Wye
Year 3

English

In 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 notable polar explorers. They will also be learning how to write a persuasive formal letter, focusing on the issue of plastic pollution and its environmental impact.

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 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 reflects the object, person or animal being described.

Maths

In Maths, we will continue developing our skills across the four main operations, with a focus this term on money, shape, and statistics. We will also revisit key Year 3 targets, including fractions and telling the time, both in analogue and digital, along with understanding time durations.

The children are working incredibly hard on their multiplication challenges and are making fantastic progress, so well done for all the extra practice at home! Keep it up—practise, practise, practise really does make perfect! The children are expected to complete their mixed times table challenges within 5 minutes.

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 with 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. sessions this half term will take place on Mondays and Fridays, except during the two weeks of the intensive swimming course. After half term, P.E. will be on Tuesdays and Fridays. For the swimming lessons, your child will need a swimming costume and a towel. If possible, please provide the following:

• For girls: a one-piece swimsuit (rather than a bikini-style).
• For boys: short, speedo-style trunks (rather than loose, beach-style shorts).

If your child has shoulder-length hair or longer, please provide a swimming hat, and it’s helpful if their hair is tied up on the day. Please also ensure that earrings and other jewellery are not worn during these sessions.

R.E.

This term, we will be continuing our study of 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 understand why they are worshipped. We will also look at the Hindu belief in one God with many different aspects. Later in the term, we 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 also have the opportunity to explore the work of several well-known artists, including Stephen Wiltshire, Lucian Freud, Hannah Höch, Anish Kapoor, Paula Rego, and Sonia Boyce. 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.

Spellings will be sent out in the weekly email to be tested on Friday. Please encourage your child to learn these at home. Reading is still going to be focused on heavily this term and regular practise at home really helps your child to improve. I am asking each child to read five times a week, in their own time. I would be most grateful for your help and encouragement with this. If any parents are willing to come into school to hear individual readers in the class, please let me know.