Summer 1
SUMMER 1
Welcome to the final term!
We are thrilled to begin the last term of Year 3 and are looking forward to seeing all the energy, creativity, and curiosity the children will bring. This term is a wonderful opportunity for them to show what they’ve learned so far and continue exploring new ideas.
Please continue to share any activities your child does at home on ClassDojo – we love seeing how their learning grows beyond the classroom!
Let’s make this final term a memorable one! 🌟
English
Independent short-burst writing will give the children the chance to apply the skills they have learned so far and share their work with pride with their peers.
Discussion writing
Model Text – Should Jack Be Jailed? (Pie Corbett)
Using the model text, children will develop their writing skills to become confident and effective writers. They will create their own discussion pieces, exploring questions such as “Should summer holidays be shortened?” and “Should technology be banned?”
The sequence of learning will begin with children writing about the importance of wearing a school uniform. They will practice giving reasons for and against their ideas, helping them to structure balanced arguments and express their opinions clearly.
Reading for Inference
In reading for inference, we will continue to use Fluency Factory to deepen children’s understanding, build their vocabulary, and improve reading fluency. Some of the texts the children will explore include Bambi, Alfred the Great, and From a Railway Carriage.
Vocabulary
Fluency, key word, thicket, foliage, shuddered, noble, strategist, tactics, persistence, overcome, troops, clambers, scrambles, glimpse, infer, predict, conclude, explain, suggest, imagine, identify, describe, compare, summarise
Maths
Fractions, Money, and Time
Children will start the term continuing to learn about adding and subtracting fractions. They will begin to explore unit and non-unit fractions of a set amount and develop their ability to reason with fractions of amounts.
Learning will then move on to money, including skills such as converting between pounds and pence, adding and subtracting amounts, and giving change.
Finally, before the end of the half-term, children will start to focus on time, learning to tell the time to the nearest 5 minutes and 1 minute and read time on a digital clock.
Children will continue to complete Number and Lightning weekly to develop their arithmetic skills. Gap tasks for Number and Lightning will be taught weekly to provide additional support. Children who are confident in different areas will further embed their understanding through a series of deepening and enriching tasks.
Times tables remain a key focus, with daily teaching and practice in class. Pupils are encouraged to continue practicing at home, and a great way to support this is through the TT Rockstars app.
Vocabulary
Partition, unit fractions, non-unit fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, money, change, pence, pounds, coins, notes, symbol, amount, analogue, digital, o’clock, quarter past, half past, past, to
Science
Plants
Children will be learning about the parts of a plant and their functions. They will enhance this learning by dissecting a plant. Children will explore plant growth and discover all the things a plant needs to grow healthily. They will also look closely at seeds, water transportation, pollination, and the life cycle of a plant.
Vocabulary
Dissection, leaf, stem, roots, flower, water transportation, seed, seedling, seed coating, germination, flower, petals, stamen, pistil, reproductive organs, pollinator, seed, dispersal, life cycle.
Computing
Creating media: Video trailers
Children will plan a book trailer and take photos to help tell a story. They will have the opportunity to edit their trailers and add text to pictures and videos to bring their stories to life.
Vocabulary
Application, camera angle, clip, cross blur, cross fade, cross zoom, desktop, digital device, directional wipe, edit, film software, graphics, device, import, sound effects, time code, trailer, transition, voice over.
Religious Education
Why is water symbolic?
The children will explore the significance of water and how it is used in various rituals. They will investigate the symbolism of water and its role in Christian baptism.
Vocabulary
Blessing, calm, cleanse, offering, ritual, purity, significance, baptism, commitment, spiritual
What was important to the Ancient Egyptians? (History)
This term, Year 3 will be learning about Ancient Egypt. Children will find out when and where ancient civilisations first appeared and explore the geography of Egypt, including the River Nile and why it was so important.
They will examine artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone, and ask questions to learn more about the past. Children will discover what life was like in Ancient Egypt, including their gods and goddesses, mummification, and beliefs about the afterlife. Throughout the term, children will consider what was important to people in Ancient Egypt and how their discoveries help us understand the past.
Vocabulary
achievement, afterlife, beliefs, chronological, civilisation, continuity, creation, goods, trade
Music
Ukuleles
This term, we will be learning to play the ukulele with support from external tuition provided by Peterborough Music Hub. Children will develop their understanding of rhythm, melody, and chords, and learn how to play songs individually and as part of a group.
Vocabulary
Pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre, notation, pluck, head, neck, body, sound hole, tuning pegs, frets
Design and Technology
Structures – constructing a castle
Children will recognise how multiple shapes, both 2D and 3D, can be combined to create a strong and stable structure. They will then design their own castle and construct it using 3D nets. Once their castles are complete, they will evaluate their final products.
Vocabulary
2D, 3D, castle, design, key features, net, scoring, shape, stable, stiff, strong, structure, tab
PE
Football
Children will learn skills such as passing and receiving the football while on the move. They will practice performing these skills under pressure, using the space around them to attack, change direction, and improve their accuracy. Children will also learn how to tackle correctly and safely during a game situation.
Vocabulary
Team, control, dribble, pass, accurate, placement, speed, shoot, tackle, defend, score,
Athletics - Sports Day Prep
Running – Children will focus on using their arms and legs to improve sprinting technique and will be taught to adjust their speed depending on the distance. They will also combine running and jumping when practising hurdles.
Throwing – Children will develop their confidence and technique in the overarm throw and push throw using a shot put.
Jumping – Children will learn to take off and land on one or two feet and practise the standing long jump. They will focus on maintaining height in the flight of the jump and landing safely with bent knees and control.
Vocabulary
sprint, distance, speed, technique, arms, legs, hurdle, throw, push, shot put, jump, take-off, landing, flight, control, bent knees
PSHE / My Healthy Mind
Appreciate (My Happy Mind)
In this unit, Year 3 children will learn about appreciation and gratitude. They will explore how noticing the good things in their lives and saying thank you can help them feel happier and more positive. Children will also learn how showing appreciation can strengthen friendships, family relationships, and their sense of wellbeing. Through discussion and activities, they will develop kindness, empathy, and a positive mindset for everyday life.
Communities and Shared Responsibilities (PSHE)
In this unit, Year 3 children will learn about the different communities they belong to, such as their school, local area, and wider society. They will explore why rules and shared responsibilities are important and how everyone can help make communities safe, fair, and welcoming. Children will learn how their actions can affect others and why kindness, respect, and cooperation help communities work well. Through discussion and activities, they will develop a sense of responsibility and understand how to contribute positively to the communities around them.
Vocabulary:
appreciation, gratitude, kindness, empathy, positivity, wellbeing, friendship, family, respect, thankfulness, community, responsibility, rules, cooperation, respect, kindness, fairness, contribution, society, safety
Key dates:
Summer term starts – Monday 13th April 2026
May Day – Monday 4th May 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week – Monday 11th May 2026 – Friday 15th May 2026
Parent/Carer – Wednesday 13th May 2026 2.30pm until 3pm (Hall)
End of term - Friday 22nd May 2026