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
Mrs Bedeau (3B) - Year Lead
Mr Pickles (3P) - Class Teacher
Miss Robertson (3R) - Class Teacher
Support Staff - Ms Saunders, Miss Oliver, Miss A
What we do and when
Our learning
Autumn Term
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.
Previously...
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.
In design and technology Year 3 had the experience of tasting different bread from around the world. We used our skills of kneading, rolling and measuring to make an ‘Egyptian flat bread’.
Year 3 went on a very exciting trip to the British Museum to learn all about the Ancient Egyptians. They saw how Pharaohs were mummified, how they made their journey to the afterlife and the intricately designed sarcophaguses that they were buried in.
Did you know they mummified their animals?
Inspired by David Hockney’s art and previously learnt skills, we created our very own digital picture of a plant. We experimented with different shapes and lines to create an abstract picture. First we created an abstract picture using pastels to make a comparison between the two media.
For history we embarked on a journey to Tooting Bec woods to experience life as Stone Age hunter-gatherers. It was a transformative and enlightening experience. It allowed us to reconnect with our ancient roots, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skills and instincts that sustained our ancestors for many years.
We then visited Butser Ancient Farm to deepen our learning. After learning about the properties of the landscape beneath our feet, we crushed chalk (limestone) using a basher. We collected all of the crushed chalk in a wheelbarrow.
After that we mixed it with mud, water and straw to make a strong and durable building material called clunch. Finally we added the mixture to the wall of a new building on the farm.
As part of our science learning, we have been investigating light and shadows.
In design and technology we explored different pop-up books and identified the different mechanisms that make them move.
To prepare for making our final product, we practised our skills such as measuring, folding and cutting to create different mechanisms for our pop-up books. The children were able to show v-fold, box fold and a type of mechanism in their finished product. They used their stories they wrote in English to re-create fairy tale pop up books.
How can you help at home?
Tasks to complete weekly:
- Mathletics
- 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