Welcome to Owls, our Year 3 / 4 class at St Nics.

Our Year 3 / 4 class are taught by Mr Ash and supported by Mrs Mack.

Welcome to Owls Class, a busy and exciting learning environment where children are encouraged to be curious, independent and ambitious. As a mixed Year 3 and Year 4 class, we provide a broad and engaging curriculum that enables children to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence across all subjects.

Through exciting topics, practical experiences and memorable learning opportunities, our children are challenged to think deeply, work collaboratively and take pride in their achievements.

English

In Owls, we follow the Hampshire English Model, using high-quality texts as the foundation for reading and writing. Children learn to write for a variety of purposes and audiences whilst developing their vocabulary, grammar, spelling and presentation skills.

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and we promote a love of books through shared reading, guided reading and rich discussion.

Mathematics

We follow the White Rose Maths curriculum, helping children develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Lessons encourage children to think mathematically, explain their reasoning and apply their learning in a range of contexts.

Children are supported and challenged to become confident mathematicians who can tackle problems with resilience and determination.

History

Our history curriculum takes children on a fascinating journey through time, helping them understand how the past has shaped Britain and the wider world.

Topics include:

• The Stone Age to the Iron Age
• Ancient Egypt
• Monarchs Through Time
• The Romans
• Vikings and Anglo-Saxons
• King Alfred and the history of Wantage

Learning is brought to life through hands-on experiences such as making Stone Age tools, taking part in a mummification experience, exploring local history and debating the legacies of famous monarchs.

Geography

Through Geography, children develop a deeper understanding of both their local area and the wider world.

Topics include:

• Climate, weather and human activity
• Climate zones
• Map skills and orienteering
• Volcanoes and earthquakes
• Rainforests
• Transport and settlements
• Interconnected environments

Children learn to interpret maps, understand physical and human geography and explore how people and environments influence one another.

Religious Education

We follow the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) RE Curriculum, exploring Christianity alongside other world faiths including Islam and Hinduism.

Children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about belief, identity, community and morality, developing respect, understanding and reflection.

Science

Science in Owls is practical, investigative and engaging. Children work scientifically by asking questions, carrying out enquiries, evaluating evidence and communicating their findings.

Topics include:

Cycle A

• Electricity
• Classification and Food Chains
• States of Matter
• Plants and Seed Dispersal
• Human and Animal Skeletons

Cycle B

• Forces and Magnets
• Light
• Human Digestion
• Sound
• Rocks and Fossils

We also hold a Science Fair which allows children to showcase their curiosity and investigative skills.

Art and Design

Art in Owls is exciting, creative and closely linked to our wider curriculum topics. Children develop their skills in drawing, painting, printing, textiles, sculpture and mixed media whilst studying both historical and contemporary artists.

Artists studied include:

• David Hockney
• Man Ray
• Anni Albers
• Katie Scott
• Emma Biggs
• L. S. Lowry
• Abel Rodríguez
• Henri Rousseau

Children have opportunities to:

• Create Ancient Egyptian masks using clay, papier-mâché and Modroc.
• Produce charcoal cave art inspired by the Stone Age.
• Explore weaving techniques using paper, fabric and natural materials.
• Develop detailed botanical drawings and prints.
• Create Roman mosaics inspired by Emma Biggs.
• Sketch local landmarks, including the statue of King Alfred in Wantage.
• Use photography to explore expression and portraiture.
• Produce collaborative and large-scale artworks.

Through these projects, children build confidence, creativity and technical artistic skills.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology encourages children to become designers, creators and problem-solvers.

Projects include:

• Designing and creating Ancient Egyptian masks.
• Exploring weaving and textile techniques.
• Planning and preparing historical foods and banquets.
• Cooking and tasting Roman-inspired recipes.
• Designing and making Viking helmets.
• Building and testing catapults.
• Investigating materials and how products are designed and made.

Children learn to design, make, evaluate and improve their creations while developing practical skills and resilience.

Computing

We follow the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education.

Children learn to:

• Understand computer systems and networks.
• Create digital media including photography, music and presentations.
• Develop coding and programming skills.
• Create and debug algorithms.
• Work with data and information.
• Use technology safely and responsibly.

Computing lessons equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to become confident digital citizens in an increasingly technological world.

Music

Music is an important part of life in Owls. Through singing, listening, composing and performing, children develop confidence, creativity and an appreciation of a wide range of musical styles and traditions.

PSHE

We follow the Jigsaw PSHE Scheme, helping children develop emotionally, socially and personally.

Topics include:

• Relationships and friendships
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Online safety and digital wellbeing
• Personal safety
• Healthy lifestyles
• Aspirations and future careers
• Diversity and inclusion
• Economic wellbeing
• Growing up and changing

Our PSHE curriculum supports children in becoming happy, healthy and responsible members of society.

Physical Education

PE helps children develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and a positive attitude towards physical activity. Through a variety of sports, games and fitness activities, children improve their coordination, agility and overall wellbeing.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning in Owls is memorable and meaningful. Whether children are making Stone Age tools, creating Roman mosaics, building Viking catapults, exploring the rainforest through art, investigating volcanoes, conducting scientific enquiries or learning about the rich history of Wantage, there is always something exciting happening.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage creativity and develop a lifelong love of learning.

We are incredibly proud of our Owls and the way they demonstrate resilience, kindness, independence and determination every day as they continue to spread their wings and soar. 🦉✨