In Year 3, children build on the knowledge and skills they have already developed, deepening their understanding across the curriculum. Through carefully planned lessons and meaningful learning experiences, pupils continue to grow in confidence in speaking, listening, reading, writing and mathematics, while developing a broader understanding of the world around them.

A strong focus is placed on developing rich vocabulary so that children can clearly explain their ideas, discuss their learning in detail and make thoughtful connections across different subjects.

Throughout the year, children explore a range of engaging topics such as the Romans, the United Kingdom, plants and forces, alongside a variety of high-quality texts. They continue to develop their creativity through art, music and design technology, as well as through practical and hands-on learning opportunities.

Talking to your child regularly about their learning is extremely valuable. Encouraging them to share new vocabulary, explain key concepts, discuss books they are reading or recall facts they have learnt helps to strengthen memory, build confidence and deepen understanding. Even short conversations at home can have a significant impact on children’s language development and progress across the curriculum.

In Year 3, children continue to develop the key skills needed across all areas of learning, while building on the strong foundations established in Key Stage 1. We aim to develop confident readers, thoughtful writers and resilient mathematicians through engaging lessons, practical experiences and consistent encouragement.

We know that children make the best progress when school and home work together. The support children receive at home plays an important role in building their confidence and helping them to succeed in the classroom.

Reading

Reading remains a priority at Phoenix and is central to learning across the curriculum. In Year 3, children further develop their reading fluency, comprehension and confidence through daily reading opportunities and exposure to a wide range of texts.

Children are encouraged to:

• Read at home at least 3–4 times each week
• Bring reading books and reading records to school every day
• Discuss vocabulary and meaning from what they are reading
• Share their thoughts and opinions about different texts

At this stage, there is an increased focus on understanding, expression and developing a love of reading. Regular reading at home continues to make a significant difference. Listening to your child read, asking questions about the text and discussing new vocabulary all help to strengthen understanding and confidence.

Useful websites to support reading at home:

• Oxford Owl

Writing

In Year 3, children build on their writing skills by composing longer pieces and writing for a range of purposes. They develop greater independence, accuracy and creativity in their work.

Children are encouraged to:

• Use a range of punctuation, including full stops, capital letters and question marks correctly
• Organise their writing into clear sentences and begin to use paragraphs
• Use interesting vocabulary to make their writing more engaging
• Plan, draft and improve their work

We celebrate children’s ideas, creativity and growing confidence as writers.

Maths

In maths, children continue to develop their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through engaging and practical learning experiences.

At Phoenix, we follow the White Rose Maths approach, helping children to build confidence and deepen their understanding step by step. Practical resources and mathematical discussion are used to support children in explaining their thinking and making connections.

Throughout Year 3, children develop confidence with:

• Place value and number knowledge
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Fractions
• Measures, shape and time
• Mathematical vocabulary and reasoning

We encourage children to use maths in everyday situations at home. Activities such as practising times tables, handling money, telling the time, or solving simple problems can help build confidence and develop a positive attitude towards maths.

At Phoenix, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom. In Year 3, children are given a wide range of opportunities to develop confidence, independence, resilience and curiosity through enriching experiences both in and beyond school.

Throughout the year, children will have opportunities to:

• Take part in educational visits and welcome visitors into school
• Develop confidence through discussion, presentations and sharing ideas
• Learn through practical, hands-on experiences and exploration
• Explore the Phoenix values through assemblies, classroom learning and daily interactions
• Build strong friendships, resilience and independence as they grow within Key Stage 2

Children also take part in:

• PE lessons and a range of physical activities
• Music and creative arts opportunities
• Thrive sessions and wellbeing support
• OPAL play opportunities
• Special themed weeks, celebrations and enrichment days

As part of the wider curriculum, Year 3 pupils take part in a variety of exciting visits and experiences linked to their learning, including:

• Visits to museums to support topics such as the Romans and developments in history
• Trips to libraries or storytelling events to promote a love of reading
• Outdoor learning opportunities, including gardening or environmental projects
• Visits linked to geography topics, such as learning about the UK and local area
• Workshops or visitors that enrich learning in science, history or the arts

These experiences help to bring learning to life, broaden children’s understanding of the world and create lasting memories, alongside developing the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom.