Welcome to Year 3

Welcome to Year 3! This is a fantastic transition year as children move from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. The emphasis this year is to build on the previous learning and understanding that the children have gained in their first three years in school. Their learning is supported in a very similar way in the Autumn term as in Year 2 but there is increasing encouragement for the children to become more independent learners.

The day starts with Phonics and Guided Reading. Children are placed into groups based on their reading ability so that they can make rapid progress and become fluent readers.

In Maths, topics will start with Concrete apparatus, such as Base Ten equipment and Place Value counters, before the use of informal recording methods or drawings. As the children in Owls will be working with much larger numbers, this will necessitate learning formal methods of Arithmetic, such as the Column methods for Addition and Subtraction. Maths is fun so lots of games are an important ingredient. The children will further hone their Mental Maths skills by using practising their X-tables at home. We encourage children to engage with Times-Table Rockstars at home to supplement their understanding of multiplication facts.

English is segmented into the various strands: Handwriting, Spelling and Writing. English Writing lessons are based on a whole class texts written by wonderful children's authors; such as: Stone Age Boy, King Kong and The Invisible Boy. Non-Fiction genres are threaded through each text and are featured on the Curriculum Overview, take a peek!

It is crucial that children also read as often as possible at home and take part in our monthly reading challenges. Remember to record any reading at home in reading records. It is also important children practise their weekly spellings at home through logging into Spelling Shed.

We have some exciting History and Geography topics in Year 3, such as The Stone Age, Volcanoes and Mountains and Coal Mining in the Victorian Times. Our ‘Coal Mining’ study also includes a trip to the Lancashire Mining Museum!

Swimming is a huge milestone in Year 3, and an important lifelong skill. Children swim throughout the year until February half-term and by the end are usually swimming unaided. All children develop water confidence and have a lot of fun as well!

Mr M Lewis
Year 3 Class Teacher