Hello and welcome to Year 4’s webpage
Teachers: Mrs Potter and Mrs Mantel
Teaching Assistant: Mrs Woolley
In Year 4, our focus value is Be Respectful. To help us understand and demonstrate this value in our daily lives, we are inspired by Rosa Parks, whose courage, dignity and determination to stand up for what is right continue to inspire people around the world.
Rosa Parks was an American civil rights activist who became a powerful symbol of equality and respect. In 1955, she bravely refused to give up her seat on a bus, challenging unfair laws that segregated people because of the colour of their skin. Her actions helped spark significant change and highlighted the importance of treating everyone with fairness, kindness and respect.
Through learning about Rosa Parks, we are encouraged to show respect to others, celebrate differences, and stand up for what is right, both in school and in the wider community.
Term 1a: Blue Abyss
Grab your wetsuit. We’re going deep into an underwater world of incredible coral and mysterious sea creatures. Head to your local aquarium and learn about life in the ocean. Can you pick a favourite fish, plant or animal? What do real divers get up to below the surface? Create a fishy story about exploring an amazing underwater world. Time to go a little deeper into our seas. Make a model deep sea submarine that can withstand great pressure and travel to the deepest, darkest places on Earth. Make sure you test it first. What are those bright lights in the distance? It’s a group of bioluminescent sea creatures. Look closely and create a colourful, 3-D art exhibition when you rise to the surface. Flippers on? Snorkel ready? Let’s head into the Blue Abyss.
Term 1b: Burps, bottoms and bile
Open wide – let’s take a look inside. We’re on a voyage of discovery to investigate the busy world inside your body. Do you have a toothy grin or a winning smile? Take dental impressions and test the effects of sugary substances on your pearly whites. Follow a tasty morsel as it makes its way through your digestive system, helped by some mouthwatering saliva. And don’t forget the importance of good hygiene at both ends. And whilst we’re talking business, could you recognise an animal just by its poo? Are you brave enough to take the challenge? Make a working model of the digestive system and use it to persuade others to eat healthily. Learn how to look after this marvellous belching, squelching, mixture making machine we call our body.
Term 2a: Road trip USA!
Buckle up, sunglasses on. We’re going on a road trip across the good old US of A. Flying from London Gatwick, and landing at JFK airport New York, it’s time to explore the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Use your map skills to navigate your way around some of its most famous landmarks and send a postcard home to ask the question ‘Do you wish you were here?’ Learn how to send an email to book a day trip or reserve a room. Make sure you ask the important questions ‘Does your hotel have a pool? Is there 24-hour room service?’ Meet the Iroquois tribe; Native Americans with amazing customs and traditions. Then plan a bespoke road trip for Mr Smith and his family of four. They want to spend three weeks in the sunshine. It’s going to be a long ride. Put the roof down and let the wind blow through your hair. We’re off.
Term 2b and 3a: Invasion
This term, Year 4 will be exploring the exciting topic of Invasion, focusing on the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. Through our history lessons, children will learn why these groups came to Britain, how they lived, and what impact they had on life in the past. We’ll look at key events, important people, and how life changed during this time. The children will develop their historical enquiry skills by asking questions, using evidence, and thinking like historians. It’s a fascinating journey into early British history!
Term 3b: Misty mountain, winding river
This term, Year 4 will be exploring the amazing journey of water in our geography topic: Misty Mountain, Winding River. We’ll be following rivers from their source high in the mountains, all the way to the sea, learning how they shape the land around them along the way. We’ll also dive into the water cycle, discovering how rain is made, where our water comes from, and why it’s so important to look after it. From clouds and rainfall to dams and reservoirs, children will gain a better understanding of how water moves around our world and how we can help protect this precious resource. With plenty of hands-on activities, map work, and investigations, it’s set to be a splashing good time!
Important information
Multiplication Check:
At the end of Year 4, all children will sit a mandatory multiplication check set by the government. They will be tested on their multiplication and division knowledge up to 12 x 12. This is known as the MTC. Information will be sent to parents about this ahead of the assessment.
There are various ways to practise:
- Timestable Rockstars (school pay the TTRS subscription for your child and their login details are stuck into the front of their reading records)
- Hit the Button (a free website) https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
- Lots of repetition. You could encourage your child to test their tables knowledge when walking the dog, between adverts, getting ready in the morning, walking to school, during teatime… anywhere, anytime!
Short, regular bursts are the best way for anyone to learn their timestables. Make it a competition: who can beat who? Who can say their timestables the quickest? How ever you decide to do it, have fun with it!
Swimming:
Swimming is on Wednesdays. Please ensure swimming kits are in school every Wednesday morning and taken home Wednesday evening to be washed ready for the following week. Strictly no earrings or jewellery to be worn for swimming.
Homework:
- Children are expected to read regularly at home: being a fluent reader is key to learning across ALL subjects and it’s a key life skill. It is ideal to read a book over a few days to allow your child to discuss what they have read to embed learning and demonstrate a clear comprehension of the text. You may wish to ask your child questions or discuss the meanings of keywords within the book.
- All homework is optional and will be shared through Class Dojo. Homework activities will be uploaded weekly or half-termly and we ask that each week’s tasks are completed by the following Wednesday.
- There is no requirement for parents to print any homework sheets. Your child should complete homework in their yellow homework books which will be issued at the start of the year. If your child has struggled with their homework, they may bring it in Monday- Wednesday to be reviewed with a member of staff. There is no expectation for your child to bring their yellow book into school otherwise and this can remain at home.
- Spellings will be shared on Class Dojo for the half term ahead. The children will be tested every Friday.
Thank you for your continued support! If you would like to speak to one of your child’s class teachers, please arrange an appointment with the admin team or speak to them at the end of the day when all children have been dismissed to their adult.
As always, stay safe, have fun and be kind!
Mrs Potter, Mrs Mantel and Mrs Woolley