Year 3 Curriculum Overview
Autumn 1 - The Iron Man
WOW! Factor: Shocking Discovery of the Iron Man
Fantastic Finish: Building a trap for the Iron Man
Book: The Iron Man Author: Ted Hughes
This term we will be reading The Iron Man and seeing The Iron Man and the Space-bat-angel dragon take on a challenge and test their strength. We will be using this book to make links with Geography by locating countries and their capital cities from the northern and southern hemispheres. The children will be studying the work of Andy Goldsworthy and creating a piece of art in his style. In science the children will be investigating friction and magnetic forces, exploring how the north and south poles attract and repel.
Autumn 2 - The Great Kapok Tree
WOW! Factor: Animal Dress-up Day
Fantastic Finish: TBC
Book: The Great Kapok Tree Author: Lynne Cherry
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry tells the story of a man sent to cut down a giant Kapok tree in the Amazon rainforest. While resting beneath it, he is visited by various animals that depend on the tree for survival. Each one explains how the tree is essential to their habitat. Moved by their words, the man decides not to chop it down. The story highlights the importance of preserving the rainforest and its ecosystems. In history, we learn about the Maya civilisation and deepen our knowledge of plants, in science, by exploring their life cycle.
Spring 1 - Beware of the King
WOW! Factor: TBC
Fantastic Finish: A Tudor banquet
Book: Beware of the King Author: Stewart Ross
This is a history-led unit all about the Tudors. The children learn about Henry VIII's cruel reign and his influence on society and the country. The children learn Tudor dancing in PE. In art, they create self-portraits in the style of Hans Holbein and in history chose to study a topic of their choice relating to Tudor England.
Spring 2 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
WOW! Factor: Chocolate tasting
Fantastic Finish: Make an Easter egg
Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Author: Roald Dahl
This story teaches children about good choices and links nicely with our well-being curriculum. This topic leads us to investigate where food/chocolate comes from. In DT, the children will be designing and making their own chocolate bar and wrapper. In science, we will be exploring the skeleton and muscles of humans and animals creating links to nutrition and healthy eating. In RE, the children will be learning about festivals and their deeper meanings.
Summer 1 - The Hodgeheg
WOW! Factor: Hedgehog Sanctuary Visit
Fantastic Finish: Make hedgehog homes
Book: Hodgeheg Author: Dick King-Smith
During this term, in science, the children will be studying light and observing reflections and shadows. They will also work scientifically by gathering and recording information. In Geography, the children will be naming and locating counties and cities in the UK, whilst developing an understanding of the eight points of a compass. In DT, we will be designing a torch and in RE, the children will be learning about Passover.
Summer 2 – Down with the Romans
WOW! Factor: Making Roman shields
Fantastic Finish: TBC
Book: Down with the Romans Author: Jeremy Strong
This story introduces the children to the transition from the Celts to the Romans. In history, the children will learn how the Romans conquered Britain in AD43, its empire and the impact it has had on Britain. In Art, we will be creating a background using a wash and exploring different effects by using a variety of brushes. Geography lends itself to researching the differences between living in the UK and a Mediterranean country. Science will include grouping and comparing rocks, fossils and soil.