Larch Class - Year 3 & Year 4 2025 - 2026

The adults in our class

Miss Costelloe - Class teacher

Mrs Berry - Teaching assistant

What are we learning in Autumn 1?.

Pathways

In our Writing sessions this half term, we will be reading Gorilla by Anthony Browne. It is a story about a young girl called Hannah who really wants to go to the zoo to visit her favourite animals, Gorillas. On her birthday, she goes on a magical adventure with a special friend. As we explore the story, the children will be continuing to develop their writing styles.

In support of this, and to scaffold the children's comprehension, we will also be reading A World Full of Animal Stories by Angela McAllister. The book consists of a range of stories from all over the world. As the children read a selection of the stories, they will answer a range of  comprehension based questions to develop both their fluency and understanding.

Maths

We will be working through the Oak National Academy scheme of work, beginning our term with adding and subtracting across 10 before securing place value to 100 and applying to addition and subtraction. The children will be taught a range of methods and techniques to support and scaffold their understanding, and be given ample opportunity to solve a range of problems using their learned methods.

In addition to this, we will be practising our multiplications regularly, in preparation for the Year 4 Multiplication Assessments, as well as supporting the children's understanding with further fluency sessions, to help develop their maths mastery.

Science

During Autumn 1, the children will be exploring Rocks. They will learn about rocks and soil including fossils. When working scientifically, When working scientifically, children will be able to ask relevant questions, make predictions for new values, use thermometers to take accurate measurements, record their findings using labelled diagrams, and use results to draw simple conclusions.

History

In History this half term, the children will be answering the question Would you prefer to live in the Stone, Bronze or Iron Age? They will be looking at each age and the impact of each. They will be comparing each age and deciding which would have been best to live in.

Spanish (MFL)

In our Spanish lessons, we will be learning some Spanish greetings. The children will be taught how to say hello and goodbye at different times of day as well as ask each other how they are and introduce themselves.

Physical Education (PE)

In Autumn 1, the children have PE on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Mondays, the children will be doing gymnastics where they will learn different rolls and perform short routines. On Wednesdays, the children will be doing badminton where they will learn how to stand to show that they are ready as well as hold the racket correctly.

Children are to come to school in their PE kits (white t-shirt and black joggers/shorts) on these days, as in accordance to the School Uniform Policy.

Religeous Education (RE)

Our RE lessons this term will be about Christianity. The children will be discussing Christianity its principles. They will also discuss how, and why, some people have chosen to serve God.

Art

Our Art lessons this term will be focussing on drawing. They will be developing their drawing skills and will take a closer look into the use of shapes and shading in drawing. 

 Computing

In Computing, the children will apply their knowledge and understanding of networks to appreciate the internet as a network of networks which need to be kept secure. They will be learning about branching databases. 

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Home Reading

Our school aim is to complete at least 5 reading at home sessions each week. We will be monitoring reading at home closely by checking Boom Reader (replacing reading diaries) each day and changing children’s books once a week, if required. We encourage children to develop their own sense of 'reading for pleasure' and would love to see the texts that children are also reading at home.

Online Learning Resources

Our children have access to a range of online resources to aid their learning, including TT Rockstars, Spelling Shed and Century, and have been given their login details.  All children should be familiar with how to use these.

Sacred Story

Each day, we take time to share a story read aloud in class — a moment we call Sacred Story. This is a cherished part of our day, when we pause, listen, and lose ourselves in the magic of a great book together. Hearing stories read aloud is not only a joyful experience but also a powerful way to develop language, imagination, empathy, and a love of reading. It helps us connect — with the story, with each other, and with the wider world of books.

Take a look at the wonderful stories we’ll be enjoying during Sacred Story this year - this can be found in the files list below.

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Many thanks,

Miss Costelloe