Year 3

What a spectacular and joyful end to the term we have had in Year 3! We were incredibly proud of the children during the Christmas celebrations. The singing, confident readers and talented soloists all helped to create a truly special occasion for everyone. Well done to all involved!

In English, we’ve been enjoying a festive text, Mog’s Christmas Calamity. While we are hoping for a much more peaceful break than Mog and her family experienced, the story has inspired some wonderfully humorous writing. The children wrote letters of apology for a range of mishaps, including burning the turkey, spoiling the table, electrocuting the tree and squashing the presents! Following the structure of a formal letter, they focused on using time adverbials such as then and eventually, as well as contracted words using apostrophes, including didn’t and couldn’t.

In maths, times table knowledge has continued to underpin our work on multiplication and division. We have explored patterns and strategies to help recall facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables. The children enjoyed discovering some interesting number facts, such as how all multiples of 2 are even and how the ones digits in the 8 times table decrease by 2 each time.

Thinking of others has been an important theme in PSHE, especially at this time of year. The children discussed what makes a meaningful compliment and how giving and receiving kind words can make us feel. Some thoughtful examples included, “I’m glad you’re my friend because you make me smile,” and “You never give up and that is so impressive.” We would love this caring positivity to continue over the holidays.

Finally, thank you for all your support this term. Your involvement helps make the Vineyard community such a special place. We wish you a restful and happy break.

     

     

w/b 15.12.25	w/b 05.01.26
Spelling rule: N/A   Key words: equal groups, arrays, multiples, divide, grouping sharing, inverse, time adverbials, contractions, apostrophe, compliments   Maths facts: 3, 4 & 8 times tables	Spelling rule: N/A   Key words: equal groups, arrays, multiples, divide, grouping, sharing, inverse, fossil   Maths facts: 3, 4 & 8 times tables

 

Key dates: 

December

Friday 19.12.25 @ 1.30pm - End of term

January

Monday 5th January 2026 - Spring term starts

 

Year 4

As we reach the end of term, there is a real sense of excitement in the air as Christmas draws ever closer! The children have worked incredibly hard throughout the year and have truly earned some well-deserved festive fun – and a proper rest too.

Year 4 were absolutely fantastic in Tuesday’s carol concert at the church. They sang with confidence, enthusiasm and beautiful expression, making us all extremely proud. A special mention must go to our extraordinary soloists, who performed so bravely and brilliantly in front of a large audience – what stars!

Despite the festive buzz, we have continued with our learning right up to the very end of term. In English, the children have been busy writing newspaper reports inspired by The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. They have debated whether Mr Wolf is a guilty murderer or an innocent victim who has been framed, using evidence and persuasive language to support their views.

In maths, we have focused on multiplication and division by 10 and 100, making sure children understand the why behind the maths, rather than relying on rules like “adding” or “taking away” a zero. In history, we have debated the legacy of the Roman Empire in Britain, sharing thoughtful and nuanced opinions about whether its impact was positive or negative. Finally, in science, we explored the water cycle through an experiment demonstrating evaporation, condensation and collection.

It has been a wonderful end to a busy term. Wishing you all a happy, peaceful Christmas and a restful break.

  

  

                        

w/b 15.12.25	w/b 05.01.26
Spelling rule: No spelling rule over Christmas - children are encouraged to review the words from this half term   Key words: placeholder, place value, direct speech, inverted commas, summary, fronted adverbial, legacy, water cycle, evaporation, condensation, collection   Maths fluency: 6 and 9 times tables	Spelling rule: Homophones & near homophones   accept except affect effect aloud allowed weather whether whose who’s   Key words: value, product, factors, factor pairs, digestive system, river source, river mouth   Maths facts: 11 and 12 times tables

 

Key dates: 

• Friday 30/1 International Day
• 2/2 (Week Beginning) - NSPCC Number Day
• 1/2 (Week Beginning) - Children’s mental health week
• Tuesday 10/2 - Safer Internet Day
• Early March - Y4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) Mock Assessment
• Early June - Y4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) Statutory Assessment