Kestrel Class - Year 3 & Year 4 2026 - 2027
Mrs Reece
Mrs Riley
Mr Forrester
Welcome to the Autumn Term!
We are excited to begin a brand-new term with you and your children. Our aim is to provide engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence across the curriculum.
We look forward to sharing another exciting term of learning and achievements with you.
English
We will begin the term by exploring The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage.
This captivating non-fiction text follows an expedition team as they journey into the Arctic Ocean in search of one of the world's most fascinating marine creatures. Children will learn about exploration, discovery and life at sea.
Big Writes:
- A Dream Adventure Narrative
Our second vehicle text is Ocean Meets Sky This beautifully illustrated story follows a young boy named Finn as he sets off on an extraordinary journey across the ocean in search of the magical place his grandfather once told him about. Along the way, he encounters incredible sights, mysterious creatures and fantastical landscapes.
Big Writes:
- A Captain's Daily Log
Weekly activities will include spelling, punctuation and grammar practice, alongside regular handwriting sessions. New spellings will continue to be introduced each week.
Reading remains at the heart of learning. We encourage children to read at home daily for at least five minutes and to record their reading in their Home School Journal. Regular reading helps develop fluency, comprehension and a lifelong love of books.
Mathematics
We will continue to follow the White Rose Maths scheme from Reception to Year 6. This carefully designed programme supports children in developing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills while ensuring a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts.
Science
Rocks, Soils and Fossils
Children will investigate different types of rocks, explore how fossils are formed and learn about the properties of soils.
Light and Shadows
Later in the term, we will discover how light travels, investigate how shadows are created and explore how the position of a light source affects the size and shape of shadows.
Religious Education (RE)
This term we will explore two big questions:
- Is Scripture central to religion?
- Where do we get our morals from?
Through discussion, reflection and enquiry, children will consider the role of sacred texts and explore how people develop their beliefs and values.
Computing
Children will develop their digital understanding through:
- Computing Systems and Networks – learning how devices connect and communicate.
- Data Handling – collecting, organising and interpreting data using a range of digital tools.
Geography
Why do people live near volcanoes?
Children will investigate volcanoes around the world, exploring both the dangers and benefits of living in volcanic regions and learning how volcanoes shape landscapes and communities.
History
Journeying back through time, we will discover what life was like during:
- The Stone Age
- The Bronze Age
- The Iron Age
Children will investigate how people lived, worked and survived during these fascinating periods of British history.
Art and Design
Sculpture and 3D
Children will explore shape, form and texture through a range of 3D artistic techniques, creating their own sculptures inspired by both natural and man-made forms.
Design and Technology
Fastenings
Children will investigate different fastening techniques and explore how products are joined together. They will then apply their learning to design and create their own functional products.
PSHE
Citizenship
Through our PSHE lessons, children will learn about being responsible citizens, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and recognising how they can make positive contributions to their community.
French
All About Me
Children will learn to talk about themselves, including greetings, personal information and simple descriptions.
School Days
We will also learn vocabulary related to school life, subjects, classroom language and daily routines.
PE
The PE days this term will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; children can come into school wearing their PE kits on these days.
Homework
Homework will continue to be set on Tuesdays and due the following Monday.
We strongly encourage children to practise their times tables regularly using Times Table Rock Stars. Times table assessments will take place each week to help build fluency and confidence with mental arithmetic.
We are looking forward to a wonderful Autumn Term filled with curiosity, creativity and exciting learning opportunities.
We cannot wait to share the children's achievements and successes with you throughout the term!
