Year 3

Introduction - September 2016 - Miss Walker

Welcome to Year 3, the start of Key Stage 2. During this year, children will build on their learning in Literacy, Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and all other lessons as well as continuing to develop their Powerful Learning Skills. As part of our Knowledge and Understanding of the World learning, the children will carry out GANAS projects each term, which they have been informally introduced to in Year 2.

The children will now spend playtimes on the Key Stage 2 playground, and share playtime and dinner times with Year 4.

Key Stage 2 comprises of Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, ICT, R.E., P.E., Art, D&T and Music. The Art and D&T is taught on a Monday afternoon by Mrs Holland as this is PPA time.

The Key Stage 2 gate is opened from 8.45 and children walk into school on their own. During the staggered drop off in the morning, the children will come in to complete morning maths or literacy activities which are differentiated to meet the children’s abilities.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World is where the children will study an area of learning and develop a variety of skills across the curriculum. For example they may write letters, study maps, create timelines, write non–chronological reports or even take part in debates. The Knowledge and Understanding curriculum runs on a two year program with Year 4. We like the children to talk about their learning with you outside of school as this reinforces their learning experiences.

Communication

If you wish to speak to Miss Walker please do not hesitate to do so either by coming to the school office before the day begins at 8:45 or after the day has ended, or leave a note in their learning journal as these are looked at weekly.

P.E. Timetable

P.E. will take place on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning and children will need the following:

School P.E. shorts
School P.E. T–shirt
Black pumps and/or trainers
Jogging bottoms and jumper (school PE Hoodie is also available) for outdoor activities during winter

Please ensure that your child's P.E. kit is always available in school

School P.E. shirts and T–shirts can be purchased from the school office

Tuck Shop

At morning break the children will still have the opportunity to eat a piece of fruit however they also have the opportunity if they want to purchase items such as toast, milk and teacakes from the tuck shop. A price list will follow in September.

PPA

Since 2005 it has been a legal requirement that all teaching staff receive 10% Planning Preparation and Assessment time in a week (PPA). We have also seen this as a real positive and an opportunity for staff development as well as ensuring the children receive a quality learning experience. This year PPA will be on aMonday morning when Mrs Holland will be teaching the children Art and D and T.

Home Learning

For home learning we will continue to re-enforce the basic skills associated with English and Maths. Each week the children will therefore be expected to learn spellings, read daily and practice quick recall of number facts. Children will continue to bring home personalised sets of spellings in their own spelling book. They will be tested at least every fortnight. Children will be re-tested on their spellings after they have learnt several sets to check that the words have been retained. Home learning will be set on a Thursday to be completed and returned by the following Tuesday.

School Uniform

We are all really proud of the way our children look in school. The vast majority of children wear their uniform with great pride and this is often commented upon when our children are out of school on trips and visits. Please can you continue to support our school uniform policy as not only does it look smart but it gives our school a real identity.