Year 3: Blog items
Date: 29th Jan 2026 @ 9:12am
This week in Year 3, we’ve taken another big step forward in our maths journey as we explored division in depth. The children have shown fantastic perseverance and curiosity as they tackled calculations involving two-digit numbers divided by one-digit numbers, using a wide range of practical equipment to help them understand what division really means.
🔍 Using Manipulatives to Make Division Meaningful
To ensure everyone had a secure, hands-on understanding, we used a variety of manipulatives, including:
- Base 10
- Place value counters
- Lollypop sticks
These resources helped the children see how a number can be shared into equal groups. They physically moved, grouped and partitioned numbers, giving them a much clearer picture of the division process.
✏️ Partitioning and Exchanging
One of our biggest focuses this week was understanding what happens when numbers don’t divide neatly. The children learned how to:
- Partition a two‑digit number into tens and ones
- Exchange a ten for ten ones when a remainder appears in the tens column
- Continue dividing using the ones
- Work out whether the result is a whole number or whether a remainder is needed
Lots of lightbulb moments this week!
Date: 29th Jan 2026 @ 9:01am
This week in Year 3 French, we continued our exciting journey into the world of language learning with a focus on animals—les animaux. The children loved diving into new vocabulary and discovering some surprising rules about how French works!
Last half term, we worked hard on developing our French phonics skills, and this week the children put that knowledge to excellent use. We revisited key sounds and practised saying animal names, paying close attention to pronunciation.
From stretching out vowel sounds to noticing the silent final letters that French is famous for, the class showed real confidence in reading and speaking aloud. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they recognised familiar phonemes and applied them independently.
One of the most exciting moments this week was when the children realised that in French, the determiner (equivalent to 'a' in English) changes depending on whether the noun is masculine or feminine.
This sparked lots of discussion and curiosity—why do nouns have genders? How can we remember which is which? The children loved spotting patterns, and they’re already starting to apply this knowledge more confidently in their spoken and written work.
Year 3 - Geography Climate Zones
Date: 29th Jan 2026 @ 8:01am
This week, Year 3 have been learning all about climate zones and how temperature and precipitation vary across the globe. To help us understand these differences, we located Manaus (Brazil), Nuuk (Greenland), London (United Kingdom), Seville (Spain) and Cairo (Egypt) on a world map. The children enjoyed spotting which places were close to the equator and which were nearer the poles.
We discovered that Manaus, in northern Brazil, has a hot, tropical climate with high temperatures and lots of rainfall. In contrast, Nuuk, in Greenland, is extremely cold with very low temperatures throughout the year. London has a mild and changeable climate, while Seville, in southern Spain, is warm and sunny with very hot summers. Finally, Cairo, in Egypt, has a desert climate, meaning it is very hot and receives very little rain.
Year 3 loved comparing these places and spotting global weather patterns. 🌦️🌍
Date: 29th Jan 2026 @ 7:57am
This week, the children explored the story Julian Is a Mermaid, focusing on the message behind the text and its link to managing and challenging stereotypes. They discussed common stereotypes, such as the idea that girls can’t play football, and shared their own views and experiences. The lesson also developed Oracy skills, with a focus on probing, challenging, agreeing with, and building on others’ ideas. The children made links between these discussion skills and dialogue between characters in a playscript. They also discussed the importance of asking questions and using body language to show active listening and respect for others’ opinions.
Computing - Creating our own branching database
Date: 22nd Jan 2026 @ 8:49am
This week in Computing, Year 3 learned all about branching databases. We started by recapping how yes/no questions can help us identify and group objects based on their attributes (what they are like). The children then explored a branching database website, where they created their own databases. They chose different themes such as food and drink, animals, minibeasts and space. Using these, they wrote their own yes/no questions to help sort the objects correctly. Once their questions were ready, the children grouped each object into yes or no, thinking carefully about the best attributes to use. They showed great problem-solving skills and lots of creativity when designing their branching databases.
Date: 22nd Jan 2026 @ 8:17am
In our science lesson this week we learned about fossils. Fossils are the remains or marks of plants and animals that lived a very long time ago. We looked at pictures of fossils and some real fossils to see what they look like. We learned about fossilisation, which is how fossils are made. When a plant or animal dies, it can be covered by mud or sand. Over a very long time, more layers build up and press down hard. Water with tiny minerals moves through the layers and slowly turns the bones or shells into rock. This takes millions of years. We also ordered the steps of fossilisation to show we understood the process. To finish the lesson, we drew our own fossils, showing what plants or animals from the past might look like when they are preserved in rock.
Date: 22nd Jan 2026 @ 8:14am
During our Reading into Writing lesson, the children explored Charlotte’s Web as part of our journey into playscripts. They acted out scenes from the story, bringing the characters to life through performance. The focus was on using voice effectively by projecting clearly, as well as developing body language and facial expressions to match each character’s feelings and personality. The children also practised following stage directions, helping them to understand how actions and movements are written in a playscript. This active approach supported their understanding of character, dialogue and performance, while building confidence and engagement.
Year 3 Learn How to Stay Safe on the Roads
Date: 16th Jan 2026 @ 3:45pm
This week in Year 3, we have been learning all about Road Safety as part of our Skills for Life curriculum. The children took part in several activities designed to help them understand how to stay safe when walking near or crossing roads.
To begin, the children watched informative videos and shared their own knowledge and experiences about road safety. They discussed the importance of stopping, looking, listening, and thinking—four key steps for staying safe.
We then re‑enacted how to cross the road safely, practising the correct sequence and thinking carefully about the dangers around us. The children demonstrated excellent listening skills and worked really well together.
Finally, the children completed an activity where they showed the step-by-step sequence of crossing a road safely. This helped them to consolidate their understanding and explain the process clearly using pictures and words.
Year 3 showed fantastic focus and enthusiasm throughout the week. We are very proud of how confidently they can now explain what to do to stay safe near roads.
Date: 16th Jan 2026 @ 11:47am
Key Stage 2 pupils recently took part in their second Times Table Bee, an exciting and competitive event. Four children from each year group proudly represented their house and competed by answering a range of tricky times table questions. Pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 were particularly challenged, as they tackled more demanding questions that relied heavily on their secure knowledge of multiplication tables. The event was enjoyed by all and showcased the children’s confidence, speed, and enthusiasm for maths.
Well done to all that took part!
Date: 15th Jan 2026 @ 9:15am
This week in Year 3 PE, the children enjoyed their second fitness lesson, developing coordination, stamina, and control through a range of fun and active challenges.
The lesson made great use of skipping ropes and beanbags. Children practised skipping to improve their fitness, before taking on a variety of throwing and catching challenges. They challenged themselves by throwing a beanbag and catching it on their foot, throwing and clapping before catching, and even walking along the skipping rope while throwing and catching the beanbag.
The children showed fantastic perseverance and enthusiasm as they tried new skills and pushed themselves to improve. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they developed both their fitness and coordination in such an engaging lesson.
Date: 15th Jan 2026 @ 9:09am
Our Year 3 and 4 Reading into Writing class had a fantastic time practising their spellings in a creative way! As part of our Active Spelling intervention, pupils used dough to form letters and words, turning spelling practice into a hands-on, engaging experience. This fun approach not only helps improve accuracy but also strengthens fine motor skills and makes learning memorable. The children loved shaping their spellings and showing off their creations—what a brilliant way to combine movement and literacy!
Date: 15th Jan 2026 @ 9:06am
This week in Year 3 Computing, we continued building our skills in data and programming by exploring branching databases. Building on last week’s learning, the children used yes/no questions to help sort and group different objects.
The lesson began with a recap of how asking clear yes or no questions can help us make decisions. The children then applied this knowledge to create simple branching databases, carefully choosing questions that would split their objects into smaller groups. They quickly discovered that good questions are key to making the database work effectively.
To deepen our understanding, we then took our learning outside. The children became the data themselves and explored how we could group the class using different attributes. Using yes/no questions such as jumpers or no jumpers, girls or boys, and ties or no ties, pupils physically moved into groups, making the concept of branching databases even more meaningful and engaging.
Date: 8th Jan 2026 @ 9:19am
The Year 3 and 4 provision group took an exciting step forward in developing their speaking and listening skills during this week’s Oracy lesson, where they focused on structuring their talk using the sequence words first, next, and finally. These sentence starters helped pupils organise their ideas and present them in a clear, easy‑to-follow order. Throughout the session, the children practised making simple, clear points one at a time, using straightforward language and linking each idea to the next to create a beginning, middle, and end in their speech.
Date: 7th Jan 2026 @ 8:38pm
Year 3 enjoyed their first science lesson on rocks, where we learned how geologists classify rocks into three types: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. We discussed how each type of rock is formed and what makes them different.
Each table investigated a rock using magnifying glasses, carefully observing its features. The children used 4–6 rock cards to help them identify which rock they had and explain their reasoning. We explored chalk, limestone, slate, marble and granite, discussing their characteristics and deciding how each should be classified. The children showed great curiosity and scientific thinking throughout the lesson! 🪨🔍
Date: 7th Jan 2026 @ 8:34pm
This week in PE, the children enjoyed a fitness lesson focused on the importance of staying active and healthy. We began with a fun warm-up using skipping ropes in groups of three, creating snakes and tunnels. The children jogged around, jumping over the snakes and ducking under the tunnels, while discussing why warming up is important for our bodies.
Next, the children stayed in their trios and took turns completing balance challenges, including balancing a bean bag on their head while standing on one foot, skipping and balancing, and lifting and placing a hoop. We talked about the importance of core strength and using our tummy muscles to help us balance. A great session full of effort and focus! 💪
Date: 7th Jan 2026 @ 8:28pm
During the Year 3 oracy lesson, pupils focused on how to structure clear and effective sentences while taking part in group discussions. Each group used discussion roles such as instigator, builder, prober, challenger, clarifier and summariser to help ideas develop and stay focused. The children discussed imaginative and engaging topics, including what they would do if they could stop time for a day, what job they would like to have when they are older, and whether they would rather hop or crawl everywhere. The lesson supported confident speaking, active listening and collaborative thinking.
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 9:23am
Year 3 had a fantastic time taking part in a festive challenge circuit to help raise money for Brian House and Trinity Hospice. The children embraced the event with great enthusiasm, wearing elf and Christmas accessories to add to the fun and festive atmosphere.
The circuit included a range of exciting challenges that tested the children’s speed, accuracy and strength. From energetic physical activities to skill-based games, everyone gave their best effort and showed brilliant determination throughout.
Most importantly, the children worked together, encouraged one another and demonstrated a wonderful sense of teamwork and community spirit. It was a fun-filled and meaningful way to support two very important charities.
Well done to Year 3 for their fantastic effort and for helping to make a difference! 🎄👏
Gerry and George: The Cheeky Ginger Elves’ Final Classroom Adventure!
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 9:22am
What a whirlwind of festive fun we’ve had with Gerry and George, our mischievous ginger elves! From the moment they arrived, they’ve kept us laughing with their cheeky antics—and today was no exception.
Here’s what they’ve been up to:
🎯 Taped to the Board!
This morning, the elves decided to turn the classroom into their own prank zone. Gerry taped George to the board, and before long, George got his revenge! The children couldn’t stop giggling at their sticky situation.
🔍 Hide and Seek Champions
Later, the elves played an epic game of hide and seek. They popped up in the most unexpected places—inside the pencil pot, behind the books, even peeking out of the tissue box! The hunt was on, and the children loved every second.
🎲 Ball Pit of Multilink Cubes
Who needs a playground when you have maths resources? Gerry and George transformed our multilink cubes into a mini ball pit! It was colourful chaos, and the elves looked like they were having the time of their lives.
🏠 Gingerbread House Creation
Not stopping there, the elves got crafty and built their very own gingerbread house. It wasn’t just delicious-looking—it was a masterpiece of elf engineering!
➕ Cheeky Elf Maths
And of course, they couldn’t resist a little maths mischief. After lots of adding, subtracting, and elf-sized calculations, their final answer was… 67! (Don’t ask us how—they have their own magical methods!)
The children have absolutely loved having Gerry and George in the classroom. Their laughter and excitement have made this festive season extra special. But tomorrow, our cheeky elves have important work to do back at the North Pole. Santa needs his helpers to get ready for the big day!
Thank you, Gerry and George, for bringing so much joy and sparkle to our classroom. Safe travels back to the North Pole—we’ll miss you!
Year 3 - Christmas Nativity Art
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 9:21am
Year 3 have been busy creating beautiful stained glass nativity scenes as part of their Christmas art. The children explored the nativity story and looked at examples of stained glass windows, noticing the bold outlines and bright colours used.
Using black card and foil, the children designed and created their own nativity scenes, carefully choosing shapes and colours to represent the Christmas story. The foil created a striking stained glass effect, especially when light shone through the finished artwork.
The completed pieces look fantastic on display and the children were very proud of their creative work. Well done, Year 3!
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 9:16am
This term, Year 3 have been learning about shell structures in Design and Technology. As part of this unit, the children designed and made Christmas gift boxes using nets created from cardboard.
We began by exploring what shell structures are and how packaging is made using nets. The children looked at different box shapes and discussed how flat nets can be folded to create strong, three-dimensional structures.
Using this knowledge, the children designed their own Christmas gift boxes, thinking carefully about the shape and size they would need. They then created their own cardboard nets, accurately measuring, cutting and folding to form their boxes. This activity helped the children to develop their practical skills and understanding of how 2D shapes can be transformed into 3D structures.
Once assembled, the gift boxes were decorated with festive designs, making each one unique. The children showed great concentration and perseverance throughout the process and were very proud of their finished boxes.
Date: 16th Dec 2025 @ 1:43pm
🏛️ A Quick Look at Today’s Assembly
We had a visitor come in for a 30‑minute assembly to explain what Parliament is and why it matters. They broke it down simply: Parliament is where laws are debated and decisions about the country are made. It’s made up of the House of Commons, where elected MPs sit, and the House of Lords, who review and improve proposed laws.
The speaker reminded us that Parliament shapes everything from education to national policies, so understanding it helps us understand the world we live in. A short Q&A at the end let students ask about elections, debates, and how young people can get involved.
A brief session, but a surprisingly engaging one that made politics feel a lot more relevant.
Date: 11th Dec 2025 @ 9:17am
Year 3 and 4 had a fantastic time at the school disco this week! The hall was buzzing with excitement as the children enjoyed classic party games like pass the parcel, cheering each other on as each layer was unwrapped. The dance floor was full of energy, with everyone showing off their best moves to festive Christmas songs and their new favourite tracks from KPop Demon Hunters.
A highlight of the evening was joining Mrs Darwen for some lively Zumba dances, which had everyone laughing and moving together. Children also loved choosing treats from the Tuck Shop, and a special mention goes to those who showed wonderful kindness by buying snacks for friends who didn’t have any money. A brilliant, joy-filled celebration!
Date: 11th Dec 2025 @ 9:13am
This week, the Year 3 children gathered in the school hall for a festive Christmas lunch, and the excitement was contagious! Tables were decorated with bright crackers and sparkling tinsel, creating a magical atmosphere. Laughter and chatter filled the room as plates were piled high with a traditional roast and all the trimmings. After enjoying a sweet treat for dessert, the children leaned back in their chairs with full tummies and happy smiles, ready to share jokes and stories. It was a wonderful celebration that left everyone feeling warm, joyful, and ready for the holidays.
Date: 11th Dec 2025 @ 9:12am
Year 3 enjoyed a calming yet energetic yoga session this week, focusing on strength poses to build balance, control and confidence. The children practised a range of positions including downward dog, high plank, side support plank, high lunge, boat, bridge, chair and back support. Everyone showed great determination as they held each pose with growing strength and focus.
To finish, the children worked in pairs for a fun communication challenge: one partner described a pose using clear instructions while the other tried to recreate it. This led to lots of concentration, teamwork and giggles. A brilliant session full of movement, mindfulness and cooperation!
Date: 11th Dec 2025 @ 9:06am
The Christmas spirit is in full swing at school today as the children arrived bursting with excitement in their bright and cheerful Christmas jumpers. Sparkles, reindeer, and festive colours filled the classrooms, bringing a wonderful sense of warmth and celebration. To make the morning even more magical, the children headed out to the playground for some lively Christmas Zumba with Mrs Darwen. Laughter, music, and dance moves filled the air as everyone joined in the festive fun. It was a joyful start to the season and a lovely reminder of the happiness and togetherness that Christmas brings to our school community.
