06.12.24 Year 3 Weekly News
What an incredible week!
Pantomime spectacular!
Today, our Year 3 children had the wonderful opportunity to attend a performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Marlowe Theatre, and what an unforgettable experience it was! From the moment the curtain rose to the final bow, the children were completely captivated by the magic, music, and humour of this enchanting show.
The performance was a dazzling mix of vibrant costumes, spectacular sets, and show-stopping songs that brought this classic tale to life- the children sat wide-eyed throughout! During the performance, the hilarious Dame turned her sights on our very own Mr Faulkner, playfully selecting him as her Cupid match. The children were in stitches as the Dame’s antics unfolded, with Mr Faulkner taking it all in good humour (and maybe a touch of embarrassment!).
Trips like these are so much more than just a day out—they create shared memories that strengthen bonds amongst the children and offer them a chance to experience something truly magical.
A HUGE thank you to all of our wonderful Year 3’s for representing the school so beautifully with their impeccable behaviour, their enthusiasm, politeness and respect embodied the values of the Upton Way so fantastically, well.
A huge thank you also to the staff who helped make the day run smoothly, and to you, the parents, for supporting this enriching experience. The children’s joy and enthusiasm were a testament to how meaningful and inspiring these opportunities can be.
We look forward to more adventures like this in the future!
Thematic
This week, the classrooms in Year 3 have been buzzing with curiosity as the children embarked on an exciting investigation into shadows. Our exploration was not only a fun and engaging way to learn but also a fantastic integration of science, creativity, and teamwork. Our learning this week began with a question: What is a shadow? To bring the concept to life, we conducted a simple experiment using a flashlight, objects and different materials. Watching the shadows appear and shift fascinated the children, sparking new questions about size, shape, and movement. We learnt about opaque, transparent and translucent materials and how they either allow or block light. Building on this, the children used different types of paper and materials to make shadow puppets, which they then tested.
STEM day reminder:
Next week, children will be taking part in their STEM Project Day, which will take place on Wednesday, 11th December. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the children to use and apply their scientific knowledge and understanding from this term’s topic.
Throughout the day, the children will be undertaking a hands-on project that combines the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM). They will apply their learning to real-life scenarios, exploring forces and light in an interactive and engaging way.
To make the day even more special, we would love for the children to come dressed as scientists! This could be as simple as a lab coat, goggles, or any other creative outfit they feel represents a scientist.
English
This week in English, the classroom was alive with creativity as the children delved into planning their own narratives, crafting the next adventure of The Iron Man! Inspired by Ted Hughes’ classic tale, which has captivated us all this term, the children embraced the challenge of extending the story and giving The Iron Man a new journey to embark on. We began by revisiting key moments from the text, discussing the themes, characters, and the distinctive tone of the original story. The children eagerly shared their favourite scenes and pondered what could happen next. Would The Iron Man face another cosmic threat? Or perhaps explore the depths of Earth or the mysteries of the sea?
Using these ideas as a springboard, the children used a ‘Story Mountain’ to develop their ideas further, considering plot twists and challenges, whilst staying true to the spirit of the story.
Next week, children will be writing their narratives- we can’t wait to share with you how they get on, next week.
Maths
This week in Maths, the children took significant steps in developing their understanding of formal written methods for addition and subtraction. Children have spent time practising essential skills that form the foundation of mathematical fluency. The classroom was a hive of focused energy as the children tackled increasingly complex calculations, growing in confidence with every step.
Next week, we will take these formal written methods to the next level by applying them to problem-solving scenarios. The children will use their skills to tackle word problems, puzzles, and real-world challenges that require strategic thinking and reasoning.
Art Competition reminder:
In this term's art competition, you will get the chance to create your own Pop Art Masterpiece inspired by our artist of the term: Roy Lichtenstein!
Using Lichtenstein's style as a guide, create a work of art that uses bright colours, bold outlines, and Ben-Day dots to show an exciting scene or object from your daily life. This could be a favourite toy, a scene at school, anything that is personal to you.
The competition starts from Monday 11th November and closes Friday 20th December. Please bring all entries to Mr Mason’s art room and be sure to include your name and class on your artwork. Winners will be announced at the beginning of term 3. Good luck!
Home Learning
Attached below, is the overarching Thematic Curriculum homework ideas. Please refer to the homework menu which gives a variety of creative tasks for the children to choose from. Children only need to complete one task as a minimum, but can choose to complete more if they wish. Children have been given a Home Learning book to complete their Home Learning tasks in- children will be bringing their Home Learning books home on Monday.
Home Learning is due in on Friday 20th December 2024
Reading Records
With AR Assessments complete, children will be given a new ZPD, which you will find in their Reading Record: ‘Term 2’ ZPD sticker. If children have not yet brought in their reading record to school, they need to make sure they bring it in. Please ensure children are reading every night and are likewise taking quizzes.
Spellings
To support children with their spellings, we would like children to practise ‘Level 2- GREAT GRIMMS Bundle’
To access it on a laptop, PC, Mac or Chromebook (therefore IWBs):
1. Type in the browser itself where you normally type www (not a search engine)...app.sirlinkalot.org (with no Ws before it)
2. Click on 'More' (top right)
3. Click on 'Sign in'
4. The children will then need to type in their access code
To find out more about Sir Linkalot, there is a parent workshop taking place on Tuesday 1st October: 3pm-4pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Times Tables Rock Stars
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Tasks to be completed online.
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Children’s logins are stuck in their Reading journal.
Mathletics
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Mathletics tasks will be set from Friday to Friday.
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Tasks will always follow the learning that week.
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Children’s logins are stuck into their Reading journal.
Reminders
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Year 3 have PE on Tuesdays and should come to school dressed in the correct school PE kit.
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3R and 3Y will swim on Mondays this term- children will need to come dressed in their PE kit to school on this day, and bring with them their swimming costumes to change into.
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Swimming kit reminder: full swimming costume/swim shorts and swimming hat.
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Children to bring in healthy snacks for breaktimes.
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Children must now wear coats to school.
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Friday 13th December: Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas Fair- a separate letter has been sent.