Year 3

'Our aim is to prepare children for the future and for lifelong learning in a diverse and everchanging world with opportunities as well as challenges.'

Mathematics

At Hatchell Wood, we use the National Curriculum and the accredited White Rose Maths to structure the long term and medium term overview of our mathematics teaching.

The vast majority of children are taught in their own year groups, in mixed abilities. In every year group, concepts are taught using concrete resources, moving on to pictorial methods before developing abstract working. This approach means that most children can access the same learning while building a solid understanding. Where appropriate, some children have a personalised curriculum. All children are given an equal opportunity to achieve to their highest potential.

English

At Hatchell Wood, we believe that every pupil has the right to be able to read, write and communicate with others effectively. English is the main medium through which the rest of the curriculum is learned and taught and a major way in which children interpret the world around them, develop knowledge and understanding and communicate with other people. The teaching of English, in all of its forms, has a high profile within the school.

Writing 

We teach writing using the 'Pathways the Write' approach. Throughout the year, we cover six different units of work which link to high-quality texts ensuring lessons are engaging and purposeful. Texts include Winter's Child by Graham Baker-Smith and Stone Age Boy by Satoshi Kitamura. Within each unit, pupils focus on non-negotibles/basic skills (Gateway Keys) and are then taught national curriculum expectations through the use of Mastery Keys and Feature Keys. The Keys are repeated, practiced and applied in new contexts in preperation for the Writeaway at the end of each unit.

Grammar and Punctuation

At Hatchell Wood, we use the National Curriculum to structure the long term and medium term overview of our spelling and grammar teaching.

Spelling

At our school, spelling is taught using the Purple Mash scheme of work, which is fully aligned with the expectations of the National Curriculum. This structured approach builds upon the secure phonics knowledge acquired in the early years and Key Stage 1, and supports pupils as they progress through Key Stage 2.

Spelling is taught through weekly lessons that incorporate a range of approaches to support learning and retention. These include direct teaching of spelling rules and patterns, exploration of word origins, and links to phonics knowledge. Lessons also include focused spelling quizzes and activities such as Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check (LSCWC) to reinforce learning. This multi-faceted approach ensures pupils develop a deep understanding of spelling and can apply their knowledge confidently and accurately across all areas of the curriculum.

Reading

At our school, we use the Pathways to Reading programme to deliver high-quality reading instruction. This structured approach ensures that all children develop the key reading skills needed to become confident, fluent readers. Each half-term, children engage in a whole-class shared text. This text forms the foundation for developing comprehension, vocabulary, and reading fluency through carefully planned lessons.

In Year 3, children also enjoy a daily ‘Story Time’ session. As well as creating a positive and pleasurable reading experience, this time is designed to:

• Provide opportunities to encounter new words and enriching vocabulary – children hear words that may not arise in everyday conversation.

• Help children appreciate the beauty, rhythm, and structure of language.

• Allow children to enjoy and understand texts beyond their current reading ability.

• Enhance imagination and observation skills.

• Improve critical and creative thinking.

• Expand general knowledge and understanding of the world.

• Develop empathy by connecting with the experiences of characters and peers.

• Model fluent, expressive reading to support children's own reading development.

• Support comprehension of more complex texts.

• Encourage a lifelong love of reading and motivate children to read independently.

By combining Pathways to Reading with engaging story sessions and rich texts, we ensure that reading is not only a vital skill but also a source of enjoyment, inspiration, and curiosity.

The Wider Curriculum

PSHE

We use the EC Primary scheme of work to support children in learning about themselves and others, helping them to feel valued, confident and prepared for the world around them. It enables them to build positive relationships, understand their feelings, and develop the skills they need to care for themselves and those around them as they grow.

Religious Education

We use the Kapow RE scheme of work to learn about different religions and beliefs. Christianity is taught in every year group, with Christmas and Easter given new treatment each year, developing the learning in a progressive way. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism are also covered.

French

We use the Mr French scheme to deliver French, and cover topics such as pets, where I live, at home, at school and in the classroom.

Music

We use the new model Charanga scheme of learning to deliver music, alongside ukulele lessons taught by a teacher from the Doncaster Music Hub.

Home Learning

Year 3 children have access to Times Tables Rock Stars to ensure that they can practise leaning their multiplication facts on a regular basis.	Year 3 children are required to read at home to an adult at least 4 times per week.

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