Year 3

Welcome to Year 3 – where the adventure really begins!

Year 3 is a huge milestone: the first year of Key Stage 2, a year of growing independence, bigger challenges, exciting discoveries and plenty of memorable moments. We want our children to become confident, curious and increasingly independent learners. Throughout the year, they are encouraged to take more responsibility for themselves and their learning, develop resilience, ask brilliant questions and throw themselves into new experiences.

Our curriculum takes children on three very different journeys…

👑 Gore and Grandeur

We begin by stepping into the colourful, gruesome and spectacular world of the Tudors. Children meet famous monarchs, discover what life was like for rich and poor, explore Tudor art and architecture and learn about the daring explorers who set sail into the unknown. A highlight of the topic is our visit to Haddon Hall, where history suddenly feels very real as children experience an incredible historic setting first-hand.

⚔️ Raiders and Invaders

Next, we journey back to the age of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. Children uncover what life was really like in Britain during this dramatic period, exploring invasions, settlements, warriors, beliefs and everyday life. Along the way, we dive into myths, legends and fearsome dragons, bringing the past to life through history, art, writing and creativity.

🌎 Amazing Americas

Our final adventure takes us across the Atlantic to explore the incredible continents of North and South America. Children investigate dramatic landscapes, fascinating cultures and extraordinary civilisations. We explore the traditions and colour of Day of the Dead, discover the achievements of the Ancient Maya and learn about cacao, chocolate and trade. And, of course, no chocolate-themed learning would be complete without a visit to Cadbury World!

Year 3 is about so much more than new topics. It is about becoming braver, more independent and more confident. Children begin to manage their belongings, take greater responsibility for their learning, work more independently and discover just how much they are capable of. It is a year full of history, adventure, creativity, dragons, explorers, chocolate, discovery and growing up – and we cannot wait to share it with them.

Read our ‘Everything You Need to Know’ booklet below for more information!

Many thanks,

The Year 3 Team

Mrs. Randall, Mrs. Nannua and Mrs. Bradshaw – Classroom Teachers

Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Maydew and Miss Sidebottom – Teaching Assistants

'Everything you need to know about Y3'

Year 3 Spring Term Curriculum Letter 

Teaching and Learning Policy September 2023

FS2-KS1-LKS2-UKS2 Curriculum Overviews 2023

FS2 means Foundation Stage Two; KS1 means Key Stage One (Y1 and Y2); LKS2 means Lower Key Stage Two (Y3 and Y4); UKS2 means Upper Key Stage Two (Y5 and Y6)

Reading at Markeaton Primary School

Y3 Recommended Reading list for Equality and Diversity (scroll down and use the filter on the left)

Please visit our Dates For Your Diary page for information regarding upcoming trips and activities for Year 3