer.

ART:
Painting and mixed media: Prehistoric painting.
Throughout this unit, the children will explore pre-historic art. They will follow this tip by investigating making their own paints, making tools and painting on different surfaces.

SCIENCE:
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.
Our second Science unit will allow the children to explore forces through our Science lessons. We will learn that a force is generally a ‘push’ or a ‘pull’ and that when an object moves on a surface, the texture of the surface and the object affect how it moves. The children will move on to investigate
and draw conclusions about magnets and explore which materials are magnetic or non-magnetic, as well as magnetic poles, and be able to predict whether magnets will attract or repel each other.

PSHE:
We will be studying a range of ideas based on the theme of Being Me in My World and Celebrating Difference. The objectives will be met through our ‘Jigsaw’ learning programme in a variety of ways, including practical activities and taking part in class discussions and Circle Time. Within our lessons, we will also consider how the past six months may have impacted on their lives and will discuss how we can move forward in a supportive and positive way.

FRENCH:
During Key Stage Two, French will be taught via a range of fun and engaging topics. We will be introduced to French by locating France on a map and studying landmarks and traditions. We will also begin to use basic greetings, be able to say how we are feeling and count with numbers up to 10.

PE:
Year 3 have two PE sessions each week. On Wednesdays, the children will develop the key skills and tactics needed to play Netball while on Fridays, the children will develop the fundamental skills of balancing, running, jumping, hopping and skipping. Most PE lessons take place outside so your child still needs outdoor trainers. We would really appreciate it if you could spend a few minutes ensuring that all your child’s clothing is named, including their PE kit (plimsolls, shorts and a t-shirt). The children will need to come to school on Wednesdays and Fridays wearing their PE kit.

MUSIC:
For our music lessons this term, children learn what ballads are, how to identify their features and how to convey different emotions when performing them. Using an animation as inspiration, children carefully select vocabulary to describe the story, before turning them into lyrics by adding rhyming words and following the structure of a traditional ballad.

COMPUTING:
In Computing this term we will be developing computer literacy skills to enable us to easily access the internet and perform essential
computer tasks. We will also be investigating Coding and making loops using coding apps.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
For RE this term we will be exploring the importance of pilgrimage to many Christians by focusing on the English village of Walsingham and the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The children will be encouraged to ask questions about the impact of pilgrimage, considering whether it is about the journey or the destination. It also explores the relationship between pilgrimage and community identity. 

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.