Year 3

In Year 3 students have the opportunity to view the world through various lenses, considering their place and the contributions they can make.

Civics nd Citizenship

Students reflect on the importance of rules and laws and how they impact society.  They are introduced to the idea of government with a focus on the local community and the facilities and opportunities provided in the Oakleigh area.

Design Technologies

Students begin this unit by looking at various inventions and innovations, culminating in them solving a real world problem by designing an improvement for a commonly used article.

Digital Technologies

At this level students are taught how to be Cyber Safe.  They also become familiar with creating documents and slides, particularly on the Google platform.

Geography

Geography at Year 3 is focussed on Australia.  We look at the different states and territories, the natural features of the land and important landmarks.

Health and Wellbeing

Students focus on the important role of friendships, optimistic thinking, ways to increase their resilience and problem solving skills.  Understanding the perspectives of others and respecting people’s differences. Even at this age, our students are able to articulate their personal strengths.  

History

Year 3 students are encouraged to think critically.  One aspect of this is the idea of who records history, how it is passed down and how scientific discoveries may change our understanding.  Students learn about what life was like for our First Nations people, before and immediately after the arrival of the First Fleet.

Intercultural Understanding

Oakleigh Primary School has a diverse student body.  During this unit students have the opportunity to share their own rich cultural heritage and learn about others.  They investigate different traditions and cultural practices increasing their understanding of the backgrounds of their classmates.

Science

In Year 3 we focus on two different areas of science.  Sustainability is part of Biological Science.  Students learn about the interconnectedness of living things and their environments, how they have adapted and survived and the ongoing role of humans in this.  In Earth and Space Science, students discover facts about the Sun, Moon and Earth and their interrelationship.

Literacy

In Year 3, the focus in Literacy is developing a love of reading and extending independent reading skills through a range of purposeful learning experiences.  Students are explicitly taught how to choose ‘good fit books’, read for sustained periods and apply different strategies to read for meaning and understanding. High interest books are available from our school library and from additional resources including digital and classroom collections.

Students participate daily in the Multisensory Structured Language Program (MSL).  This sequenced and developmental approach builds on and reinforces their reading, writing and spelling strategies, which have been introduced in the earlier years.

Students are taught how to plan, structure and write a wide range of writing genres using the correct language features. Their confidence and capabilities in writing for different purposes and audiences are enhanced through a variety of writing experiences. Planning templates, assessment checklists and purposeful feedback guide students in specific areas for improvement. 

Mathematics

Our focus in Year 3 is to continue to link mathematical concepts to the broader school, home and community environment. Based on ‘real life’ mathematics, students are explicitly taught problem solving and reasoning strategies, as well as supported to develop their fluency and understanding across the range of mathematical strands. Working with what our students already know and using new approaches, extends their knowledge. This helps them to approach mathematical problems in a meaningful manner. Students are challenged to clarify their decision making. Thinking broadly is an emphasis that prepares them for their mathematical journey through the upper school years.