Spellings

New spelling words are taught explicitly during the first week of each spelling cycle, and the children have lots of opportunities to practise them throughout the week in school.

The 15 spelling words in each cycle usually follow a specific spelling rule. We focus on the word class of each word, its definition, and how we can apply our prior phonics knowledge to support spelling.

Children are then tested on the spelling words at the end of each two-week cycle on a Friday.

Handwriting

Handwriting is practised regularly throughout the week and is an important part of our curriculum. The children are taught how to form their letters correctly, paying close attention to size, orientation and positioning on the line. As their confidence and letter formation develop, they will begin to join letters appropriately to improve the fluency and presentation of their writing. We encourage children to take pride in their handwriting, as clear and legible presentation helps them to communicate their ideas effectively and supports their overall progress across the curriculum.

Reading

In Year 3, children take part in four taught reading sessions each week. These sessions focus on developing key reading skills, including fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and reading with prosody (expression and intonation). Children will have regular opportunities to discuss texts, answer questions and practise reading aloud with confidence. In addition to these sessions, children read quietly on a daily basis each afternoon. Children are also encouraged to read regularly at home to further develop their reading skills and foster a love of reading.