Our Year 3 curriculum builds on the strong foundations established at St Mary’s in Key Stage 1, while also recognising that a significant proportion of pupils join us from other infant settings. Rooted in our values of Confidently Me, Belonging Together and Challenged to Contribute, we place a strong emphasis on creating a cohesive, inclusive learning environment where all children feel welcomed, valued and ready to learn. The autumn term prioritises settling pupils into shared routines and expectations, enabling staff to gain a clear understanding of each child’s prior experiences, strengths and next steps. This ensures that we unite as one year group, with a consistent approach that reflects both continuity for existing pupils and careful induction for those new to the school.

The curriculum itself is broad, balanced and ambitious, providing opportunities for all learners to deepen and extend their knowledge across a wide range of subjects. Building on Key Stage 1, pupils encounter increasingly challenging content in English through high-quality texts and writing approaches, and in mathematics through progressive units in number, calculation and measurement. Science, humanities and the arts further widen pupils’ understanding of the world, with topics such as the Stone Age, Romans, forces and magnets, and creative experiences in art and music ensuring depth and engagement across the curriculum. 

A key priority in Year 3 is ensuring that the needs of all learners are fully understood and met. Through careful assessment, responsive teaching and strong relationships, staff adapt provision to support both consolidation of prior learning and readiness for the increased demands of Key Stage 2. This approach ensures that children develop as confident, independent learners, ready to contribute positively to their community and fully prepared for the next stage of their education.