Our Year 4 Class

A very warm welcome to our Year 4 class page.  In Year 4 we are looking forward to the challenges ahead as the children are now fully settled into KS2. During this year the children will be encouraged to be proactive in their independent learning as well as building good relationships in order to work effectively as teams. The children will be nurtured and encouraged to work alongside others in a variety of contexts with a focus on problem solving, research and sharing ideas. 

Our Year 4 Class 2024-2025

Class Information

This half term…. Summer Term 1 (April - May 2025)
    
English

In English we will be starting our new class reader 'The Whale’ by Vita Murrow. This is a wonderful book and I can't wait to share it with the children.

There is a legend that a Great Spotted Whale lives in the ocean; local fishermen still talk of it, although the first sighting fifty years ago was never corroborated. Now, two young whale watchers each set out to find the whale, one armed with sound recording equipment, the other a camera. Mid-ocean their boats collide, so they pool their resources and set off together to capture incontrovertible proof that the mythical Great Spotted Whale exists…

We will also be developing our comprehension skills and thinking carefully about our reading VIPERS (vocabulary, infer, predict, explain, retrieve, sequence or summarise) It is important that the children continue to read a range of books/comics/newspapers at home and develop their comprehension skills and vocabulary. This will help consolidate the reading work we will be doing in class. In Year 4, we feel it is important for the children to develop a love of reading as this gives their 'imagination wings'.

Later this half term we will be focusing on newspaper report writing. The children will be producing a newspaper report based around the important issue of plastic pollution. 

We will be using our writing rainbow to help us with our writing. It is very important that as well as developing new skills in writing the children don't forget the basics and do always check that their work is punctuated correctly and makes sense.  

Maths

In Maths this half term we will be focusing on Fractions. The key objectives we will cover are:

• Look at fractions that are greater than 1
• Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions
• Identify equivalent fractions
• Simplify fractions.

This unit introduces the concept of mixed numbers and improper fractions. We will explore what happens when a fraction is more than 1 (that is, the numerator is greater than the denominator). The children will use this to write, compare and order mixed numbers and will then look at how mixed numbers can be written as improper fractions and vice versa. Children will then move on to equivalent fractions using fraction strips and a fraction wall to aid understanding of fraction families. Following this, children will further develop their understanding of how to simplify fractions

By the end of Year 4, the expectation is that children can recall all their times tables facts up to 12 X 12. You can support your child by regularly asking them times tables questions at home. Making this fun will have more impact! Topmarks is a great website for maths; the game Hit the Button is great at helping children to become quicker at facts recall. Please take the time to have a look - even compete with them! Also please continue to encourage your child to go on TTRockstars regularly. This is a great game that really will have an impact on your child's recall of their times tables facts.

At home, it would fantastic if you could keep some of the children's previously learning 'bubbling':

• Reading times on analogue and digital clocks
• Place value
• Roman Numerals
• Rounding to the nearest 10, 100, 1000
• Number Bonds
• Written strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

RE – What does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today?

In this unit, we will continue to explore Hindu beliefs, building on previous learning about how Hindus describe the divine. We will delve into the concept of Brahman and see how it is reflected in daily life through practices such as Puja at home and worship in the mandir. We will also explore the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, which is significant in Hindu culture.

Additionally, we will introduce the concept of dharma, or duty, through engaging stories. These narratives will prepare students for a more detailed examination of dharma in Upper Key Stage 2. This unit aims to provide a comprehensive view of Hindu practices and values, enriching students' cultural and religious knowledge. 

     
Heart Smart- 'Fake in a mistake'

'Fake is a Mistake' is very simply about embracing truth, it can be our greatest friend. We lie because we don’t want to get in trouble, we think that a carefully crafted lie or a strong denial will rid us of a looming consequence. But every time we tell a lie one of two things happens. The other person believes us or they don’t. If they don’t then chances are we’re in more trouble than before, we’ve just added telling a barefaced lie to the problem! But it’s worse if they do believe us. We’ll get away with it which means we’re more likely to do the same thing next time and the next time and the next time. The more expert we get at telling lies, the harder it is for us to tell the truth. Without thinking about it, we’ll tell the odd lie here and there and each time we do we build a brick wall between us and the other person. If we’re not careful, we’ll begin to lose sight of the truth all together, we’ll begin to lose sight of ourselves.

Love ourselves, love others and do all we can to live in truth. Truth and love go hand in hand. They travel together. As Mal Panacoast says,'telling someone the truth is a loving act,' both for for others but also for ourselves.

Visit the website www.heartsmartprimary.com for more information on what Heartsmart is all about.

History – Crime and Punishment

In this unit, we will explore the history of crime and punishment, examining how these concepts have evolved over time. We will use historical periods as reference points to understand continuity and change, and how different situations and changes have occurred within and between these periods.

We will learn to structure our answers, reason and support them with evidence, using historical terms and dates accurately. We will be encouraged to state our conclusions and begin to justify them.

We will investigate how criminals were punished 800 years ago by inferring from medieval paintings and exploring the legend of Robin Hood to understand medieval justice. Through artwork, we will discover how crime and punishments changed between 1500 and 1750, why punishments became so bloody in the 18th century, and why significant changes occurred in the 19th century.

Using data, we will decide whether the way we catch and punish criminals has improved significantly in the last 100 years. This unit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of crime and punishment, enhancing our historical knowledge and analytical skills. 

Science - We will spend the first couple of weeks completing our unit on Sound. After this we will start our unit on 'Changes of State'. During this unit the children will:

• (K) Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases
• (WS) Identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
• (K) Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases
• (K) Observe that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled, and measure or research the temperature at which this happens in degrees Celsius (°C)
• (WS) Setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
• (WS) Making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
• (K) Identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle and associate the rate of evaporation with temperature.
• (WS) Reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions

Art - We are going to do art projects this half term. The first will be based around Roman Mosaics and using clay. the second will be around textiles. During this unit the children will

*To create a mood board

*To learn what paper weaving is and create a piece of art using this method

*To design a contemporary paper patchwork quilt

*To create a research page on Faith Ringgold

*To create a story quilt collage

P.E - Our sporting value for this half-term is 'Honesty' 

'Treating everyone equally, supporting each other and working together to have fun and achieve. Celebrate each other's success and be  positive team player.'

Gymnastics

During this unit, we will be revisiting the gymnastics skills we covered earlier this year. We'll focus on balancing, rolling, jumping, and inverted movements, and work on creating more complex sequences. We'll also emphasise safety and control, encouraging pupils to demonstrate these qualities to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Collaboration will be a key aspect, as pupils will work both independently and with their peers to create and refine sequences. Additionally, we'll provide opportunities for pupils to give and receive feedback, helping them to improve their performance. We'll also concentrate on enhancing the quality and control of their actions to boost overall performance skills.

Athletics

In this unit, we will be introducing pupils to the fundamental skills of running, jumping, and throwing. We'll set engaging challenges that focus on distance and force, using a variety of shapes and combinations to keep things interesting. Pupils will be encouraged to set personal targets for speed, distance, and accuracy, and we'll support them in learning how to persevere to achieve their personal best. This unit aims to build not only physical skills but also determination and self-improvement.

French - The children will be creating and describing a monster in French. After this, they will write sentences about their monster alongside answering questions about their monster. Linked with our computing work they will also recall how to talk about describing the weather in French and be able to say what the weather is like on different days of the week.

Computing - 'Computational Thinking'.

During this topic, the children will be:

• Using decomposition to solve a problem by finding out what code was used.
• Using decomposition to understand the purpose of a script of code.
• Identifying patterns through unplugged activities.
• Using past experiences to help solve new problems.
• Using abstraction to identify the important parts when completing both plugged and unplugged activities.
• Creating algorithms for a specific purpose.
• Using abstraction and pattern recognition to modify code.

Music- The children will continue with their WOPPS guitar lessons on a Thursday afternoon with Barry and Sam. They will keep working on their key skills, practising existing songs they have learnt and learning new songs.

Spring Term 2 NEWS!

Another busy half-term in Year 4! It was a full and exciting term, packed with activities and learning. It's hard to believe we're already heading into the Summer Term. The children have shown tremendous growth in confidence, maturity, and hard work. I am incredibly proud of their efforts.

In English, the children have produced fantastic pieces of writing, focusing on content and sentence types. We need to keep consistently checking the basics! Their writing based on Maya Angelou's poem 'I Rise' was inspirational and thought-provoking. They have truly embraced the themes and expressed their ideas beautifully.

In Maths, our focus has been on fractions. We started with the basics of part and whole and built from there. The children's fluency skills have improved, and I've seen steady progress in solving problems involving adding and subtracting fractions. We continue to reinforce the written methods for the four operations of number, and it's important they practise these at home. We've also been working hard on our times tables in preparation for the end-of-year assessment. Their dedication to mastering these skills is commendable.

In Computing, we explored HTML code, and the children enjoyed learning more about it. They have shown great curiosity and enthusiasm in understanding how websites are built. In Science, they learnt about sound and had a blast during Science Week, where they investigated fingerprints and conducted experiments on how sound travels. Their inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn have been wonderful to see.

In PE, we developed our gymnastics skills, including rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. The children have worked hard to improve their techniques and have shown great determination. In History, we delved into the Roman invasion of Britain, exploring the impact and significance of this historical event. Their interest in history and ability to connect past events to the present is impressive.

Through our PATHS sessions and Heartsmart, the children have been able to discuss their feelings and emotions. They showed sensitivity when reflecting on trust and betrayal in the Easter story and are becoming more aware of how their actions impact others. Their ability to empathise and understand complex emotions is growing, and I couldn't be prouder of Team Year 4!

Well done, everyone! We've had a wonderful Spring Term. Let's continue to make ourselves proud in the Summer Term!

Spring Term 1 NEWS!

What a fantastic and productive half-term it has been! The children have worked incredibly hard and made great progress across all subjects.

In Maths, they have developed a strong understanding of multiplication and division, with noticeable improvement in their times tables. They have also strengthened their knowledge of written methods for all four operations. It is essential that they continue practising these skills at home. As a class, we have been refining our problem-solving and reasoning abilities, which we will continue to build on next term. One key focus has been using practical resources to explore different methods of solving problems, helping the children develop true mastery.

In English, we have been working on narrative writing, using The Iron Man as inspiration. The children then created their own stories with a twist, showcasing their creativity and growing confidence in writing. I have been particularly impressed with their expanding vocabulary and how effectively they use their jotters and writing rainbow symbols. The presentation of their work has also improved significantly. A key target moving forward is to keep checking the basics to ensure accuracy and clarity.

In Science, the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about electricity and building their own circuits. They showed a strong understanding of how circuits work and applied their knowledge to create their own torches in DT—an exciting and hands-on experience!

In PE, the children did exceptionally well in our dodgeball sessions and truly impressed me with their control and skill during our hockey lessons. Their confidence, teamwork, and resilience have grown, and it has been wonderful to see their progress.

Through Heartsmart, RE lessons, and Picture News, the children have engaged in meaningful discussions, demonstrating maturity and confidence when sharing their opinions. It has been a joy to watch them reflect on global and important issues with thoughtfulness and curiosity.

It has been a very busy and rewarding half-term, and I am sure the next will be just as exciting. Well done, everyone! Keep up the fantastic work!

Autumn Term 2 NEWS!

What a busy and action-packed half-term it has been!

The children have continued to work hard in Maths this term and show a good understanding of multiplication and division. Their times tables are improving, and they have developed a good understanding of the written methods for all four operations of numbers. It is very important that they continue to practise these at home. As a class, we have continued to develop our problem-solving and reasoning skills and will continue to do this next term. One area where we have re-focused is our use of practical resources. It remains crucial to be able to answer questions in a variety of different ways to achieve mastery.

In English, we have been working hard on narrative writing with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Once we finished, the children then went on to make their own stories with a twist. The children’s confidence continues to grow along with their vocabulary choices. I have been impressed with how they are using both their jotters and writing rainbow symbols. The overall presentation of their work has also improved. A key target is to continue to keep checking the basics!

In Science, the children have been learning about the dangers to living things. We explored how pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change can harm animals and plants. The children were able to discuss how these dangers affect ecosystems and what we can do to help protect living things in the environment.

In PE, the children have made excellent progress in both tennis and gymnastics. During tennis, they showed impressive control and precision with their swings and serves, demonstrating a clear improvement in their coordination. In gymnastics, the children displayed increasing confidence and skill, especially when performing sequences of movements and balancing exercises. What stood out most was their strong sense of teamwork and determination. It was fantastic to see them working together, supporting each other, and pushing through challenges to improve their skills.

In PATHS lessons, the children have been developing their social and emotional skills. Through activities and discussions, we’ve focused on building self-awareness, understanding emotions, and learning how to manage them effectively. The children have worked hard on recognising their feelings, learning how to express them appropriately, and practising empathy towards others. It has been wonderful to see their emotional growth and their ability to handle different situations with maturity.

Through our Heartsmart, RE lessons, and Picture News, the children have shown maturity, created lots of discussions, and grown in confidence when giving their opinions. It is a joy to see the children discussing global and important issues with each other and reflecting deeply. Great job everyone!

It has been a very busy half-term, and I’m sure the next will be just as busy. Well done, everyone!

Autumn Term 1 NEWS!

During the first half of Autumn Term, we have found our feet! We had a great half-term, developing routines and relationships and the children have amazed me with their work ethic and teamwork. We have shared learning in our Geography, Science and RE lessons as well as in English and Maths. We have shared our ideas and understand how working as a team or with a partner can help our own learning journey. I am proud of all the hard work the children have put into their learning this half term!

I have absolutely loved sharing The Nothing to See Here Hotel with the children and seeing their love for reading develop. The children have developed both their reading and writing skills through our class novel and it has been wonderful to see them engaged and reading for pleasure. The children are really growing into confident writers who are not afraid to challenge themselves. I am also pleased that they are beginning to proofread their work more and working hard to make sure all their sentences make sense. We will be introducing more editing this half-term, another important skill for a developing writer. The children's inference skills are slowly starting to develop and they are now starting to use evidence from the text which is pleasing to see. We will continue to develop our comprehension skills through our VIPERS questions.

In Maths, we have spent the half-term focusing on place value. The children have shown through their explanations that they are developing their reasoning skills and are able to show examples of their thinking. This is a key area we will continue to develop throughout the year. They have enjoyed using all the concrete equipment and have become more confident with 4-digit numbers. The children must continue to practise all the skills we have learnt to keep it bubbling! 

Our Science lessons have been a hive of activity. The children have loved our topic on teeth and eating, especially our lessons on the Digestive System. It is been wonderful to see them so engaged and enthused about their learning and thinking scientifically. They also worked well and participated fully in class discussions which was a pleasure to see!

In Geography we learnt more about the UK, understanding the difference between the UK and Great Britain, the different types of geography of the UK as well as looking at energy uses and the many renewable energy sources that we have in the United Kingdom. Through our RE, Heartsmart lessons and Picture News, the children have shown great sensitivity and really developed their reflective thinking. They have really thought about the choices they make and what God looks for in our hearts. We have also explored friendship and the qualities of a good friend.

Our first unit of French, ‘Moi et ma famille’ (Me and my family) got off to a promising start! We spent a lot of time on phonetical work, grasping the French alphabet and revisiting previous learning.  We also made some progress with early vocabulary learning (focusing on who is in our family).

I can't wait to get back and start Autumn 2!