Year 3

Central Idea: 'Ancient Civilisations May Have Had an Impact on Our Lives Today'

Line of inquiry 1: An Inquiry Into an Ancient Civilisation

To start off our Term 6 learning, the children studied the ancient civilisation of the Shang Dynasty. We explored the geography of Ancient China and the impact the local area had on the Shang Dynasty. Pupils looked at the social hierarchy of the Shang Dynasty and compared it to the social hierarchy of Ancient Egypt, as well as explored different religious beliefs. We also went on a brilliant trip to Maidstone Museum where we participated in an Ancient Egyptian workshop and got to explore the museum.

Line of Inquiry 2: An Inquiry Into Lifestyle Choices

For our next line of inquiry, we continued to use the lens of history to explore the Shang Dynasty advancements in technology, looking at bronze, jade and oracle bones. 

Through the lens of French, the children explored a range of ancient civilisations and explored how to describe different homes in French in relation to the civilisation. 

Through the lens of D.T, the children had a lot of fun using saws to create a shaduf like they used in Ancient Egyptian times. The children carefully planned out their design first, thinking about the equipment and material they needed to use and demonstrated brilliant teamwork skills when it came to making their shadufs. 

Line of Inquiry 3: An Inquiry Into Connections Across Time And Place

For our final line of inquiry and learning in Year 3, we used our extended abstract skills to bring all learning together and look at it in a wider context. The children explored the impact the Shang Dynasty has had on modern day times, specifically looking at Chinese culture. We looked at the rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty, thinking about how it started and ended and the reasons why. 

Year 3 pupils explored archaeologist Zheng Zhenxiang and her discovery of a Shang Dynasty tomb as well as Howard Carter and his discovery of an Ancient Egyptian tomb. The children wrote a newspaper article on Zheng Zhenxiang's discovery, thinking about the key skills needed, such as direct speech and the 5 W's (Who, What, Where, Why, and When).

It was lovely to see the children connecting their learning together and using their prior knowledge to support them. 

On behalf of us both, we would like to acknowledge what an amazing year we have had with the children. They have been absolute superstars across the year and have done some brilliant learning. 

We wish them all the best in Year 4 and know they will absolutely shine!

Have a lovely, restful summer - Miss Gilbey and Mrs Vidler-Green.