Year 3
You can't use up creativity. the more you use, the more you have.
Maya Angelou
Year 3's curriculum is incredibly enriching! Offering children opportunities to build confidence, independence, and instil high aspirations which sets the stage for their holistic growth. It's not just about academics; it's about nurturing well-rounded, self-assured individuals ready to take on the world. Throughout the year, children will have high quality learning experiences where the WE ARE principles are brought to life. The children will continue to develop their writing skills through a range of high quality engaging texts.
Meet the team
Miss Gosai (3G) - Year Lead
Miss Tester (3T) - Class Teacher
Miss Robertson (3R) - Class Teacher
Support Staff - Miss Gosia, Miss McEwen and Miss Kasia
What we do and when
Our learning
Autumn Term
As scientists, we explored light sources and used a black box to investigate how light is the absence of darkness. We also sorted artificial and natural light sources through fun experiments.
As historians, we studied artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. We identified which age each belonged to and learned that each period was named after its dominant material.
As artists, we created self-portraits by focusing on line, shape, and shading techniques. This helped us develop our observational drawing skills and better understand how to represent ourselves through art.
As writers and readers, we explored our school text, More Than Words. We expressed emotions through poetry, using the Zones of Regulation to explore how we communicate different feelings effectively.
Previously
In DT lessons, the children explored what salsa is, where it comes from, and why it is a healthy food choice. They tasted a sample of salsas, describing its flavour and texture using descriptive language. They were able to identify key ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and onions
We worked in small groups to make our own fresh salsa using the recipes we had written.
We carefully chopped and mixed the ingredients, making sure to use the correct techniques we had learnt. We carried out our consumer survey by asking our peers and teachers questions about their salsa preferences.
Year 3 have explored 3 key ancient civilisations in History:
Ancient Sumer
Indus Valley
Shang Dynasty
Locating each ancient civilisation, we discussed the reasons why civilisations develop close to rivers. Plotting each civilisation onto a world map, the children compared their locations as well as the time they took place, discussing how these civilisations became so successful.
Exploring each ancient civilisation in more detail, the children undertook research into each civilisation in turn, determining their key achievements and explaining why these were so important. Each group was given the chance to present what they had found, giving the children a chance to build upon their research and ask each other questions.
This term in English, the children have been learning how to write non-chronological reports. Their topic? The incredible Amazon Rainforest! To begin, the children explored examples of reports and discussed the features that make them effective, such as subheadings, technical vocabulary, and the use of the present tense. They used this knowledge to plan and organise their own writing.
The children wrote about where it is, why it is important, the animals and plants that live there, and the people who call it home. They also found out about deforestation and why it is a problem. The children worked hard to include interesting facts, use clear subheadings, and write in full sentences. Their reports are full of great information and show just how much they have learnt!
This term, we started our DT topic by exploring a selection of pop-up books, carefully investigating which parts moved and discussing the mechanism behind the actions.
In preparation for the creation of a fairy tale pop-up book, Year 3 have learnt a variety of mechanisms, providing a repertoire of skills that can be used for their final product.
This term, we started our history topic by exploring different artefacts from the Stone Age and predicting what these might be. We used these items to start thinking and discussing what life might have been like during this period and how it might differ from modern daily life.
In science, we have been exploring light. We looked at light sources and reflectors, exploring objects we know produce light and others which don’t. Investigating using torches and various different objects, Year 3 predicted then explored how reflective different materials are.
In art this term, we started our learning by using pencil to draw from life. Using different methods of shading and creating patterns we explored looking closely and drawing what we can see.
This term in geography, Year 3 has been learning about the Earth’s position in space and how this impacts our climate. We explored the relationship between the Earth and the Sun and how it affects different climate zones around the world.
Pupils have also been studying climate graphs, learning to read data and identify patterns, and deepening their understanding of the differences between climate zones, vegetation belts, and biomes. Through this, they have discovered how plants and animals adapt to life in various biomes and recognised the impact sudden climate changes can have on living things.
In geography we have been learning all about a small district in Germany called Baden-Württemberg. We looked at the physical features of Baden Wurttemberg and compared them to the physical features in the Lake District.
We are developing our knowledge of map work by looking at an aerial view of a small area in Baden-Wurttemberg. We looked at how the land is used and identified that it is a mixture of urban and rural but mainly agriculture.
In art monoprints were made by rolling printing ink onto acetate. Peeling back the paper revealed the image of an ammonite! We were free to explore the colour, size and shape of our ammonite shells. We were able to evaluate our work and describe the method used.
Block prints were made by scoring an image of an ammonite onto styrofoam. Ink was rolled onto the styrofoam, which was then pressed onto sketchbooks to create the print.
As part of our science learning, we have been investigating light and shadows.
How can you help at home?
Tasks to complete weekly:
- Daily reading
- Times Table Rock Stars ( at least 20mins a week)
- My maths
- Daily reading - Please read with your child 5 times a week. Please record in their reading diary.
Useful websites
Join our community
Do you have skills, knowledge and have lived experiences that could be beneficial to our pupils at Penwortham? For example, you may be a practising Buddhist or be of the Windrush generation. Your line of work may involve promoting sustainable living (for example) or you may have links to people who would be happy to run professional development sessions for members of Penwortham Primary School.
If so, please sign up to the Penwortham community!
Thank you
Trips