Topic Summary
Is it too late to save our oceans?
Global Warriors challenges our children to think about the environment and gain a greater understanding of the world we live in and the problems we are currently facing. The children explore the enquiry question ‘Is it too late to save our oceans?' through discussions in class and by speaking to professionals. They develop a sense of responsibility, as individuals, for taking care of the environment and looking at sustainable living. Through the text ‘The tale of a toothbrush’ and the thought-provoking video ‘Catch a lot’ the children understand the consequences to our actions and how this impacts on the wider world. Using our art skills, we will be creating a printed image to show the effects of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
In the topic we will be teaching the children the following key concepts:
- Community - What can we do in our community to help save our oceans?
- Consequences - What are the consequences to our actions and how does this impact on our wider world?
- Responsibility - What responsibilities do we have as individuals to take care of our environment?
- Sustainability - What is sustainable living and how does it effect the lives of animals in the polar regions?
Experiences/Trips
- Monday 29th September - European Day of Languages
- 25th September - Visit to St Mary's Lighthouse
- Wednesday 22nd October - Harvest Collection
Subject Information
English
Our English work this half term is inspired by the deeply thought-provoking book, ‘The tale of a toothbrush’ by M.G Leonard. This is a very topical and delightfully funny picture book that shows children what happens to their plastic toothbrushes after they're thrown away.
We will discuss words and phrases in the text that capture the imagination of the reader. We will also use dictionaries to check the meaning of unfamiliar words. While we are reading, we will ask questions to improve our understanding of texts and use our inference skills to make judgements and predictions. To deepen our understanding of various texts, we will also be experimenting with different types of body language to express various feelings.
In writing, we will be learning about persuasion and how to develop for and against arguments. We will be using these skills to write persuasive letters and adverts. To develop our grammar skills, we will understand how to use inverted commas correctly.
In guided reading, the children will be reading Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. They will be encouraged to ask questions to improve their understanding of texts. They will also use their Inference skills to make judgements and predictions.
Key Texts
- The Tale of a Toothbrush by M G Leonard
- Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
Maths
This half term we will be developing our understanding of three-digit numbers so that we can:
- Count in multiples of 4, 8, 50 and 100; find 10 or 100 more or less than any given number.
- Recognise the place value of each digit.
- Compare and order numbers up to 100.
- Identify, represent and estimate numbers using different representations.
- Read and write numbers up to 1000 in numerals and in words.
- Solve number problems and practical problems involving these ideas.
Science
This half term we will be focusing on Skeletons and Nutrition. We will be looking into the functions of the human skeleton and understand how different bones help us move. We will identify and name various bones in a range of animals before looking at animals with and without a spine. We will then learn about the different food groups and the types of food we need for a healthy, balanced diet.
Geography
In geography, we will build on our prior knowledge of the continents and oceans, using atlases, world maps and globes. The children will learn how to identify the positions and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern and Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and the Arctic/Antarctic Circle.
We will describe and understand key aspects of physical geography such as climate zones and ice caps. To develop our map skills further, we will use compass directions, and locational and directional language to describe the location of features and routes on maps. We will also learn how to use grid references, symbols and keys.
PSHE and RE
In PSHE this term the children will be participating in the Zones of Regulation curriculum. These lessons will help children gain skills in the area of self-regulation. They will learn to gain insights into events that trigger feelings, calming strategies and problem solving skills. The children will also explore the enquiry question – How can we be a good friend? This will include recognising respectful behaviour, the importance of self-respect, courtesy and being polite.
In RE, this term the children will be exploring expressions of identity. They will discover how their sense of belonging compares and contrasts with belonging if a person follows a religion. The children will explore the enquiry question - How do different religions express their identity and faith? We will talk about groups and communities children belong to and why a sense of identity and community is so important.
Computing
In computing, we will be reminding children about how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Linking to our work in PSHE, we will learn how to recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
We will also be taking a journey inside a computer, and learning how they work. We will be recognising inputs and outputs and develop an understanding that computers send and receive information. We will develop our understanding on Algorithms and made comparisons between different types of computers.
Music
During our music sessions we will be begin to sing call and response in groups, holding notes with increasing confidence. We will play melodic and rhythmic accompaniments to a song and understand where notes in a melody go down and up. The musician of the half term is the band Coldplay. Linking to our topic Global Warriors, the children will learn how this band generate their own electricity at their concerts.
If you would like any further details about this half term's curriculum in Year 3, please speak to your child's teacher.