Year 3 Ahlberg Class

Mr Butler

Welcome to year 3! The first unit of learning that we will do is 'Footprints From the Past'.

This unit of work is part of the International Primary Curriculum. This curriculum sets out very clearly what children will learn – the learning goals – in three different areas:

1. The subjects of the curriculum – The learning goals for each of these subjects are at least as challenging as the UK curriculum. In many cases, the learning goals are more challenging.

2. Personal development – The characteristics which will help children become more responsible, independent learners.

3. International understanding – This will help children develop both a sense of the independence of their own country and culture and the interdependence between countries and cultures.

Each unit of work is based around specific targets derived from the learning goals for one or more of the subjects. 

During this unit we will be focusing on History, Technology, International, Physical Education and Music

In History we will:

• learn about the different ages of dinosaurs
• learn about how palaeontologists piece together clues to learn about the past

In Geography we will:

• learn about how dinosaurs roamed the world

In Science we will:

• classify different dinosaurs based on their characteristics
• look at the diets of various dinosaurs

In Art we will:

• look at famous artists and how they have depicted dinosaurs

All of the work we are going to do has been specially written to help your child reach the learning goals. Children will be reading, researching, writing, illustrating, working on their own and working in groups. We will be checking to see how well your child has learned through particular activities and asking children to explain their work, perhaps to you.

Teaching in a thematic way, the national curriculum requirements of English, Maths, Science, RE and Music will be  interwoven with our topic learning. In English we will be looking at a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts and developing our understanding of performance, focusing on tone and expression.  In Maths, be exploring place value and the number system as well as exploring the four operations through different contexts. In Science, we will be learning about Living things and their habitats, including plants. 

During this term Year 3 will start their French sessions, learning lots of new vocabulary through songs and games.

We already know the interest you take in your child’s work. If you can, please discuss with your child the work they have done as the term progresses and let them teach you. If your child has some work to research, please help them, but without actually doing the work. If you have the chance to further their interest in the ideas of this theme please take it, but your enthusiasm and interest is most important.

Homework

Homework is a valuable opportunity for enrichment and consolidation of learning. Homework will be set in books this year.

Every night: Reading for at least 15 minutes and Doodle Maths

Wednesday: Either a Literacy, Maths or a Curriculum task (due Monday)

Friday: Spellings and tables (due Wednesday)

PE

PE takes place on Wednesday. The children will require a sky blue polo top with the school badge, plain royal blue shorts, royal blue tracksuit and black or white trainers. For health and safety reasons, earrings and watches should be removed for all PE lessons and long hair must be tied up. The children will need to arrive at school in their PE kit and will wear it all day.

Importantly, this term we will be developing our independence in our work and reflection. Please encourage your child to be independent with their choices at home and this will pay dividends in the classroom. I hope your child will have lots of fun and be happy and enthusiastic in their learning this term.

In Ahlberg, we have Miss Allen and Mrs McGrath helping us with our learning. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call in and see me after school or call the office to make an appointment.

Please keep checking back for updates.

Kind regards,

Mr Butler