Welcome to the Summer Term!

I look forward to updating you on all the wonderful activities and learning that will be happening!

Please find some useful information and documents below. This includes the KIRFS - Key Instant Recall Facts - great ideas for everyday, essential Maths practice to keep all those skills ticking over.

Please note that P.E. will continue to take place on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mrs Ryker 

Easter Wishes!

This morning, the Easter bunny visited school and the children really enjoyed finding their hidden eggs! Even more, they then loved munching on their chocolate eggs - as you can see from the photo! 

I would like to thank you so much for the extremely kind gifts and cards that your children gave me for my birthday. This was so unexpected and very much appreciated,. The children also enjoyed popcorn whilst watching some entertainment! It was lovely to spend the day with the children!

May I also wish you a very Happy Easter and a lovely break.  I look forward to seeing you all in late April.

Mrs Ryker 

Year 3 Visit to Butser Ancient Farm - 17.3.25

Linked to our exciting topic on the Romans, Nightingale Class visited Butser Ancient Farm.

It really was a fascinating place, with reconstructed Stone Age, Anglo Saxon and Iron Age homes. Our base was an Iron Age roundhouse, complete with a roaring wood fire. The children learned about how the homes were constructed before moving onto taking part in an archaelogical dig. The children loved this and dug up all sorts of weird and wonderful objects and artefacts. 

Next, we explored the beautifully-constructed Roman villa.  The children's favourite part was learning all about the toilets and how going to the toilet was quite a social event. People used to play chess with the person next to them to while away the time and used a sponge on a stick as toilet paper!

After lunch, we designed and created mosaic patterns using coloured tiles, inspired by the recreated mosaic floor outside the villa. Following this, was a jewellery session in which the children enjoyed making either a ring or a bracelet out of copper wire. For the final activity, it was back to the roundhouse for a session exploring Roman artefacts.

It was a brilliant day, much enjoyed by all! Enjoy the photos of our visit!

Mrs Ryker 

World Book Day - 6.3.25

As ever in Nightingale Class, we really got into the spirit of World Book Day. Thank you so much to all parents, carers and children for making such a wonderful effort with costumes!  Appearing exclusively were book characters such as: Harry Potter, Hermione and a very dapper Willy Wonka, Also featured were: a couple of BFGs, Gangsta Granny, Dogman, The Worst Witch, Spaceboy, a sneaky burglar, a fabulous unicorn, Isadora Moon, Danny the Champion of the World, a soldier and some footballers. An adorable Paddington was also in attendance! The children enjoyed lots of fun book-related activities, including watching a BBC Live Lesson.  The Year 6 children paired up with the Year 3 for some paired reading which was much enjoyed. The children also enjoyed the ‘Book Café’, where the children sat together at tables with some books from the library, both fiction and non-fiction. A couple of biscuits were nibbled on during this too! It was fantastic to see the children finding pleasure in books that they may not yet have experienced.

Enjoy some photos of our special day! You may notice that our young wizards and witches were magically transported to Hogwarts in two of them!

Mrs Ryker 

Valentine's Day 2025 

Here in Year 3, love is definitely in the air today! The children and adults came to school in Mufti clothes with a red or pink theme and look splendid, as you can see from the photos!  It is fantastic that so many people gave a contribution and these monies will be donated to the chosen charity of the School Council and the Inclusion Ambassadors - The British Heart Foundation. In class, we also learned about the origin of Valentine's Day, learning about St. Valentine himself.

May I also take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy half-term break.

Mrs Ryker 

Geography/Science Fieldwork - 13.2.25

Linked to both their Geography topic on Volcanoes and their Science topic on Rocks, Year 3 enjoyed some exciting 'Mapping Rocks' fieldwork today. Their objective was to observe and record the location of rocks around the school and to discuss their findings.  The children had a map of the school grounds on which to record and also reference pictures and descriptions to try to decide whether the rocks were Igneous, Sedimentary or Metamorphic. The children were able to explore the Forest School area, the playground and the field. It was fascinating to see how many different types of rock they found - around 60 in total! Notable amongst these were:  Granite (Igneous), Limestone and Flint (Sedimentary) and Slate (Metamorphic).  Once back in the classroom, one of our budding geologists even decided to try to identify some rocks using his new reading book! This really was a fantastic way to bring Science and Geography alive for the children. 

Enjoy the photos!

Mrs Ryker 

Scintillating Science Investigation!

Testing the Drainage Rate of Different Soils! 6.2.25

For our final investigation in our 'Rocks and Soils' Topic, we worked as a class to investigate 4 different types of soil: Chalk Loam, Sandy Soil, Chalk Soil and Clay Soil.

Firstly, the children made a prediction as to the drainage rate of the types of soil. Once again, the children were reminded how to carry out a 'fair test', changing only one variable each time – the type of soil and keeping all other variables the same.

They then worked brilliantly, setting up the investigation, making observations and then recording.  Our results showed that the Sandy Soil drained the quickest, with the Chalk soil draining the slowest.

Well done everyone!

Mrs Ryker 

Science - Fantastic Fossils!  30.1.25

As part of our topic on 'Rocks and Soils', Nightingale Class have been learning all about fossils. Naturally, the children are finding this absolutely fascinating and it was lovely to learn where fossil-hunting all started, finding out about the amazing story of Mary Anning, a famous 19th Century British fossil-hunter and paleontologist. 

The children have explored and handled some real and replica fossils and learned how fossils form and why they are so important in helping us to learn about the past. The fossils included: ammonites, fish, a sea-urchin, a dinosaur tooth, a shrimp, a seed fern and a reptile footprint.

Enjoy the photos!

Mrs Ryker 

Maths - Times Tables  27.1.25

The children have been working really hard to secure their knowledge of the times tables we have been learning, both in class and as homework. This week, they had great fun doing just this by playing times tables games in pairs!

Mrs Ryker 

Science - Rocks      17.1.25

This term, linked to our fabulous topic of 'Extreme Earth', the children are learning all about Rocks! 

We embarked on a full-scale investigation of grouping Rocks according to their properties. Before starting the experiment, the children made predictions and thought about their method. We also talked about what a 'Fair Test' is. They then worked in small groups with 8 different types of rock to determine the appearance, the permeability, the durability (using vinegar to replicate acid rain) and the hardness of each one (by scratching the surface with a nail). The children did brilliantly learning all this new scientific vocabulary! Please enjoy the slideshow of photos below to see how brilliantly the children worked together in their groups, as they made their discoveries! 

Mrs Ryker 

Happy 2025!

I hope that you all had a wonderful break with families and friends.

I have loved welcoming the children back into school for this Spring Term - I have lots of exciting learning in store!

Please do look at the documents below as they contain important information with regard to the Spring Term. The KIRFS (Key Instant Recall Facts) are very useful for keeping basic maths skills ticking over at home.

*Please be advised that the P.E. days have stayed the same this term, being on a Monday and a Tuesday.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Mrs Ryker 

Please note that the above timetable may vary on any day for various reasons.

P.E., however, will always take place on a Monday and a Tuesday.

Dear Nightingales and Parents

First of all, may I say an enormous thank you for the lovely gifts, both collective and individual, that you and the children have so kindly given me. The children had a lovely chilled day, enjoying a movie with popcorn!

What an absolutely wonderful term it has been! The fantastic children in Nightingale Class have all worked so hard, so happily and with such amazing commitment. They sing along with me too, which gives me great joy!  I have not set any formal homework over the holiday in terms of Spelling and Times Tables but the children may find a sheet detailing some essential tasks for the break in their Christmas gift bag from me! 

I hope that you all have a fantastic break with some real downtime and here's to a healthy and Happy New Year. Merry Christmas to you all!

With Love and Best Wishes 

Mrs Ryker 

Christmas 2024!

We've all had such a busy time in the run-up to Christmas, with some children performing beautifully at The Savill Garden and St. Michael's Church with Singing Club and then in our Carol Concert, also at the Church.

The children looked amazingly festive in their Christmas jumpers - they also really enjoyed their Christmas lunch!

Mrs Ryker 

Iron Age Crimewatch AD50!

Who killed the 52 bodies at Maiden Castle?

December 2024

As a culmination to their fabulous History topic this term, the Nightingales became archaeological detectives to solve the above Iron Age mystery. They were given just the briefest of background information before being let loose to explore the evidence. 

The children worked really well, collaborating and discussing the evidence before deciding on which was the most likely theory!

Christmas Card Competition Winner!

Our class entered a competition to design a Christmas card for our recently-elected MP, Jack Rankin.

One of our talented class members was among the lucky winners! Mr Rankin visited the Year 3 class to present him with a certificate, a card and a big box of cards with his winning design to give to family and friends. What an achievement - well done!

Mrs Ryker 

History - Autumn 2024

The children have loved learning about the fascinating period in prehistory - The Stone Age to the Iron Age.

In this session, the children explored artefacts found buried in the grave of 'The Amesbury Archer' and thought about what they thought the objects were, what they were used for, what they were made from and what they could tell us about the man himself!

Mrs Ryker

Forest School Sessions - Autumn Term 2024

The children have hugely enjoyed enjoying the delights of our wonderful outdoor space this term, with team-building activities and also a DT session building a home for a Stone-Age person, linked to this term's topic. Enjoy the photos!

Marvellous Music! - Autumn Term 2024

This term, the children have been exploring the sounds of fireworks and recreating them with musical instruments! Each pair chose a firework, created music to represent it and the rest of the class had to guess which firework it was. They did brilliantly!

Mrs Ryker 

Scintillating Science Investigations - Autumn Term 2024!

The children had fun with their science investigation this topic! In our 'Light and Dark' topic, we have been looking at whether objects or materials are transparent, translucent or opaque.  We've also investigated how and why we have Day and Night, with the help of a globe and a torch!

We've also learned how shadows are formed and we investigated whether different translucent, opaque and transparent materials and objects cast dark or light shadows or no shadows at all.  In addition, investigations were launched to determine how shadows change throughout the day and how the distance of a light source affects the size of a shadow. Enjoy the photos from our dynamic sessions!

Mrs Ryker 

Year 3 Hallowe'en themed Cake Sale - October 2024

A massive thanks to all Year 3 parents for their phenomenal effort and time in putting together this most excellent cake sale!

As you can see, the quantity and variety of the cakes on offer was stunning and raised a wonderful amount of funds for the class!

Mrs Ryker 

Surprise Diwali Festival Celebration!

In Year 3, we have been learning all about Diwali, which coincides with the time that Hindus across the world celebrate this colourful Festival of Light - a triumph of Good over Evil and Light over Darkness. The word 'diwali' means 'row of lit lamps'. The key question for the topic is: 'Would celebrating Diwali at home or in the temple bring a feeling of community to a Hindu child?' 

The children were then surprised with a Diwali celebration in class, which was an immersive experience to support them in understanding how a Hindu child might feel during this celebration. Strings of lights lit up the classroom and authentic clay candle holders (diwas or diyas) were placed around the classroom and on the children's tables. Each with their own candle (non-flame of course!), the children took part in some Indian dancing, performing a fantastic Diwali dance.  We then watched a spectacular laser light show and fireworks display online and listened to traditional and more modern Indian music. During this, the children were treated to a Diwali feast of cake, chocolate, poppadom snacks, crisps and squash. 

Hopefully, the children will now feel confident when thinking about how a Hindu child might feel during this celebration. It was delightful to see their joyful faces - it was a wonderful afternoon! Enjoy the photos.

Mrs Ryker 

Our Enterprising Pupil!

Last weekend, one of our lovely Year 3 children very kindly decided to raise some money for the school. She held a loom band sale in front of her home and raised £13.09 for the school!

Well done and thank you so much 

Roald Dahl Day - 12th September 2024

What a fantastic day we had! The children started with Roald Dahl colouring and word searches, before moving on to learning all about the life of Roald Dahl himself. We then talked about the different types of characters in his stories and the children created their own 'Dahl-esque' hero or villain. A large part of Roald Dahl's style is, of course, captured in his humour and the children enjoyed watching animations of 'The Enormous Crocodile' and some 'Revolting Rhymes'.

A highlight of the day was sketching an image of Willy Wonka along with Roald Dahl's famous illustrator, Quentin Blake himself.  The children could see how anyone can be a fabulous artist by drawing this way!

Then it was onto 'Gobblefunk' - the ridiculous and often hilarious words created by Roald Dahl. The Nightingales used the 'Gobblefunk Generator' to create their own words and also created their own Roald Dahl names! Throughout the day, the children also enjoyed listening to the wonderful music of the iconic film 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda'.

It was all great fun and much enjoyed by all. The children - a collection of Matildas, Willie Wonkas, Sophies, BFGs, Charlies, a Miss Trunchbull and even a Wonka Bar to name but a few - all looked incredible in their costumes! Thank you so much to all parents and children for your wonderful efforts - the dressing up really enhanced the day.

Please see below for a slideshow of the photographs taken on the day - enjoy!

Mrs Ryker 

Welcome to new Nightingales and Parents!

I'd like to welcome all parents, carers and children to the Nightingale Class Page and also to the brand new school year! 

On this page you will find lots of relevant information, documentation, as well as news and photos of what the children have been doing in class, so please do pop by regularly! Please see below some really useful documents to give you lots of information about different aspects of your child's learning in Year 3, including our daily timetable and the Autumn Topic Overview.

It's fantastic to get started and to get to know all of you! We look forward to a very happy and successful year. 

Mrs Ryker 

Maths

I have provided the Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFS) for Year 3 below. Daily practice of these will help to improve your child's mental calculation skills.  Your child has also brought home a hard copy of these.  I will post new KIRFS every half term, so please do pop back!

Times Tables

Next week, your child will be allocated with a Times Table sheet to practise on during the week. This sheet is not for handing in, just to use for practice. Times Tables tests will be held each Monday, starting with Monday 18th September. Please note that this may sometimes be subject to change, depending on events in class. If your child has two mistakes or fewer, they will move on to the next Times Table. Otherwise, they will stay on the same sheet until they demonstrate that they are secure before moving on. I would like to stress that it is not a race or a competition to move through the times tables as quickly as possible. It is vital that the children are secure in both the multiplication and the corresponding division facts before they move on. 

The order that times tables are allocated is:

2, 10, 5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 7, 9, 11, 12

This is in line with the order they are taught in the curriculum.  6 and 8 come before 7 and 9 because we teach the children that they are double the 3 and 4 times tables.

A fantastic way for your child to practise their times tables in on the online resource ‘Times Tables Rock Stars’ (TTRS), which you may already be familiar with. Each week, I allocate your child their specific times table on TTRS and we would ask that you encourage your child to only work on the times tables that have been set in the Garage Section. 

As you are aware, each child has their own individual login for TTRS, which they can access from home on a suitable device (computer, phone or tablet). I am sending home another copy of these (along with a reminder of their Purple Mash login.)

Reading

In Year 3, it is our expectation that children should please be reading every day as part of their homework.  Wherever possible, this should involve reading to/with an adult and, although this may only be for a short time, it is vital for your child's progress. In addition to supporting word reading and comprehension of the books being read, we would love you to encourage your child to develop a real passion for reading.  To support the choosing of appropriate books, please find some recommended texts for Year 3 children below.

Spelling

Each week, (starting next week), your child will bring home a sheet with the week's spellings. The idea is that they practise these spellings daily please. This work does not need to be handed in. We will also practise these spellings daily in school as one of our morning tasks. The children will then have a spelling test every Tuesday, commencing Tuesday 17th September.

Please see below for lists of the Years 1&2 and Years 3&4 Common Exception Words, as well as some useful tips for supporting your child when practising spelling.