Wow, eight whole weeks has flown in Year 3. Meerkats and Chipmunks have settled in well to their new classes and it has been lovely to get to know your wonderful children.

Maths

This half term in Maths we have focused on place value. Children have already represented numbers to 100 in Year 2.  We initially revisited and consolidated their learning before moving on to numbers beyond 100. The main focus of this step is to ensure that children get a sense of the size of numbers to 100 and can see clearly the number of tens and ones each number is made up of. We used a range of manipulatives to assist us with our learning and had some very fun number bond practice. We also started our unit on addition and subtraction where children have added and subtracted 2- and 3-digit numbers with and without exchange. They have used mental calculation as well as the formal written method for their learning.

We introduced the children to Speedy Tables this half term and they continue to impress us with their dedication to succeed. We will continue to support them with games and chanting in class and we ask that you please keep supporting them at home.

English

We have been incredibly busy in English and have completed not one but two Hot Writes. They kick started the term with learning all about diary entries and its features. They learnt all about using emotive language, time adverbials and expanded noun phrases to make an exciting diary entry. Our second unit of work was to create an information text about Edinburgh. Thank you for the research you did for homework, it really helped support the learning in school. We discussed the difference between facts and opinions, focused on the correct layout and most importantly how to make the writing more exciting by extending our sentences with conjunctions and expanded noun phrases. We were incredibly impressed by their hot writes on Edinburgh this week and even learnt some very interesting facts ourselves!

Geography

Our big question this half term was ‘What makes the United Kingdom so special?’. Children have looked at the countries that make up the UK and their individual physical and human features. We continued to look at different settlement types within the UK and how to identify them from their different characteristics. We really enjoyed getting to know from the children that they have family from all around the UK. We learnt which counties they may live in by using a compass and a map. We have finished off the topic by creating a map of the local area. Children discussed in class how Sunbury looks different to another settlement within the UK. 

Science

In Science we have looked at Animals including Humans. We have looked at different food groups and the impact a varied diet has on the body. They continued to learn about muscles and how they work. Children were fascinated to learn that if they didn’t have muscles there would be many activities they would not be able to carry out, like smiling! We investigated if those with the longest femurs could jump the furthest, which the children really enjoyed!

PE

During PE this half term we have been working on a fitness using a range of techniques to build on stamina and agility. Our other area of focus has been Fundamentals where we have been focussed on strength and endurance.

Music

We started off by learning ‘You are the Reason’ by Callum Scott using our Makaton. The children really enjoyed learning the story told in this song which did move some of the children to tears! We then focused our learning to ballads and how they tell a story. We used an animation called ‘Soar’ to inspire us. We then have been writing lyrics for this story as a class to the music ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna.

RE

In our RE learning we have been learning about Islam and how worship is important to Muslims. The children really enjoyed learning about the prayer routines and the steps taken before praying in the mosque.

PSHE

Our focus has been Being Me and also showing empathy for others. The children were given a pretend letter from Sam who was worried about joining our class. Both classes showed excellent understanding of how someone might feel and then created Chennestone leaflets to share the highlights of our school life. We worked in groups for this learning and we used our positive talk to communicate with each other.

Black History Month

This year the theme is 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. Our classes took part in a session where they were asked to save a community hub and redesign the space. The children really took time to consider what a community space would need, sports facilities, libraries, cafes and even a disco room was designed!

Homework

Whilst no homework is set for half term, please do remember to focus on reading and reading for pleasure. 

We will continue to set homework on a Wednesday for it to be returned the following Monday.

Upcoming events

Parent-Teacher Meetings: (Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November)