English

In year 3, throughout the year we will be reading a wide range of different books. We will read; Charily and chocolate factory, Krindlkrax, The Iron man, Hedgehog, Fantastic Mr fox and The wreck of the Zanzibar. We will be writing a wide range of different texts and applying a range of different writing devices. Some of the different writing devices we will be using in year 3 are fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases, conjunctions and rhetorical questions just to name a few. We will look at correctly spelling our common exception words through daily spelling lessons and will focus on the VIPERS when teaching guided reading to the children. Some different writing techniques are as follows, setting descriptions, character descriptions, poetry, dialogues, fact files and non-chronological reports.

Maths

In year 3 at Tame Valley, we will begin the year looking at place value using concrete manipulatives to physically see and move numbers in different place value. We the move onto looking at addition and subtraction within 1000 using the column method to work out these answers the children will use concrete manipulatives to help with this addition and subtraction skill. We will be looking at multiplication and division and looking at using written methods to help us divide numbers within 1000. In year three the children will do a weekly times table check to track their progress with their times tables, we use a counting stick in our daily session to help us learn our times tables. In year 3 we are building towards a mastery approach in maths, we do a daily fluent five and quick recall in all our lessons, applying spaced retrieval theory to help ensure our learning is remembered.

Computing

At Tame Valley we use the Kapow computing scheme which will cover a range of different topics in computing. The children will be learning the theory behind computing as well as the application of different topics such as coding.  In addition to this through each term there will be some lessons on online safety which are essential for children this age.

Autumn 1 – Networks

Children in year 3 at Tame Valley will be learning about computer networks in their first term. They will look at a range of different hardware that may be connected to a network. We will look at the school’s network and tour the school looking at key components such as the Photocopier, server, computers, wireless access point as well as others.

Autumn 2 – Emails

In Autumn 2 children will be learning about how to write and send an email, they will look at the proper etiquette of sending email as well as the process of adding attachments to email.

Spring 1 – Scratch Programming

In Spring 1, students will engage with Scratch programming using the laptops available in class. Our focus will centre on creating loops and animations, fostering essential computational thinking skills. This hands-on approach aims to enhance creativity while providing a solid foundation in programming concepts.

Spring 2 – Journey inside a computer

During Spring 2, Tame Valley students delve into the journey inside a computer, focusing on the roles of input and output devices. Learners will explore how computers process information and follow instructions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of computational concepts essential for their future learning.

Summer 1 – Video Trailers

In Summer 1, students at Tame Valley will engage in an exciting project focusing on video trailers. They will learn the purpose of a trailer and develop their skills by capturing photos and videos using class iPads. Furthermore, they will enhance their creations by adding text and transitions to produce a polished video trailer.

Summer 2 – Databases

In Summer Term 2, students at Tame Valley will engage in an in-depth exploration of computing, focusing on data handling and databases. They will learn to comprehend records, fields, and data, enabling them to sort and filter information effectively, fostering essential skills for their future academic and professional pursuits.

History and Geography

At Tame Valley we alternate our history and geography lessons from half term to half term, we cover a wide range of topics in both history and geography looking at the local area and topics from around the world, in our lessons we like to use real resources looking at physical artefacts from the times and places we are studying.

Autumn 1 – Stone age to the Iron Age

This half term, we will focus on the topic of the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Students will explore the three periods of the Stone Age, comparing lifestyles, tool development, and living conditions. We will examine artefacts to support our learning and understand the transitions between these significant historical periods.

Autumn 2 – The United Kingdom

During Autumn 2, our Geography curriculum at Tame Valley focuses on the United Kingdom. Students will explore the four countries and their capital cities, examining both human and physical geography of these countries. Lessons will incorporate the use of maps and atlases to enhance understanding.

Spring 1 – Shang Dynasty

This half term, our history studies focus on the Shang Dynasty, where students will explore the contrasts between ancient and modern China. We will examine the impacts of hierarchy and religious beliefs on daily life, analyse oracle bones and artefacts, and investigate the significance of tombs from this remarkable era.

Spring 2 – Rivers, Coasts and the Water Cycle

During Spring 2, our Geography curriculum will focus on rivers, coasts, and the water cycle. Students will explore the formation of rivers, comparing key examples across the UK, including the River Tame. Additionally, they will learn about dynamic coastlines and undertake fieldwork along the River Tame, while also investigating the water cycle’s significance in our natural environment.

Summer 1 – Our local area

In Summer 1, students will explore the rich history of our local area, focusing specifically on the Bromford Racecourse. By examining historical maps and contrasting them with contemporary ones, pupils will investigate the remnants of the racecourse and gain insights into how the Bromford has evolved over time.

Summer 2 – Climate zones and map work

In Spring 2, students at Tame Valley will explore the topic of climate zones, examining the diverse climate zones across the globe and map work. Pupils will learn to use compasses and understand the eight cardinal points, while also analysing maps to identify physical features within the UK and beyond.

Science

At Tame Valley, our Year 3 pupils embark on an engaging scientific journey, with a curriculum that is thoughtfully divided into biology, physics, and chemistry. Throughout the year, students engage in a balanced mix of practical experiments and theoretical lessons, fostering a robust understanding of scientific concepts. We utilise a variety of resources to provide real-world experiences relevant to the topics being studied, thereby enhancing the children’s appreciation and comprehension of the science around them.

Autumn 1 – Rocks

During Autumn 1, students at Tame Valley will explore the fascinating world of chemistry through the study of rocks. Pupils will investigate various rock types, comparing and grouping them based on their appearance and physical properties. Additionally, they will learn about soil composition and the fossilisation process.

Autumn 2 – Animals including humans

In Autumn 2, Tame Valley students delve into the fascinating world of biology, focusing on animals, including humans. Learners will explore essential nutrition and its sources, identify the functions of skeletons and muscles, and understand the critical roles our skeletons play in supporting the body.

Spring 1 – Light

During Spring 1, students at Tame Valley will explore the fascinating realm of physics, focusing on the study of light. They will learn how light is reflected, understand the nature of darkness, recognise the potential dangers of light and ways to protect themselves, and investigate the formation of shadows.

Spring 2 – Plants

In Spring 2, students at Tame Valley will embark on an engaging exploration of plants through the lens of biology. Learners will identify the parts and purposes of flowering plants, understand what plants require for growth, investigate how water is transported, and examine the lifecycle of a plant.

Summer 1 – Forces

In Summer 1, students at Tame Valley will delve into the fascinating world of forces and magnets within the physics curriculum. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of forces in our surroundings, observing magnetic behaviours through the concepts of repulsion and attraction, while also exploring the significance of a magnet’s two poles.

Summer 2 – Practical experiments

In Summer 2, students at Tame Valley will engage in a variety of practical experiments designed to reinforce and recall previous topics. Through hands-on activities, we aim to deepen understanding and solidify learning, ensuring that students build upon their scientific knowledge in an interactive and stimulating environment.