Year 3

Learn how our Year 3 pupils make a smooth transition into Key Stage 2

Year 3 marks the end of Key Stage 1 as your child enters Key Stage 2. Within our school, it is often seen as “the move upstairs”, as our junior children use the upstairs classrooms and enjoy the increased independence and responsibility this entails.

We encourage our pupils to take greater ownership of their learning, behaviour and attitudes, and we continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum based on the children’s interests. Utilising the strong basic skills children have developed in KS1, we challenge our pupils to learn about subjects in greater depth and to apply their prior learning.

Year 3 key information

Learning and curriculum

Alongside our daily maths and English lessons, our Year 3 pupils study a range of exciting topics in the foundation subjects throughout the year. Whether they are learning about climate zones, the Ancient Egyptians or the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, we continue to ensure that our children have the opportunity to enrich their learning through practical activities and experiences such as trips to the British Museum and workshops provided by our local Museum of Richmond.

For many of our pupils, Year 3 is also a very special, spiritual time, as the children prepare to receive the blessed sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. It is a wonderful opportunity for home, school and parish to come together and celebrate. We are always so pleased to share this milestone with our whole community; including the pupils who are not Catholic, but who are such an important part of our school family.

Year 3 Overview (PDF)

Assessments

Formative assessments are made throughout the year and summative assessments are carried out at the end of each term. These include reading, writing and maths assessments. We want our children to do well, but we also want them to feel relaxed, and so these are carried out with as little fuss as possible. Assessments are also made at the end of each science unit. The information from the assessments is shared with parents and carers by your child’s teacher at our October and February Parents’ evenings. You will also receive a written report detailing their end of year outcomes in July.

Useful links

Links to support your child’s learning online can be found in their Google Classroom:

https://classroom.google.com/c/NjIwOTYzMTIyNzM1?cjc=2vy7kqn

Please visit our to our parish church website where you can sign up for the church newsletter. This is especially important if you would like your child to make their First Holy Communion at St Mary Magdalen’s church.