This summer term has been an incredible journey filled with diverse learning opportunities. We explored Japan’s fascinating physical and human features and stepped back in time to uncover the remarkable achievements of the Ancient Egyptians.

Our study of Japan began with a focus on Kumamoto where we compared this vibrant city to our hometown of Yateley. To deepen our understanding, we embarked on a local area walk to identify various geographical features. This hands-on exploration made geography come alive!

In Design and Technology, we took on an exciting challenge from Yo! Sushi which was to design a new healthy starter. After tasting a variety of sushi, we experimented by creating our own versions and eventually crafted our final designs.

In Art, Kumamoto Castle served as a stunning source of inspiration. We captured its beauty through cherry blossom-themed artwork and detailed pencil drawings of the castle itself. These masterpieces received high praise from everyone who visited our classroom!

On our Ancient Egyptian Creative Day, we began by learning about how papyrus paper was made in ancient times. We then tried our hand at creating our own versions using brown paper and PVA glue, producing some impressive results!

Next, we delved into the fascinating world of hieroglyphics. Taking on the role of ancient scribes, we used our historical knowledge and creativity to design our own cartouches.

We also explored the captivating stories of Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. While we did not learn about all 2,000 of them, we discovered some amazing facts about a few key deities. To conclude the day, we sketched our favourite gods and goddesses onto our handmade papyrus, bringing our learning to life in a creative and memorable way.

During the course of the term, we will be learning about what life was like during the Stone Age all the way through to the Iron Age! Our historical investigations enabled us to discover what legacies these historical eras have left behind and we will use this knowledge to extend our historical understanding. We also visited Butser Ancient Farm where we made Stone Age Jewellery, fences out of wattle and took part in an archaeological dig! We also has our first ever ‘Fantastic Finish’ session this term which provided an amazing opportunity for family to come and see what we have learnt and take part in a range of activities!

Our History topic also supported our English learning! We looked at a range of exciting texts such as ‘The Wild Girl’ by Chris Wormell and ‘The Wild Way Home’ by Sophie Kirtley.  Using these texts, we wrote our own survival guide for the Stone Age and an adventure story.

For our Maths lessons this term, we focused on developing our understanding of fractions and measurement. In addition to this, we explored different formal and informal strategies to multiply and divide. We set a range of challenges each lesson and developed the children’s ability to reason and explain their answers. Alongside these areas of study, we continued to focus on key mathematical facts including multiplication tables and conversions as well as deepening our understanding of key mathematical vocabulary.

During our Science lessons, we looked at different types of rocks and how they are formed. This enabled us to identify a range of rocks. During our ‘Forces and Magnets’ unit, we learnt about forces including friction and magnetic attraction. In all of our Science topics, we have opportunities to develop their practical investigation skills by working scientifically.

In Music, will be used djembe drums and junk instruments to learn about pulse, rhythm, dynamics, tempo and simple non-standard musical notation. Also, we sang and performing a variety of African ‘call and response’ songs and at the end we composed and performed our own percussion pieces to their parents.

We have also enjoyed designing and making our own moving vehicle in Design and Technology this term. The children followed a design process to learn how to safely and accurately use a variety of tools and learnt how to work with a range of materials to design and construct some amazing and unique cars that we loved testing our on the playground.

What a fabulous start the children have made to Westfield Junior School! We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know all of our new children, setting expectations, introducing our topic, ‘Explore London’ and strengthening team building skills. In particular, we have enjoyed learning about the different areas to play on our playground such as the trim trail, tyre park, climbing wall and (of course!) Parker’s Place. In addition, we have introduced the children to the wonderful world of Westfields Junior School with Odd Socks Day, Reading Matters Week, Share my Talent Race for Life, and of course our wonderful Christmas production, to name a few…

In terms of curriculum highlights, we have particularly enjoyed writing all about London. Linked with our Geography topic, we explored different texts and genres as a stimulus for our written work. We created adverts persuading people to visit London, using our growing knowledge of landmarks as well as draft our own recounts. Alongside these text types, we have also continued to work on our spelling, punctuation and grammar knowledge and understanding as well as our handwriting.

During our Maths lessons, Year 3 focused on developing their understanding of place value. We started to consolidate Year 2 objectives, then we applied our skills to a wide range of problems as well as developing strategies for addition and subtraction. We also continued to work on mental fluency (recall of number facts including number bonds and multiplication facts) in order to become a more confident and efficient mathematician

In Science, we have explored ‘Amazing Animals including Humans’ during which we learnt all about skeletons and their functions, how muscles work and healthy lifestyles and choices. Also, we have experimented with designing our own animals, drawing their skeletons and deciding what joints would be needed to enable movement. We thoroughly enjoyed investigating how to keep our bodies healthy through eating a balanced diet by using our understanding of the different food groups.

In Design and Technology, we designed, made and evaluated our own moving greeting cards. We experimented with a range of designs to select those which are the most suitable for a specific purpose. We then relished the opportunity to investigate different levers and linkages and then learnt how to use a variety of tools to produce an effective final product.

In Art this term we were inspired by our animal theme during which we developed our sketching and printing techniques linked to patterns in animal skins.

What a wonderful way to end the term with our Christmas Play ‘A Magical Christmas Jigsaw! Year 3 performed a dazzling dance show to celebrate the special occasion of Jesus’ birth and it was jam-packed with nativity celebrities. Great fun was had by all (even those who were a little nervous to start with!) – and the final achievement of our teamwork was a marvellous variety of songs and spectacular dancing. All of the staff were so proud of all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm the children showed during the performances.

During the course of the term, we will be learnt about what life was like during the Stone Age all the way through to the Iron Age! Our historical investigations enable us to discover what legacies these historical eras have left behind and we will use this knowledge to extend our historical understanding. We had our first ever ‘Fantastic Finish’ session this is an amazing opportunity for family to come and see what we have learnt and take part in a range of activities!

Our History topic also supported our English learning! We looked at a range of exciting texts such as ‘The Wild Girl’ by Chris Wormell and ‘How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth’ by Michelle Robinson and Kate Hindley.  Using these texts, we wrote our own survival guide for the Stone Age and a story about a Woolly Mammoth arriving at our school for the day.  We continued this theme by learning how to write a police report inspired by the book ‘Stig of the Dump’ by Clive King.

In Music, will be used djembe drums and junk instruments to learn about pulse, rhythm, dynamics, tempo and simple non-standard musical notation. Also, we sang and performing a variety of African ‘call and response’ songs and at the end we composed and performed our own percussion pieces to their parents.

We have also enjoyed designing and making our own moving vehicle this term. The children followed a design process to learn how to safely and accurately use a variety of tools and learnt how to work with a range of materials to design and construct some amazing and unique cars that we loved testing out on the playground.

During our Science lessons, we looked at different types of rocks and how they are formed. This enabled us to identify a range of rocks. During our ‘Forces and Magnets’ unit, we learnt about forces including friction and magnetic attraction. In all of our Science topics, the children have opportunities to develop their practical investigation skills by working scientifically.

For our Maths lessons this term, we focused on developing our understanding of fractions and measurement. In addition to this, we explored different formal and informal strategies to multiply and divide. We set a range of challenges each lesson and developed the children’s ability to reason and explain their answers. Alongside these areas of study, we continued to focus on key mathematical facts including multiplication tables and conversions as well as deepening our understanding of key mathematical vocabulary.

This Autumn, we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know all of our new children, setting expectations, introducing our topic, ‘Explore London’ and strengthening team building skills. In particular, we have enjoyed learning about the different areas to play on our playground such as the trim trail, tyre park, climbing wall and (of course!) Parker’s Place. In addition, we have introduced the children to the wonderful world of Westfields Junior School with Odd Socks Day, Reading Matters Week, Share my Talent and Race for Life, to name a few…

In terms of curriculum highlights, we have particularly enjoyed writing all about London. Linked with our Geography topic, we explored different texts and genres as a stimulus for our written work. We created adverts persuading people to visit London, using our growing knowledge of landmarks as well as draft our own recounts. We finished the Autumn Term by writing shape poems using descriptive language. Alongside these text types, we have also continued to work on our spelling, punctuation and grammar knowledge and understanding as well as our handwriting.

In Science, we have explored ‘Amazing Animals including Humans’ during which we learnt all about skeletons and their functions, how muscles work and healthy lifestyles and choices. Also, we have experimented with designing our own animals, drawing their skeletons and deciding what joints would be needed to enable movement. We thoroughly enjoyed investigating how to keep our bodies healthy through eating a balanced diet by using our understanding of the different food groups.

During our Maths lessons, Year 3 focused on developing their understanding of place value. We started to consolidate Year 2 objectives, then we applied our skills to a wide range of problems as well as developing strategies for addition and subtraction. We also continued to work on mental fluency (recall of number facts including number bonds and multiplication facts) in order to become a more confident and efficient mathematician.

In Design and Technology, we designed, made and evaluated our own moving greeting cards. We experimented with a range of designs to select those which are the most suitable for a specific purpose. We then relished the opportunity to investigate different levers and linkages and then learnt how to use a variety of tools to produce an effective final product.

In Art this term we were inspired by our animal theme during which we developed our sketching and printing techniques linked to patterns in animal skins.

What a wonderful way to end the term with our Christmas Play ‘Lights, Camel, Action’! Year 3 performed a dazzling dance show to celebrate the special occasion of Jesus’ birth and it was jam-packed with nativity celebrities. Personalities, including some funky camels and a disco star, came together again to recall their roles in the miraculous story. Great fun was had by all (even those who were a little nervous to start with!) – and the final achievement of our teamwork was a marvellous variety of songs and spectacular dancing. All of the staff were so proud of all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm the children showed during the performances.

This summer term has been filled with many learning opportunities, from learning about Japan’s physical and human features to stepping back in time to learn about the fantastic achievements of the Ancient Egyptians.

Firstly, when studying Japan, we looked at Kumamoto and compared the city to Yateley. Next, we went on a local area work of Yateley to identify the range of geographical features within the area. Then, Yo Sushi asked us to design a new health starter in Design and Technology. After that, we tasted a range of sushi, created our own and then made our finished design. Finally, in Art, Kumamoto Castle became our inspiration for our pictures with the cherry blossom and a pencil drawing of the castle, which impressed all the visitors to our classroom!

Secondly, on our Ancient Egyptian Creative Day, we started the day learning about Papyrus paper and how it was made. We then had a go at making our own using brown paper and PVA glue with some excellent results. After that, we delved into the world of hieroglyphics. Finally, the children became scribes and used their historical knowledge and creative skills to design their own cartouches. Next, we learnt all about the Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Even though we didn’t know about all 2000 of them, we still had a great time learning some amazing new facts and had a go at sketching our favourites onto our papyrus paper. 

Throughout the Spring Term in Year 3, we have immersed ourselves in our History topic of ‘Back to the Stone Age’. Our historical investigations have enabled us to discover what legacies these historical eras have left behind and we used this knowledge to extend our historical skills and understanding. 

On our Stone Age to Iron Age Creative Day we travelled back in time! From the moment the children arrived, dressed in their fantastic outfits, they were filled with excitement about a historical day of learning ahead. Firstly, they researched cave paintings to enable them to design and create their own. They all looked fabulous and wouldn’t look out of place in a Palaeolithic cave!  Next, we became Iron Age jewellery designers. We looked at shields, torcs and jewellery and added our own Celtic designs. Finally, we became detectives to investigate how Stone Age people counted!

Our History topic also supported our English learning! We looked at a range of exciting texts such as ‘The Wild Girl’ by Chris Wormell and ‘How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth’ by Michelle Robinson and Kate Hindley.  Using these texts, we wrote our own survival guide for the Stone Age and a story about a Woolly Mammoth arriving at our school for the day.  We continued this theme by learning how to write a police report inspired by the book ‘Stig of the Dump’ by Clive King.

We have also enjoyed designing and making our own moving vehicle this term. The children followed a design process to learn how to safely and accurately use a variety of tools and learnt how to work with a range of materials to design and construct some amazing and unique cars that we loved testing out on the playground.

For our Maths lessons this term, we focused on developing our understanding of money and measurement. In addition to this, we explored different formal and informal strategies to multiply and divide. We set a range of challenges each lesson and developed the children’s ability to reason and explain their answers. Alongside these areas of study, we continued to focus on key mathematical facts including multiplication tables and conversions as well as deepening our understanding of key mathematical vocabulary.

This Autumn, the children in Year 3 worked exceptionally hard to settle into their new school and we are undoubtedly proud of their efforts across the curriculum. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know all of our children, setting expectations, introducing our topics and strengthening our team building skills as well as, of course, introducing them to the wonderful world of Westfields Junior School!

Through our ‘Explore London’ geography topic, we have learnt about the human and physical features of our capital city. In our English lessons, we have linked this knowledge by exploring different texts and genres as a stimulus for our written work. We created adverts persuading people to visit London, using our knowledge of landmarks as well as drafting recounts imagining we had been on a day trip exploring the beautiful city. We finished the Autumn Term by writing shape poems using descriptive language.

In Science, we have explored ‘Amazing Animals including Humans’ during which we learnt all about skeletons and their functions, how muscles work and healthy living. Also, we have experimented with designing our own animals, drawing their skeletons and deciding what joints would be needed to enable movement. We thoroughly enjoyed investigating how to keep our bodies healthy through eating a balanced diet using our understanding of food groups.

Within our wider curriculum, during PE sessions, we have learnt the basic passing skills for netball and applied these in game situations.    

In Design and Technology we designed, made and evaluated our own moving greeting cards. We experimented with a range of designs to select those which are the most suitable for a specific purpose. We then relished the opportunity to investigate different levers and linkages and then learnt how to use a variety of tools to produce an effective final product.

In PSHE, we have focused on ‘Relationships’ to develop our understanding of how to develop and maintain positive relationships with family and friends. During our myHappymind time, we have explored the importance of knowing how our brain works best. We have also practised happy breathing to help us have mindful moments to improve our well-being and ability to manage our emotions.

What a wonderful start to Year 3, the children have made this term. 

This Autumn, we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know all of our children, setting expectations, introducing our topic and strengthening our team building skills as well as, of course, introducing them to the wonderful world of Westfields Junior School!

Through our ‘Explore London’ geography topic, we have learnt about the human and physical features of our capital city. We have linked this knowledge with our English work and wrote poems about the firework display in London including referencing specific landmarks.

In Science, we have explored amazing animals during which we learnt all about skeletons and their functions, how muscles work and healthy living. Also, we have experimented with designing our own animals, drawing their skeletons and deciding what joints would be needed to enable movement.

Within our wider curriculum, during PE sessions, we have learnt the basic passing skills for netball and applied these.  In PSHE, we will have focused on ‘Relationships’ to develop their understanding of how to develop and maintain positive relationships with family and friends. Our MyHappyMind time, has highlighted the importance of knowing when our brain works the best.  We have also practised happy breathing to help us have mindful moments.  Our Harvest Assembly this year needed to be virtual! We created, performed and recorded two fantastic poems and a Harvest prayer.

Looking ahead, we are very excited about designing our own shadow puppets later this term and promise to share our final products when they are complete.

Throughout the Spring Term, we immersed ourselves in our History topic of the Stone Age to Iron Age which also supported our English skills! We looked at a range of exciting texts such as ‘The Wild Girl’ by Chris Wormell and ‘How To Wash A Woolly Mammoth’ by Michelle Robinson and Kate Hindley.  Using these texts, we wrote our own survival guides for the Stone Age and stories about the adventures of a woolly mammoth.

In Maths, we have focused on developing our understanding of measurement and explored different formal and informal strategies to multiply and divide. We set a range of challenges each lesson and developed the children’s ability to reason and explain their answers. Alongside these areas of study, we continued to focus on key mathematical facts including times tables and conversions as well as mathematical vocabulary.

We enjoyed sharing our musical skills with a performance to parents and family members on the African drums! We demonstrated our knowledge about the different sounds this instrument can make and how to play a variety of rhythms on our own and as part of a group.

Our Year 3 Visit Butser Ancient Farm, was certainly a highlight of the term.  We travelled back to Ancient Britain and experienced it all with great enthusiasm! We had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a range of activities such as chalk carving where the pupils carved a picture on a lump of chalk with a sharpened flint or carved it into a representative shape, just as prehistoric people did. We also learnt the skills of wattling with hazel rods to create a fence and as a frame for the walls of a house. The children explored a range of life size model dwellings and sat as a year group in the roundhouse, discovering what people of these ancient times ate, how they made fire, how they survived and where they slept. It was a wonderful experience!

In the Autumn Term, Year 3 quickly settled into life at Westfields Junior School. Through our ‘Explore London’ topic, we have learnt about the human and physical features of our capital city. We have linked this knowledge with our English work and wrote poems about the firework display in London including referencing specific landmarks.

 Additionally, in English, we have thoroughly enjoyed writing non-chronological reports using the ‘Book of Bones’ as our stimulus. The children chose an underwater creature then wrote riddles and a non-chronological report that included generalisers, sub-headings and technical language. During this term, Year 3 have also begun to apply their knowledge of addition and subtraction to the expanded column method.  In Science, we explored amazing animals; we learnt all about skeletons and their functions, how muscles work and healthy living. Within the wider curriculum, we have designed, created and evaluated our own shadow puppets. We were very proud of our outcomes from our first DT project. Of course, we also all enjoyed our amazing Christmas production of ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ where we learnt our lines, prepared our props and sung our hearts out!

Dressed in their dazzling costumes (including a walking talking pyramid!), Year 3 travelled back in time to Ancient Egypt. Throughout the day, all of the children had the opportunity to investigate the importance of the River Nile for the survival of Egyptians, learnt how the Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to communicate and designed a necklace fit for a Pharaoh! We were thoroughly amazed by everybody’s efforts with their impressive Egyptian costumes, even the staff! We had a fantastic Creative Day which immersed the children in practical activities to develop their historical understanding.  Activities included making a hieroglyph bookmark and designing an Egyptian pectoral for our necklace.

Year 3 Visit Butser Ancient Farm, Year 3 travelled back to Ancient Britain and experienced it all with great enthusiasm! Butser is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the UK; it is a real working farm that is used as an open-air research laboratory to explore life in the Stone Age to Iron Age. We had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a range of activities such as chalk carving where the pupils carved a picture on a lump of chalk with a sharpened flint or carved it into a representative shape, just as prehistoric people did. We also learnt the skills of wattling with hazel rods to create a fence and as a frame for the walls of a house. The children explored a range of life size model dwellings and sat as a year group in the roundhouse, discovering what people of these ancient times ate, how they made fire, how they survived and where they slept. It was a wonderful experience (and for the first time since I have been at WJS…with no rain)!

In the Autumn Term, Year 3 has quickly settled into life at Westfield’s Junior School. Through our ‘Explore London’ topic, we have learnt about the human and physical features of our capital city. We have used this knowledge to write a persuasive letter to Gru from the film Minions to encourage him to visit London. Additionally, in English, we have thoroughly enjoyed writing non-chronological reports about house elves and basilisks that included generalisers, sub-headings and technical language. During this term, Year 3 have also begun to apply their knowledge of addition and subtraction to the expanded column method.  Within the wider curriculum, we have designed, created and evaluated our own shadow puppets for a small child. We were very proud of our outcomes from our first DT project. Of course, we also all enjoyed our amazing Christmas production of ‘Countdown to Christmas’ where we learnt our lines, prepared our props and sung our hearts out!