Thematic:

This week in our thematic learning, we’ve been delving into the fascinating world of the human skeleton. It’s been an exciting journey of discovery as we explored the names and functions of bones, compared them to animal skeletons, and learnt about the vital role muscles play in movement. We began by familiarising ourselves with the human skeleton, naming key bones and likewise, explored their functions – from providing structure and support to enabling movement and protecting delicate internal organs.

Our exploration didn’t stop with humans – we extended our curiosity to the animal kingdom. We discovered that while all vertebrates share a similar basic skeletal structure, there are fascinating differences that reflect how each species has adapted to its environment. It was fascinating to see how nature tailors skeletons to suit an animal’s way of life!

This week, we also explored how muscles work in harmony with bones to create movement. We learnt about pairs of muscles like the biceps and triceps, which work together to move our arms. It was also surprising to discover how many muscles are involved in everyday actions, from smiling to running.

Our exploration of the skeleton and muscles has given us a new appreciation for how remarkable our bodies truly are. This week has not only been educational but also inspiring. Understanding how our bodies work helps us take better care of them and deepens our respect for the natural world around us.

Next week, as part of our DT learning, we will be exploring the function and movement of muscles even further, through the investigation of levers and linkages.

Maths:

This week in maths, we’ve been focusing on length and perimeter, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to sharpen our measuring skills and explore how these concepts apply to the world around us. We began by revisiting the basics of length – what it is and how to measure it. Using rulers, we practised measuring objects of different sizes, from tiny pencil cases to longer items like desks. We also explored different units of measurement, such as millimetres, centimetres, and metres, and learnt when it’s best to use each one.

After mastering length, we moved on to perimeter. We started with simple shapes like squares and rectangles, adding up the lengths of their sides to calculate the perimeter. We also discussed real-life examples where calculating perimeter is important, such as fencing a garden or putting a border around a picture frame. This made the concept feel much more meaningful and practical. To bring our learning to life, we got stuck into some hands-on activities. We measured objects in the classroom to calculate their perimeters and even drew our own shapes to work with.

Next week, we will continue to explore the perimeter of different shapes, and will likewise be applying our learning in order to solve problems.

English:

This week in English, the children have been showcasing their creativity and writing skills by crafting detailed character descriptions of the much-loved Mr Hoppy from Esio Trot by Roald Dahl. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to delve into storytelling and practise using descriptive language to bring a character to life. We began the week by getting to know Mr Hoppy – the shy, kind-hearted gentleman, who lives in a quiet flat and secretly admires his neighbour, Mrs Silver. The children explored his personality, habits, and the key role he plays in the story. Next, we talked about what makes a great character description, and likewise recapped core writing skills including the use of: fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases and prepositions. It was brilliant to see the children experimenting with rich, imaginative language to bring Mr Hoppy to life. Once children had generated initial ideas, and gathered their vocabulary, they then wrote their character descriptions. Each piece was unique, reflecting their individual interpretations of Mr Hoppy.

Next week in English, we’ll be diving into the art of writing dialogue as the children bring their characters to life through conversation. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore how dialogue can reveal personality, build relationships, and move a story forward.

Reminders:

Chinese New Year celebration day

On Wednesday 29th January, the children will be invited to wear something red or traditional Chinese dress.

DT Day 

On Wednesday 5th February and Thursday 6th February, our Year 3's have their DT project days (see letter attached below). To ensure the activity runs smoothly and is both fun and safe for everyone, we kindly ask for your assistance with the following:

• Please send your child to school with an apron or an old, large adult t-shirt that they can wear over their uniform to protect their clothes while cooking.

• Whilst we have records of children’s dietary requirements, please can you update us if your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan an appropriate alternative dish for them.

Poetry recitals

On Thursday 13th February, we would like to invite parents/carers in to watch a poetry recital. The recitals will start promptly at 2pm with doors opening at 1:45. They will finish before the end of the school day ready for 3pm collection. Each learning group will perform their poem and share with you their love of poetry. We hope to see you there.

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. Homework is due in on Friday 14^th February.

Spellings:

To support children with their spellings, we would like children to practise ‘Level 2- ORANGE ORWELL 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  

Times Tables Rock Stars : 

• Tasks to be completed online. 

• Children’s logins are stuck in their Reading journal.   

Mathletics : 

• Mathletics tasks will be set from Friday to Friday.  

• Tasks will always follow the learning that week.  

Children’s logins are stuck into their Reading journal.  

Reminder to ensure:

• Children are wearing correct school uniform and shoes.

• Children are bringing in their water bottles.

• Coats are being worn to school.

• Children to bring in healthy snacks for breaktimes.  

• 3B and 3G will have their swimming sessions on Mondays. 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. 

• Swimming kit reminder:  full swimming costume/swim shorts and swimming hat.