Year 3 marks an important transition into Key Stage 2. Children build on the strong foundations developed in Key Stage 1 and begin to take greater responsibility for their learning as they grow in independence, confidence and maturity.
As pupils move into Lower Key Stage 2, they begin to explore subjects in greater depth, develop their enquiry skills and make increasingly sophisticated connections across their learning. Throughout the year, children are encouraged to be curious, resilient and ambitious learners who continue to develop a strong love of learning.
Meet the team
- Class Teacher: (Insert Name)
- Teaching Assistant: (Insert Name)
Our team works closely with families to ensure every child feels supported, valued and successful throughout the year.
What we learn
Year 3 introduces pupils to new concepts, knowledge and skills across a broad and balanced curriculum.
Across the year, children develop:
- Greater fluency and comprehension in reading
- Confidence, accuracy and creativity in writing
- Secure mathematical understanding and reasoning
- Scientific enquiry and investigative skills
- Subject knowledge across the wider curriculum
- Confident use of subject-specific vocabulary
- Increasing independence, resilience and responsibility
Learning in each subject is carefully sequenced and often structured around enquiry questions that encourage pupils to think deeply, explain their reasoning and make meaningful connections across their learning.
Children’s learning is enriched through high-quality texts, practical experiences and educational visits that bring learning to life.
Reading
Reading continues to play a central role in Year 3 and underpins success across the wider curriculum.
Children read a wide range of increasingly complex texts and develop their ability to discuss, infer, summarise and explain ideas using evidence from what they have read. Vocabulary development is a key focus, supporting pupils to become confident and articulate readers who can express their understanding clearly.
Children are encouraged to participate in our reading challenge, where they are supported to read regularly and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.
Home learning
Children are supported to develop strong independent learning habits that reinforce and extend their learning in school.
Year 3 pupils have access to:
- Oxford Owl
- Mathletics
- EdShed
- Times Tables Rock Stars
- Code.org
Login details can be found in reading records.
Swimming at Tiller Leisure Centre
A key feature of Year 3 is weekly swimming lessons at Tiller Leisure Centre, our local swimming pool.
Swimming is an essential life skill and forms part of the National Curriculum. Through regular structured lessons, children develop water confidence, stroke technique and an understanding of water safety.
These sessions also support physical development, resilience and confidence in a different learning environment. For many pupils, swimming at Tiller becomes a valued and memorable part of their week.
Trips, visits and enrichment
Learning is enriched through a carefully planned range of visits, visitors and real-world experiences that deepen understanding and broaden horizons.
Year 3 experiences may include:
- Curriculum-linked science, history and geography visits
- Local fieldwork within the Isle of Dogs and surrounding areas
- Cultural visits across London
- Workshops and visitors that enhance classroom learning
These experiences are carefully selected to support curriculum progression while building curiosity, cultural capital and a strong sense of place.
Residential experience – Wildchild, Hertfordshire
A key milestone in Year 3 is the residential visit to Wildchild in Hertfordshire.
Building on the Year 2 sleepover experience, this is an important opportunity for pupils to further develop independence, resilience and confidence in a supported environment away from home.
During their stay at Wildchild, children take part in a range of carefully planned outdoor and team-based activities designed to build cooperation, problem-solving skills and perseverance. Activities may include outdoor challenges, teamwork tasks, nature-based exploration and problem-solving experiences that encourage pupils to work together and step outside their comfort zone.
The residential experience plays a significant role in children’s personal development. It helps pupils build self-reliance, strengthen friendships and develop confidence in managing new situations.
Staff provide close pastoral care throughout the visit, ensuring every child feels safe, secure and successful. For many pupils, Wildchild is a memorable experience that supports both personal growth and lasting positive memories of their time in Year 3.
A typical week
Children experience a broad and balanced curriculum each week, including:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
- History and Geography
- Art and Design Technology
- Computing
- Religious Education
- Music
- Physical Education
- Spanish
- Personal Development (PSHE)
Alongside classroom learning, pupils benefit from assemblies, enrichment opportunities, visits and whole-school experiences throughout the year.
Supporting learning at home
We believe that children make the strongest progress when home and school work in partnership.
Families are encouraged to:
- Read regularly with their child
- Practise times tables frequently
- Use online learning platforms
- Support independence and responsibility
- Talk about learning and celebrate achievement
- Support good attendance and punctuality
Together, we help children develop confidence, resilience and positive learning habits as they progress through Key Stage 2.
