English
This term, the children will be writing a non-chronological report about the Arctic and Antarctica, linking closely with our Geography topic. Their writing will include information about animals, habitats and polar explorers. The children will also be learning how to write a persuasive formal letter, focusing on the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
We will also be exploring the fantastic classic book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. This imaginative and creative story follows a young boy who, after being sent to bed without his supper, creates a magical world in his bedroom—a forest filled with wild creatures.
In addition, the children will explore poetry, creating calligrams and shape poems, where the layout of the poem reflects the object, person or animal being described.
Maths
In Maths, we will continue developing our skills across the four main operations, with a particular focus this term on money, shape, and statistics. We will also revisit key Year 3 targets, including fractions, telling the time in both analogue and digital formats, and understanding time durations.
The children have been working incredibly hard on their multiplication challenges and are making fantastic progress. Well done for all the extra practice at home! Keep it up — practise, practise, practise really does make perfect!
Science
In Science this term, we will be learning all about plants. The children will be able to: –
Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants, including roots, stems/trunks, leaves and flowers.
Explore what plants need to grow and thrive—such as air, light, water, nutrients from the soil and space whilst understanding how these needs can vary between different types of plants.
Investigate how water is transported within a plant.
Learn about the role flowers play in the life cycle of flowering plants, including the processes of pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal.
Geography
In Geography this term, we will begin our exciting topic 'An Arctic Adventure'. The children will learn to identify and explore both the human and physical features of the polar regions, while also developing a deeper understanding of climate change and its effects on the environment.
They will make meaningful connections between their own lives and the wider world, reflecting on the positive and negative impacts humans can have on the environment. The children will also explore how and why different plants and animals are found in specific regions. Additionally, they will learn how significant historical events, such as early Arctic exploration, have shaped the world we live in today.
P.E.
Our P.E. and Forest School sessions this half term will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. The children will need to wear their full P.E. kits into school on these days each week.
R.E.
This term, we will be studying the Hindu faith. We will begin by exploring how Hindus worship and learn about their core beliefs. Our focus will include the Trimurti, the three most important deities in Hinduism and understanding why they are worshipped. We will also explore the Hindu belief in one God with many different aspects. Later in the term, the children will learn about the significance of the celebration of Diwali, the River Ganges, and the concept of pilgrimages, considering their importance for both Hindus and non-Hindus.
Art and Design
This term, the children will have the opportunity to explore the work of several well-known artists, including Thomas Gainsborough, Lucian Freud, Hannah Höch, Anish Kapoor and Paula Rego. Inspired by these artists, they will experiment with a range of media to create their own portrait artworks. Activities will include creating abstract 'cut ups, telling stories through pictures and writing memory postcards as part of their artistic expression.
Music
As part of the school's Wider Opportunities programme, children will have weekly music lessons with Mrs Gibson from Hereford Music Services, during which they will learn to play the ukulele.
Spellings will be sent out in the weekly email and will be tested on a Friday. Please encourage your child to learn these at home. Reading will continue to be a key focus this term, and regular practice at home really helps your child to improve. I am asking each child to read five times a week, at a time that suits them. Your support and encouragement with this would be greatly appreciated.
