English

This term we will be working with a variety of texts for comprehension work, including poems and short plays. We will also be studying a range of information texts and see how pictures can add understanding to the written word. Children will be encouraged to write their own stories and descriptions, with attention to the setting. They will learn how to do more detailed book reviews.

Mathematics

Children will increase their understanding of place value and portioning, with more emphasis on mental calculations and rapid recall of number facts and bonds. They will explore the characteristics of a variety of 2D and 3D shapes. Calculations using a range of measures will be studied, with the children gaining an understanding of what would be an appropriate unit of measurement for a range of items. Time, both analogue and digital, will be introduced towards the end of the term.

Science

We will explore light sources and how shadows are made. We will study what happens to shadows during the course of a sunny day. Materials will be tested for magnetism and we will seek to find out if all magnets have the same strength. Forces will be investigated using springs and rubber bands.

History

We start the term with an exciting trip to an archaeological dig at Liss. This is a great introduction to our work on the Romans in Britain. The children will research the lifestyle, education and innovations that they brought to Britain.

Geography

The British Isles is the main focus of our attention this term. We will be looking at the capital cities, the main rivers and mountain ranges. The children will learn how to use a simple grid reference, the main compass points and have some understanding of the use of scale and plans.

Religious and Moral Education

Children will reflect on what home and family means to them and hear about how God loves us and is like both a father and mother to us. They will learn about the symbols and signs of baptism and confirmation and how they point to a deeper and more important meaning about these sacraments. They will spend one week learning about how the Jewish people live and worship, remembering that Jesus grew up as a young Jewish boy. Through thinking about the joys and demands of visitors they get a better understanding of how Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas.

French

In the autumn term, the children will consolidate and extend their learning from last year on the themes of greeting people, responding to classroom instructions and numbers. They will also learn how to ask people, and respond to, questions based on personal information, including where someone lives.

ICT

After a brief introduction to our new ICT facilities, the children will familiarise themselves with the QWERTY keyboard through practice exercises and simple word processing. We will develop simple story-book style presentations.

Music

In Year 3 the children will begin to learn the recorder and read simple notation. Percussion playing and singing will further develop their rhythmic and listening skills. New songs will include ones for Halloween, Harvest and Christmas. They will perform together in our Key Stage 2 Christmas production at the end of term.

Art and Design

The first half term will have an autumnal theme as we work towards Harvest Festival. Shadow and colour will be explored, with some of the work having a Roman theme.

Physical Education

Girls games lessons will focus on netball and uni-hoc. We seek to improve basic skills of sending and receiving the ball, to develop tactics to outwit the opposition, and an understanding of positional play and team work.

Boys will be introduced to specific control and concentration ball skills in football, as well as passing techniques important to team play. Rugby work will introduce rugby as a team game and develop handling and running skills, as well as introducing simple tactics in team games.

Health and fitness work will continue to improve on stamina and fitness, as well as a basic understanding of the importance of regular exercise and of the cardio-vascular system. Cross country work will also aid stamina and fitness, with some awareness of pacing and breathing patterns.

It is emphasised that the above is offered as a guide only, and the school retains the flexibility to adapt its schemes of work to the needs of the individual or the class.