Merton Bank Primary School

 Welcome to Year Three

Attendance is key to academic success and social development. 

Please aim for your child to be in school EVERY day! 

Year Three is welcoming and nurturing classroom, where exciting and engaging learning experiences take place. We aim to create an inclusive and nurturing environment, where each child’s unique strengths and interests are valued, respected and supported throughout their learning journey at Merton Bank. Our vision for our classroom, is to foster a love for learning, curiosity and critical thinking skills. We prioritise the mental health and well-being of all pupils. We actively promote positive self-talk, resilience and a growth mindset. Children will be encouraged to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and develop a positive attitude towards learning. 

PE

This term (Autumn1 ) we have PE every  Thursday– please ensure that your child attends school on these days in their PE kit.  On these days children must wear the following PE uniform: white polo shirt/ t-shirt, black shorts and trainers/pumps. We expect high standards of PE kits, please contact a staff member if you require any support.

 Learning Overviews 2025-2026:

Spring 1 Overview

Take a look at some of the exciting learning that has been taking place in Year 3 during Spring 1.

Maths

Addition and Subtraction

Addition and subtraction of 3-digit numbers has been the focus of our Maths Mastery learning. This is an essential skill that builds a strong foundation for future mathematical concepts. Our pupils have been using concrete resources, such as Base 10 blocks and place value counters, to support their understanding when making an exchange. By using these resources, they can physically manipulate these resources to visualise the process. This hands-on approach helps reinforce their grasp of how numbers are structured and how different digits interact with one another during calculations. Additionally, we encourage them to explain their thinking and reasoning as they work through problems, fostering both communication skills and a deeper conceptual understanding.

Maths

Length and Perimeter

In Year 3, the students have been actively engaging in a practical learning experience focused on measuring lengths using a ruler. They have explored measurements in various units: metres, centimetres, and millimetres, which has helped them understand the relationships between different units. Through hands-on activities, the pupils have practised converting lengths from one unit to another, enhancing their mathematical skills and reinforcing their understanding of measurement. Collaboratively, they have worked in small groups to measure the length or height of various classroom objects. This teamwork not only fosters communication and collaboration among the pupils but also allows them to compare their findings and discuss measurement techniques, making learning both fun and informative.

Geography

Year 3 have been studying Antarctica, delving into its fascinating geography and unique environment. They began their exploration by locating Antarctica both on a globe and on a world map, which helped them understand its position at the southernmost point of our planet. As part of their investigation, they have been identifying and discussing the continent's physical features, such as its towering mountains, including the famous Vinson Massif, and its numerous volcanos, like Mount Erebus, which is one of the few active volcanoes in the region. The students learned about the vast expanse of glaciers that blanket the land, as well as the massive ice sheets that stretch across the continent, playing a crucial role in the Earth's climate system. Additionally, they discovered the significance of icebergs, some of which can be larger than city blocks, that calve from the ice sheets and float out to sea. Through their studies, they have also learned an interesting fact: Antarctica is the only continent that has no permanent human inhabitants, with the only residents being scientists and researchers who live there temporarily to study its unique environment and marine wildlife.

Half-termly Value

Service

Our value this half-term is Service. Throughout this period, we will explore the contributions of inspirational figures from diverse backgrounds and cultures during our whole school assemblies. These discussions will highlight various individuals who have made significant impacts through their acts of service. Year 3 pupils will engage deeply with these topics, reflecting on the ways in which these figures have selflessly served their communities, countries, or even the world at large. This reflection will encourage our pupils to think critically about the significance of service and how they, too, can make a positive difference in their own communities. By examining these role models, we aim to inspire our pupils to embody the value of service in their daily lives.

RE

Our Year 3 learners dove deep into the world of leadership, turning their RE lesson into an exciting team adventure! Teamwork was the name of the game as pupils put their heads together, discussing the qualities that help someone inspire and guide others. They carefully debated the most important characteristics that make a leader special. The classroom was alive with conversation, creativity, and connection - proving that leadership isn't just about being in charge, but about understanding, listening, and working together.

Enrichment

Team building and problem solving provided the focus of one of our KABs sessions. Our Year 3 pupils had to make a circle, by holding hands, then pass the hoop around the circle without letting go of someone's hand. This activity required not only cooperation but also effective communication skills as each pupil had to strategise and coordinate their movements with their peers. The challenge of the hoop added an element of excitement and tested their problem-solving abilities, as they needed to find a rhythm that allowed the hoop to travel smoothly while ensuring everyone held on tightly. Laughter and encouragement filled the air as different groups tried various techniques, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the classmates.

Enrichment

Our first Forest School session focused on providing each other with positive affirmations by sharing what we liked about each other and giving everyone compliments. Every pupil had a smile on their face as they read the lovely comments that had been given to them! This was a fantastic way to start the New Year!

Autumn 2 Overview

Take a look at some of the exciting learning that has been taking place in Year 3 during Autumn 2.

Maths

Year 3 have been working hard on mastering addition and subtraction. They have been adding and subtracting ones, tens and hundreds using Base 10 and Place Value counters to support their knowledge and understanding. The students have engaged in various interactive activities, such as using manipulatives to visually represent numbers, which has helped them grasp the concepts more firmly.

Additionally, they have been solving real-life problems to apply their addition and subtraction skills in practical scenarios. Group work and paired exercises have encouraged collaboration and discussion among the students, promoting a deeper understanding of the mathematical principles involved.

History

Year 3 are learning about the Stone Age. This exciting topic allows students to explore early human history, focusing on the lives of hunter-gatherers, the development of tools, and the significance of cave paintings. They will study how people lived, what they ate, and how they made their homes using natural materials.

Our young archaeologists put on their detective hats and immersed themselves in the examination of photographs of Stone Age artefacts, collaborating in small groups to discuss their purpose. 

My Happy Mind

Places

myHappymind Places is a unique, practical and engaging resource to help children deepen their understanding of emotions and develop effective self-regulation strategies. It empowers children to identify how they are feeling, recognise the impact emotions have on their minds and bodies and apply self-regulation tools to manage their emotions constructively. By fostering these skills, myHappymind Places supports children in building resilience and confidence to navigate the challenges of daily life.

Enrichment

Visits from Chester Zoo Rangers

This half-term, Year 3 have enjoyed three visits from the Rangers at Chester Zoo. The first visit focused on extinct and endangered species, and how global warming is affecting some animals. The second session involved being ‘Nature Detectives’. Pupils used an app on iPads to find out the names of plants on our grounds and identify the wildlife hiding beneath logs and leaves. During the third session, pupils looked at how habitats are affected by new developments and they discussed the implications for wildlife

Autumn 1 Overview 

Take a look at some of the exciting learning that has been taking place in Year 3 during Autumn 1.

Maths

Multiplication and Division

Throughout this unit, pupils will build upon their Year 2 work and learn their 2s, 5s and 10 times tables, followed by the 4s and 8s. Pupils will make arrays and explore patterns on hundred squares. With all multiplication tables, children will apply their knowledge of equal groups and use concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations to aid their understanding.

Fast Maths

 To aid the children’s rapid recall of multiplication and division facts, three ‘Maths Facts’ sessions have been implemented into our timetable.  Children are asked to complete a multiplication grid in the first session. In the second session, a counting stick is used so that children can learn new facts and gain a deeper understanding of a particular multiplication table. In the third session a Key Facts Corner is completed.

English

Writing

In writing, Year 3 have been learning a defeating the monster story called 'Krak the Cobbler and Smok the Dragon.' Pupils have used the story map to help them to retell the story. They have completed creative writing tasks related to the text.

Basic Skills

Every Monday, we start our English sessions with a Basic Skills lesson. This lesson focuses on developing the basic skills that the children need to support them in their writing. There are four sections of focus during this session: Handwriting, Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar.

Reading

Year 3 have immersed themselves in a wide range of texts this half term: Can I build a better me?, The Snow Dragon, Little Red Riding Hood, Volcanoes: Mountains that blow their tops, The Wolf's Tale, King Midas and the Golden Touch and Change Sings.

Art

Focus Artist

Year 3 have looked at the some of the art work of Pablo Picasso and created a collage of the images, taking inspiration for their collage design from his style and technique. 

Geography

Why do people live near Volcanoes

In this unit, pupils will learn about the location of some of the mountain ranges around the world, how mountain ranges are formed, what the layers of the Earth are and why volcanoes happen. We located mountain ranges on a map of the world. We used 'Oreo' biscuits to demonstrate how the tectonic plates move to form mountains.

Enrichment

Forest School

Every Friday, Year 3 have a session in our Forest Area. This is an opportunity to boost physical health through active outdoor play, enhancing mental well-being by reducing stress and fostering emotional resilience, and improving social skills through teamwork and communication. Our pupils develop problem-solving abilities while developing a deeper connection to and appreciation for nature.

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