Year 3 Half-Term Highlights: A Flying Start to the Academic Year

 

The first half term in Year 3 at Windrush Valley Prep School has been a whirlwind of learning, creativity, and new experiences, with the children embracing every challenge and opportunity. From imaginative writing adventures to hands-on science and exciting sports matches, it’s been a term to remember.

 

Creative Writing Adventures

In English, the children have been exploring the power of their imagination. They’ve taken thrilling journeys on flying carpets, recounting their escapades in creative stories, and followed up with newspaper reports to capture the drama. Donning “invisibility cloaks,” they caused (fictional!) mayhem and mischief, weaving their tales with descriptive language and refining their use of punctuation to structure their narratives effectively. It has been wonderful to see their confidence and creativity flourish in writing.

Another highlight has been the class’s love for Reciprocal Reading sessions every Monday. After completing their first book, the children have eagerly delved into their second title, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark. This collaborative approach to reading has encouraged thoughtful discussions and a deeper understanding of the stories.

Maths Mastery

Year 3 class has been “storming through” key mathematical concepts this term. The children have tackled place value, multiplication, and division with enthusiasm, while also mastering the column method for addition and subtraction. These foundational skills are essential building blocks, and it’s been inspiring to see the class approach them with determination and curiosity.

 

Stepping Back in Time

In History, Year 3 has taken a journey to the Stone Age, discovering how early humans lived and thrived. Rory added a personal touch to the lessons by gifting everyone their own piece of flint, making history feel even more tangible and engaging.

 

Hands-On Science

Science lessons this term have been all about the skeleton. The children have been learning about its different parts and functions through interactive activities. They particularly enjoyed working with “Dave,” the Year 3 skeleton, taking him apart and reassembling him piece by piece. Their excitement and hands-on learning culminated in an incredible trip to the Space Museum in Bristol, where they explored the wonders of the universe.

Rainforest Explorations

In Geography, Year 3 has been studying the incredible animals that inhabit the rainforest. This topic has sparked the children’s curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, with plenty of engaging discussions about these unique ecosystems.

 

Sports and Resilience

This term also marked the children’s first experience of inter-school sports matches. Their determination, resilience, and sportsmanship shone through as they represented Windrush Valley Prep School with pride. It has been wonderful to see them step into these new challenges and grow in confidence.

As the first half term comes to a close, Year 3 has set a fantastic tone for the rest of the year. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork have been a joy to witness, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next!