Prep 3 Curriculum Brief

Spellings – Improve our spellings to spell further homophones and spell words that are tricky to spell. Learn to add suffixes and prefixes to words to develop a broader vocabulary.

Handwriting – Continue to develop cursive script and focus on 4th letter joins.

Grammar – Use of apostrophes, use of noun phrases expanded to add detail, use of varied conjunctions to link clauses, use adverbs and prepositions to express time, place and cause, begin to use and punctuate direct speech and begin to use paragraphs as a way to group related material.

Reading Comprehension – continue to practise answering questions in full sentences and ordering given sentences from a text. Continue to develop an interest in reading, ask questions based on their reading to improve their understanding and summarise their understanding of what they have read in a paragraph.

Creative Writing – We will write our own secret portal story based on the book ‘Leon and the

Place Between’ by Grahame Baker-Smith. We will also write our own poem based on a journey

– using ‘A River’ by Mark Martin as our model text. In the second half of the term we will write a non-fiction text based on the book ‘Penguins’ by Penelope Arlon and Tory Gordon-Harris.

During the spring term, Prep 3 will have weekly times tables tests and a mental maths

session. They shall be challenged to be problem solvers throughout the topics as we

consolidate skills and introduce new methods of calculation.

Multiplication and division: Multiplying 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers requiring exchanges; dividing 2-digit by 1-digit numbers; linking multiplication and division; scaling.

Length and Perimeter: Measure in metres, centimetres and millimetres; equivalent lengths, comparing lengths; adding and subtracting lengths; measuring and calculating perimeters.

Fractions: Compare and order unit and non-unit fractions; placing fractions on number lines; counting in fractions on a number line; finding equivalent fractions on number lines; equivalent fractions as bar models.

Mass and Capacity: Using scales; measuring mass in kilograms and grams; comparing mass, adding and subtracting mass; measuring capacity and volume in litres and millilitres; comparing capacity and volume; adding and subtracting capacity and volume.

This term Prep 3 will be learning about Forces and Magnets. This will include gaining an understanding of how forces act on objects, the role of friction in movement, learning about magnetic poles and how magnets work. 

In the second half of the term Prep 3 will be learning about Plants.  They will study the parts of a plant, what plants need to grow well, and the lifecycle of various plants.

This term we will conclude our study of the rainforests by looking at deforestation in greater depth and what we can do to protect the rainforests in the future. We will then be looking at the destructive powers of nature, from volcanoes and earthquakes to tsunamis and tornadoes. We will learn how and why these natural phenomena occur and the ways in which they affect people and the environment.

During the Spring term Prep 3 will be learning all about the Anglo-Saxons and the legacy they left in Britain. We will examine where the Anglo-Saxons came from, and why and where they settled in Britain. We will also be examining the lives of the Anglo-Saxons, comparing their lives to the lives of people today, including village life, Anglo-Saxon homes, the food they ate, and their religion. We will look closely at the different Anglo-Saxon kingdoms examining who ruled each one, as well as their laws. We will also learn about some significant historical figures from this time period, such as King Alfred of Wessex, and about some important archaeological finds such as the burial ship at Sutton Hoo.

This term, we will focus on learning about food, including fruits, vegetables, and animals in French. We will continue building confidence in speaking and following French instructions, with plenty of opportunities for role-play, such as going to a shop and asking for food and drink. Additionally, we will begin exploring French grammar, including the concept that French nouns can be masculine (le) or feminine (la). We will also learn about the different regions of France, including their names and locations. To support our learning, we will use the Skoldo scheme and incorporate new songs for reinforcement.

Prep 3 will be learning about the central role Jesus has played in Christianity. They will recognise the power of Jesus’ teaching to change what is wrong in our world. They will be aware that Christians believe we must try and be kind to everyone and how we can be kind to each other. During our ‘Faith Week’ we will be learning about the traditions of different religions around the world. Towards the end of term we will learn how and why Christians celebrate Easter.

Prep 3 and 4 will explore the subject of masks and portraiture. We will be looking at a range of tribal masks, the patterns adorning them and learning about some of these rich cultures. We will have a go at self- portrait drawings and develop these into something more characterful and stylised. This will culminate in some amazing mixed media creations!

This term in Music the children will be developing their practical musical skills through learning the recorder. They will learn how to play the instrument proficiently through step-by-step group instruction and independent learning. We will also be focusing on consolidating and enhancing their knowledge of music theory.

During this term we will build on their practical and creative skills by tackling exciting, hands-on projects. They will explore the full design process, from researching and planning to creating and evaluating their own innovative products. Children will develop key skills such as accurate measuring, cutting, assembling, and improving their designs. Through these activities, pupils will gain confidence in using tools and materials safely.

This term pupils will be using some basic instructions to create some animation using scratch as part of their programming. They will also be introduced to a microbit and its use within computing.

This term the pupils will continue their work on team building, trust and co-operation exercises. There will be a greater emphasis on voice production work this term. the children will learn how to project their voices and continue to improve diction, clarity through specific exercises and the use of tongue twisters. They will learn to work together and respond quickly to a variety of situations. These exercises will also improve physical co-ordination and mental concentration.

This term we will begin by looking at ‘safe relationships’, including safely responding to others, as well as examining the impact of hurtful behaviour. Continuing with relationships we will be recognising respectful behaviour, the importance of self-respect, courtesy and politeness. Moving into ‘Living in the wider world’ we will examine the importance of belonging to a community and our roles and responsibilities in our communities. Finally we will be discussing money and work, including different jobs and skills, job stereotypes, and we will also be setting our own personal goals.

Games: Cross Country, Football and Netball. Skills will be developed through a collection of drills and activities, with game situations kept small to encourage as much participation as possible.