Welcome to Year 3!

This year promises to be an exciting and important step in your child’s learning journey. In Year 3, we begin the transition into Key Stage 2, building on the strong foundations of Key Stage 1 and encouraging greater independence, curiosity, and confidence in learning.

What's special about Year 3?

Our classroom is a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space where every child is supported to achieve their full potential. Throughout the year, we’ll explore a wide range of exciting topics across all subjects - from discovering ancient civilizations and exploring the natural world, to diving into inspiring books and developing new mathematical skills.

We value creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning, and we work closely with families to ensure a positive and successful experience for every child.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic year filled with discovery, growth, and lots of fun along the way!

How We Learn

We are a one and a half form entry school with approximately 45 children in each year group. Although we have three classes; Year 3, Year 3/4, and Year 4 – we are fortunate to have an additional teacher allocated to each key stage. This allows us to deliver core subjects – in smaller groups, organised by year group, providing more focused and tailored learning experiences for all pupils. 

Children take part in hands-on, practical activities that make learning fun, meaningful, and memorable—helping them to explore, experiment, and understand the world around them.

We work in small groups to provide targeted teaching, while also encouraging collaboration through team tasks that build communication and problem-solving skills.

We nurture a growth mindset, helping children to see mistakes as learning opportunities, persevere through challenges, and celebrate their progress with pride.

Things to Look Forward to

There’s so much to look forward to in Year 3! Throughout the year, we go on a variety of exciting trips and educational visits designed to spark curiosity and bring learning to life. We take part in School Linking, a special project where we connect with another school in Bolton to build friendships, develop social skills, and learn more about our wider community. Music is also a big part of our year - we enjoy drumming and glockenspiel lessons, giving everyone a chance to explore rhythm and creativity. In the summer term, we head to the pool for swimming lessons, helping children grow in confidence and develop this important life skill.

Past Pupil Testimonial

"I love how Mrs. Speed makes everything really fun! She’s great at acting things out and always explains our learning so well. I especially enjoyed learning about rocks in science because we got to do an experiment in groups—my favourite rock was obsidian! Year 3 was the best because we went on some amazing trips, including visiting Sharples Observatory to learn all about light and space!" - Ayesha

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Miss Varley

I have worked at St Thomas’ school for over twenty years- the majority of the time in year 6. Teaching is something I genuinely love-I get to build meaningful relationships with your child, watch them learn and develop, and be part of their journey during such a formative time in their lives.

Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy reading, walking and going watching shows at the theatre. A fun fact about me is that I used to do Irish dancing when I was younger!

Mrs Ingram

This is my fourth year teaching lower key stage two and I am excited to be working with Year 3/4 again. I love supporting children as they build on their learning and develop greater independence, resilience, and a love of learning. It is lovely to see their confidence grow as they tackle new challenges, explore exciting topics, and develop their own ideas. I enjoy creating a positive and engaging classroom where curiosity and creativity help every child to thrive.

A little fact about me: In my early twenties I was quite the daredevil - I even completed a skydive and a bungee jump! I’m not quite as brave these days, but I still enjoy keeping active and love walking with my family. My favourite walk is Ingleton Falls in Carnforth.

Mrs Speed

I am the Year 3 teacher and truly enjoy working in Lower Key Stage 2, where children begin to grow in independence and develop a wonderful enthusiasm for learning. My aim is to create engaging and inspiring lessons that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and nurture a lifelong love of learning. I believe in fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and confident to take on new challenges. Outside of school, I am a proud mum of two, and I love spending time with my family exploring new places and creating memorable adventures together.

Miss Smith

I have been a teacher for over 20 years and most of my career has been in Lower Key Stage Two - an age group I love to teach. My favourite subjects at school were Science, Geography, French and PE. I love to travel and explore new countries, and am blessed to have friends who live all over the world! My hobbies are knitting, choir, reading, movies and enjoying the great outdoors. Something you may not know about me- I lived in Egypt for 8 years, and can speak a little bit of Arabic!

Miss Caldwell

For the past nine years, I have taught and supported predominantly in Lower Key Stage 2. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I particularly enjoy seeing pupils’ personalities develop as they grow in confidence and begin to express their humour.

On a personal note, I am immensely proud of my two grown-up daughters who have flown the nest and are now thriving with confidence and independence.

I am fortunate to enjoy travelling and experiencing a variety of cultures, which I combine with another passion of mine — being a foodie.

Mrs Ibrahim

I am a special needs assistant with over 10 years of experience. I am deeply fulfilled by my role, which allows me to support children with diverse learning needs in a way that feels both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I work closely with teachers to tailor approaches that meet each child's unique requirements, fostering an environment where they feel included and valued. I enjoy spending quality time with family and spending time outdoors, enjoying long walks and adventure, creating new memories.

Mrs Dawson

I have worked at St Thomas for the past 5 years and enjoy working with and supporting children on their learning journey watching them grow and develop.  I have worked in education for over 25years and currently work as a Special Needs Assistant.

Outside of School, I enjoy baking, sewing and reading.  I also enjoy spending time with my two children and wider family, shopping, eating out and visiting new places, discovering new foods and sharing experiences.

Mrs Crompton

I have been lucky enough to work with children for over 20 years and joined St Thomas 7 years ago. I love being a teaching assistant because I get to help students learn and build their confidence and I also enjoy being a help and support to teachers in the classroom. My favourite lessons are those which involve Art or Design Technology.

When I’m not at school, I am either flying to Australia to spend time with my family, walking or playing pickle ball. An interesting fact about me is that I lived in the Canary Islands for several years. 

Mrs Mitchell

I have worked at St Thomas’ school for nearly twenty years. During that time I have worked in all of the classes, enjoying helping, supporting and watching the children learn and grow. 

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking my dog and I also love football. At least one day over the weekend is a football day either watching it on TV or going to a live game!

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