This term, Year 3 are becoming curious young scientists as they explore how animals, including humans, move, grow and stay healthy. The children will investigate the importance of a balanced diet, learning how different types and amounts of nutrition help our bodies grow, develop and function effectively. They will also discover the fascinating structure of the human body, exploring how our skeleton, bones and muscles work together to support movement and how tendons help connect muscles to bones. Through hands-on investigations, comparative tests, pattern-seeking activities, identifying, grouping, classifying and research, the children will develop their scientific enquiry skills, learn to ask meaningful questions and use observations and evidence to explain their discoveries. We look forward to nurturing their curiosity, scientific thinking and enthusiasm for understanding the world around them!
Year 3
Welcome to Autumn 1
Welcome to Year 3!
Assalamu Alaikum, and a warm welcome to all our Year 3 Parents!
I am delighted to be teaching Year 3 this year and look forward to a rewarding journey filled with curiosity, creativity and discovery. Together, we will nurture a love of learning, build confidence and independence, and encourage every child to embrace new challenges and celebrate their achievements. From imaginative writing and problem-solving in maths to exciting scientific investigations and exploring the world around us, there will be plenty of opportunities for the children to learn, grow and flourish, Insha’Allah.
I believe that a positive partnership between home and school plays an important role in every child’s success. I look forward to working closely with you throughout the year to support your child’s progress, wellbeing and development.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything, please feel welcome to get in touch.
I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and achievement together!
Ustadah Masoud
What we are learning this term...
English: A Journey Through Imagination and Creativity
This term, Year 3 have been exploring the wonderful world of The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson, using this captivating story to inspire their imagination and develop their skills as young writers. Through rich discussions, thoughtful observations and creative activities, the children have explored how words can bring a setting to life, describing the old man’s surroundings and imagining the transformation of a dull, forgotten place into a vibrant forest filled with plants, animals and birds.
The children have been developing their descriptive writing by using expanded noun phrases, powerful vocabulary, onomatopoeia and adverbials of place to create vivid images and bring the sounds of the forest to life. They have also been learning how to organise their ideas, structure their writing into paragraphs and use their imagination to engage their readers.
Alongside their descriptive writing, the children have been learning about the features and structure of letters and diary entries, exploring how writers can share their thoughts, feelings and experiences with a reader. Through collaborative discussions, planning activities and independent writing, they have been encouraged to express their ideas, make thoughtful vocabulary choices and develop their own unique voices as writers.
It has been wonderful to see the children sharing ideas, building on one another’s suggestions and growing in confidence as they experiment with language. We look forward to seeing their creativity flourish as they continue to develop their writing skills and discover the power of storytelling, Insha’Allah!
Guided Reading
Guided Reading –Krindlekrax by Philip Ridley
This term, Year 3 are discovering Krindlekrax by Philip Ridley through engaging guided reading sessions that encourage curiosity, imagination and thoughtful discussion. As the children explore the text, they are developing essential reading skills, including inference, prediction and comprehension, while discovering new vocabulary and clarifying the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases. Through questioning, close reading and sharing their ideas, the children are learning to look beyond the words, explore characters’ thoughts and feelings, and support their interpretations with evidence from the text. These sessions encourage children to become confident, independent readers who ask questions, make connections and develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of reading.
It is essential that your child also reads for 10 minutes everyday. Your child has a reading record and a book that they take home. Please help your child with reading and filling a comment in their reading record. We encourage children to read a wide range of books. Children are also given a book on the online library: Bug Club.
Reading can make a significant difference to their fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and confidence across the curriculum. Together, we can nurture a lifelong love of reading and celebrate every step of their progress, Insha’Allah!
Maths
This term, Year 3 will be developing their mathematical understanding through the Maths — No Problem! 1A textbook, exploring numbers and place value up to 1,000 before applying their knowledge to addition and subtraction. The children will use a range of mathematical approaches, including the column method, bar models, part–part–whole models, number lines and place value charts, to deepen their understanding, explain their reasoning and solve problems with increasing confidence and independence.
How can you support your child at home? Encourage your child to practise counting, recognising the value of digits, adding and subtracting numbers, and explaining how they reached an answer. Everyday activities, such as counting money, comparing prices, sharing objects equally and spotting numbers around us, provide wonderful opportunities to make maths meaningful and enjoyable. Most importantly, celebrate effort, encourage children to explain their thinking and remind them that mistakes are valuable opportunities to learn. Together, we can nurture curious, resilient and confident mathematicians who approach every challenge with enthusiasm, Insha’Allah!
Homework Reminder: Please check Purple Mash regularly for assigned homework and encourage your child to complete and submit each task on time. Your support in establishing a consistent homework routine helps children consolidate their learning, develop independence and take responsibility for their progress.
Computing
IThis term, Year 3 will be developing their digital skills and learning how to become responsible, confident and safe technology users. Through engaging activities and discussions, the children will explore online safety, understand the importance of keeping passwords private, recognise how to protect personal information and learn what to do if something online makes them feel uncomfortable. We will encourage the children to think carefully, make safe choices and understand that asking a trusted adult for help is always the right thing to do. By working together, we can help our children become responsible digital citizens who use technology safely and positively.
Science
History
This term, Year 3 are stepping back in time to become young historians, investigating how life changed throughout the Stone Age. The children are exploring the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, discovering how early humans lived, found food, made tools and adapted to their changing environment. Through examining historical evidence, comparing ways of life and discussing significant developments, they are learning how historians piece together clues from the past to understand how people lived thousands of years ago.
Exciting News – Our Visit to the Horniman Museum!
On Friday 16th October, we are looking forward to an exciting educational visit to the Horniman Museum, where the children will take part in a special pre historic Britain workshop. They will have the opportunity to explore prehistoric life, investigate archaeological evidence and discover how artefacts help us understand the past. This hands-on experience will bring our classroom learning to life, encouraging the children to think like historians, ask questions and deepen their understanding of this fascinating period in history. We cannot wait to see their curiosity and enthusiasm grow as they uncover the secrets of prehistoric Britain!
PE
PE Reminder: Year 3 PE takes place every Tuesday. Please ensure your child comes to school wearing the correct PE kit and appropriate school sports uniform each week. Thank you for your continued support!
DT
Year 3 are becoming creative designers and skilled makers as they explore the exciting world of textiles. The children will investigate the purpose and features of aprons, explore different stitching techniques and develop their own design ideas before bringing their creations to life. Through hands-on practical work, they will learn to handle materials carefully, practise their stitching skills and make thoughtful decisions about the appearance and functionality of their aprons. To complete their projects, the children will evaluate their finished products, reflecting on what went well and identifying ways to improve their designs. We look forward to seeing their creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence flourish as they transform their ideas into something practical and unique!
