This topic is the first taught to year 3 as they begin their Knowsley Junior School career. There is limited prior knowledge from Key Stage One to activate. At Springhead Infant School, children study a Prehistoric Creatures unit and learn about cave men in Reception. They should be aware of the countries which make up the British Isles, which will help them to deepen their geography knowledge further by learning about the counties. Pupils studied maps and plans in year 1 and will revisit maps at a more detailed level; a central ability to geographical learning and understanding, which is deepened from the local (Springhead) to the global (examining world continents) throughout Key Stage 2. The knowledge learnt in this topic will help them to access their year 4 Invaders and Settlers topic, with particular reference to contemporary tools and settlements It will develop their sense of chronology and ability to examine both primary and secondary sources, particularly Skara Brae. This skill will assist their investigation of Sutton Hoo in year 4.

	School Learning Zone - Prehistoric Britain
	School Learning Zone - Stonehenge
	School Learning Zone - UK Explorers
	School Learning Zone - Map Skills
	School Learning Zone - Oceans and Continents of the World

Year 3 begin with Developing our Science Skills before moving into the topics Moving and Growing and Light and Shadows. Children learn about nutrition, skeletons and muscles, the need for light to see, how shadows are formed and patterns in shadow size. 

	Light and Shadows Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Light and Shadows Topic Mat	[pdf 200KB]
	Moving and Growing Learning Outcomes	[pdf 304KB]
	Moving and Growing Topic Mat	[pdf 287KB]

At Knowsley Junior School, we know that children achieve their best when home and school work together. This year, we have developed our approach to home learning, informed by research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

Our home learning activities are designed to be purposeful, manageable and enjoyable, reinforcing classroom learning, encouraging regular reading and helping children practise key skills. We encourage children to complete activities little and often, developing their confidence, independence and positive learning habits.

Please encourage your child to take part and use their school planner to record, share and celebrate their learning at home.

Learning happens everywhere. By working together, we can help our children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive.

• Year 3/4 Spelling Challenge – practise 5 of the Year 3 and Year 4 statutory spelling words. Can you explain their meanings and use them correctly in sentences?
• Research Challenge – find out more about the topic you are studying in school. Can you discover three interesting facts that have not been discussed in class?
• Weekly Journal – write about something you have enjoyed, learned or achieved during the week. Remember to use accurate punctuation and interesting vocabulary.
• Proofreading Challenge – choose a piece of your own writing and improve it. Check spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and whether you could use more ambitious vocabulary.
• Handwriting Grid - trace a line of joins on the handwriting grid that you have been given.