Welcome to Mars Class
2026/2027
Year 3 is a brilliant year in which we develop our independence, resilience and perseverance!
We are authors, mathematicians, scientists, chefs, designers, artists, to name a few!
We love to have fun, make memories and learn lots!
Please remember to check our Class Dojo. This is where we will share our exciting moments and post any information that needs to be shared.
Class Teacher : Mr Dines
TA: Miss Shearing, Mrs James and Mrs Cheshire
What does the Autumn Term look like?
History: From stone to Iron – children will work as historians to explore how people lived during the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, discovering how life evolved over thousands of years.
Geography: Land use detectives – During this project, children will explore the UK’s human and physical features using digital maps, then investigate key features of its counties and cities across all four countries. They will then study land use, including five major types, before completing fieldwork around the school to find out how local land is used.
Art: Colour Masters – Children will learn about the foundations of colour theory, exploring how artists use colour to create impact, mood and meaning. They will study how contrasting colours work together and experiment with capturing colours seen in existing artworks.
Science : Sunlight and Shadows – During this project, children learn about different light sources and how they differ from reflectors. Children explore how shadows are made, what type of objects make the darkest shadows and how shadows can change, looking for patterns in the data they collect.
Eat well, move well – children learn how animals, including humans, survive and stay healthy. They compare the diets of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores, ask scientific questions and use research to spot patterns.
DT: The healthy Kitchen – Children learn about what makes a healthy, balanced diet and why this is important. They explore different ways to prepare and cook food and learn how to follow recipes accurately.
PE: Autumn 1 – Swimming & Dodgeball Autumn 2 – Gymnastics & Ball skills
RE: Christianity Topic – How do Christians show reconciliation with God and other people is important?
World Religion – How does a Muslim show their submission ad obedience to Allah?
Music: This unit focuses on the song “Sparkle In The Sun”, offering opportunities for singing, playing in two or three parts and composing original pieces. Children explore creative expression through performing and composing, drawing inspiration from visual stimuli such as artwork and themes like “Glittering Night.”
French: Language Angels – The unit enables the pupils to have the knowledge and skills to be able to introduce themselves, say how they feel and have a wider appreciation for the country/countries where the foreign language is spoken.
Computing: Connecting computers – This unit will Challenge your child to develop their understanding of digital devices, with an initial focus on inputs, processes, and outputs. They will start by comparing digital and non-digital devices, before introducing them to computer networks that include network infrastructure devices like routers and switches.
PSHE: SCARF units exploring topics in the Autumn term – “Me and my relationships” and “Rights and Respect”.
SPELLING
We use Emile spelling which is a comprehensive, progressive and detailed scheme for teaching and learning spelling effectively.https://emile-education.com/
Maths
We use resources from White Rose Education. We will cover Place Value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and fractions. Times Tables Rockstars is a very important part of our learning in Year 3.
We will also spend focused time on maths fluency, which means quick and accurate recall of facts. Please support your child with any opportunities to build fluency and confidence. You can use online games such as these:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zd2f7nb/articles/zn2y7nb
English
Writing– We use Jane Considine’s ‘The Write Stuff’ when we learn to write. We will write across a wide variety of genres including narrative, fiction and poetry.
HOMEWORK:
In Mars Class your child’s homework is to read regularly at home. As children become more independent, they may choose to read alone, however remember to ask them to read aloud so you can hear their fluency and accuracy. Ask them questions about the text to check their understanding-summarise events, give the meaning of words from the text and make inferences.
The children all have a login for Times Table Rockstars. Frequent practise of times tables and division facts improves fluency and recall of facts. Ten minutes daily on garage will help them in so many areas in maths and you can check their heat map to see their progress. Chanting or writing the multiples of a given number and repeatedly asking your child facts they are stuck on will aid them too.