| Year 4 |
Welcome to Elm and Oak Class
| Elm Class Staff |
| Teacher: Ashwell (Monday & Tuesday) |
| Teacher: Mrs Curtis (Wednesday - Friday) |
| Teacher Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA) is usually half a day on a Tuesday; Miss Bailey teaches the class during this time. |
|
PE Days Our PE days are Wednesday and Friday Please ensure your child comes to school in their PE kit on these days
|
| Oak Class Staff |
| Teacher: Mrs Catchpole (Monday - Wednesday) |
| Teacher: Mrs McCarthy (Thursday & Friday) |
| Teacher Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA) is usually half a day on a Wednesday; Miss Bailey teachers the class during this time. |
|
Homework Homework is set on a Friday and due back in on a Wednesday Each week, the homework will focus on either English or Maths, based on the learning that has taken place in class during that week. |
Maths
In Year 4, our students continue to build solid number foundations following the White Rose curriculum. In place value, they explore numbers up to 10,000, comparing and ordering large numbers, finding 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 more or less, counting backwards through zero, rounding to the nearest 10, 100 or 1,000, and even practising Roman numerals. Moving into addition and subtraction, children work with formal written methods for up to four-digit numbers—starting without exchanging, then advancing to one and multiple exchanges—and solve increasingly complex one- and two-step word problems. The area unit introduces children to calculating the surface of rectilinear shapes by counting squares, understanding that different shapes can share the same area. In the first multiplication and division block, pupils focus on mastering times‑tables, particularly 3, 6, 9, then 7, 11, 12, plus multiplying and dividing by 1 and 0, and beginning to multiply three numbers. In the follow-up spring block, they deepen this learning—investigating factor pairs, multiplying and dividing by 10 and 100, and applying formal methods to multiply two- and three-digit numbers by a single digit.
English
In English this term, Year 4 pupils will begin by exploring poetry inspired by Brian Patten's dragon poem, using ambitious adjectives and prepositions to create their own imaginative dragons and habitats. They will then study Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd Stanton, developing their use of dialogue and descriptive language to write both a narrative and a graphic novel adventure for Arthur. Later in the term, pupils will learn a range of persuasive writing techniques, including rhetorical questions, emotive language and the power of three, to write and perform a speech on a topic they feel passionate about. To conclude the term, children will be inspired by the story Starbird written by Sharon King Chai to write their own animal adventure story, applying skills such as direct speech, vivid setting descriptions and the 'show, not tell' technique to bring their writing to life.
Science
In Science this term, Year 4 pupils will explore the topics of Electricity and Sound, developing their scientific knowledge through practical investigations and enquiry-based learning.
During the Electricity unit, children will identify common appliances that run on electricity and learn about the components needed to build a simple electrical circuit. They will construct and test circuits using cells, wires, bulbs, buzzers and switches, investigating how a circuit must be complete for electricity to flow. Pupils will also identify common conductors and insulators. Through a range of practical activities, they will develop their prediction, observation and recording skills while learning to work scientifically. In the second half of the term, pupils will study Sound, learning how sounds are made through vibrations and how they travel to our ears. They will investigate how pitch and volume can be changed, use data loggers to take accurate measurements, and test materials to find the best sound insulators. Through practical investigations, pupils will develop their scientific enquiry skills by making observations, recording results and drawing conclusions from evidence.
Guided Reading
This term, Year 4 will enjoy exploring two exciting class texts during Guided Reading.
We will begin with The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, a heartwarming story about Humphrey, an inquisitive classroom hamster who spends weekends with different families. As Humphrey observes the lives of the children in his class, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, responsibility and making thoughtful decisions. The text provides excellent opportunities for pupils to develop their reading comprehension, inference and prediction skills while discussing important themes and characters. Later in the term, we will read Krindlekrax by Philip Ridley. This exciting and imaginative novel follows Ruskin Splinter, a boy who dreams of becoming the hero of the school play despite others underestimating him. When the mysterious Krindlekrax begins to threaten the residents of Lizard Street, Ruskin has the chance to prove that true courage comes from determination and believing in yourself. Through this text, pupils will explore themes of resilience, bravery and self-confidence while continuing to develop their fluency and comprehension skills through rich discussion and careful reading.
History
In the first part of the Autumn term, the children will discover the fascinating history of the Anglo-Saxons and their impact on England. When the Romans left in the early 5th century, England faced a period of change and uncertainty. The Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes, settled in the land, shaping the future of English culture and society. The children will learn about how the Anglo Saxons influenced language, laws, and traditions that still resonate today. Pupils will then move onto learn about their religious beliefs and practices and later, Christian faiths introduced through missionaries. We will look at artefacts such as jewellery, tools, and weapons and discover how this helps us understand their daily lives, beliefs, and social structure, allowing us to piece together the story of this remarkable era. We will continue our journey through British history and move on to the Vikings! We will learn about who they were, why they came to Britain, how they changed Britain and finally how the Anglo-Saxon and Viking period came to an end in 1066. The unit will finish with a whole day where the children will become Vikings!
Art and Design/DT
In our first Art and Design unit on mega materials, children will investigate how artists use a variety of materials to create exciting and imaginative artworks. They will experiment with the unique properties of wire and soap, learning different techniques to shape, manipulate and transform these materials into creative pieces.
Using wire, the children will develop their sculpture skills, bending and joining it to create three-dimensional forms. They will also explore soap carving, carefully refining their designs while learning how artists use techniques to reveal shapes and patterns.
In our Art and Design Painting & Mixed Media unit on Light and Dark, pupils explore how colour can be used to show light and shadow. They learn to share ideas about paintings and discuss how colours look different in real life. Pupils describe and mix tints and shades by adding white or black paint, and use these skills to paint objects in 3D. They experiment with different arrangements for their still life compositions, explain their choices, and create clear sketches. Finally, they produce careful, controlled paintings that demonstrate an understanding of how colour can create the effect of light, dark, and three dimensions.
In our Design and Technology unit on light-up shoeboxes, pupils develop a wide range of practical and creative skills. They learn to select and use different tools and equipment accurately for cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing, and choose materials based on their function and appearance. Pupils explore electrical systems by creating simple circuits with switches and bulbs to light up their designs. They carry out research and use design criteria to create innovative, functional products for specific users. Through discussion, sketches, diagrams, prototypes, and even computer-aided design, they develop and communicate their ideas. Finally, they evaluate their work against their design criteria, considering feedback to improve their products.
PSHE
In the Autumn Term, Year 4 will focus on building positive relationships, understanding wellbeing, and settling confidently into the new school year. We begin with Rules and an Introduction to Year 4, where pupils revisit the importance of classroom rules, routines, and responsibilities, helping to establish a safe and respectful learning environment. Through the Families and Relationships unit, children explore what makes a healthy relationship, learn about different types of families, and begin to understand how to communicate effectively, manage friendship issues, and show empathy towards others. In Health and Wellbeing, pupils reflect on physical and mental health, learning about the importance of a balanced lifestyle, healthy eating, sleep, personal hygiene, and emotional regulation. They are encouraged to recognise their own feelings and develop strategies for managing emotions in a positive way. All learning is captured and celebrated in our class floor book, which showcases pupils' reflections, class discussions, and creative work, giving a rich insight into their personal development throughout the term.
Computing
In the Autumn Term, Year 4 pupils explore key concepts in computing through the Purple Mash curriculum. They begin by learning about technology and how it helps us, identifying examples of manual, electrical, digital and smart technology in everyday life. This leads into an understanding of computer hardware and software, where children identify parts of a computer system, group them by function (input, output or storage), and explore how hardware and software work together to complete tasks. Pupils then complete two online safety units focusing on self-image, identity, and online relationships, learning how to manage their identity online, interact positively with others, and stay safe in digital spaces. In the animation unit, children discover how animations are created, beginning with flick books and progressing to digital animation software. They explore key techniques like onion skinning, adding sound effects and backgrounds, and use storyboards to plan and produce a short-animated sequence. Finally, children are introduced to Logo programming, where they learn to give instructions using commands, draw shapes and letters, use the Repeat function, and create procedures. This hands-on and varied term equips pupils with a strong foundation in digital literacy, programming, and creative computing.
French
Year 4 will begin the term with the "Je me présente" unit, where they will learn to introduce themselves confidently in French. Building on this foundation, students then transition to the "En classe" unit, focusing on classroom vocabulary and be able to say what they have and do not have in their pencil case. Through interactive activities and practical communication, pupils will develop their language skills while gaining confidence in real-life situations.
RE
This half term the children will be considering the question,
Why do some people think life is like a journey?
Key skills taught will include:
- Suggesting why some people see life as a journey and identify some of the key milestones on this journey.
- Suggesting reasons why marking the milestones of life are important to Christians, Hindus and/or Jewish people.
- Describing what happens in Christian, Jewish, and/or Hindu ceremonies of commitment and say what these rituals mean.
- Explaining similarities and differences between ceremonies of commitment
- Make comparisons between how Hindus, Jews and Christians might think of life as a journey
Key Questions to consider include:
Why do some people think life is like a journey?
Which times are special and why?
What is the difference between sacred and secular?
What does significant mean?
PE
In Autumn Term 1, the children will focus on two units: Fundamentals and Outdoor Adventure Activities (OAA).
In the Fundamentals unit, children will develop key movement skills, including balance, coordination, agility and control, providing the foundation for all physical activity. They will learn to move with increasing accuracy and confidence in a variety of ways and begin to apply these skills in small games and practical challenges. During Outdoor Adventure Activities (OAA), pupils will develop their map-reading and navigation skills through a range of engaging outdoor challenges. They will learn how to interpret simple maps, use symbols and keys, and follow routes accurately to solve practical tasks. Working collaboratively, children will develop their communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills as they complete a variety of navigational activities and challenges.
In Autumn Term 2, children will focus on Handball and Fitness.
During the Handball unit, pupils will be introduced to the fundamental skills and rules of the game. They will develop their passing, catching, dribbling and shooting techniques, while learning how to move effectively with and without the ball. As their confidence grows, they will apply these skills in small-sided games, developing tactical awareness, teamwork and sportsmanship.
In the Fitness unit, pupils will develop their stamina, strength and resilience through a variety of energetic activities, circuits and personal challenges. They will be encouraged to set goals, improve their performance and recognise the importance of regular physical activity for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Throughout the Autumn Term, pupils will build a strong foundation in physical literacy while developing confidence, perseverance, teamwork and a positive attitude towards health, fitness and physical activity.
Music
This half term we will develop our ensemble skills by:
- Following a steady beat and staying in time as a group
- Use tuned percussion to perform accompaniment to favourite songs using different tempos
- Evaluate our performances
Reading in KS2
In KS2, children are encouraged to become confident, expressive and passionate readers. Most children will move fairly quickly onto the broader range of books available in the Brown, Grey and Blue book bands. Your child may spend quite a while on each book band. This isn't because they are not progressing, it is rather an opportunity for your child to be exposed to a wide range of authors, genres and styles of writing at a level in which they can comprehend what they are reading. They will be asked to answer comprehension questions to show their understanding of what they have read and encouraged to discuss the books they have enjoyed from the book band and the ones they have disliked.
We aspire to make every child a passionate reader and need your help to do this!
We will try to read with your child as often as we can in school. This will be either 1:1 with an adult, or in a guided reading activity where the children will read in a group and discuss the text together. We will hear your child read aloud a minimum of once a week but encourage you to supplement this by reading with your child as often as possible at home.
If your child would like access to more books at home, perhaps you could use Oxford Reading Owl to read different books. Oxford Owl has many different books and you can download and read them all online for free.
Oxford Owl
For a recommended reading list, please visit:
Recommended reading list for KS2 children
Ways you can help at home
- Read with your child for 10 minutes every day
- Support your child to complete the homework set each week
- Ask your child questions about stories that they are reading to you, or about stories you are reading to them.
- Ask your child to tell you the time to help them to practise the skill of telling the time. To challenge your child, you could ask them to tell you the time on both an analogue and digital clock.
- Ask children to help you to count out money and ask for change
- Encourage your child to write stories, recounts, shopping lists to help build their stamina for learning.
Websites to help...
Purple Mash
Top Marks Maths Games
Primary Maths Games
TT Rockstars
Spelling Shed
|
If you have any questions please talk to any of the team in Year 4 and we will be happy to help you. You can also make an appointment at the school office. Look out for further messages about events in school through parent mail.
|