Mrs Vinall & Mrs Collicott (Class Teachers) Welcome to Mole Class! Mrs Vinall & Mrs Collicott (Class Teachers)

Creative Curriculum Learning more purposeful for the children. Skills based – learning behaviours. Linking all of the subjects. Provides exciting and interesting opportunities and activities.

Topic ~ Your Country Needs You! WW2 Science – Rocks and Soils RE – 1st half term ~ Hinduism - Would celebrating Diwali at home and in the community bring a feeling of belonging to a Hindu child? 2nd half term ~ Christianity -What does Christmas mean to you? Other topics: Spring – Hurricanes & Hailstones Summer – Victorians ~How did they do that?

Academic Expectations Children have been allocated groups for maths & literacy. These are not fixed in stone and during the year your child could move groups to ensure they progress to meet their own individual targets or to encourage socialisation with other members of the class.

Behaviour Expectations To achieve these academic expectations it is essential the children model the school’s learning behaviours; Independence Thinking Perseverance Challenge Communication Cooperation We will continue to highlight these learning behaviours in assemblies and the ‘Star of the week’ will be awarded to a child who has demonstrated that particular learning behaviour.

Classroom Expectations Building their independence - take responsibility for their own book changing, PE kit, lunch box, jumper, homework, etc. Become more responsible for their own learning, e.g. making sensible choices about choosing work partners, ask to move if being distracted. Take pride in themselves, their work, their environment and their classmates’ achievements. Model positive behaviours for the younger children to follow.

Homework Learning log homework • Over the year there will be a mixture of literacy and numeracy activities and creative projects. • A completion date will always be clearly given and children may be expected to bring in work half way through the time limit so they can share their progress. • A homework club is run on Thursday lunchtimes where resources and support are made available.

Reading Expectation: 5 times a week, recorded and signed off in Reading Journals. Stars will be awarded for this on Fridays. Children should discuss, with an adult, what is happening, what might happen next, etc. Read out loud several times a week. Reading scheme books can be changed any day, whenever they have completed the book and you have signed they have read it.

Homework Number bond/times table challenge Children will also be expected to practice their number bonds and times tables. The expectations of the new curriculum are very demanding! By the end of year 3, children should be confident with their 2, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables (and the appropriate division facts). Number bonds/tables will be tested on Fridays.

Find out more… To find out more about the Year 3 Curriculum and recent changes go to: www.hermitage.westberks.dbprimary.com On the left-hand side of the page: Learning at Hermitage > New 2014 Curriculum Changes

Homework Spellings Given out and tested weekly on a Friday. Children are expected to practice 5 times a week and bring their folder in each Friday.

PE Days Wednesday – Swimming (at The Downs with Mrs Vinall) or Dance (with Mrs Scoble): One piece swimming costume or shorts and a swimming hat. Navy shorts and navy t-shirt Friday – First half term ~ Outdoor – (weather permitting) Navy shorts and navy t-shirt, trainers/plimsolls - plain navy tracksuit trousers and jumper (if weather is cold) - Second half term ~ Rugby All jewellery and watches are to be removed for PE.

Rewards A positive approach Verbal praise and encouragement Star Awards (work) Star of the Week (Learning behaviours) House points (citizenship) Work displayed on the outstanding board. Popcorn – Full pot = class treat!

Sanctions ‘Good to be green’ behaviour management system: a 3-level warning system that gives the child time out to correct their behaviour. Half a yellow card – first warning. Full yellow card – sent to another class and/or loss of break time/lunchtime. Red card – sent to head teacher/deputy, complete work in a different classroom and letter home to parents. The curriculum expectations are high therefore sometimes work may be sent home to complete overnight, if the work was not completed or to the required standard during class time.

Year 3 Expectations Take ownership of their learning Always try their best Have a sense of pride in their work Show good manners and respect to everyone ‘Have a go’- participate in lessons Be kind and helpful Look after school property

Supporting your child at home Listen to your child read and read to them whenever you can. Talk to your child about their learning in school. Support them to learn their number bonds/times tables. Encourage your child to complete homework on time. Ask them questions about what they have to do for homework. Encourage neat cursive joined handwriting. (An assessment expectation at the end of Year2!) Use opportunities for maths in real life – shopping! Encourage independence.

Concerns Please remember that if you ever have any worries or concerns, please make an appointment to see either of us. Things can often be resolved or put at rest far quicker. We are always happy to listen and help!

Contacting Us Message to teaching assistant on the door (We have to stay in the classroom and supervise children as they come in). Write a letter/note for child to hand in. Email the office. Leave a message with Mrs Hodges/Mrs Wells. Speak to either of us at the end of the day. (Apart from Wednesdays as it is staff meeting)

School photos – This Friday, (Friday 16th Sept) Important Dates School photos – This Friday, (Friday 16th Sept) Parents Evening – Tuesday 11th October ( after school) and Thursday 13th October (evening). (Exact times to be TBC) Thursday 20th October KS2 trip to Didcot Evacuation Day Friday 21st October. Open Morning for parents/family. Half Term – Monday 24th Oct – Tuesday 1st Nov

Any questions?

We are looking forward to working with you this term Thank you for coming! We are looking forward to working with you this term