YEAR 3

In English, the classroom has been alive with the spirit of adventure, as the children embark on a biographical expedition of writing their own biographies about the life of Sir Edmund Hillary. This unit has been a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their research and writing skills, while also learning about a truly inspirational figure. Through careful reading of information texts, engaging discussions, and meticulous note-taking, the children have constructed compelling biographies, capturing the essence of Hillary's extraordinary achievements. They have explored the key moments of his life, from his early passion for climbing to his historic ascent of Mount Everest. They have considered the challenges he faced, the determination he displayed, and the lasting impact of his accomplishments. The children have learned to organise their writing effectively, using chronological order and incorporating relevant details to create a clear and engaging narrative. They have also focused on using descriptive language to bring Hillary's experiences to life, painting vivid pictures of the rugged landscapes and the sheer determination required to conquer the world's highest peak. 

Moving into the realm of mathematics, Year 3 has been busy consolidating their understanding of volume and capacity. They have engaged in practical activities, using a variety of containers and measuring tools to explore the concepts of millilitres and litres. Through hands-on experiments, they have learned to accurately measure and compare the volumes of different liquids and solids. This practical approach has allowed them to visualise and internalise these abstract concepts, making them more accessible and meaningful. Building upon their foundational understanding of volume and capacity, the children have now begun to explore the world of money. They have been learning to recognise different values of coins and notes, and to calculate simple sums involving money. They have also been working on word problems that involve money, applying their problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. This introduction to financial literacy is an essential step in preparing them for future mathematical challenges and everyday life.

In science, the children have been investigating the fascinating phenomenon of shadows. They have conducted experiments to explore the relationship between light sources and shadows, discovering how the size and shape of a shadow can change depending on the position of the light source and the object casting the shadow. They have learned that shadows are formed when an object blocks the path of light, and that the length of a shadow changes throughout the day as the sun's position changes. They have observed and recorded the changes in shadows over time, developing their skills in scientific observation and data collection. The children have also explored the concept of opaque, translucent, and transparent materials, understanding how different materials interact with light. This hands-on, inquiry-based approach has ignited their curiosity and fostered a deeper understanding of the properties of light.

Our budding geographers have embarked on a global adventure, exploring the diverse biomes and climate zones of our planet. They have learned about the different types of biomes, such as rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and tundra, and the unique characteristics of each. They have investigated the factors that influence climate, including latitude, altitude, and proximity to oceans. They have also explored the relationship between climate and the distribution of plants and animals, understanding how different species have adapted to their specific environments. The children have used maps, globes, and other visual aids to locate and identify different biomes and climate zones around the world. They have learned about the interconnections of all living things and the impact of human activities on the planet.

We encourage parents to continue to support their children's learning at home by engaging in conversations about what they have learned, encouraging them to read widely, and providing opportunities for them to explore and discover the world around them. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

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.