Year 3 Topic 2
Year 3 - Topic 2
Geography - Local Area: Why is Ward End special?
This topic consolidates the children's geographical understanding by revisiting their local area through enriched knowledge of features, mapping and place significance. Positioned at the start of Year 3, it prepares pupils to make meaningful comparisons with other places in future study.
This topic will begin with the children thinking about their local area and sharing their favourite destination. They will draw a map to show the journey from their home to their favourite place and then talk about this with a partner. This topic is about celebrating their local area, Ward End. The children will gain a better understanding of their local area, Ward End by looking at the area from a geographical perspective. The children will explore the question: Why is Ward End special?
Children will learn to recognise and name human features (such as houses, schools and shops) and physical features (such as trees, grass and rivers). They will use simple maps, photographs and observations to explore places that are familiar to them. Through discussions and activities, children will talk about how people use different places and what makes Ward End important and special. The children will also go on a walk in the local area with their class.
In English, the children will be developing their reading and writing skills through a range of exciting texts and activities. They will read and explore a nonfiction text; Ice Bear and use the information to create their own factual report. They will also study The Iron Man, retelling part of the story in their own words to show their understanding of characters, events and language. In addition, they will read Coming to England, by Floella Benjamin, and use it as inspiration to write their own diary entry and a recount, reflecting on the themes and ideas in the story. These activities will help the children build their comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills across different genres.
In their science topics; Nutrition and Rocks the children will learn about food, healthy eating, and rocks through a series of engaging steps. They will begin by exploring the five food groups and understanding how these contribute to a balanced diet, before comparing different diets, including those of animals, to see how nutritional needs can vary. They will also consider the issue of food waste, learning what it is and how we can reduce it to help the environment. In addition, the children will investigate rocks by identifying, grouping and testing their properties, before carrying out a local rock survey to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. To enhance the rock topic, we are hiring a rocks loan box from Lapworth Museum of Geology. The rock loan box contains a selection of rock specimens from every step of the rock cycle, including real volcanic rocks and ash from around the world. Through these activities, they will develop their scientific enquiry skills and build a deeper understanding of healthy living and the natural world.