🌟 Welcome to Year 3!

Year 3 is an exciting transition into Key Stage 2 where pupils develop greater independence, curiosity and confidence in their learning. Throughout the year, children will travel through time to the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt, explore rainforests around the world and investigate fascinating scientific concepts through practical investigations and memorable experiences. 

📚 English in Year 3

English Adventures
This year our reading and writing will be inspired by exciting stories, poems and non-fiction texts that develop creativity and imagination.
Our core books include:

• The Three Billy Goats Gruff
• The Iron Man
• The Great Kapok Tree
• The Emerald Forest
• Texts linked to Ancient Egypt 

In English we will strengthen our reading, vocabulary and writing skills through narratives, letters, diary entries, persuasive writing, reports, explanations and poetry. 

✝️ Bible Story Focus

Our class Bible story is Abraham and the Starry Sky, which reminds us that:

God loves us and always keeps His promises.

This story encourages faith, trust and hope — values we explore throughout the year in our reflections and daily life.

Science

Year 3 scientists will explore fascinating topics through experiments and investigations.

We will study:

• Light – learning about shadows, reflection and how we see. 
• Rocks – investigating different rock types, fossils and soils.
• Plants – exploring how plants grow and reproduce. 
• Animals Including Humans – understanding nutrition, skeletons and muscles.
• Forces and Magnets – discovering pushes, pulls and magnetic forces. 

Children will work scientifically by observing, predicting, testing and evaluating their findings.

History and Geography

Our humanities topics will take pupils across time and around the world.

History

• Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age – discovering how life changed over thousands of years.
• Ancient Egypt – exploring one of the world's earliest and most fascinating civilisations. 
• Local History Study – Chatterley Whitfield Coal Mining – understanding the impact of industry on Stoke-on-Trent. 
• Black History Month – learning about inspirational people including Simone Biles. 

Geography

• The United Kingdom – developing map skills and learning about our country.
• Rainforests and Sustainability – investigating why rainforests are vital to our planet. 
• Local Area Fieldwork – studying land use, facilities and how people travel in our community. 
• Map skills and Orienteering – using maps to navigate and investigate places.

Trips and Experiences

Learning in Year 3 extends beyond the classroom through exciting visits and hands-on experiences.

Some highlights include:

• 🪨 Conkers Stone Age Trip
• 🌲 Stanley Head Orienteering Experience
• 🏺 Potteries Museum Visit
• 🇪🇬 Manchester Museum – Ancient Egypt Visit
• 🕍 Jewish Synagogue Visit
• 🌳 Forest School
• 🎬 Into Film Cinema Experience
• 📚 Author Visit at the City Library
• 🔬 STEM Workshops 

These experiences bring learning to life and create lasting memories.

🎭 Pupil Roles & Responsibilities We believe in helping children take ownership of their learning environment. Year 3 pupils can take on a range of important roles that contribute to our school community:

🎨 Arts Ambassadors

🤝 Peer Mediators

🏃 Playground Leaders

🧥 Cloakroom Monitors

📚 Reading Dojo & Book Area Monitors

🙏 Prayer Partners

💻 Computing

Children will develop their digital skills through:

• Connecting Computers 
• Stop Frame Animation 
• Sequencing Sounds
• Desktop Publishing
• Events and Actions in Programs
• AI Digital Literacy – exploring how artificial intelligence can help people and how to use technology safely. 

🏃‍♀️ PE and Games

• Please ensure children come to school in the correct PE kit on their PE days. Full details can be found in our school Uniform Policy and on your child's Class Dojo.

Throughout the year, pupils will take part in gymnastics, basketball, dodgeball, cricket, football, swimming, hockey, dance, tennis, athletics and rounders. 

We are excited for all that this year will bring and look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey. Year 3 is a year of exploration, creativity and discovery — and we're so glad to be on this journey together.

Warm wishes, The Year 3 Team