Welcome to our Spring 2 curriculum overview for Year 3! This term, students will embark on an exciting journey through a variety of subjects, each designed to challenge and inspire their learning. From exploring the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Escape from Pompeii to learning about the Romans and their lasting impact on Britain, pupils will deepen their historical understanding while developing critical skills in reading, writing, and problem-solving. In Science, they’ll dive into the world of forces and magnets, while in ART they’ll create their own Roman mosaics. Across all subjects, students will make connections between history, science, and their own lives, enhancing their knowledge and creativity. We’re excited for a fun, engaging, and educational term ahead!

English

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be reading Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit. As they explore this exciting historical fiction, they will develop their comprehension skills by making predictions, inferring meaning, and summarising key events. Pupils will examine the characters' thoughts and feelings, exploring how they respond to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the challenges they face. Through the text, students will also practise retrieving information, using their understanding of the events in the book to deepen their knowledge of the eruption of Pompeii. This unit will help pupils build a strong connection between history and storytelling, enhancing their reading and analytical skills.

Maths

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will focus on strengthening their multiplication and division skills in Unit 5. They will begin by comparing multiplication and division statements, developing their understanding of the relationship between these operations. Pupils will practice solving multiplication problems and using multiplication facts to solve a variety of tasks. They will then move on to multiplying and dividing 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers, building their confidence and fluency in these essential skills. Additionally, students will apply their multiplication and division knowledge to solve word problems, using these operations to tackle real-life scenarios. Through a range of activities, they will continue to refine their problem-solving abilities and deepen their understanding of multiplication and division.

Science

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be exploring the fascinating world of Forces and Magnets. They will start by reflecting on their previous knowledge of forces and then move on to investigating what forces are and how some require contact between objects. Pupils will compare how different objects move on various surfaces, observing the effects of friction and other forces. They will also explore how magnetic forces work and learn to identify materials that are magnetic. Through a series of hands-on investigations and experiments, pupils will deepen their understanding of how forces, including magnetism, affect the world around them. By the end of the unit, students will have a strong grasp of these key scientific concepts.

History

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be learning about the impact of the Romans on Britain. They will begin by creating a thought shower to explore their initial ideas and then dive into understanding how and why the Romans invaded Britain. Pupils will investigate who lived in Britain at the time of the invasion and learn about their way of life. They will also explore the story of Boudicca and the results of her revolt against the Romans. Students will study what elements of Roman settlements have survived in Britain, gaining insight into how Roman influence can still be seen today. The unit will conclude with a post-unit thought shower, where pupils will reflect on their learning and the lasting effects of the Romans on British history.

ART

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be exploring the world of Roman art through the study of Roman mosaics. They will begin by investigating the history and techniques behind these intricate designs and then move on to designing their own mosaics. Using collage techniques, pupils will replicate their designs, applying a range of materials and methods to create their own mosaics. Through repeated practice with collage techniques, they will refine their skills in creating textured and detailed artwork, ultimately gaining a deeper appreciation for Roman artistic traditions and developing their own creative abilities.

RE

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be learning about the Hindu festival of Holi. They will begin by exploring the purpose of characters in stories, using stories related to Holi to understand their roles. Pupils will then explain the meaning of these stories and how their teachings can be applied to everyday life. They will also delve into Hindu beliefs about God and how these beliefs are reflected in the celebrations of Holi. Through this, pupils will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Holi as a festival of joy, renewal, and spiritual reflection. The unit will conclude with a review of their learning, helping students consolidate their knowledge and reflect on what they have discovered.

PSHE

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be focusing on the theme of Healthy Me. They will begin by learning how exercise affects their bodies and why the heart and lungs are vital organs. Pupils will then explore the impact of drugs on their bodies and reflect on their feelings towards these substances. They will also identify things, people, and places they need to keep safe from and understand how to stay safe around potentially harmful household substances. Through these lessons, students will develop an understanding of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, make safe choices, and take care of their well-being. The unit will conclude with a review of their learning, allowing pupils to reflect on key concepts and reinforce their knowledge.

Computing

This half-term, Year 3 pupils will be learning about Branching Databases. They will begin by creating questions with yes/no answers and identifying the attributes needed to collect data about objects. Pupils will then move on to designing and creating their own branching databases, understanding how these tools help organize and structure information. They will explore why it's important for a database to be well structured and learn how to plan the layout of a branching database. By the end of the unit, pupils will independently create an identification tool, applying their knowledge of databases to solve real-world problems.