Why were the Greeks so great?

Year 3 and 4 Autumn Term Information 

Welcome back and a happy New Year to you all!  Our topic this term is ‘Why were the Greeks so great?’ – as we continue our history learning about amazing ancient civilisations. The children will learn about the modern country of Greece, where it is and what is it like before being transported back in time to learn about all the achievements of this remarkable civilisation and how their legacy still impacts on us today.

Staff 

Mrs Mace is our Phase Leader and Class 5 teacher.  Mrs Day teaches Class 4 and Mr Heaton teaches Class 6. 

English and Maths groupings 

Children in Year 3 and 4 are put in to sets, based on their age/ability levels.  There will be 4 groups for maths, taught by Mrs Mace, Mrs Day, Mr Heaton and Mrs Wilson and 3 groups for English.  

Spellings/Phonics 

Children will still have spelling lessons within their English groups, and National Curriculum spelling lists will now be given out at the start of the year for the children to learn for the half-termly spelling test. Children will be expected to learn one column of spellings per half term and will require help and support at home to ensure the children achieve well. We realise that some of these spellings may appear quite demanding, but every child in the country has to be proficient in the spelling of these relevant age-related words. (See attached list) 

In addition, the children will practise spelling in their own class every morning and have access to Spelling Shed.

PE Timetables 

Outdoor PE is timetabled for Thursday afternoon for all classes in Year 3 and 4 this term.  at this time of the year the weather is very changeable so always send your child in with the appropriate PE uniform (please refer to the school PE uniform policy on our website for guidance).  May we remind you that all uniform should be labelled to avoid any confusion and missing kit.  This is especially important for our new Year 3's who are getting used to being more responsible for their belongings.

Forest School

Year 3/4 have Forest school this term with Mr Thorpe on a Friday.  Due to the changeable weather conditions all children will need warm layers of clothing and full waterprooofs.  Footwear should either be wellies or waterproof walking boots.  The will also need a spare pair of dry shoes to put on at lunchtime.

The dates for each class are as follows:

10th January - Class 6

17th January - NO FOREST SCHOOL

24th January - Class 4

31st January - Class 5

7th February - Class 6

14th February - Class 4

HALF TERM

28th February - Class 5

Reading 

All children are expected to read for up to 30 minutes three times per week as part of their homework and have their reading diary signed by an adult. These will be checked by their teacher during daily Guided Reading lessons.  Children are responsible for telling their teacher when they need to change their book, to promote independent learning; it is no longer done on a set day for them, as it may take one child a number of weeks to read their book. All pupils in Year 2/3/4, when reaching a suitable standard, will have access to Accelerated Reader, where children read their choice of book and complete a comprehension quiz online at the end. These results are tracked by teachers and the children achieve points for good test results. 

Homework 

Each week on a Monday your children will receive: 

• Spelling Shed assignments for regular practise linked to our learning in school and games for fun.

• MyMaths homework relating to the current concept they are learning.

This is all to be completed by the following Monday, in addition to reading 3 times.  Please support us in making reading a part of your child’s daily routine and signing their reading record books.

• Topic-related homework will be given once per term at the teachers discression.  This will normally be a small project which could include independent research and an outcome.

If you have any further questions or queries about life in Year 3 and 4, please arrange to see your child’s class teacher after school.   

Thank you for your continuing support, 

The Year 3/4 Team.

Miss Hall (Class 4), Mrs Mace (Class 5), Mr Heaton (Class 6)