Year 3/4 Willow - A Busy Week of Learning and Creativity!
This week in Year 3/4 Willow, we’ve had another action-packed few days filled with hands-on activities, creativity, and teamwork. 
DT: Building Anglo-Saxon Houses
On Friday afternoon, the children had the chance to learn some fantastic new skills in Design and Technology (DT). They’ve been working hard to create their own Anglo-Saxon houses, and this week, they tackled some tricky tasks, including measuring, cutting with a saw and bench hook, using hot glue guns, and hammering nails into wood. Throughout the session, the children listened carefully to instructions, which helped them stay focused and complete each step successfully. It was a busy afternoon, but their ability to listen and follow directions made all the difference. By the end of the session, each child had made the roof, sides, and frame of their house, and next week, we’ll be putting everything together to complete their projects. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished results! A big thank you to all the wonderful parent helpers who came in to support us; we truly couldn’t have done it without you!
Writing Brochures on Anglo-Saxon Life
In our English lessons, the children have been learning about persuasive writing and using these skills to create brochures about Anglo-Saxon life. They’ve been exploring the features of persuasive writing, such as using exciting language, rhetorical questions, and facts to encourage the reader to learn more. Throughout this process, the children listened carefully to feedback from their peers and teachers, which helped them improve their writing. They’ve worked hard to make their brochures both informative and persuasive, and we can’t wait to see the final drafts!
Maths: Exploring Fractions and More
In maths this week, Year 3/4 Willow has been busy learning all about fractions. The children have been developing their understanding of fractions by working on identifying, comparing, and simplifying fractions. They’ve been practising how to represent fractions visually using fraction walls and pie charts, which has really helped them grasp the concept of parts of a whole. As always, the children have been great listeners, carefully following instructions during problem-solving activities and discussions. We’ve also been exploring how to add and subtract simple fractions with the same denominator, and next week, we’ll move on to learning about fractions of amounts. It’s been fantastic to see the children building their confidence with fractions, and we’re excited to continue exploring this important area of maths. Alongside this, we’ve been revising place value, multiplication and division, and problem-solving, ensuring that all areas of the curriculum are being covered. The children are really progressing well, and their ability to listen attentively has been key to their success.
Another wonderful week in Year 3/4 Willow, with lots of learning, creativity, and fun. Thank you to everyone for your continued support!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see how our Anglo-Saxon houses come together, and we’re already planning more hands-on activities for next week. Stay tuned!

This week, our spellings focus is on apostrophes for both Year 3 and Year 4 students. We’ll be learning how to correctly use them in various contexts.
In History, we have been learning all about Anglo-Saxon villages. It’s great to see the children developing such a positive attitude towards their learning, taking on new challenges with enthusiasm. Their ability to ask questions and seek clarification shows they’re building their resilience and confidence in tackling difficult tasks.
Today in DT, we practised measuring and cutting with saws. The children worked brilliantly in pairs, with wonderful support from parents and grandparents. A huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers! This session was a perfect opportunity for students to show their perseverance and attention to detail, qualities that will help them grow both in and outside of the classroom. We’re really proud of their resilience as they continued to try, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned!
We’ve been talking a lot about the importance of a positive attitude towards learning. It’s so inspiring to see the children persevering through their mistakes and approaching each new task with determination. Resilience is key to their success!
This week, we have been completing our end-of-unit English writing. We’ve been exploring travel brochures and practising persuasive writing. The children have used features such as sub-headings, descriptive language, rhetorical questions, commands, and conjunctions. I’m incredibly impressed by their efforts. Not only have they been applying their skills thoughtfully, but they’ve also shown incredible perseverance, taking time to revise their drafts and improve their work. They’re really beginning to understand that resilience isn’t just about being good at something right away—it’s about the effort we put in and learning from the process.

​In Art, we’re enjoying exploring light and shade in different ways. The children have been sketching and shading 3D shapes and mixing tints and shades with watercolours. It’s been fantastic to see them experimenting and trying new techniques with a positive attitude, embracing the learning process even when the results weren’t exactly what they expected. This is exactly the kind of resilience we want to nurture in all aspects of their learning.

Week beginning 2nd March - World Book Day & PSHE
What an amazing week! The highlight of the week was World Book Day! The children came dressed as their favourite book characters, showcasing their creativity. We spent the day reading, sharing stories, and discussing our favourite books. The kids also took part in a book-related quiz where they had to guess characters from popular stories based on clues. It was a fantastic celebration of reading!
In PSHE, we focused on understanding emotions and how we can express ourselves in healthy ways. The class participated in a group activity where they discussed different emotions and shared strategies for dealing with difficult feelings. It was a great reminder of how important it is to be in tune with our emotions and understand others' feelings.

Week beginning 7th March - Homework Focus, Learning & PSHE
This week, Year 3 have been enjoying reading a snow poem and working on their reading comprehension, while Year 4 has been exploring the fascinating world of habitats, learning about how animals adapt to different environments. In Maths, Year 3 students have been tackling missing number problems. They’re learning to start with the answer and work backwards, which has been tricky but fun. Year 4 are continuing to master column addition and subtraction with numbers up to 5 digits.
In PSHE, we discussed the importance of kindness and empathy. The students shared stories of times when they helped others or received help, reinforcing the idea of kindness in both big and small ways. It’s been heart-warming to see how thoughtful and supportive the class is toward each other.

Week beginning 16th February - Science, PSHE, & Homework
We’ve been busy in Science, with Year 3 learning about the best conditions for plants to grow, including light, water, and soil quality. The students were interested to test their ideas and see the results of their experiments!
In PSHE, we focused on teamwork. We discussed what makes a good team and how each member contributes to the success of the group. The class participated in team-building activities, solving problems together and reinforcing the value of cooperation and trust in group settings.
In Maths, Year 3 students worked on column addition and subtraction with 2 and 3-digit numbers, while Year 4 students practiced column addition and subtraction up to 5 digits. They’re gaining confidence and becoming faster with these skills.

Week beginning 24th February - PE, PSHE, & Maths
This week, we had a PE update — our Saints South West coaching staff has changed, and we now have two sessions per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. The students are loving the lessons, working on their fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Don’t forget to send your child in their PE kit on these days!
In PSHE, we focused on setting goals. The students discussed personal goals they would like to achieve, and we worked together to come up with practical steps to reach them. It’s been a great way to inspire them to think about their future aspirations and how to work toward them.
In Maths, Year 3 students continued practicing column addition and subtraction with 2 and 3-digit numbers, while Year 4 worked on numbers up to 5 digits. They’re improving their fluency every day!

Week beginning 11th February - A Thank You from Mrs. Nuthall & PSHE
This week, we had a special farewell for Mrs. Nuthall. She said goodbye to the class with a fun egg hunt (93 chocolate eggs hidden around the classroom!) and a heartfelt thank you. She expressed how much she’s enjoyed teaching the class and how proud she is of each of them. It was a lovely way to end the week.
In PSHE, we discussed how to handle change and transitions. The students shared their thoughts and feelings about the change in teachers and how they could approach new experiences with a positive attitude. It was a great conversation that helped the children feel confident and supported.
We also enjoyed our first every school talent show!

Week beginning 10th February - Book Club fun and amazing watercolours!
We wrapped up our book club this week, with the class finishing the text and having a fantastic time discussing the plot, characters, and what they enjoyed most about the story. We’re all excited to watch the film adaptation together soon!
In PSHE, we focused on friendship and what makes a good friend. The children shared qualities they look for in a friend and reflected on how they can be a supportive and kind friend to others. It was a meaningful conversation that reminded the class of the value of strong, trusting friendships.
Art Focus: Watercolours and Still Life Compositions 
In Art, the children have been working hard on their watercolour techniques. They’ve been focusing on light and shade, creating tints and shades to make their drawings appear more 3D. Next week, they will arrange and sketch their own still life compositions, putting everything they’ve learned into practice. The class is doing a fantastic job with their artwork. 

Week 5 Blog: Exciting Learning and Film Review Plans
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
1st February 2025
This week has been another busy and exciting one in Willow Class!
In English, the children have continued developing their creative writing, focusing on dialogue and descriptive language. Their stories are coming along beautifully, and I’ve been impressed by how they are incorporating speech punctuation and expanded noun phrases to add detail. I’ve also seen a significant improvement in how students are reading their work aloud to the class. This not only helps with their writing but also builds confidence in public speaking, which is a big achievement for many of them.
In Maths, we’ve been expanding our multiplication skills. The children are doing a great job of breaking down numbers and applying place value concepts to solve problems. I’m also noticing several students working together and helping others who are struggling with these concepts. This collaborative effort has fostered a stronger sense of teamwork in the class, with students taking the initiative to help peers with their times tables. Some students have set personal goals to improve their speed and accuracy with multiplication, and their determination is really paying off.
In History, we’ve been debating whether the Anglo-Saxons were invaders or settlers. The children have engaged in some fantastic discussions, with everyone expressing their views clearly. This activity has not only deepened their historical understanding but has also helped them improve their debating and listening skills. It’s so encouraging to see how the children are developing the ability to respect others' opinions while sharing their own.
At the end of next week, we’re planning to watch a film adaptation of Cinnamon as part of our book club work. The children have been reading the text and will compare the film version to the book in a review. It’s a great opportunity for the children to practice critical thinking and analytical skills.
The children have been very eager to engage with the homework this week, particularly the writing tasks that tie into our current English topic. They’re taking the time to focus on improving their writing skills, especially with their use of descriptive language and creative dialogue. Many are also keen to continue practicing their multiplication tables at home, setting new goals for themselves each week.

Week 4 Blog: Focused Learning and Talent Show Fun
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
21st January 2025
It’s been a great week in Willow Class, with lots of active learning and creativity on display.
In PE, the children continue to develop their hockey skills, and I’ve been impressed by how well they work together in teams. I’ve seen students taking on leadership roles, helping each other out with strategies and offering encouragement. It’s great to see how their teamwork is progressing, as they work not just on their individual skills but also on collaboration and communication.
In Science, we’ve been learning about the ear and how sound travels. The children have shown great curiosity about this topic, asking thoughtful questions and performing experiments to test their understanding. It’s exciting to see them connecting what they’re learning in class to real-world experiences.
This week, we also had some more talent show auditions, and it was fantastic to see the children’s confidence grow. Many stepped out of their comfort zones to share their talents, from singing to magic tricks. Watching the children face their nerves and support each other has been a wonderful reminder of how far they’ve come in their personal development. The talent show is an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their skills and grow even more confident in front of an audience.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how the children continue to support one another, especially as we work toward the final show.
The children have also been working hard on their homework, particularly with spelling and multiplication practice. Several students have set specific goals to improve their times tables, and they’re doing a fantastic job of tracking their progress. It’s inspiring to see how dedicated they are to achieving their goals.

Week 3 Blog: Debating History and Mastering Multiplication
Mrs. Hoole, Year 3/4 Teacher
17th January 2025
This week has been filled with lively debates and exciting learning experiences in Willow Class.
In History, we’ve been discussing whether the Anglo-Saxons were invaders or settlers. The children were split in their opinions, with some focusing on the battles and migrations, while others argued that the Anglo-Saxons were settlers who shaped British culture. It was a fantastic debate, and I was impressed by the maturity of their discussions. The ability to present and defend their opinions in a respectful way is something I’ve seen a lot of growth in this term.
In Maths, we’ve been building on our multiplication and division skills. This week, we’ve been focusing on multiplying by 10 and 100, and the children are doing well at breaking down numbers to simplify their calculations. Several students have made it their goal to master the multiplication tables for 10, 100, and 1000, and I’m already seeing great improvements in their recall.
In Art, we’ve been experimenting with tints and shades on Thisissand.com, which has been a creative and enjoyable way to practice using colours. It’s wonderful to see the children express themselves artistically, and it’s clear that many are developing a strong interest in visual arts.
The class is really coming together as a team, helping each other both in and out of class. It’s been a pleasure watching them collaborate, especially during group work and discussions. They’re learning how to listen to others, share ideas, and offer constructive feedback.
The children’s enthusiasm for their homework continues to shine. They’re taking pride in their work, whether it's practicing their spellings or working through math problems. Many have expressed their desire to improve their multiplication skills further and are setting daily practice goals.

Week 2 Blog: Exploring the Past and Writing Creative Stories
Mrs. Hoole, Year 3/4 Teacher
10th January 2025
Another busy week in Willow Class! We’ve been working hard across the curriculum, and the children are making fantastic progress.
In History, we’ve shifted our focus from the Romans to the Anglo-Saxons and Scots. We’ve been learning about the role of archaeologists and how they piece together history using evidence. The students particularly enjoyed the sorting activities with artefacts, as it allowed them to actively engage in learning about the past. It’s great to see their curiosity grow as they ask thoughtful questions and make connections.
In English, we’ve dived deeper into Cinnamon, and the children are developing their own stories inspired by the book. They’ve been using speech punctuation and expanded noun phrases to add depth to their writing. I’m thrilled by the creativity they’re displaying, and several students have expressed how much fun they’re having in crafting their stories.
In Maths, we’re making strides with multiplication and division. This week, we’ve been working on understanding factor pairs and using multiplication and division in inverse operations. The children are becoming more confident in their ability to solve problems independently.
In Music, we’ve started learning the recorder! Year 3 students will focus on GAB notes, while Year 4 students will practice GABCD and begin reading staff notation. The students are excited about our end-of-term performance, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Week 1 Blog: Starting Strong – A New Year in Willow Class
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
6th January 2025
Happy New Year, Willow Class families! We’re back from the Christmas break, and it’s been a lovely start to the term. The children are settling back into their routines and diving into some exciting new topics.
In PE, the children are continuing to develop their hockey skills on Mondays and Thursdays. They’re working hard on coordination and teamwork, and it’s been wonderful to see them grow more confident with each lesson.
In Science, we’ve started learning about sound. The children are asking some great questions and exploring how sounds travel. It’s exciting to see their natural curiosity come to life as they investigate different sounds in the classroom.
In History, we’ve kicked off our topic on the Anglo-Saxons and Scots. The children have been learning about archaeology and how we use evidence to understand history. They’ve shown a lot of enthusiasm for this subject, especially as we look at real-life artefacts.
In English, we’re continuing our book club work on Cinnamon, and the children have been using the text as inspiration for their own creative writing. It’s wonderful to see their imaginations take flight!
Looking forward to another fantastic term of learning ahead!


Writing, Maths, and Preparing for Christmas
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
15th December 2024
This week, Willow Class has been working hard and getting into the Christmas spirit!
In English, we’ve been focusing on writing information texts. The children have been researching various topics, such as wind power, wind farms, and renewable energy. They’ve done a fantastic job organizing their writing into clear sections with headings and bullet points. The children have really embraced structuring their work to present facts in an engaging and informative way, which ties in with the Year 3/4 National Curriculum's emphasis on writing for different purposes.
In Maths, we’ve been continuing with multiplication and division. The children have been practicing their times tables, particularly the 3, 4, and 8 times tables, and using these to solve word problems. This week, we also revisited division with remainders, which they are now applying confidently to problem-solving tasks. They’ve been using multiplication and division facts to solve real-world problems, which is a key skill outlined in the National Curriculum.

As we approach Christmas, the children have also started preparing for our festive celebrations. They’ve been working on Christmas-themed decorations and planning for a class party, which I’m sure will be a highlight of the term!

Christmas Preparations, Maths, and Wind Power
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
8th December 2024
This week has been full of exciting learning and Christmas preparations in Willow Class!
In English, we’ve continued our focus on writing descriptive texts. The children have been using expanded noun phrases, similes, and varied sentence structures to describe winter scenes and festive settings. It’s been a joy to read their creative writing, with many students adding rich details that paint vivid pictures. This ties into the National Curriculum’s focus on writing with increased creativity and using a wider range of sentence types.
In Maths, we’ve been deepening our understanding of multiplication and division. The children have been focusing on multiplying and dividing numbers by 10 and 100, as well as solving word problems. They’ve also been practicing dividing numbers with remainders and using these skills to solve real-life problems, which has helped improve their fluency and confidence in tackling number operations.

The children have also been enjoying some early Christmas craft projects ready for the Christmas fete. We’re looking forward to putting our creations up around the classroom as we head into the final weeks of the term.

Starting December with a Festive Focus
Mrs. Nuthall, Year 3/4 Teacher
1st December 2024
Happy December, everyone! Willow Class has had a wonderful start to the final month of the term, filled with festive cheer and learning.

In Maths, we’ve continued to focus on multiplication and division. The children have been applying their knowledge of times tables to solve problems and begin dividing numbers. This week, we’ve also been focusing on word problems that require them to apply both multiplication and division strategies, which has helped improve their problem-solving skills.
In Science, we’ve started a new unit on light. The children have been learning how light travels and how shadows are formed. We’ve been experimenting with different materials to see how they affect the movement of light. The children enjoyed using torches to create shadows and observed how the size and shape of shadows change depending on the light source and distance.
In History, we’ve launched our topic on Romans in Britain. We’ve explored the Romans' arrival in Britain and the significant impact they had on British culture and society. The children have been learning about Roman soldiers, their lifestyle, and how the Romans brought with them important inventions, such as roads and baths. It’s been fantastic to see them engaged with this period of history, and they’re eager to dive deeper into the Roman way of life.
As we head toward Christmas, we’ve also started making some lovely decorations and cards to share the festive joy with our families. There’s a lot of excitement in the air as we reflect on the learning we’ve accomplished this term.

Hello Willow families,
What a fantastic week we’ve had in Year 3/4! Here’s a little roundup of all the exciting things we’ve been up to:
Book Club Fun 📚We kicked off the week with our book club sessions, diving back into The Firework Maker’s Daughter. The children have been working in small groups to discuss the story, and we've been using thesauruses to explore synonyms and broaden our vocabulary. It’s always wonderful to see the children so engaged and eager to share their thoughts on the characters and plot!
Maths – Rounding Up 🧮In Maths, we’ve continued with our place value unit. This week, we’ve focused on rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1000. The children have been practising their rounding skills, and I’ve been so impressed with how quickly they’ve picked it up. We’ll finish off the unit with some more practice later in the week, so they’ll be experts by the end!
French – Bonjour!The Year 3s have been doing a fantastic job picking up French this term. We've been working on greetings, introductions, and learning the months of the year, days of the week, and numbers. It’s great to see them so confident, especially as this is their first term of formal language lessons in Key Stage 2.
Science – States of Matter 🔬In Science, we’ve continued exploring the different states of matter. The children have been investigating how solids change when heated, and they especially enjoyed experimenting with chocolate and popcorn! We’ll be writing up our experiments next week and continuing our investigations, so watch this space for more scientific discoveries!
A Little Homework Reminder 📚A quick note from Mrs Hoole: don’t forget to check your child’s spelling test results, which can be found at the back of their homework books. There’s also a new reading chart where children can record how many times they’ve read each week. Please remember to sign the reading records – thank you for your continued support at home!
Roman Day Fun! 🏛️What a brilliant day we had last Thursday for our Roman-themed learning day. The children were fully immersed in the world of Ancient Rome, learning about Roman history, exploring Roman numerals in Maths, and even making mini Roman catapults in DT. We also had a look at Roman soldiers' armour and uniforms, and discussed why the Roman army was so successful.
There was plenty of teamwork involved in making the catapults – the children learned how to use a bench hook and hacksaw safely, and they were so enthusiastic about finishing their designs next week. It’s always a joy to see their creativity and problem-solving in action!
Art – Proportion and Shading 🎨In Art, we’ve been learning all about proportion and how to create a 3D effect through shading. We looked at a huge sculpture by Neil Dawson called Horizons, which really inspired the children. It’s so lovely to see how their artistic skills are developing, and they’ve been experimenting with different techniques to bring their drawings to life.
Looking Ahead 👀We’ve had a jam-packed week, and there’s plenty more to look forward to! Next week, we’ll be writing up our science experiments, continuing with our place value work in Maths, and delving deeper into our Roman history studies.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead, and as always, thank you for your continued support!
See you next time,
Mrs Nuthall
Year 3/4 Willow Class Teacher