Year 3/4 Teachers: Mr Woods - Mrs McDonough/Mrs McQuillan - Miss Harvey
Welcome back to school for the spring term. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas break and may we take this opportunity to thank those who gave us festive cards and gifts.
Homework
There will continue to be weekly maths and literacy/spelling homework set. Maths will be set on a Wednesday and returned the following Wednesday. Literacy and spelling homework will be set alternate Mondays and returned the following Monday. We also ask you to read with your child for 15 minutes every day and take part in the ‘Talk Homework’ set each week in the newsletter.
The children will write in their homework diaries every day and these should come home every evening with their reading book and reading record. Please continue to support your child with this routine so that they develop into organised and independent learners.
Linked to the literacy homework this term the children will continue with their ‘people around the world’ presentations ready for an in-school speaking and listening competition which will take place in February.
School Trips
Before the end of the year we are planning on undertaking several school trips (dependent on availability and support). We are hoping to visit a local C of E Church, take part in LfS sessions at Braywick and investigate a historical dig at the Berkshire College of Agriculture.
As always we welcome your comments throughout the year.
Select the following if you want to see the topics for the term LJ Topic Spring 2013
In the lower juniors we teach discrete subjects although, where possible, we make links between subjects.
Literacy – Lessons consist of word, sentence and text level work. Different topics are studied over the course of 2 or 3 weeks e.g. recounts. Within the teaching block we look at a range of different texts and by the end of the unit, children will usually write an extended piece with guidance from the teacher. Lessons contain lots of talk partner work, white board work, drama activities etc to fully engage the children.
Maths – Lessons involve mental/oral starters followed by teaching a new concept which children apply. There will be both practical work that uses resources and book work. The children are taught a range of mathematical skills with the emphasis on mental maths and problem solving.
RE – We follow the Diocesan scheme of work ‘God Matters’. Activities to explore Catholicism and other faiths include art, drama, written tasks and discussion.
Science – There is an emphasis on practical work and creative activities. Children learn to plan experiments themselves and to work with their peers.
Foundation subjects – All other topics are taught in a variety of teaching methods (making links to other subjects where possible) to make learning enjoyable and informative for the children.
Children are encouraged across the subjects to self assess and be aware of their achievements and targets.
Core Reading Scheme
“Letters and Sounds” and “Oxford Reading Tree”.
Parent helpers
Help with hearing the children read would be greatly appreciated. Please let us know if you are able to come and help.