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Upton Junior School

Upton Junior School

One Childhood - One Chance

14.03.25 Year 3 Weekly News

Another incredible week in Year 3!

Thematic

This week in Thematic, we’ve been delving into one of the most fascinating chapters of British history—the Roman invasion! We explored how Emperor Claudius led the conquest of Britain in AD 43 and the lasting impact of Roman rule on the land, culture, and people. We have also learnt about one of the most iconic figures of this era: Boudica, the fierce warrior queen of the Iceni tribe. Using historical clues, we pieced together what she might have looked like. Through discussions, source analysis, and creative activities, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of how the Roman invasion shaped Britain and the resistance it faced. It’s been an exciting week of discovery!

Next week in Thematic, we’ll be exploring the lasting impact of the Romans on Thanet and Britain. From housing and trade to grand buildings, we’ll uncover how Roman innovations shaped the world around us and can still be seen today.

Science Day: Exploring the Science of Change!

Science Day was an exciting and thought-provoking experience for everyone! We kicked off the day with a whole school assembly on The Science of Change, where we explored how science helps us understand transformations in the world around us—from states of matter to environmental shifts.

One of the most thrilling moments was tuning in to the BBC Science broadcast from the International Space Station (ISS). Seeing real astronauts conduct experiments in microgravity was truly inspiring, sparking curiosity about space, physics, and life beyond Earth.

Back in the classroom, children explored key scientific concepts, including gravity, air resistance, and friction. Working in small groups, they created presentations to share their findings with their classmates, developing both their scientific understanding and communication skills.

The day concluded with an exciting hands-on investigation into water movement, filtration, and waste disposal systems. As part of this, children took part in a practical activity to discover what should—and definitely shouldn’t—be flushed down the toilet! This engaging experiment helped highlight the importance of responsible waste disposal and its impact on our environment.

Science Day was a fantastic opportunity for children to think like scientists, ask big questions, and apply their learning in fun, interactive ways.

English

This week in English, we’ve continued to immerse ourselves further into the world of Revolt Against the Romans, using one of its most gripping chapters as inspiration for our writing. Our focus was on recounting Marcus’s capture in a Celt village, bringing this dramatic moment to life through vivid descriptions and powerful emotions.

We explored how Marcus might have felt at different points, using . We focused on using rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and sensory details to engage the reader and build suspense. Through our writing, we aimed to capture the conflict between the Romans and the Celts, the stark contrast between their ways of life, and the uncertainty of Marcus’s fate. It has been fantastic to see such creative and detailed recounts from everyone!

Next week, we’ll be stepping into the shoes of a Celtic warrior, bringing the chaos and intensity of battle to life through our writing! Using vivid description, powerful emotions, and dynamic action, we will create gripping first-person battle scenes from a Celt’s perspective.

Maths

This week in Maths, children have been developing their multiplication and division skills using the grid method. This structured approach helps break down larger calculations into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to understand and solve complex problems.

Through practical examples and step-by-step guidance, children learnt how to apply the grid method to multiply and divide numbers efficiently. They worked through various challenges, applying their knowledge to real-life problem-solving scenarios and gaining confidence in their calculations.

Next week in Maths, we will be starting an exciting new topic: telling the time! Understanding time is an essential life skill, and we’ll be exploring how to read both analogue and digital clocks with confidence. We’ll begin by revisiting key concepts such as o’clock, half past, quarter past, and quarter to, before moving on to reading time in five-minute and one-minute intervals.

Key dates:

Friday 21st March- Comic relief 80’s theme. Parents are invited into classes at 2:30pm for an 80’s themed disco.

Wednesday 26th March (2:40pm-3pm)- Whole school book look

Monday 31st March- Parent Teacher Consultations

Tuesday 1st April- Parents Teacher Consultations

Friday 2nd May- Kent Life trip (see attached letter)

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 Thursday 3rd April.

Spellings

To support children with their spellings, we would like children to practise ‘Level 2- PATIENT POTTER 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:

  • An extra pair of trainers is required so that the children can use the field at lunchtime.

  • 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.  

  • 3R and 3Y 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.  

Contact Us

Upton Junior School
Edge End Road
Broadstairs
Kent
CT10 2AH

(01843) 861393