YEAR 3

December is here and year 3 have been busier than ever!

Our budding environmentalists have been hard at work these past few weeks, channelling their persuasive powers into tackling a very important issue: plastic pollution! Year 3 have been learning all about the impact of plastic on our planet, from the overflowing landfills to the harm it causes our precious oceans and wildlife. They've explored the life cycle of plastic, discovered the importance of recycling and reducing waste, and even brainstormed creative solutions for a more sustainable future. The culmination of their hard work? Powerful and persuasive letters addressed to none other than the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom! Each letter is a testament to their growing understanding of this complex issue, brimming with passionate pleas for change and thoughtful suggestions. We were so impressed by their compelling arguments, the depth of their research, and their ability to articulate their concerns with such clarity and conviction. We have no doubt that the Prime Minister will be equally impressed and will seriously consider the children's insightful ideas.

Year 3 have been venturing into the exciting world of multiplication, and they're tackling some seriously impressive calculations! Over the last week, they've embarked on their journey with long multiplication, focusing on multiplying large two-digit numbers by a single digit. It's been fantastic to see them confidently applying their times tables knowledge to this new and more complex method. The children have shown great enthusiasm for mastering the step-by-step process of long multiplication, carefully partitioning numbers, multiplying by units and tens, and finally adding their results to reach the answer. They've been working hard to develop their accuracy and understanding, using a range of resources like place value grids and counters to support their learning. It's wonderful to see their growing confidence as they tackle increasingly challenging problems! With a solid foundation in long multiplication, Year 3 are now ready to take on the next challenge: short multiplication! This more efficient method will allow them to tackle even bigger calculations with greater speed and fluency. We're excited to see them continue to develop their mathematical skills and grow their love of numbers. Watch this space for updates on their progress!

Year 3 have been having a truly magnetic time in their science lessons! Over the past two weeks, they've delved deeper into the fascinating world of magnets and forces, conducting two exciting investigations to explore the mysteries of magnetism. Their first experiment saw them turn into detectives, working together to discover which everyday objects were attracted to magnets. Armed with magnets and a variety of materials, they eagerly tested everything from paperclips and coins to wooden blocks and fabric. Through careful observation and recording, they were able to identify magnetic materials and draw conclusions about their properties. Next, Year 3 investigated whether all magnets are created equal. They compared different magnets to see which ones exerted the strongest force, using their findings to create informative bar charts. This hands-on activity allowed them to visualise and compare the strength of different magnets, further deepening their understanding of magnetic forces. Throughout these investigations, the children have shown impressive scientific skills, making predictions, carrying out fair tests, recording their observations, and drawing conclusions. They've also demonstrated excellent teamwork and communication, sharing ideas and supporting each other's learning. It's been wonderful to witness their curiosity and enthusiasm for science in action!

Children are expected to complete the following: 

• At least 5 reads in their reading diary each week 

• Century is here! A piece of maths and English homework will be set every Thursday with a due date of the following Monday. The homework will appear at the bottom under 'assignments'. The pathway at the top is suggested additional work that can be worked through as and when but is not an expectation to be completed. 

• Times table rock stars does not have to be completed daily, but it is encouraged to practise as much as possible.

Children are not expected to do Century and Times Table Rockstars every evening at home, but little and often is ideal! Thank you for your support :)

Please note, the inside of the reading diaries have changed. There are dates on each page and a 'homework' section on the left hand side but please ignore these. Please see the image below of how to insert the reads into the new reading diaries.