Any change can be a bit scary and even the most robust child can sometimes feel anxious about the move to a new class. It is important to have as smooth a transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 as possible, to help ensure children are happy and confident about their move as well as promoting emotional security. Here is some general guidance and useful information about how Year 3 works and what you can do to help your child get ready for Year 3.
The day starts promptly with registration at 8.25am in the Year 3 classrooms (G1 and G2). The children may start arriving from 8.00am and are actively encouraged to say goodbye to their parents before entering the classroom. Year 3 are predominantly based in their classrooms for all academic subjects, they will, however, move around for performing arts (PFA), art, games and music lessons.
It is important for children to be organised and all children should have a small named pencil case containing a rubber, ruler and pencils. Colouring pencils and felt tips are provided by form tutors. We recommend that children have a small rucksack to keep their things in and must also bring in a filled water bottle daily. Their bags will go onto named pegs outside of the classroom, but all Games equipment should be taken to the sports hall, and musical instruments should be taken to the music room on the Monday of each week. Don’t forget to name everything! You can help your child by encouraging them to get ready the night before school so the mornings can be dedicated to a good, relaxing breakfast.
The children will be in two tutor groups but lessons happen in 3 class groups. On their first day, each child receives a handbook, with a copy of their academic timetable. Music lessons will be timetabled separately as well as any learning support lessons. You can help by sharing the timetable with your child so they become familiar and comfortable with it.
The children have daily tutor sessions from 10.20-10.40am and afternoon tutor sessions from 2.00-2.50pm, apart from Thursdays when there are sports matches. The children will have a range of different activities during tutor time and this may include reading in class, library sessions, PSHEE, circle time, times tables practice and finishing off work.
The end of the day is 3.45-4.00pm and parents are asked to wait outside the Year 3 corridors to pick up their child/children who will be handed over by their form tutor, except for Thursday afternoons when this is done by the Games staff.
There will be homework and there are some things you can do to help. Check your child’s planner regularly, and encourage them to decide when they want to do their work: would they rather get it out of the way as soon as they get home, or do it later when they’ve had a chance to relax? Be available to help with homework, but avoid hovering over your child while they’re doing it: it’s important that they learn to work independently, however, encourage them to ask for help if they need it.
Finally, it’s important to keep talking to your child about school and ask about how they’re finding the changes. In my experience children are hugely adaptable and usually settle within a few weeks, however, they may be unusually tired – don’t worry, this is really normal. Your class teachers are there to help and guide, so do talk to them if you have any concerns.
Sam Hopwood
Head of Pre-Prep – EYFS and Years 1 – 3
