Year 3 Weekly News 03.10.25

Dear Parents and Carers,

We've had a busy and exciting week in Year 3, filled with hands-on activities, creative thinking, and lots of new discoveries. The children have shown great enthusiasm in every subject, from tackling tricky number problems to stepping into the shoes of characters in English, and even investigating how rocks cope with the weather in science.

In Maths, we explored the relationship between the 5 and 50 times tables. We discovered that if we know our 5 times table, it can help us count in 50s as it is simply 10 times bigger. We also worked on blank number lines and thought carefully about estimating where numbers may be placed. At first, we only had the start and end numbers on the number line, which made it tricky to be accurate. To help, we identified the midpoint, quarter point and three-quarter point, which gave us a clearer structure. Using strips of paper, we created number lines together and had lots of fun physically modelling our thinking!

In English, we have been planning our own "approaching threat" narratives inspired by The Iron Man. To get into character, we used drama activities and even hot seated Hogarth! This helped us to think carefully about what the Iron Man might look like both from a distance and up close. We also explored how Hogarth may have felt when he came face-to-face with the metal monster. Our oracy and language skills were spectacular and this has transferred excellently into our written plans.

Our Science learning this week focused on weathering and erosion. We explored the three types of weathering: biological, chemical, and physical. We then applied our knowledge to a reasoning challenge where we imagined supporting a construction business in choosing the right rock for an outdoor plaque. We considered the permeability and durability of different rocks to decide which would best withstand the weather all year round.

In RE, we learnt about the Jewish festival of Sukkot. We explored the importance of the sukkah and identified different Jewish traditions celebrated at this time. We then used a Venn diagram to compare and contrast Sukkot with the Christian Harvest festival. We found that both festivals celebrate food and give thanks for the harvest, and both encourage people to reflect on the importance of sharing what they have. However, Sukkot has the special tradition of building and spending time in a sukkah, as well as shaking the lulav and etrog, while the Christian Harvest often involves decorating churches with fruit, vegetables and flowers, and donating food to those in need.

In Computing, we explored how people stay connected through digital devices. We started by thinking about the word connections and reflected on who we are connected to in our lives. We then moved on to learning about networks through a fun classroom game where we passed messages around to see if they arrived accurately at the other end. Finally, we explored the idea of a switch, which allows a message to be sent directly without passing through a long and complex network.

In PE, we continued to develop our football skills. We began with a warm-up focusing on dribbling, scanning, and passing with partners. We then moved on to a small-sided game of 5-a-side where we had to make quick decisions about when to pass and when to dribble. We practised scanning the pitch to find space and move the ball effectively down the pitch.

In DT, we explored nets and how they can be used to create 3D shapes. The children practised cutting, folding, and assembling different nets, and then thought about how these shapes could be used in constructing their own castles. This gave us a great foundation for thinking about structure and design in a fun, practical way.

Geography was full of practical activities this week. Our lesson focused on getting to know the imaginary lines of latitude. We used maps, mini globes, and hula hoops to display our learning. We are now able to identify the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

What does it mean to have a healthy lifestyle? We worked hard to answer this in PSHE this week. We explored the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the risks of unhealthy choices, and ways we can look after both our body and mind. This links to our Bible quote, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -- 1 Corinthians 10:31

It has been a fantastic week of learning and discovery. I am very proud of the effort Year 3 are putting into all their lessons. In preparation for building castles next week, please send your children into school with some of the junk from your recycling bin! Cardboard boxes, cardboard toilet roll tubes, egg boxes or any cylindrical rubbish.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Mrs Roney.