Year 4 Class Page
This year your teachers will be Mrs Brady & Mrs Joyeux
Our Teaching assistant with be Miss Hoy-Taylor
General Bits & Bobs
We encourage children to bring a water bottle each day.
PE days are Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings. PE will continue to be taught outdoors so an outdoor kit must be available. (Trainers, Navy blue Jogging bottoms and blue Hoody/sweatshirt please)
Reading books will be collected and checked 3 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We encourage nightly reading whenever possible.
Newsletters
Each term, we will publish a Curriculum Newsletter with more details about the subjects the children will be studying.
Spring Term 2025 (available January 2025)
Summer Term 2025 (available April 2025)
English
Reading
In our reading lessons, children will dive into a selection of engaging texts that will broaden their understanding and enjoyment of literature. We will explore five captivating books: The Queen’s Nose, Young Gifted and Black, Varjak Paw, The Wind in the Willows, and The Raven. Each of these texts has been chosen for its richness in language and themes, providing plenty of opportunities for discussion and exploration. Throughout the year, we will be honing essential reading skills, including retrieving information from the texts, summarising key points, predicting events in the plot, and inferring deeper meanings from the charactersâ actions and dialogues. These skills are fundamental not only for comprehension but also for encouraging critical thinking. Alongside these engaging texts, we will incorporate our FASE reading books, which include The Abominables, The Train to Impossible, and The Creakers. These stories will further enrich our reading experiences, and I encourage you to ask your children about what they have been reading at homeâit can lead to some wonderful conversations!
Writing
We will explore various genres such as narrative writing, poetry, non-fiction, and persuasive texts. This approach will allow children to experiment with their creativity while applying structure and style appropriate to each genre. Our writing lessons will emphasise the importance of punctuation and grammar; we will focus on using full stops, commas, apostrophes, and different sentence types to enhance clarity and expression. Writing is an invaluable skill, and we aim to develop confidence in every child, encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
Throughout the year, we will engage in a range of writing activitiesâfrom crafting imaginative stories to composing informative pieces. Children will have opportunities to share their work with peers and reflect on their writing through constructive feedback sessions. Developing a positive attitude towards writing is key, and we hope to inspire your children to view themselves as writers who can contribute to the world around them.
Maths
In the autumn term, we will focus on number and place value, including how to read, write, and compare numbers up to 10,000. Children will also explore addition and subtraction, developing their mental and written methods. Towards the end of this term, we will introduce multiplication and division, focusing on both times tables and related division facts.
Moving into the spring term, the emphasis will shift to fractions and decimals. Your children will learn how to recognise, find equivalent fractions and represent them visually. We will also cover measurement, including longer units of time, weight, and volume, allowing the children to apply their understanding in real-life contexts.
In the summer term, we will delve into geometry, where children will investigate properties of shapes and their symmetry. We will also apply their mathematical skills to tackle real-life problems involving statistics and data, including reading and producing different types of graphs.
A key assessment this year will be the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), which will take place in June 2025. This will help us identify each child’s mastery of their times tables.
RE
Through this year the pupils will learn about people whose lives have been transformed by faith and hope in God. They will study six branches over the course of the year.
- Creation and Covenant
- Prophecy and Promise
- Galilee to Jerusalem
- The Dessert to Garden
- To the ends of the Earth
- Dialogue and Encounter
Through learning about the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, they will encounter the belief that good deeds flow out of a love of God, people do not do good things and earn Godâs love.
Collective Worship
We will continue to worship regularly in classes as well as our twice weekly whole school and key stage worship.
We continue to worship daily and offer many opportunities to be with and speak to God.
Our Year 4 pupils will continue to be supported with their preparations for First Holy Communion.
Physical Education
During Year 4, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum is designed to keep the children active and engaged while exploring a variety of sports and physical activities. We will cover a diverse range of disciplines including Sportshall Athletics, where students will learn various athletic events; Dance Around the World, which introduces global dance styles; and Hockey, Basketball, Gymnastics, which focuses on partner work involving pushing and pulling techniques.
Additionally, we will enjoy Tag Rugby, Football, Netball, and Cricket, allowing children to learn the fundamentals of each sport while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. In the warmer months, we will delve into Athletics and Rounders, culminating in lessons on Tennis, where children will develop their racquet skills. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of competitions and non-competitive festivals, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.
Geography
In Geography, Year 4 students will enhance their Spatial Sense, enabling them to understand the world around them through maps, coordinates, and various representations. Our focus will include Mediterranean Europe, where we will discover the cultural and geographical aspects of this beautiful region. Furthermore, we will explore the Geography of the UK, which will help students develop a deeper appreciation for their surroundings. We will also take a virtual journey to Japan, learning about its unique geographical features and cultural significance. This subject not only enriches studentsâ knowledge of the world but encourages them to think critically about the environment and their relationship to it.
History
History lessons in Year 4 will transport students back in time to explore some of the significant periods in our past. We will kick off with Ancient Greece, where children will learn about mythology, democracy, and the remarkable achievements of this ancient civilisation. Following this, we will examine The Romans and the Fall of the Roman Empire, looking at their impact on the world, including significant events and figures from this era. Finally, we will delve into The Stuarts, exploring their reign and the societal changes that occurred during this fascinating period in British history. Our lessons will encourage students to discuss historical events critically and investigate how they have shaped the world we live in today.
Science
The Science curriculum in Year 4 is both engaging and informative, designed to pique curiosity and foster a love for discovery. The topics we will cover include the Human Body, which will give students a fascinating insight into anatomy and how our bodies function. We will also explore Classification, where children will learn how to group and categorise living organisms based on common characteristics.
The subject of Ecology will help students understand the relationship between different organisms and their environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. Additionally, we will study Sound, examining how it travels and the impact it has on our everyday lives, as well as explore the States of Matterâsolids, liquids, and gasesâand their properties. Finally, Electricity will be a delightful topic, where students will learn about circuits and the concept of conduction.
Computing
In Computing, Year 4 students will gain essential skills for the modern world through hands-on activities and projects. Our focus will include Computing Systems and Networks, introducing the role of The Internet and how it connects us globally. In Creating Media, we will delve into Audio Production, where children can express their creativity through sound.
Programming will play a significant role in our curriculum as well. In Repetition in Shapes, students will learn how to create shapes using programming languages, while Programming BâRepetition in Gamesâwill allow them to engage in game design and understand the basics of coding. Furthermore, Data and Information will include Data Logging, where students will gather and analyse data, and in Creating Media again, we will focus on Photo Editing, encouraging them to express their ideas visually.
Useful Websites for Supporting Year 4 Learning
As a parent, you play an invaluable role in your child’s education, especially when it comes to supporting their learning at home. For those with Year 4 children, many resources are readily available online that can enhance their reading, writing, maths skills (particularly times tables), and general knowledge in foundation subjects. Below is a list of useful websites that can help you provide that extra support, along with a brief explanation of what each site offers.
BBC Bitesize
This website is a fantastic all-rounder for school-aged children. It covers a variety of subjects including English, Maths, Science, and History, with engaging lessons, videos, and quizzes designed specifically for Year 4 students. The bite-sized chunks of information make it easier for children to digest the material, and the interactive elements keep them engaged.
Oxford Owl
Oxford Owl is an excellent resource for helping children with their reading and writing. It offers a free eBook library of over 100 titles, meaning your child can enjoy reading at home too. Additionally, the site includes tips for parents on how to support their child’s literacy development and activities that reinforce classroom learning.
National Numeracy
For parents keen to support their children in maths, especially with times tables, National Numeracy provides resources that make learning fun. The site features games, quizzes, and activities specifically aimed at improving maths skills. The focus on practical maths helps children see the relevance of what they’re learning in real life.
Times Tables Rock Stars
This interactive platform is a fun way to encourage your child to learn and practise their times tables. With games and a competitive element, your child can challenge their friends and track their own progress. It’s a hit among Year 4 students who often need a bit of motivation to master their times tables.
Phonics Play
A brilliant tool for younger children or those who are still developing their reading skills, Phonics Play offers games and resources that focus on phonics. It provides a wealth of interactive games aimed at recognising sounds and improving reading skills in a playful way.
Scholastic
Scholasticâs website is a treasure trove for parents looking to inspire their children’s love for reading and learning. They offer a selection of book recommendations, activities, and resources that span various subjects. It also includes a wealth of advice on encouraging reading habits at home.
Twinkl
Twinkl is a comprehensive resource for educators and parents. It offers a vast array of printable resources, worksheets, and lesson plans that align with the National Curriculum. You can filter the resources to find exactly what your child needs, whether it be for a particular topic in Maths, English, or any foundation subject.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a fantastic resource for students of all ages. It provides instructional videos and practice exercises in a range of subjects, including maths and English. The content is designed to be accessible and is age-appropriate for Year 4 children, making it a useful tool for reinforcement of classroom learning.
CoolMath4Kids
For those looking to introduce some fun into maths learning, CoolMath4Kids offers a variety of games and activities aimed at kids. It focuses on making mathematics fun and engaging, ensuring that children can practice their skills without it feeling like a chore.
These websites provide a variety of engaging resources to help support your Year 4 childâs learning at home. Explore them together and find out which ones your child enjoys the most! Happy learning!
