Welcome to Class 3
St Giles-on-the-Heath Primary School
Across the Carey Federation, we pride ourselves in the way we: ‘Aim High, Be Resilient and Take Care Of Each Other’ and strive to consider the Carey qualities ‘Be Respectful, Be Resilient, Be Resourceful, Be Reflect and Build Relationships’ in all that we do. It is an exciting time as our Federation now includes three schools: St Giles, Ashwater and Halwill Primary Schools and this offers pupils expertise from a range staff as well as opportunities for cross Federation events.
As the older children in the school, Class 3 are truly wonderful role models. They are such a delight, they are always so polite, kind and thoughtful. We feel so proud of all that they represent. Thank you to each one of the children for their positive contributions to our school community.
Our curriculum encourages active learning that is driven by enquiry questions. We have attached a copy of our long term planning and would like to share with you a snapshot of the questions that will inspire leaning across the Autumn Term 2026.
English: Our English work is driven by high-quality text that enables children to read, speak and write fluently so that they can communicate ideas with others with confidence now and into the future.
Our writing often begins with a high-quality text, or it can be inspired by a class visit or other curriculum areas – the inspiration is endless. We talk about the importance of grammar as a tool for conveying meaning and provide guidance and opportunity to learn grammar explicitly. We equip the children to understand the composition and structure of their writing. Creating coherent texts relies on pupils’ firm understanding of both sentence structure and paragraph organisation. The best way to model this is through high quality text by reading lots and lots at home and school.
Our whole class reading text this term is The Curse of the Maya as recommended by the Book Trust. This is a gripping tale of twin twelve-year-olds, Verity and Ethan, who travel to Guatemala with their father. While excavating a newly found Maya city, an ancient mask is discovered. Is the mask the cause of the end of the Maya civilisation, or is something more underhand going on? Will these children find out the answer?
Maths: As always, in maths, it is about securing the foundational skills. It is so important that the children are fluent with X Tables and rapid recall of simple number bonds it gives them a huge advantage in managing the demands of the Y5/6 curriculum.
We use the CUBES math strategy as a systematic approach to solving math word problems. The acronym C.U.B.E.S stands for:
It will really support the children in untangling the complexities of word problems into manageable calculations. This term we will cover topics including the following : Place value, four operations, prime numbers and statistics.
History – The Ancient Maya ‘Can we explain why specific events were of international significance?’
Science – Forces. ‘How did the Maya civilisation utilise the power of different forces?’
Geography – Place and Locational Knowledge. ‘Can I describe the location of the Maya Civilisation?’
Art – In art and design, we will begin by thinking about the following disciplinary questions: What is art? How is art made? How is art judged? What is the purpose of art? How does design affect the lives of users? It is a great way to get children to think about their own perspective in art. We will develop skills of Painting. ‘How can I use colour and texture in my painting to reflect the Amazon Rainforest?’ Inspiration form artist John Dyer.
DT – Mechanisms. ‘How can levers and pulleys reduce the load?’ Designing and making a Maya lifting machine.
Computing – Computing Systems and Networks – communication and collaboration. ‘How do I keep myself safe when I communicate online?’
Music – We follow the Charanga Music Scheme. Each unit of Work consists of clearly sequenced lessons with planning, key learning and outcomes that support the National Curriculum. Melody and Harmony in Music. ‘How does Music bring us together?’ Sing and Play in Different Styles – ‘How does Music connect us with our past?’
Religion World Views – ‘What can be done to reduce racism? Can religion help?’ (Judaism. Christianity, Islam). ‘Why do Christians believe God was the Messiah?’ (Christianity)
RSE (relationships and sex education) – Me And My Relationships. ‘How can we be a good friend? Valuing Difference – ‘Why should we challenge stereotypes?’ Our RSE work is embedded through CORAM SCARF materials. Coram Life Education & SCARF is the UK’s leading charity provider of PSHE and wellbeing education in primary schools.
https://www.coramlifeeducation.org.uk/family-scarf
PE – Football / Handball – ‘What does it mean to be effective at attacking and defending in a small-sided game? Gymnastics – ‘How would you support others to improve their gymnastics routine?’ Boccia – ‘Are all sports inclusive?’
Forest School – ‘What does it mean to work effectively in a team?’
Languages – French. Me and Others: plural ‘etre’ and regular adjectives. ‘How can I describe my friends?’
Physical Education– this term we will explore Hockey, Netball, Tri Golf and gymnastics. The skills taught carefully follow the progression of skills needed to succeed in each of the disciplines.
Class Routines:
Homework will be posted on Dojo on a Tuesday. This will be:
Fluffy Friday – children can bring in one soft toy to join them in class for the day.
Pencil Case – children can bring their own. School resources will always be available. Children will be provided with a school pencil and handwriting pen to keep in their pencil case. Children are only permitted to use fibre-tip or rollerball pens not biro because they provide smoother ink flow, require less pressure, support better letter formation, and help build confiden
In school – please can the children have the following things with them everyday:
The children’s well-being is of the utmost importance, and we aim to create a happy, kind and healthy environment for all. If you have any worries or questions, please do not hesitate in coming to see us. You can message via Dojo but this is not checked regularly, so if it is something urgent, please email the school office to ensure we receive it straight away.
Many Thanks and we very much look forward to the term ahead,
Ms Mc T (Class Teacher), Miss Jayne Miners (Class Teacher), Mrs Angie Williams,
(Teaching Assistant) Mrs Kate Jewell (Teaching Assistant), Mrs Carol Tyzack (Teaching Assistant)
St Giles-on-the-Heath Primary School are a busy but friendly school taking children from the age of 2 to 11.
St Giles-on-the-Heath Ofsted URN: 113165
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