In this block, we are exploring Winter’s Child by Angela McAllister. Children will develop their skills in narrative writing through fantasy stories, focusing on how to create settings, characters and plots. They will also practise using descriptive language to build atmosphere and drawing inferences about characters’ feelings and motives. Later, we will build towards writing a fantasy story based on a fable, incorporating elements like imagery and consistent tense.

We will focus on the use of conjunctions and adverbs to express time, place and cause, the correct choice of 'a' or 'an' before words, and inverted commas to punctuate direct speech. Students will also work on expanding their vocabulary to capture the reader’s interest and imagination.

Key Vocabulary: Fantasy, narrative, conjunctions, adverbs, imagery, tense, inverted commas, preposition, noun phrase.

In this block, students will strengthen their understanding of the four operations by working with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They will build fluency with two-digit and three-digit numbers, focusing on efficient strategies such as partitioning, number lines, arrays, repeated addition, equal grouping and sharing. Students will also begin to apply formal written methods, while continuing to use mental strategies where appropriate.

They will explore how addition and subtraction are inverse operations, and how multiplication and division are closely related, using this knowledge to check their answers and deepen their reasoning. Throughout the unit, students will solve word problems, make estimates, and explain their thinking clearly.

To support their learning, they will take part in a variety of practical activities, use pictorial and visual models, and engage with written exercises. These experiences are designed to help students feel confident and accurate as they apply their knowledge of the four operations to increasingly challenging problems and real-life contexts.

Key Vocabulary: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, difference, sum, count on/back, sharing, exchange, inverse. 

In Humanities this block, our topic is Who Lives in Antarctica? Children will develop their geographical knowledge by learning about the position and significance of lines of latitude and describing the location and unique physical features of Antarctica. They will also explore its human features, including how scientists and explorers live and work there. Using maps, children will practise four-figure grid references to plot Shackleton’s route to Antarctica and plan simple routes using compass points.

Through hands-on activities, pupils will create maps with latitude and longitude, plot Shackleton’s journey, build a simple model of an explorer’s camp, and use compasses for practical navigation tasks. These activities will help them apply their learning in interactive ways while building their geographical skills.

Key Vocabulary: Antarctica, latitude, longitude, equator, poles, compass points, grid references, expedition, explorer, Shackleton, physical features, human features, route, map.

In Science this block, our focus is on Nutrition and Diet. Children will learn about the five main food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits & vegetables, and dairy also understand how each supports the body. They will explore what makes a balanced diet, compare different diets across cultures and lifestyles, and investigate animal diets to see how they differ from ours. Through hands-on activities, pupils will build food pyramids, sort foods into groups, design a balanced plate, and compare meal choices. These activities will strengthen their scientific vocabulary, observational skills, and understanding of why healthy eating is important for living things.

Key Vocabulary: Nutrition, diet, balance, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dairy, vitamins, minerals, food groups, energy, healthy, vegan diet ,vegetarian diet, pescatarian diet, omnivorous diet.

This PSHE block focuses on understanding and celebrating diversity within families and friendships, promoting respect, empathy, and positive relationships. Students learn that everyone’s family is unique and important, and that differences should be appreciated and valued. The block addresses common challenges such as family conflicts and bullying, equipping students with strategies to manage difficult situations calmly and constructively.

Through a combination of discussions, role-play, and reflective activities, students explore the impact of their words and actions on others, especially in relation to bullying and unkind behaviour. They develop problem-solving skills and learn how to support those who may be hurt or excluded. The block concludes with celebrating difference by practising giving and receiving compliments, fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion within the school community.

Key Vocabulary: Family, conflict, solve it together, solutions, resolve, witness, bystander, bullying.

In this block, children will be developing their vocabulary to describe sounds, sights, movements and natural features in more detail. The descriptive words we will focus on are mutter, crisp, gaze, distant, pale, tinkle, criss-cross, tracks, fetch and thaw. The nature and landscape words are shoot, lake, valley, ravine, waterfalls, snowdrift, icicle, frost, chimes and reed. Through interactive activities such as sorting words into groups, matching them to pictures, acting out meanings and using them in short descriptive pieces, pupils will learn to apply this vocabulary confidently in their speaking, reading and writing.

Word list – Years 3 and 4: answer, arrive, believe, build, continue, different, favourite, February, grammar, imagine, notice, peculiar, possible, remember, strange, thought, surprise, woman

Adding -es to nouns and verbs ending in -y (Y2 mastery): activity, bully, bury, carry, cherry, defy, dummy, envy, lorry, marry, party, pony, puppy, qualify, reply, story, study, welly

Words with the /eɪ/ sound spelt ei, eigh or ey: beige, eight, grey, neighbour, obey, reign, reindeer, survey, they, veil, vein, weight

Words with the /eɪ/ sound spelt ei, eigh or ey: beige, eight, grey, neighbour, obey, reign, reindeer, survey, they, veil, vein, weight

Homophones and near-homophones: ball, bawl, brake, break, fair, fare, grate, great, groan, grown, here, hear, rain, rein, reign

In Year 3 home learning is designed to support and reinforce key skills, while helping children develop independence and positive learning habits. 

Reading is our top priority. We encourage children to read at least five times a week and to record their reading in their Reading Log each time. This regular reading practice builds confidence and fluency. Children are also asked to complete one weekly entry in their Writing Log. In Mathematics, MyMaths task will be set every Tuesday. Students are encouraged to practise regularly on both My Maths and TTRockstars to build fluency and strengthen their understanding. 

While home learning is encouraged to support your child’s development, it is not compulsory. We celebrate effort and commitment through our Reading Star and Writing Star awards at the end of the year.

In Computing, our topic for this block is We are Bug Fixers. In this unit, pupils learn to identify common types of programming errors and practise solving problems using logical thinking. They develop skills in debugging, reasoning, and problem-solving while improving their understanding of how programs work.

Key vocabulary: Abstraction, algorithm, bug, code, debug, event, input.

In this block, children explore how drawing and making can be used to tell personal and shared stories. They experiment with marks, lines, and shapes, then extend ideas into simple 3D forms using paper, card, or mixed materials. Sketchbooks capture ideas and characters, while making develops imagination and storytelling. The block nurtures confidence, creativity, and expression through narrative art.

Key Vocabulary: Drawing, making, sketchbook, imagination, narrative, line, mark, shape, form, texture, story, model, character, material, expression.

In this block, children are introduced to playing the glockenspiel, exploring basic technique and notation. They learn to identify and play notes with accuracy, developing rhythm, pitch, and timing through simple melodies. Listening and improvisation activities help children create their own patterns, while ensemble playing builds cooperation and confidence. The block supports musical understanding, creativity, and performance skills, culminating in a class sharing of pieces learned and composed.

Key Vocabulary: Glockenspiel, note, pitch, rhythm, pulse, tempo, melody, pattern, improvisation, compose, listen, perform, ensemble, dynamics, notation.

In this block, children create a podcast-style drama documentary exploring the history and challenges of Antarctic exploration. Through role play, interviews, and narration, they step into the shoes of explorers, scientists, and journalists. Pupils develop storytelling, vocal expression, and empathy, while researching real events and environmental themes. The block culminates in a recorded class podcast, blending fact and drama to bring Antarctica’s stories to life.

Key Vocabulary: Antarctica, exploration, expedition, survival, discovery, environment, research, narration, role play, interview, documentary, history, voice, teamwork, podcast.

In this block, children explore the theme of gardens and nature through expressive dance. Using flowers, plants, and scents as stimulus, they experiment with flowing, curling, and growing movements to represent natural forms. Pupils work individually and collaboratively to create patterns, pathways, and group shapes, developing rhythm, coordination, and creativity. The block culminates in a performance, celebrating the beauty, energy, and atmosphere of a scented garden through imaginative movement.

Key Vocabulary: Garden, flower, scent, grow, curl, flow, pathway, pattern, shape, movement, rhythm, dynamic, expression, creativity, performance, nature.

Invasions Games (Football) 

In this unit, students will build upon basic ball skills involving moving and stopping the ball using different parts of the feet. Look at games in pairs. In pairs and threes, look at challenges as an individual within a boundary. In all games activities, children think about how to use skills to, strategies and tactics to outwit the opposition.

Key Vocabulary: Attacking, defending, striking, scoring, kicking, passing. 

All students will take part in a fortnightly swimming lesson designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Alongside stroke development, children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.