Welcome to Rabbits Class - Year 3
This page is full of useful information about what we’ll be learning and enjoying in Year 3. As children move into Key Stage 2, they become more independent, take on exciting new challenges, and grow in confidence as learners.
Each term, curriculum maps will be shared below so you can see what your child will be learning and how you can support their learning at home. You’ll also find links to recommended book lists and helpful parent guides for TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed, which are both introduced in Year 3.
If you missed our “Meet the Teacher” session, don’t worry – all the key information from that meeting is available further down the page.
Rabbits Class is a warm, welcoming space where curiosity is encouraged, effort is celebrated, and every child is supported to shine. We can’t wait for all the fun, learning and adventures this year will bring!
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Information
Year 3 is an exciting time of growth and new beginnings. As children move into Key Stage 2, they build on the foundations laid in Key Stage 1 and begin to take more ownership of their learning. We support them as they develop greater independence, confidence, and curiosity about the world around them.
In Year 3, children will:
Explore engaging topics across science (rocks and fossils, light), history (stone age, Ancient Egypt), geography (mountains, volcanoes)
Read a wide range of quality texts to build fluency, understanding, and a love of reading
Develop their writing skills by learning to organise ideas clearly and use new grammar and vocabulary creatively. We introduce Spelling Shed to support learning in a fun and engaging way.
Tackle more challenging maths, including times tables, written methods, and problem-solving. We introduce Times Tables Rock Stars to support learning with a gentle element of competition.
Take part in hands-on science investigations to build questioning and thinking skills
Learn about key historical periods such as the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt, and explore their local area in geography
Reflect on Christian values and big ideas in Religious Education and PSHE
Build confidence through class discussions, group work, and Collective Worship
Enjoy enrichment opportunities such as school trips, workshops, and themed days
At St Katharine’s, we believe every child is full of potential. Our Christian ethos encourages kindness, perseverance, and respect. By the end of Year 3, children are growing into more independent learners – curious, capable, and ready for the next step in their learning journey.
Curriculum
We create Year 3 curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year.
Assessment
MIn Year 3, we use assessment as a tool to support learning, not just measure it. Our approach ensures that children feel encouraged and challenged, while helping teachers tailor lessons to suit individual needs.
Types of Assessment:
- Informal Assessments – these happen every day through marking, feedback, questioning and observation during lessons.
- Times Tables Checks – we continue to build fluency in multiplication facts and each week there is a low-stakes test, individually tailored to each child’s current attainment.
- Spelling Tests – spellings will be set each week, in line with the national curriculum, on Spelling Shed. Children will be tested weekly (sometimes in dictation sentences).
- Foundation Subjects – teachers assess knowledge and skills in subjects like science, history and RE using practical tasks, quizzes and discussion.
- GL tests In Year 3 children take the online GL New Group Reading Test twice a year – in the autumn and spring. In May they will take online GL tests in Cognitive Ability (CATs) and Progress Tests in English (PTE), maths (PTM) and science (PTS).
How We Share Progress:
- Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring to discuss how your child is progressing and how you can support at home.
- Written Report –an end-of-year report is provided in July, summarising academic progress and personal development.
- Open Communication – we’re always happy to talk if you have questions about your child’s progress. Please contact your class teacher in the first instance either directly via their email or through the office.
Assessment at St Katharine’s is rooted in our Christian ethos – it’s not about comparing children, but helping every child discover and grow their God-given potential.
Homework
Homework in Year 3 is
Daily reading (5 x 10 mins) to an adult
Spellings (10 mins spread across the week) Spelling Shed
Reading comprehension (20 mins)
TT Rock Stars – times tables 3 times per week (minimum 3 x 2 mins)
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year 3 Books for Topics Recommended Reads
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Curriculum Maps
Join Rabbits Class Today!
We currenly don’t have space in our Year 3 class. If you would like to go on a waiting list, please get in touch.