Year 3 2021 - 2022
Miss Gilbert
Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked for Cheshire Police as a Community Support Officer for 6 years. Through working closely with school staff, parents and children of all ages, I developed my love of teaching. I completed my School Direct course with Chester University and completed placements in two local schools. Since joining Westminster Primary School, I have taught in Reception. I lead Forest School and Science through the school. I am excited to embark on my Year 3 journey! I have 2 young children, but if I have any spare time then I enjoy reading, camping, bike riding and generally anything outdoors! If you have any concerns surrounding your child then please feel free to talk to me.
Miss Smethurst
I have recently joined Westminster Community Primary School and I am really looking forward to being here for a full school year! I have previously worked in a different school and worked in all classes from Reception to Year6. Outside of school, I love to do anything arty and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Welcome back to school. I hope you had a fantastic summer. I am so excited to work with you in Year 3!
Miss Smethurst and I will be with you everyday. On a Monday afternoon, Mrs Philips will join us for RE (Relgious Education) and UMMPW (Understanding Me and My Place in the World).
Key Reminders
- Our school day is 08:45—15:15
- Water bottles need to be brought in each morning and taken home each night to be washed
- A healthy snack can be brought to school
- Homework to be returned on a Monday
- Reading folders to be returned everyday. Please read at least 3 times a week and record this in the yellow reading record
- PE is on a Friday
- Forest School is on a Thursday. Long sleeve tops and trousers and sensible shoes/wellies
Homework
Homework is now found on the Year 3 Google Classroom Homework page. Children are encouraged to return their completed work via the Google Classroom page. I will occasionally give children homework in a homework book. Homework is to be returned on a Monday
English
We follow the Pathways to Write scheme of work, developed by the Literacy Company. Pathways to Write is a proven methodology built around units of work which develop vocabulary, reading and writing skills through the mastery approach. The units provide clear detailed lesson plans and resources linked to high quality texts to ensure engaing and purposeful English lessons.
The text the children will be discovering in first Autumn term is The Seal Surfer by Micheal Foreman.
Shared Reading
Again, we follow the Pathways to Read scheme of work, developed by the Literacy Company. This is a programme designed to equip children with key skills to move them through the reading process towards becoming competent and fluent readers. Lessons are linked to high quality and engaing texts. We use this scheme alongside the Patways to Write programme which provides a whole school curriculum approach with the opportunity for topics to link throughout the year.
Our first Autumn term shared reading text is The Sea Book by Charlotte Milner.
Reading
As children move away from their familiar RWI books, children will be given an appropriate book from our school library. Children will still be expected to read daily. Each time they read, please make a note of this in their yellow reading record. Children will complete half termly accelerated reading tests which will determine the children's current reading age. It is also a diagnostic tool which outlines which areas the children need support with.
At the bottom of this class page, I will attached a list of books that I recommend the children read while in Year 3.
Maths
At Westminster we use Power Maths. Power Maths is a UK curriculum mastery programme designed to spark curiosity, excitement and nurture confidence in maths.At the start of each maths lesson all children will work on the curriclum year group they are in, they then will work in smaller groups where there will be a more targeted approach to teaching based on the groups needs and ability.
In the Autumn half term all children will be working on Place Value.
Our school uses Timestable Rockstars to support children with their timestables. I will remind you of their log in details so they can also play along at home!
Science
Our aim is to make sure Science is as practical as possible, providing the children with opportunities to research and investigate regularly.
During the first half term in Autumn the children are learning about Rocks and Soils. We will make the most of our Forest School area and the natural resources it has.
History and Geography
This term will have a Geography focus. We will be looking at regions, compass points and maps. During the first few weeks of term we will go and walk up Moel Famou! Details of this trip will be given to you.
Our enquiry question for this term is "Is Every Region in The UK the Same?"
French
This is a new subject for the Year 3's! I can't wait to introduce them to speaking French. We have found that shorter, daily French lessons really help the children embed their learning so this is how we will approach learning this year.
Comme c'est excitant!
During the first half term we will be learning Greetings and Classroom Phrases.
RE
During weekly RE sessions, the children will work with Mrs Philips to answer the question - How Do Hindus View God and How is Diwali Celebrated?
Art
This half term's weekly Art lessons will focus on the artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Music
Year 3 will follow the Charanga scheme for their music lessons. The first unit in Autumn has an R&B theme, based around the song Let Your Spirit Fly.
Computing
This half term our focus in computing is Staying Safe Online.
PE
This half term our PE day will be on a Friday.
Forest School
Forest school will take place on a Thursday afternoon - please ensure children have suitable clothing to wear on this day.
- Long trousers and long sleeved tops (regardless of the weather)
- Hat (in hot weather)
- Waterproof coat
- Waterproof shoes or boots
Please watch this video, which explains the importance of weekly forest school sessions
