Welcome to Year 3!

Welcome to the Autumn Term!

 year3@allsaints-harwich.essex.sch.uk

We have a very exciting autumn term ahead of us, with lots of new learning and opportunities to explore.

Mathematics

In Maths, we will be focusing on three units: Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, and Multiplication and Division A.

We will begin by developing our understanding of place value and exploring numbers up to 1,000. We will then use our knowledge of numbers to solve addition and subtraction calculations and problems. Later in the term, we will begin to explore multiplication and division, building on our understanding of times tables and developing our problem-solving skills.

English

In English, we will enjoy a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, developing our reading, writing and comprehension skills. We will have opportunities to write for different purposes and audiences, while continuing to develop our vocabulary, punctuation, grammar and spelling.

We will also make sure that there is plenty of time to read and enjoy a wide range of exciting books.

Science

Within Science, we will be covering two units:

• Light and Shadows
• Rocks and Soil

During our first unit, we will explore different sources of light and investigate how shadows are formed. We will carry out practical investigations to explore how the size and shape of shadows can change.

During our second unit, we will investigate different types of rocks and learn how they are formed. We will explore the properties of rocks and investigate the different layers of soil.

RE

In RE, we will be focusing on two big questions:

• What is it like to follow God?
• What is the Trinity?

In our first unit, we will explore what Christians believe it means to follow God. We will look at stories and teachings from the Bible and consider how these beliefs can influence the way Christians live their lives.

After half term, we will explore the Christian belief in the Trinity and consider what Christians mean when they talk about God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

History

In History, we will be answering the following question:

Would you prefer to live in the Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age?

During this unit, we will travel back in time to prehistoric Britain. We will learn about the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age and investigate how people lived during each period.

We will explore changes in homes, food, tools, technology and ways of life before comparing the different periods and deciding which time we would have preferred to live in.

Geography

In Geography, we will be answering the following question:

Why do people live near volcanoes?

We will begin by learning about the structure of the Earth and discovering how and why volcanoes are formed. We will locate some of the world's major volcanoes and explore what happens when a volcano erupts.

We will then investigate why people choose to live near volcanoes, considering both the risks and the benefits of living in these areas.

Art

During our Art lessons, we will be exploring Painting and Mixed Media: Prehistoric Painting.

We will take inspiration from prehistoric cave paintings and investigate the materials and techniques used by early humans. We will explore colour, texture, pattern and mark-making before creating our own prehistoric-inspired artwork.

D&T

In our D&T lessons, we will be focusing on Cooking and Nutrition: Eating Seasonally.

We will learn about seasonal foods and investigate where different fruits and vegetables come from. We will develop our cooking skills by preparing and tasting seasonal ingredients and designing and making a healthy dish.

Computing

In our Computing sessions, we will be covering two units:

• Networks and the Internet
• Journey Inside a Computer

We will begin by exploring what computer networks are and how devices communicate with one another. We will also learn about the internet and how information can be shared between connected devices.

We will then take a journey inside a computer to discover some of its different components and understand how they work together.

Music

During the autumn term, we will be learning the unit ‘Let Your Spirit Fly’.

During the unit, we will develop our singing and listening skills and explore rhythm, melody and musical patterns. We will also have opportunities to play instruments and perform as part of a class ensemble.

Spanish

Within our Spanish lessons, we will be learning the units ‘My Dream House’ and ‘Let’s Go to the Park’.

We will learn new vocabulary and phrases to describe different rooms and features of a house. We will then move on to learning vocabulary linked to the park and develop our confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish.

PSHE

In our PSHE lessons, we will be covering two topics:

• My Healthy Self: How can I take care of my mind and body?
• Connecting with Others: How can we respect each other?

We will learn about the importance of looking after both our physical and mental wellbeing. We will explore healthy choices and consider different ways we can take care of ourselves.

We will then explore friendships and relationships, thinking about how we can communicate with others, show respect and appreciate that everyone is different.

PE and Forest School

PE will take place every Wednesday. We ask that on this day, pupils come into school in their PE kit. This is a white top and school burgundy shorts with trainers. Long hair should be tied back, and earrings should be removed. During colder days, children should wear a plain tracksuit.

Children will also have Forest School sessions on Thursdays during the first half of the autumn term.

For Forest School, we ask that children bring a change of footwear and socks. Wellies are ideal footwear for this, but any spare footwear will do. This will ensure that all the children can enjoy their Forest School sessions whatever the weather and have warm and dry footwear to change back into afterwards.

Homework

Weekly spelling words are sent home on a Monday in your child's reading diary. We learn these words and spelling patterns throughout the week, but practising them at home can help to embed these spellings, ensuring your child can consistently use them within their writing.

Times Table Rockstars will be introduced this term and we will familiarise the class with the website before setting any home expectations. 

We also ask that reading is completed at least three times a week, for at least five minutes and recorded in their reading diary. They can choose to read any book that they are interested in and enjoy reading. 

We will use the Juniper portal to keep you up-to-date with the children’s learning and to send home any reminders. If you have any questions or wish to get in touch, please email year3@allsaints-harwich.essex.sch.uk

We are looking forward to a fantastic autumn term in Year 3 and to seeing the children develop their knowledge, skills and confidence across all areas of the curriculum.