Welcome to Year3 – the beginning of Key Stage 2!

I trust you have a pleasant summer and that the children feel ready for what lies in store in the ear ahead.  I can’t wait to get started on some elements of learning in Year 3 that are brand new, based on some interesting topics and wonderful books.  I think the children will enjoy them.

The Year 3 Team is :

• Class Teacher: Mrs Baker
• Class LSAs: Mrs Haworth and Miss Ollig
• PPA Cover: Miss Pope.

Below you will see a timetable which offers a guide to how the week will be organized.  Occasionally changes are made due to the nature of primary school life, and we will keep you and the children up to date of any changes. 

Reading   We will have whole class reading lessons to begin the day.  Texts will cover a variety of text types and we will analyse vocabulary, seeking to understand the importance of word choices.   Children will occasionally be asked to infer and answer comprehension questions.

Writing  We will develop vocabulary and grammar knowledge over two weeks, in order to produce an independent piece of writing inspired by the book we have looked at in reading sessions.  In the third week, children will be encouraged to work on their own, and to edit and improve their writing.  We have some new texts for 2025/26 which I believe the children will really enjoy.

Maths  We will be exploring numbers up to 100, using practical resources and discussion to deepen the children’s understanding of this essential foundation of maths.  Later in the term we will be looking at addition and subtraction, followed by multiplication and division.

History  Our trip to Grimes Graves will be a starting point for our learning in history – Stone Age to Iron Age.   We will understand the importance of evidence during this period of pre-history, and appreciate the huge advances in human life that were made during this ofen overlooked but fascinating period of British history.

Geography  After half term will be focusing on the dynamic nature of our planet that results in volcanoes.  We will look at how and why they happen and the impact they can have on the landscape and the humans who live nearby.

Science  We will be looking at Rocks and Minerals which links nicely to our history topic I the first half term.  After half term will be investigating Magnets and Forces – hopefully with lots of practical lessons encouraging the children to think scientifically, predict and form logical conclusions.

RE  We will be looking and Christianity and then Islam.   We will encourage the children to empathise with people of all faiths and draw comparisons to other faiths and world views throughout the year.

Art and DT  During the first half of the term, we will be looking at the photographic works on Anstel Adams and be inspired to take photographs of landscapes around us, using digital filters and effects.  We will continue with the digital element of learning after half term when children will investigate and design safety wear for children.

PE  this will be Forest School on Monday morning and PE (invasion games) on Friday afternoons.  I would encourage PE kits to be left at school as much as possible to ensure children are ready and prepared.  As always, weather conditions may affect our sessions and children will need to dress accordingly.

Computing  We will be learning about Cyberbullying – what it is, how to avoid it and what to do should a children encounter it.

French  This is new in Year 3 and will start with the conversation basics of Greetings, Family. School and counting.

NEW IN YEAR 3

Now that your children are in Key Stage 2 there are a few things that are different that impact your child’s day:

• Snacks and lunches are no longer offered free of charge. Snacks should be fruit or vegetable based, in a named box and kept in your child’s locker.  Lunches should be pre-ordered via Arbor.  Please try to ensure that your order foods that your children will be happy to eat to avoid any upset at lunchtimes.  If you need any help booking lunches, please contact the staff in the school office who will be happy to help and guide you if you think you may be eligible for free school meals. 
• Lunchtime is later in year 3 as the children are allowed to go the school field for the first half of lunchtime, until 12.25pm. This means your children will be eating between 12.25 and 12.50pm.  A snack at breaktime will help keep them going until lunch.
• Toilets are outside the classroom which means, should they need to go, children will need to leave the classroom and go to the top of the main corridor near the school hall. They need to let an adult know before they leave the classroom.  Children will be encouraged to go to the toilet at the beginning of the day, break time and lunch-time to avoid missing out on important instruction and information during lessons.  Naturally there will be a period of adjustment while they adapt to these timings.  If your child has specific needs around toileting, please let us know and we will support your child. 

We know that working with parents will bring out the best in your children.  Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Year 3 team.  A brief note can be written in your child’s planner for less sensitive matters (tell them to show us!) or you can chat with us at the class door at drop-off or collection times.  For more important matters, please arrange a meeting with Mrs Baker via the school office to address any issues swiftly, at your convenience.  Meeting in person and building relationships is so helpful to us while we get to know your children better. 

Seesaw will continue to keep you up to date on the children’s learning, giving you an insight into what we get up to in class and allowing the children to share with you the work they are most proud of.  Don’t forget you can add extended family members so that they can share everything too.

Let’s work together to make sure your children enjoy school, achieve their goals and “dream big” this term. 

Best wishes,

the Year 3 Team.