Year 3 Curriculum Overview
Autumn Term and Year Summary 2024
Teaching and Curriculum at Hampton Court House
Hampton Court House Prep is about providing an educational experience centred around the child with bespoke approaches for every individual. Whether in classroom settings, extra-curricular activities or charity work, we teach the children to be well-rounded and caring and to contribute to all aspects of school life. Our day-to-day curriculum is one of the foundations of this approach. Lessons are designed to be interesting, engaging, supportive and challenging so that all children feel able to do their best. Teachers will always enable children to contribute fully to lessons, learn and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and ideas, and to shape their voice as part of a dynamic, but homely, community.
Intent
At Hampton Court House, our Years 1 – 6 curriculum is designed with the holistic development of each child in mind. We aim to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, and confidence in our students. Central to our intent is the bilingual programme for Years 1 – 4, where approximately 50% of the curriculum is delivered in French. This unique approach not only enhances language skills but also broadens cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility. Our goal is to support every child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth through a rich and balanced curriculum where mistakes are accepted, and questions welcomed.
Implementation
Our curriculum is implemented with a focus on creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment with a sense of fun. For Years 1 – 4, the bilingual programme integrates French into everyday learning, covering subjects such as humanities, science, sport and the arts in both English and French. This immersive approach helps students develop proficiency in both languages naturally and enjoyably, with in class support used to ensure all children are able to understand and access the curriculum. Lessons are structured to build on previous knowledge, ensuring a smooth progression. Within years 5 and 6 more specialist teachers are used to deliver the curriculum which allows for the development of skills necessary to start their secondary education in year 7. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including individual tasks, group work, and hands-on activities, to cater to different learning styles. Continuous assessment practices allow us to monitor each child's progress closely and provide personalised support as needed.
Impact
The impact of our carefully crafted curriculum is seen in the enthusiasm and active participation of our students. They develop strong foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, and science, along with the ability to think critically and solve problems. The bilingual programme enhances their language skills and cultural awareness, giving them a broader perspective and improved cognitive abilities. Our students also grow in confidence, independence, and social skills. Regular assessments demonstrate enhanced academic progress and personal development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their education with a lifelong love of learning and a unique bilingual advantage.
Key contacts
Susie Byers Head of Prep sby@hchnet.co.uk
Eldon Fayers Assistant Principal | Teaching & Learning efa@hchnet.co.uk
Nick Edwards Assistant
Principal
| Data & Assessment ned@hchnet.co.uk
Paul Pearce Deputy Head | Operations & Academic pgp@hchnet.co.uk
Students will be learning about prehistoric cave painting this term Studying the examples of cave art discovered at Lascaux caves, pupils will learn about the types of animals who were depicted, and practise drawing their own prehistoric animals, using charcoal.
Observing the earth tones used, students will paint a prehistoric colour palette and make their own pigments After creating a textured cave wall canvas, pupils will refer to their studies and utilise their ancient pigments to depict their own prehistoric story
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Cave art: studies about prehistoric art forms, observation and drawing skills, learning about the origins of paint pigments and the ancient palette Learning the story of the discoveries at Lascaux caves to inspire pupils in creating a cave wall on which to paint
Quentin Blake / Roald Dahl: Pupils will learn to make art using a reed pen and ink, inspired by children’s book illustrator Quentin Blake and artist Ellsworth Kelly
Ancient Egyptians: Pupils will learn about paper making and make studies of hieroglyphs to design their own Cartouche Looking at Ancient Egyptian headdresses worn by royalty, pupils will learn how to use a lightbox to create their own crown on a self-portrait
Ancient Egyptians: Clay canopic jars Revisiting previous skills, pupils will use clay to create canopic jars, complete with lids in the form of Egyptian Gods
Underwater sea creatures: Learning about Jacques Cousteau, making studies of his underwater base and submersibles, looking at the rich diversity of underwater life to make a series of drawings and paintings in various media
Underwater sea creatures: Inspired by their previous studies, pupils will create a three-dimensional sea creature of their choice, learning about papier-mâché and its properties
Découverte du monde
DDM is split into discrete subjects in order to cover a wide range of knowledge across humanities and sciences. Whilst it is an interlinked curriculum, we ensure that the essential foundation of knowledge needed for the later years of prep in each subject and senior are covered.
History
In Year 3 this term, we will explore the chronological order of significant historical events through topics exploring ‘Black History Month’ and our other historical topic, ‘Prehistoric times’. We will learn the meaning of prehistoric period names. Introduction to Stone Age (Palaeolithic and Neolithic civilization) to Iron Age Britain. Pupils will research the Iron Age in more detail covering hill forts: tribal kingdoms, farming, art and culture, feasting.
Geography
We will learn how maps work and focus on Central and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities.
Découverte du monde, continued
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
To learn the meaning of prehistoric period names. Introduction to Stone Age (Palaeolithic and Neolithic civilisations) to Iron Age Britain. Identify continents and oceans throughout the prehistoric time period.
To understand the sources of evidence for prehistoric daily life. Locate the world’s countries. Focus on Central and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities.
To explore the beginnings of Ancient Egyptian culture. Irrigation and agricultural systems. Ways of travel, what different types of transport. Learning how to use maps.
Locational and directional language.
Develop a knowledge of chronology.
To start making a timeline of Ancient Egypt and find out the main periods. To discover their gods. Learn about the river Nile and links to the culture of Mesopotamia.
To discover the civilisation of Ancient Egypt, mummies and Tutankhamun.
To discover how Egypt became a Roman province. Individual Geographical presentation about previous learning. Geography contest about capitals and countries.
Using the graphic texts ‘The Adventures of Asterix and Obelix’ by Goscinny and Uderzo to talk about: Cleopatra, features of a Celtic village and the links between the Romans and Egyptians. Discovering how our concept of a village has changed through time.
English
The Autumn Term in Year 3 starts with a unit of work which explores several stories by the author Michael Foreman.
The children will be reading the books ‘I’ll Take You to Mrs Cole’ which has a surprise ending and ‘Dinosaurs and all that Rubbish’ which has a thoughtful message about looking after our planet. The children will look at characters, setting, dialogue and plot and will be writing diary entries as well as learning about how to create longer more complex sentences.
The next unit in Year 3 looks at instructions and explanations and the children will be learning the conventions of this type of text through game shows and quizzes. They will learn the difference between explanations and instructions and will be writing their own set of clear instructions. Our final topic before half term looks at poems about animals and the weather – Year 3 will be reading and performing a range of poems and will be writing one of their own.
After half term we will be reading a range of Traditional Tales from India. Using the book, Seasons of Splendour by Madhur Jaffrey the children will be looking at a range of writing styles to add interest and detail to their own. We then move on to a nonfiction unit which explores the conventions and style of non-chronological reports. The children will read and enjoy the DK Children’s Book of Sports. They will identify the different features and will write their own reports. Just before Christmas Year 3 will be reading funny poems about school and teachers! They will write their own and will be looking at use of powerful language to convey feelings and thoughts.
How it will be assessed
Assessment will be through daily marking and feedback. Through discussion and questioning. At the end of each unit the children will be writing in the style of the author or poet they have been reading. There will also be informal assessment of writing, reading and SPaG at the end of each term.
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Read I'll Take You to Mrs Cole and other stories by Michael Foreman and write a new version. Study dialogue, verbs, and conjunctions for time, place, cause. Using game shows and quizzes children identify the differences between instructions and explanations. Add information about time, place and cause to write clear instructions.
Poems about animals and weather
Read traditional Indian tales in Madhur Jaffrey’s Seasons of Splendour. Analyse, compare and write own versions.
Grammar covers conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs. park curiosities with DK Children’s Book of Sport.
Explore, read and write about a huge range of sports. Revise word classes and extend sentences with conjunctions.
Funny poems by Michael Rosen
Through Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, children explore plot, character and tension. They learn about direct speech and tense and write their own exciting stories. Through The Day I Swapped my Dad for Two Goldfish and The Diary of a Killer Cat, explore and write recounts. Study adverbs for time and place and direct speech.
Performance Poetry
Explore, read and write myths with The Orchard Book of Greek Myths (Geraldine McCaughrean) and Greek Myths (Marcia Williams). Practise dialogue punctuation and use conjunctions.
Read reports about Harry Potter studio tours. Understand features of reports; study conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs. Look at Hogwarts students’ school reports. This wonderful collection loses nothing of its power to excite, enthuse and inspire. Immerse your class in these classic, timeless poems. Study verbs/tense and extend sentences.
Read Michael Morpurgo’s sea stories Dolphin Boy and The Sandman and the Turtles to explore his use of characterisation, dilemmas, dialogue, word classes and the perfect tense. Explore the power of persuasion in advertising. Children play with language, create adverts and promote healthy habits. Grammar includes conjunctions and expanded noun phrases. Explore calligrams, poetic portraits and shape poems. Analyse features of poetry. Explore tenses, conjunctions and prepositions. Write, improve and present your own shape poems.
Enjoy Dick King-Smith’s The Hodgeheg. Explore plot, character and dialogue. Study speech punctuation and adverbs for time, place and manner. Write a new animal adventure.
Read, research and write information texts about amazing world records, both real (Guinness) and funny (Quentin Blake). Grammar includes conjunctions and present perfect form. Be inspired to create your own records and blog about them.
This term, the children will be working on the ‘Loustics’ and they will be introduced to the characters in the book. Firstly, we will be looking at how to introduce ourselves in a complex way and learn to describe someone physically and mentally. In this term, we will be looking at how to describe a location, to know how to discuss someone’s similarities and differences and we will be learning two key verbs ‘aller’ and ‘venir.’
In the second unit, the children will look at 'Des Jardiniers en Herbe' and in this unit, they will learn how to give and follow an itinerary. We will also learn to write stories in French. We are going to learn vocabulary that allows us to describe a garden, to situate ourselves in time and we are going to learn a set of vocabulary words that permit us to accurately describe different plant varieties. We are also going to learn the phonetic sounds of ‘j’ and ‘gue’ and how these are used in French.
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
We are learning about time and how to discuss it, talk about a destination, talk about someone’s physical appearance and talk about the similarities and the differences using comparative language. We will also learn how to talk about someone's character. We will also learn the verbs ‘aller’ (to go) and ‘venir’ (to come) and sentence structures to compare.
In this half term, we are learning about how to describe a garden, how to describe a tourist site and how to say the date and to situate ourselves in time. We are also going to learn how to identify and categorise different plants. We are going to learn how to use the word ‘que’ and work on the sound ‘j’ and ‘gue’
Throughout the course of the term, we will be learning to talk about something that happened in the past, to talk about an illness we have had in the past. We will also learn to talk about our holidays and what activities we did. We are also going to learn words to discuss when an event happened and verbs in the ‘passé composé’. We will learn how to write sentences in the past tense and write stories using the past tense.
This half term, we will learn to talk about someone’s biography, how to say whether we have been to a certain location. We will also learn to pay for some shopping. We will learn vocabulary that will enable us to talk about a painting. Throughout the course of the term, we will learn verbs that allow us to advise, give instructions and to give orders. Finally, this half term, we will learn sentence structures that allow us to say if we have done something.
Throughout the course of this half term, we will learn how to borrow books in a library, how to discuss famous book characters and to recount their stories. We will learn two fairy tales and say why we prefer one over the other. We will learn vocabulary words to invent a story and verbs in the past tense to help us write our own fairy tale and to present this to the class.
During this half term, we will be learning to talk about the job role of a vet and to describe upcoming events. We will equally learn to describe wild animals with the help of a painting. We will be learning to talk about the upcoming holidays and talk about where and what we are doing. We will learn phrases that help us describe when something is happening. Regarding grammar, this term we will explore the future tense and the possessive pronouns.
FLAM
Year 3 Curriculum Overview Autumn Term 2024
During this first term of CE1, the students will discover an exciting text titled "Le Cornivore" by Bruno Heitz. They will learn how to write vowel sounds accurately, memorise invariant words and understand sentence structures. Next, they will delve into a captivating new text called "Le Pyjama du Gorille" by Michel Piquemal.
They will discover the importance of alphabetical order and how to use it effectively The students will invent an original text and create a sequel to an existing one They will practise writing regularly to improve their skills Then, they will read and comprehend an engaging text titled "C’est ta faute !" while discovering the writing of the sounds [é] and [è] The students will also develop their skills in reading aloud, enhancing their pronunciation and fluency They will be expected to write two book reviews during the term
Autumn 1
Spring 1
Projet de lecture : Les animaux
Les consonnes et les voyelles
Ordre alphabétique
Passé - Présent - Futur
Récitation : Jeux de lettres
Projet de lecture : Les contes
Le sujet et le déterminant
Les familles de mots
Nom propre / Nom commun
Récitation : Un arbre
Projet de lecture : les contes détournés
Le groupe nominal
Préfixes et suffixes
Summer 1
Conjuguer “être” et “avoir” au présent
Ecrire un résumé
Récitation : L’Aurore en chaperon rose
Autumn 2
Spring 2
Projet de lecture : Les ogres
Récitation : L’Ogre
Verbes à l’infinitif
La ponctuation
Projet de lecture : les portraits
Les verbes en –er au présent
L’adjectif
Inventer une description
Récitation : Le Clown
Summer 2
Projet de lecture : L’école
Le féminin et le masculin ‘Faire’, ‘aller’ et ‘voir’ au présent
Récitation : Hep! Taxi!
Francophone Culture
We are excited to introduce a new aspect of our French curriculum to complement our French immersion programme with a Francophonie culture lesson. Learning about Francophonie at school has many benefits for students; It helps them understand and appreciate the cultures, traditions, and histories of French-speaking countries around the world.
This knowledge can make students more open-minded and aware of global diversity, which is important in today's world. It will help them appreciate the richness of the French language beyond France, recognising its influence in places like Canada, Belgium, and various African nations.
This lesson will take place one a week. It is tied deeply to other aspects of the curriculum, looking at French, History, Music for example. Children will discover different aspects of French culture, from literature, to theatre, to music, to cooking and more. We will talk about national events like, Remembrance Day, Pancake Day, Bastille Day, the Fête de la Musique, etc. We will also enjoy French music and dance, learning traditional dances or songs. We will also discover children's literature, movie’s character as Loup, Asterix & Obelix or Tintin & Milou.
This new lesson is there to enrich what we currently have and alongside that it will be a number of event days to allow children to explore this all-new level of French civilisation in a very immersive way.
Maths
In the first half term the pupils will learn about:
Placing 2 and 3 digit numbers on lines
Place value in 3 digit numbers
Place value in money
Number facts and mental strategies to add and subtract
Partitioning to add
Revising 2, 5, and 10 times tables
Multiplying and dividing 3 and 4 times tables
Doubling numbers less than 50
Halving numbers less than 100
How it will be assessed
A written assessment covering the subjects that have been studied in that term. In addition, informal oral assessment takes place in lessons throughout the term to consolidate and assess depth of understanding. Year 3 Curriculum Overview
In the second half term the pupils will learn about:
Measuring lengths in m and cm
Measuring weights in g and kg
Measuring capacity in ml and l
Drawing bar charts
Measuring perimeters
Mental calculations using complements to 100
Mental strategies for multiplying and dividing
Autumn 1
Spring 1
Summer 1
What are we studying?
Place value
Money
Adding and subtracting Multiplication and division
Multiplying and dividing with powers of 10
Expanded addition of 2 and 3 digit numbers
Finding halves, quarters, and thirds of an amount
Telling the time
Roman numerals
Revise expanded and column addition
Sequences
Partitioning to halve, double, and multiply
Line symmetry
Identifying and sorting 2-D and 3-D shapes
Autumn 2
Spring 2
Measurement
Drawing bar charts
Mental calculations
Summer 2
Consolidate place value in money
Strategies for subtraction including for numbers greater than 100
Finding fractions of an amount
Calculating and comparing time intervals
Mentally add and subtract multiples of 10
Divide numbers just beyond the timetables
Right angles as turns
Angles in 2-D shapes
Add and subtract fractions with common denominators
Organised physical activity is vital to child development, both in terms of strength and growth cognitive, motivational and social skills.
The Year 3 children will focus on the core skills of two invasion games, football and netball. In football, the children will develop their understanding of the core skills to play the game. This will include passing, shooting, dribbling, agility and small sided conditioned games.
In netball, they will learn to expand their knowledge of catching, throwing and movement. Students will be taught the basic positions, how to shoot and the different types of passes they can use in competitive game situations.
Term
Autumn
Spring
Summer
What are we studying?
Football: passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.
Netball: passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games.
Games: balance, coordination, agility, stuck in the mud, octopus tag, capture the flag.
Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls
Hockey: passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.
Benchball: throwing, catching, positions and attack vs defence.
Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding.
Athletics: shuttle relay, 60m sprint, 200m sprint, hurdles, long jump, javelin throw and shot-put throw.
Performing Arts
Year 3 Curriculum Overview Autumn Term 2024
At Hampton Court House, we believe that the performing arts are integral to our school community. Therefore, students will actively participate in various performances throughout the year. These performances form the backbone of our curriculum. We are committed to offering inclusive opportunities that allow every student to showcase their talents.
In our lessons, to prepare for these performances students will focus on developing spatial awareness, musicality, vocal, physical, and character skills to enhance their performance abilities. They will learn stage craft and understand how to engage an audience.
Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on collaborative and creative skills, which are essential for every child's growth. Our classes incorporate engaging games and activities designed to foster teamwork, improve peer interaction, and develop the ability to follow directions. Students are encouraged to contribute creative suggestions through music, movement, and dialogue, ensuring a well-rounded arts education at Hampton Court House.
We begin the year by preparing for our Christmas show, themed around "The Nutcracker." Year 3 students will focus on developing their ballet skills, alongside incorporating singing into their performance.
In Year 3, Drama will be taught in French, enhancing language skills through theatrical expression. By the Easter term, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a dedicated showcase event.
Throughout the year, there will also be numerous recitals and concerts, providing students with platforms to display their musical abilities and talents.
PSHE
We begin PSHE across the Prep school by exploring the topic ‘Being Me in My World’.
We will begin by looking at the year ahead, getting to know each other and our ideas of a perfect school. In the second half term we will explore the topic ‘Celebrating Difference’. This explores families and family conflict, and how to recognise and be mindful of our feelings and words that can hurt.
We aim to make all PSHE sessions as relevant to the students and their current needs and concerns, therefore out content is changeable, and suggestions and feedback are welcome at any time from students and parents.
How it will be assessed
PSHE lessons are predominantly discussion based, with some written tasks for deeper comprehension and application. At the end of each lesson, the students will complete self-reflection sheets for teachers to monitor understanding and adapt future teaching. Teachers keep track of the students’ levels and understanding of the different elements of PSHE across the year.
Autumn 1
Spring 1
What are we studying? Term
Being Me in my World
Getting to know each other Our nightmare/dream school Rewards and consequences Our learning charter
Relationships
Family roles and responsibilities
Friendship Keeping myself safe online
Being a global citizen
Healthy Me
Being fit and healthy
Summer 1
What do I know about drugs?
Being safe
My amazing body
Autumn 2
Spring 2
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Celebrating Difference
Families
Family conflict
Feelings
Solutions
Words that hurt
Changing Me
Babies and how they grow
Outside body changes
Inside body changes
Family stereotypes
Dreams and Goals
My dreams and ambitions
New challenges
Overcoming obstacles
Science
The Year 3 Science Curriculum will cover Rocks, Solids Liquids and Gases, Keeping Healthy, Plants, Forces and Magnets and lastly, Light.
In this capacity the pupils will be taught the following skills:
To plan different types of experiments; identify equipment required for experiment; take measurements, using scientific equipment, e.g. measuring cylinder and scales; record data and results in tables and bar and line graphs, using a ruler and a pencil; make predictions, using test results; and present findings, through graphs, tables evaluations and conclusions.
How it will be assessed
Pupils will be assessed on ½ termly tests to determine understanding and misconceptions. Then in the Summer Term the pupils will be assessed on the years’ work to evaluate knowledge and understanding.
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Rocks: Compare and group together different kinds of rocks based on their appearance and simple physical properties. Describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock. Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.
Solids Liquids and Gases: Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases Observe that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled, and measure or research the temperature at which this happens in degrees Celsius (°C) Identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle and associate the rate of evaporation with temperature.
Keeping Healthy: Identify those animals, including humans, need the right types and amount of nutrition, and that they cannot make their own food; they get nutrition from what they eat. Explain how humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement.
Plants: Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers. Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant. Investigate the way in which water is transported within plants. Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers.
Forces: Compare how things move on different surfaces, Notice that some forces need contact between two objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance. Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others. Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials based on whether they are attracted to a magnet and identify some magnetic materials. Describe magnets as having two poles. Predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
Light: Pupils will recognise that they need light to see things and that dark is the absence of light. Understand that light is reflected from surfaces. Recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes. Show how shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object.