YEAR 3

What a great 2 weeks Year 3 have had! 

In the realm of mathematics, Year 3 have been mastering the concept of duration. Moving beyond telling the time, they have been exploring how to measure and compare different lengths of time. From calculating how long a movie lasts to figuring out the difference between the time spent on two activities, the children have been developing their understanding of hours, minutes, and even seconds. They've tackled problems involving adding and subtracting durations, using number lines to visualise the passage of time. This practical application of maths helps them to understand the world around them in a more precise and analytical way. We've seen some fantastic problem-solving skills emerge as they confidently navigate questions like, "If a cake takes 45 minutes to bake and needs to cool for 20 minutes, what is the total time from putting it in the oven to being ready to eat?". Their ability to articulate their methods and explain their reasoning has been particularly impressive.

Venturing into the world of science, Year 3 have been conducting captivating investigations into how water travels through plants. This fundamental aspect of plant biology has been brought to life through hands-on experiments. The children have observed firsthand the process of transpiration, setting up investigations using celery stalks placed in coloured water. The visual transformation as the colour travels up the stem and into the petals has sparked curiosity and encouraged them to ask insightful questions. They have learned about the crucial role of the stem in transporting water from the roots to the rest of the plant, understanding how this process is essential for the plant's survival. Discussions have revolved around why plants need water and the factors that might affect the rate at which water travels. This practical exploration has not only deepened their understanding of plant biology but has also fostered their scientific inquiry skills, including making predictions, observing carefully, and drawing conclusions based on their findings.

Meanwhile, in English, the creative juices have been flowing as Year 3 embarked on a literary adventure inspired by Shakespeare's enchanting "A Midsummer Night's Dream". While not tackling the complexities of the original text in its entirety, they have delved into the magical elements, the whimsical characters, and the themes of enchantment and the natural world. Building on this inspiration, the children have been challenged to write their own short stories set within a similar fantastical realm. The children have focused on developing their descriptive writing skills, bringing their fantastical settings and characters to life through vivid language. They have also been exploring narrative structure, considering how to begin their stories, build suspense, and reach a satisfying conclusion. From tales of lost children encountering woodland sprites to stories of animals caught in magical mishaps, their creativity has shone brightly.

Year 3 recently stepped back in time for an exciting and interactive Roman Day workshop! The children thoroughly enjoyed a variety of hands-on sessions that brought the world of ancient Rome to life. They learned about clever battle tactics, strategising like true Roman soldiers. There was also fun exploring traditional Roman board games, challenging their minds. Our young historians even tried their hand at writing like scribes, carefully forming letters.The day also included a fascinating look at real Roman artefacts, giving the children a tangible connection to the past. To top it all off, Year 3 were captivated by a dramatic retelling of the story of Julius Caesar. It was a truly engaging and memorable day, leaving the children with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Roman history. Well done, Year 3!

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.