Welcome to Class 3

Class 3 Timetable

Dates for Autumn Term 2025

Monday 

• Reading diaries will be checked- four or more reads in a week will earn a house point. Every 10 reading house points earns a small prize!
• Homework is handed out on a Monday and must be handed  in the following Monday
• Sports club with Mr Edwards

Tuesday 

• Collective worship in church
• Spelling test

Friday

• PE  Please make sure children have suitable clothing for  outdoor PE. Earrings must be removed. PE kits need to be in school Monday-Friday. 

Autumn Term 2025: The Victorians

Essential Question: Why did Oliver ask for more?

Topic Web and Key Vocabulary

Autumn Term 2025

English

Class Texts: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

                      A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This term, Class 3's essential question is 'Why did Oliver ask for more?' We will learn about the lives and achievements of the Victorians and read texts by Charles Dickens.

Outcome: Published Class Book: The Further Adventures of Oliver Twist

Class 3's writing outcome for Autumn 2025 is to write their own sequel to Oliver Twist.

Outcome: A published Victorian novel in paperback, available to purchase online.

Purpose: to entertain the reader with adventurous plots and detailed description

Audience: 9-12 year olds

Class 3 will write and edit their sequel throughout Term 1 to ensure that it is ready for publication. It will be available to purchase on Amazon in December 2025. 

Please read the letter below.

Editing

Class 3 will work hard this term editing and redrafting their chapter for the Oliver Twist sequel  to ensure that they meet the requirements of their audience. Their aim is to entertain and excite their reader with detailed description and adventurous plots.

Feedback: Class 3 will share their stories and receive feedback from their parents, Class 2 and Mrs Orme. The finished sequel will also be our class text (once published) and we will read it for pleasure each afternoon and provide feedback to the author of each chapter.

The children will edit and redraft their chapters six times:

Draft 1 editing focus: an exciting plot to entertain the reader

Draft 2 editing focus: detailed character description using 'show not tell' techniques

Draft 3 editing focus: detailed setting description to 'paint' a clear picture for their reader

Draft 4 editing focus: using clever 'show not tell' techniques

Draft 5 editing focus: interesting dialogue that entertains and moves the story along

Final Draft for audience: sentence structure and clever vocabulary to suit the audience. All success criteria on rubrics included and checked.

They will work in pairs or small groups  to critique and offer suggestions to improve and edit their writing to ensure that it suited the purpose and met the requirements of the audience.

Reading 

Reading is the key to learning in all areas of the curriculum. Class 3 read daily at school and are expected to read at least four times a week at home and record this in their reading  diary (which is checked every Monday). It is the most important homework activity and we encourage parents to be actively involved.

Regular reading is rewarded with house points and prizes.

The teacher reads a range of stories, non-fiction and poetry to the class each day.

KS2 Statutory Spellings Lists to Practise at Home

Maths

This term, Class 3 will complete the following units in maths:

• Place Value
• Addition and Subtraction
• Multiplication and Division
• Adding and Subtracting Fractions

History and Geography

This term, we will learn about the lives and achievements of the Victorians:

1. Timelines
2. Queen Victoria
3. Crime and Punishment
4. The British Empire
5. Poverty/ The Workhouse
6. Education
7. Dr Barnardo
8. Medicine

D&T

Class 3 will design and make Victorian bridges this term. They will include a motorised pulley system to raise the drawbridge and allow ships to pass through. The children will work in teams of four to solve problems and fulfil the design brief.

Art: Final Outcome

This term the children will study the artist Lowry. They will paint a scene from Oliver Twist in the style of Lowry. After evaluating his art work, the children will practise distance and perspective, 3D drawing, Victorian industrial buildings, churches and smoky skies. They will practise these skills in their art books then use them to produce their final outcome. Peer critique will allow them to edit and improve their work.

R.E.

This term we will learn about Hindu's and Muslim's life journeys and rites of passage

Key Questions for Discussion

How do people mark important events in life?

How do they show they belong?

What impact does religious belief have on people’s lives?

P.S.H.E.

This term we will focus on families and friendships, relationships and what a relationship is.

This will include the following: romantic relationships, civil partnership, and marriage, recognising and managing pressure, expressing opinions, and respecting other points of view. We will also participate in a personal hygiene workshop led by Positive Health. 

Summer Term: WWII

Essential question: How has war changed lives?

Year 6 Leavers 2025

We will miss them! Good luck at your new schools.

D&T WWII Controllable Vehicles

Class 3 designed and made WWII controllable vehicles with electrical circuits, pulleys, switches and vehicles. They created a series of fair tests in science to test the vehicles and see which ones fulfilled the design brief most successfully.

Spring Term Topic Web: Africa

Spring Term 2025: Africa

Essential Question: What does equality mean to you?

Main Learning Outcomes for Spring Term 2025: 

English: A performance poem 'The Orange Tree' linked to the class text 'Journey to Jo'Burg'. This will be uploaded to the Class 3 webpage once complete.

Art: An African oil painting in the style of African artist Francis Sampson, depicting African landscapes and tribal costume.

Science Term 6 Light

This term Class 3 are learning all about light. They understand how light travels and can draw diagrams to show this. This week the children have been testing which materials reflect light. They made predictions and compared reflective materials. 

African Drumming Day

Class 3 really enjoyed their African drumming experience and produced excellent rhythms. At the end of the day, they proudly shared their newly acquired skills, performing to their parents.

African Poetry- The Orange Tree

Written and performed by Class 3

Please click on the link below to hear the children recite their wonderful poems.

African Art- Francis Sampson (Ghana)

The children have produced excellent art work in the style of African artist- Francis Sampson. There work reflects the colours of the savanna landscape and they have researched the traditional costumes of Ghana. They used acrylic paint and collage.

Music and Art

Class 3 added their art work to I-movie. They used a recording of the African song they had learnt in music ('Something inside so strong') by Labi Siffre as a soundtrack. 

"Something inside so strong" is a recurring line in the protest song. It was written in 1984 and was inspired by a documentary on Apartheid South Africa that Siffre watched on television. The line represents the inner power and resilience that lies within the narrator, and their unwavering spirit and conviction to fight for their rights, to have their voice heard, and to stand up against injustice.

Writing: Zoo narrative from the elephant's perspective

Audience: 7-9 year olds

Purpose: to entertain the audience with detailed description

Class 3 read the book 'Zoo' by Anthony Browne' and rewrote it from the elephant's perspective. They used expanded noun phrases and 'show not tell' techniques to describe emotions to the audience.

Well done to Sam, Jude and Sarah for a particularly good effort.

Class 3 enjoyed sharing their story with Class 2 who gave excellent feedback.

RE

Please click on the link to watch a modern re-telling of The Good Samaritan, written and filmed by pupils in Class 3.

Geography- Africa

Class 3 research Nigeria (location of Ancient Benin)

Children's Mental Health Week

Internet Safety

Class 3 Shared Texts- Spring Term

Reading and Writing- What does equality mean to you?

We will read the texts below this term beginning with 'Zoo' by Anthony Browne. We will discuss equality, sanctuary and freedom. This will lead to the children writing their own Zoo narrative from an animal's perspective (rather than a human's). We will then build on our knowledge to research and write a balanced argument, debating the question, 'Should zoos be allowed?'

Our second and third texts 'Journey to Jo'Burg' by Beverley Naidoo and 'Long Walk to Freedom' by Nelson Mandella (abridged version) are about apartheid in South Africa and will raise many questions about segregation and equality. After reading and discussing these texts, the children will write a poem about an Orange Tree using figurative language, before stepping back in time and writing a persuasive letter to the President of South Africa (using skills learnt in the autumn term) asking him to end apartheid on behalf of the children in the story.

Should Animals be Kept in Zoos?

Class 3 have enjoyed researching the pros and cons of keeping animals in zoos. They took part in a drama activity called conscience alley that enabled them to use drama techniques to voice their opinions and show both sides of the argument.

Internet Safety/ PSHE

Class 3 took part in an important workshop where they learnt about online grooming and how to keep themselves safe. Always share concerns with a trusted adult.

Autumn Term 2024

Essential Question: What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?

Essential question for Autumn Term 2024:

What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?

Main Learning Outcomes for Autumn Term 2024: 

English- A published Ancient Greek myth (available to purchase on Amazon)

D&T- Pandora's box

Autumn Term Project Web

Happy Christmas Class 3

We have had a great term studying the Ancient Greeks and have produced some wonderful work. I am particularly impressed with your published Ancient Greek myth and the Pandora's boxes that you designed and made in D&T. See below for all the photos of your wonderful work.

Have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in January.

Our project is Africa and our essential question is 'What does equality mean to you?'

D&T- Pandora's Box

Will Zeus be impressed? Are they sturdy enough to imprison the evils until Pandora is unable to resist temptation and finally opens the box?

Greek Day

Class 3 came to school in ancient Greek costumes and completed the following tasks:

1. Ancient Greek Quiz
2. Ancient Greek Food Tasting
3. Creating an ancient Greek Dish
4. Creating an ancient Greek Restaurant Menu
5. Decorating an ancient Greek Plate
6. Playing the ancient Greek game 'Petteia'

D&T- Locks for Pandora's box

We used TinkerCad (a computer aided design program) to design a 3D lock for Pandora's box.

A 3D printer used the design to create the lock. We attached the lock to Pandora's box.

We hope you like them.

D&T- Making Pandora's Box

In groups of four, Class 3 have designed and made impressive wooden boxes that will contain the evils released by Pandora. They will need to be sturdy and attractive in order to impress Zeus.

Together we can!

Next week, the children will use their ancient Greek art work to decorate the boxes.

Odd Socks Day- Wednesday 13th November

Question: Why are Class 3 wearing odd socks?

Answer: To celebrate our differences during anti-bullying week.

What would the world be like if we were all the same?

It is important to celebrate and respect our differences.

Exciting News!

Class 3's Greek myth has been published and is available to purchase on Amazon. Please click on the link below.

Writing needs an audience!

Parental Feedback:

The children loved sharing the final draft of their Greek myth chapter with their parents before it was submitted for publication. Feedback enables us to become better writers, so thank you parents for your supportive and constructive comments- please see below.

Autumn Term 1 Newsletter

Class 3 have settled in really well. They have had a great term studying the Ancient Greeks and have produced some wonderful work in all subjects. I am particularly impressed with their Ancient Greek myth about our very own heroine- Dentonia.

Our class book is called ‘Dentonia, Medusa and the Evils’. It will soon be published and available to purchase on Amazon, allowing the children to share their excellent work with friends and family.

The children had a great time at PGL and took part in a variety of activities. Behaviour was excellent and they worked well as a team

I am very proud of all the children in Class 3.

Next term, we will be making Pandora’s Box in D&T and in Maths we will begin work on fractions.

Have a great half term holiday.

Science- Earth and Space

This term Class 3 have been learning all about our solar system and planets. So far they have studied ancient theories as to why people believed the Earth was flat and compared this to the modern evidence Scientists use today. We have also compared theories about how planets move around the solar system including those from Aristotle, Copernicus and Isaac Newton. We discussed the geocentric model and compared this to Heliocentric model. Here are some pictures of Class 3 demonstrating the Heliocentric model. 

History Debate- The Ancient Greeks

If you were an ancient Greek, would you rather live in Athens or Sparta? Class 3 researched, then had a group debate providing valid arguments supported by historical evidence.

Autumn Term 2024- 'What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?'

This term, Class 3's essential question is 'What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?' We will learn about the lives and achievements of the Ancient Greeks and will read a range of exciting myths.

Published Class Book: Dentonia and the Evils

Class 3's writing outcome for Autumn 2024 is to write their own Greek myth called 'Dentonia, Medusa and the Evils'. Dentonia, beloved daughter of the recently deceased King, is the heroine of the story. Unfortunately, the crown has been stolen  by her evil cousin. In order  to claim it back, she has to complete a deadly quest to find the evils that have been released from Pandora's box. The only problem is that they are controlled by Medusa, a terrifying gorgon who turns her victims to stone...

Will Dentonia succeed? 

Class 3 will write and edit their myth throughout Term 1 to ensure that it is ready for publication. It will be available to purchase on Amazon in December 2024. 

Please read the letter from the publisher below.

Geography- map work

Class 3 walked around the village, gathering information, then created a map of Denton with a key. To follow this up, they created a habitat map for the newly evolved animal  they sculpted in Art. Their map explains how their animal is adapted to living in its habitat. The habitat contains the human and physical geographical features that allow their animal to survive. Please see some great examples below.

Class 3 Art/ Science- Animal Sculptures

Class 3 designed and created newly evolved animals that had special features adapted to their chosen environment/ habitat.

The children used aluminium wire, Modroc and newspaper.

D&T- Making Healthy Biscuits

This term, Class 3 have designed and made healthy biscuits, focusing on seasonality and local produce. Some groups produced savoury biscuits, others sweetened their biscuits with fresh fruit and vegetables. They really enjoyed tasting and evaluating the finished product!

RE experience at Harlaxton Primary School

The children had a wonderful afternoon learning more about world religions through the St. Phillip's centre. They had the opportunity to talk to local faith leaders and ask insightful questions to compare religions and further their understanding. The children really enjoyed speaking to the experts, exploring the artefacts and looking at the clothes. 

Geography Fieldwork

Class 3 carried out research in Denton looking for human and physical geographical features in order to create a sketch map.

Safeguarding: Class 3’s Trip to Warning Zone in Leicester

Class 3 had a great day at Warning Zone. They took part in a variety of activities and real-life scenarios to help them to understand risks in everyday life e.g. fire, railway lines, electricity, building sites, road safety, e-safety, water safety, drugs and alcohol, vandalism and graffiti. They thought about the consequences of actions, peer pressure and personal responsibility. They were able to demonstrate responsible behaviour and made sound decisions to keep themselves and their peers safe.

Well done Class 3. Please see the photos below.

Essential Question: Is a natural disaster always a disaster?

This term. Class 3 are studying Natural Disasters. Please see the project web below for out learning outcomes.

Art- Natural Disasters: Volcanic eruptions

This term, Class 3 have studied and evaluated volcano art by famous artists Andy Warhol and Deyanira Harris. They replicated their style and practised their techniques.

They have produced their own fantastic art work using a variety of media:

• pencil
• water colours
• pastel
• collage

They peer critiqued and edited their work and the results are great.

Well done Class 3

Year 5 Debate:

'Is a natural disaster always a disaster?'

This is Year 5's first debate linked to our essential question. They provide good arguments using the language of debate and information learnt in their project work.

Please click on the link below to watch the video.

We look forward to our next debate towards the end of summer term: 'Does nature decide who survives?'

Class 3 Visit to Grantham Mosque

Class 3 had a great time at Grantham Mosque finding out about Islam and Muslim worship. They learnt about rites of passage and discovered many similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an and took part in a variety of activities that allowed them to make comparisons between the Christian and Islamic faith.

We look forward to visiting again in the future.

Newsletter: End of Spring Term 1 2024

Class 3 are really enjoying their project this term and have enjoyed finding out about natural disasters- particularly volcanos.

The children have produced amazing poems, persuasive letters and balanced arguments linked to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79 and our essential question: Is a natural disaster always a disaster?

The children have made excellent use of digimaps to compare Lincolnshire with a volcanic region in Italy. Their research skills are great and this has enabled them to produce excellent comparison reports and posters.

In art, the children have used a range of materials to create their own volcano art in a style similar to Andy Warhol or Deyanira Harris.

I am particularly pleased with the class writing competition this term- the children put in a huge amount of effort and I am very impressed! Well done Class 3 – I am proud of you.

Have a lovely holiday.

Mrs Finder and Mrs Wickes

Science- properties and changes of materials

This term Class 3 have been discussing the properties of materials and the different states of matter. They discussed how a material can change state by heating, melting, condensing and cooling and in this lesson children investigated how to separate materials. The children tested various methods including sieving, filtering and evaporation. 

Volcanic Eruption Poetry

Class 3 have written some amazing poems about volcanic eruptions- linked to our essential question. They used peer critique to edit and re-draft their poems and ensure that they were suitable for their KS2 audience.

There are excellent examples of simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration and onomatopoeia. The children also experimented with hyphenated words and brackets. 

The poems manage to capture the mood and destruction of a volcanic eruption perfectly.

January 2024

Writing Competition

Essential Question- Why Did Oliver Ask For More?

Class 3 wrote some amazing essays over the Christmas holidays. They provided an answer to our essential question- Why did Oliver ask for more?

They linked their answers to our class texts- Oliver Twist, The Railway Children and a Christmas Carol. They provided historical evidence describing childhood poverty in Victorian times. I am extremely proud of them all. See the photograph below for our competition winners.

Class Trip

A Victorian Christmas at Newstead Abbey

In our Project Based Learning this term, we have been studying the Victorians with a particular emphasis on the divide between the rich and the poor. To enable the children to research further, we  visited Newstead Abbey to take part in a Victorian Christmas.

On arrival, the children:

• Travelled back in time to Newstead Abbey, the Victorian home of the Webb family and characters taken from the census in 1871
• Dressed as children of the estate workers, permitted into the ‘big house’ to watch preparations for Christmas.
• Enjoyed a day of roleplay, experiencing the wonders of a grand country house with sessions including ‘herb bag’ making in the Victorian kitchen, parlour games in the Great Hall, the ‘Magic Lantern’ show and looking at the rooms the children lived in and the toys they would have played with in the nursery attics.
• Ate a Victorian lunch

We had a fantastic day and the staff commented on the children's exemplary behaviour and excellent manners. We look forward to visiting again.

Please see the photos below.

Music

This term, Class 3 have been studying the composer Edward Elgar and his role in Victorian society and his continued influence today. They have enjoyed working together to compose music in the style of Elgar.

Growth Mindset

This year we will be helping the children to develop a Growth Mindset. This aims to increase their resilience, perseverance and independence in their learning. Further information can be found by following the link below.