Year 3

We were incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful weather for our trip to Buster Farm last week, and it was fantastic to see the children engage so enthusiastically with all the activities. Working in teams, they had the chance to wattle fences, and individually they shaped copper wire into beautiful rings to take home. The archaeological dig was a highlight and reminded us how much we can learn from what lies beneath the ground—perfectly linking with our recent history learning.

The trip also tied in brilliantly with our English work, as this was the week we completed and published our own stories about unexpectedly entering Stone Age life. The children worked with real care to produce neat, accurate final pieces that they were proud to share and read aloud to Year 2.

In science, we have been exploring the hardness of different rocks using the principles of the Mohs test. After experimenting with scratching a range of rocks, we discussed why some materials are better suited for certain purposes—for example, why chalk is easy to draw with, or why marble is chosen for statues rather than coal. We went on to compare our findings to see which of these rocks were permeable or impermeable.

Maths has seen the beginning of our multiplication and division topic. We revisited the idea of equal groups and how multiplication provides a more efficient way of showing repeated addition. We also explored even numbers in depth, looking at their links to counting in 2s, the 2 times table, doubling, and halving. Over the next few weeks, we will move on to multiples of 3, then 4, and finally 8.

We continue to be impressed by the children’s kindness and maturity during PSHE. Their thoughtful discussions about conflict, compromise, listening, and finding calm solutions show a real understanding of how to build positive relationships.

   

   

w/b 01.12.25	w/b 08.12.25
Spelling rule: Creating adverbs using ‘ly’ (exceptions eg: truly, daily, shyly)   Key words: equal groups, arrays, multiples, divide, grouping sharing, permeable, impermeable, absorb, roundhouse, farm, settlement, Jesus, neighbour   Maths facts: composition of number	Spelling rule: Common exception words eg: believe, appear, often   Key words: equal groups, arrays, multiples, divide, grouping sharing, soil, weathering, minerals, air, water, humus   Maths facts: composition of number

 

Key dates: 

December

• Tuesday 16.12.25 @ 9.30am - Ruby Carol Concert
• Tuesday 16.12.25 @ 11.00am - Sapphire Carol Concert
• Tuesday 16.12.25 @ 2.00pm - Emerald Carol Concert
• Thursday 18.12.25 - Christmas jumper day & lunch
• Friday 19.12.25 @ 1.30pm - End of term

 

Year 4

We’ve had a brilliant and very busy two weeks in Year 4, packed with engaging lessons, thoughtful discussion and plenty of enthusiasm from the children. They continue to impress us with their curiosity, teamwork and growing independence across the curriculum.

In Maths, the children have been developing their multiplication and division skills, particularly through multi-step reasoning problems. They have been learning how to break a problem into clear stages and explain their thinking using mathematical vocabulary. We have also focused on rounding numbers to the nearest 10 and 100 to estimate answers, as well as using the inverse operation to check calculations. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they apply these strategies to more challenging questions.

In English, the children have begun planning their very own newspaper reports based on The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. The big debate has taken centre stage: Was Mr Wolf guilty, or was he unfairly framed? The children have gathered evidence from the text, explored journalistic language and practised writing eye-catching headlines. Their excitement is building as they prepare to draft their final articles.

At the time of writing, we are all looking forward to our upcoming visit to the Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon, where the children will learn about key Buddhist beliefs and explore the beautiful place of worship. This is always a highlight of the year, and the children are buzzing with anticipation.

In History, the class has thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Romans. They have compared Roman lifestyles with those of Celtic tribes and taken part in debates such as: Would you rather live in Britain before or after the Roman invasion? Their arguments have been thoughtful and impressively well explained.

In Science, we have continued our States of Matter unit, looking closely at reversible and irreversible changes through hands-on investigations.

The children are also thriving in PE, especially in gymnastics, where they have now put together much of their group routine.

Overall, it has been an excellent fortnight in Year 4, and we are excited for everything still to come!

   

   

w/b 1/12/25	w/b 8/12/25
Spelling rule: Words with ‘ough’ to make a long  o/, /oo/ or /or/ sound   though although dough through breakthrough thought bought brought fought ought   Key words:  Area, multi-step maths problem, present progressive, past progressive, reversible change, hillfort, aqueduct	Prefixes: Statutory Spellings Challenge Words   interest experiment potatoes favourite imagine material promise opposite minute increase   Key words:  Irreversible change, conjunctions, cohesive devices, resistance, rebellion, Boudica, seasonal, balanced diet

 

Key Messages: 

• Children will be making their pasta salads next week, so please bring in the correct ingredients on your class’s DT day. Thank you!

 

Key dates:

• 16/12 Year 4 Carol Concert at 2pm 
• 18/12 Christmas jumpers and lunch
• 19/12 School closes at 1.30 - Merry Christmas