Author: Kate Watson

We are looking forward to the term ahead and have lots of exciting things planned. As always please remember, if you have any worries or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch.
A few reminders:
From Monday 9th January, PE will be every Monday and Tuesday, but please be aware this may change and information about this will follow. Children need to come to school wearing their outdoor PE kit. They will stay in their PE kit all day so do not need to bring their uniform. Any earrings must be removed at home. Children cannot take part in PE if they are wearing earrings.
Homework expectations
All children have an orange homework book. At the front is any log in and password information for our homework websites.
New spelling lists will stuck into homework books on Fridays ready for a spelling test the following Thursday. All children must also remember to complete 5 Spelling Shed games by Thursday evening at 8pm. Every week, children will be set spelling words which they will receive in their tests so it is an excellent and fun way to work on these words!
By the end of Year 3, to be working at the expected standard, children need to be able to recall the 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 8x and 10x tables, including division facts which requires regular practice and recall. Children must remember to complete 10 garage games on TT Rock Stars by Thursday at 8pm each week.
Children must read their reading book 3x per week. This does not need to be the whole book. A couple of pages at a time still counts. This must be recorded onto boom reader by Thursday at 8pm in order to allow time for it to be checked.
A huge thank you to those of you who regularly complete homework, as it’s great to see children so engaged with their learning at home as well as school and is hugely significant in the progress they make.
Mrs Scott and Miss Evans

English
In English this term our text drivers are “Stone Girl Bone Girl” by Laurence Anholt and “The Stone Aged Boy” by Satoshi Kitamura . All our English work will be linked to these books therefore providing a purpose and context for the work the children produce. In the first half term, we will be working towards the skills needed to write a diary extract and biography of Mary Anning.
We will then read “Stone Aged Boy” a fiction book with a historical setting, in order to retell part of the story and write a non chronological report. Both text drivers link to our history topic “Survival of the Fittest” about the Stone Age.

Maths
In Maths this term we will be focusing on multiplication and division including 2 digit numbers by one digit numbers. Therefore, rapid recall of 2x, 5, 10x, 3x, 4x, and 8x tables are crucially important. We will also be studying measurement. Again we will be encouraging children to use a range of practical resources to support their thinking and problem solving skills.

Reading
It has been great to see many children reading at least 3 times per week at home and achieving Accelerated Reader certificates. Please continue to do this and make sure it is recorded on Boom Reader to ensure they earn a team point. Once a pupil has read a book, they will use an Ipad or laptop in school to quiz as part of the Accelerated Reader programme. This is a whole-school rewarding reading programme which allows children to receive instant feedback about their comprehension and earn points, certificates and prizes.

Wider Curriculum
We endeavour to ensure all pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum. This term our topic is “Survival of the Fittest”. In our history lessons, all children will learn about the Stone Age and have an opportunity to study artefacts and visit This Green Moon, where they will participate in outdoor activities such as bush craft.
In Science, pupils will be learning about rocks and it would be great if children could bring in their own rocks or fossils, so that we can identify and discuss their characteristics further.
In Art , pupils will be studying two local artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, where they will look the sculptures they have created, before making their own abstract family with clay.
In PE, pupils will be developing their balance and coordination skills during gymnastics and taking part in the invasion game football. Pupils will also study computing, RE, French, Music and PHSE through the Jigsaw scheme.