Woodthorpe Church of England Primary School
Welcome to Class 3
In Class 3, we have Year 3 and Year 4 children learning together. Each day, we enjoy a 30-minute reading lesson, as well as Maths, following the White Rose Maths scheme, and English, where we focus on writing and grammar through high quality texts.
In the afternoons, we explore a variety of foundation subjects, making learning creative, hands-on, and exciting. One of the highlights of the week is our PE lesson with coaching experts from Chesterfield Community Football Club (CCFC) – it’s always full of energy and fun!
Our classroom is a place where we work hard, have fun, and support each other, growing together as a team and as learners.
Teaching Team:
Miss Turner – Class Teacher
Mrs Bourn – Teaching Assistant
Read on to discover all the amazing things we’ll be learning this year!
Autumn Term – Through the Ages
This term our main subject driver is history. The children will be travelling back through time to find out what life was like during the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. They will explore how people lived - what they ate, what they wore, what tools they had and how they survived. They will also investigate evidence left behind by these communities and use it to understand more about this fascinating period in history.
This term the children will discover what humans and animal eat and why food is essential for survival. They will dive into the secrets of balanced healthy diets and learn how to keep their bodies strong and energetic. But that's not all - they will also investigate the amazing skeleton finding out how it supports and protects humans while naming some key bones. There will be lots of hands on activities, fascinating discoveries and many wow moments.
In geography this term the children are going on a journey around the world. They will find countries and cities on maps, use compass points and grid references. They will also explore the five major climate zones and learn about some important places in the United Kingdom. The children will be real life explorers and discover the world like never before.
This term in design and technology the children will become master chefs. They will learn all about food groups and the Eatwell Guide. They will explore different methods of cooking and put their skills to the test by cooking their own delicious dishes using ingredients from all food groups. The children will taste, create and enjoy some amazing dishes!
In art and design the children will travel back in time to become prehistoric potters. Linked to their history learning this topic teaches them all about Bell Beaker pottery and the people who made it thousands of years ago. They will explore and use different clay techniques to create a prehistoric masterpiece!
In RSHE this term the children will focus on health and wellbeing, learning about healthy diets, dental hygiene and their own super skills. They will explore how to overcome barriers and develop into healthy individuals, both in mind and body. In the second half of the term the children will be learning about families and relationships. The children will learn about healthy friendships, what makes a good friend, boundaries and different types of families.
In Key Stage 2 the children will learn French. This term, they will begin by counting to ten and learning common greetings. They will practice saying their name, asking how someone is and responding about how they feel. the children will introduce their family , learn the names of colours and discover names of animals. Through fun activities, games and songs they will start to build their confidence at speaking and understanding French.
Below are links to knowledge organisers, if you would like to find out more:
Spring Term - Rocks, Relics and Rumbles
Our main subject driver for this term is geography. This project helps children explore the incredible features and characteristics of our planet’s structure. They will learn about the layers of the Earth — from the crust to the core — and discover how volcanic, tectonic, and seismic activity shape the world we live in. Through engaging investigations, model-building, and research, pupils will develop a deeper understanding of how the Earth’s surface changes over time and the powerful natural forces at work beneath our feet.
In one art project, children will explore the beauty of spiral shapes found in nature, focusing on the ammonite as inspiration. They will study how artists use spirals in their work and experiment with a range of artistic techniques, including sketching, printmaking, and clay sculpture. Through this creative exploration, pupils will develop their skills in drawing, texture, pattern, and form, linking their art to themes from Earth’s natural history and geology.
For a further art project the children will step into the world of L.S. Lowry, where bustling streets and matchstick figures come to life! In this exciting project, children will explore the art of figure drawing and discover how Lowry captured the energy and rhythm of everyday life in his urban scenes. Pupils will experiment with line, movement, and perspective, then create their own vibrant artwork inspired by scenes from their school and local area. This project encourages children to see beauty in the ordinary and express the world around them through their own creative lens.
In design and technology we have a fun project called making it move. Children will learn how things move using cams. They will try out different cam shapes to see how they make parts go up and down, then design and make their own moving toy. Finally, they will test and improve their toys, just like real engineers!
In RSHE we will learn about citizenship, where children will become mini citizens of their school and community! They will explore rules and responsibilities, learn how to work together respectfully, and discover the different jobs people do in the local area. Through discussions, role-play, and fun activities, pupils will understand how they can make a positive difference in their school and community.
In Economic Wellbeing, children will step into the world of money and saving. They will learn about bank accounts, spending wisely, and planning for the future, gaining skills to make smart choices with money. Hands-on activities and real-life examples help children see how these skills are useful every day.
Below are links to knowledge organisers, if you would like to find out more:
Summer Term – Emperors and Empires
In Summer, our subject driver is history where the children will step back in time and explore the world of the Romans! In this project, children will discover the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and Empire, meet powerful emperors, and learn about the Roman army and society. They will follow the Romans as they invade and conquer Britain, hear the story of Boudicca’s rebellion and find out how Roman ideas and Christianity shaped Britain. Through hands-on investigations, stories, and local history discoveries, pupils will see how the Romans left their mark on Britain, making history come alive right in their own community!
Get ready to explore the amazing world of plants in one science topic! Children will investigate what plants need to grow and survive and discover how each part of a flowering plant has an important job. Roots and stems move water, leaves make food, and flowers help new plants grow. Through hands-on experiments and observations, pupils will see how plants are clever, living machines, and learn to appreciate just how amazing and important plants really are!
In science, children will explore the fascinating world of light and dark! They will investigate reflections and shadows, looking for patterns in what they observe. Pupils will also learn about the dangers of the Sun and how to stay safe while enjoying daylight. This hands-on topic is full of experiments, discovery, and exploring how light shapes the world around us.
Step back in time and become a mosaic master in one of our art topics! In this project, children will explore the history of mosaics and discover the colours, patterns, and themes of Roman designs. They will learn techniques to plan, design, and create their own mosaic border tile, turning tiny pieces into stunning, colourful artworks. This project is all about creativity, precision, and having fun while making something amazing!
Get ready to bring nature to life through art! In our art project, children will explore botanical art, creating natural weavings, bold two-colour prints, and stunningly detailed paintings of fruit. They will learn to look closely at shapes, colours, and patterns in nature and turn their observations into beautiful, creative artworks. This project is all about experimenting, exploring, and celebrating the beauty of plants!
In our design and technology project, children will learn all about greenhouses – their purpose, how they are designed, and the special features that make them work well. They will explore the work of two famous greenhouse designers and discover how to make structures stronger and use tools safely. Using what they’ve learned, pupils will design and build their own mini greenhouse, putting their ideas into action!
In our RSHE unit this term, children will learn important ways to stay safe and take care of themselves. They will explore topics like allergies, basic first aid, privacy, secrets, and staying safe online. Through discussions, activities, and real-life examples, pupils will build the knowledge and confidence to make safe choices every day.
Below are links to knowledge organisers, if you would like to find out more:
Useful Documents and links:
(please always check the website before a child uses it)
Common exception words Year 3 and 4
Books for topics - book ideas for your children to read
National geographic - lots of useful information on topics we will be learning about
BBC Bitesize - information on all areas of the curriculum
Primary curriculum - Primary Curriculum website explains what your child will learn and what they need to know this year.
Maths
As a school, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which shows what your child should be learning in maths throughout the year.
Each year is divided into three terms – autumn, spring, and summer – and each term contains blocks of learning on specific topics. Below is the overview for each term and a link to some videos on what your child has learnt.
To support your child in maths, start by practising their times tables. Begin with the 2, 5, and 10 times tables, then move on to 3 and 4, followed by 6 and 8, and finally the rest. By the end of Year 4, children should know all their times tables by heart. Make it fun and engaging using games, songs, or challenges to help your child practise at home.
A calculation policy outlines how your child is expected to calculate using the four mathematical operations. This approach changes as your child progresses through school, with methods becoming more formal and abstract over time.
In Year 3, children begin to transition from informal methods to more structured written approaches. However, they continue to use pictorial representations to support their understanding.
Addition and Subtraction: Children are expected to add and subtract numbers up to three digits using formal written methods of columnar addition and subtraction.
Multiplication and Division: Children should recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4, and 8 multiplication tables. They should write and calculate mathematical statements for multiplication and division using the multiplication tables that they know, including for two-digit numbers times one-digit numbers, using mental and progressing to formal written methods.
Place Value: Children should recognise the place value of each digit in a three-digit number (hundreds, tens, ones).
In Year 4, children become more secure with written methods and begin to apply them to more complex calculations.
Addition and Subtraction: Children should add and subtract numbers with up to four digits using the formal written methods of columnar addition and subtraction where appropriate.
Multiplication and Division: Children should recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 × 12. They should use place value, known and derived facts to multiply and divide mentally, including multiplying by 0 and 1; dividing by 1; multiplying together 3 numbers. They should also multiply two-digit and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number using formal written layout.
Place Value: Children should recognise the place value of each digit in a four-digit number (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones).
Calculation - multiplication and division
Calculation - addition and subtraction
Video Year 3 Addition and Subtraction
Video Year 3 Multiplication and division
While every attempt has been made to ensure the suggested websites are child-friendly and safe, please tell a member of staff if you have any e-safety concerns regarding these suggestions.