YEAR 4 - Blenheim and Buckingham
Welcome to Year 4!
We are thrilled to welcome you to Year 4! This year, our team of dedicated adults includes Mrs. Wilby, Mrs. Howis, Miss Roberts who will be the class teachers and our Associate Professionals Mrs. Clarricoates, and Mrs. Hodgkinson. We have an exciting year ahead, filled with fantastic learning opportunities that we can’t wait to explore together. Stay tuned for a year full of fun, discovery, and growth as we embark on this learning journey!
What We're Learning This Half-Term
Mathematics:
This term, Year 4 will deepen their understanding of decimals, learning to compare, order, round, and apply them to real-world contexts like money.
We’ll then focus on time, ensuring students can read clocks, convert units, and solve time-related problems. In statistics, we’ll interpret and present data using charts and graphs.
In shape, students will explore angles, symmetry, and classification of shapes. Throughout the term, we’ll continue to refine multiplication and division skills up to 12x12, preparing for the Multiplication Tables Check.
Problem-solving and reasoning will be at the heart of all learning, building strong mathematical foundations for Year 5!.
English:
This term in English, Year 4 will continue writing exciting adventure stories, where they will plan and develop narratives featuring a problem that is eventually solved. They will create their own unique characters and settings, using descriptive language to bring their stories to life. Through this process, they will also focus on building suspense, structuring their plots effectively, and improving their overall storytelling skills.
The children will then continue their writing journey by creating first-person diary entries, allowing them to record their thoughts and ideas in a personal and reflective way. Through this, they will practice writing in a more conversational and expressive style, capturing emotions, experiences, and daily events with a natural, chatty tone. This activity will help them develop their creativity, voice, and ability to connect with their audience in a more engaging and relatable manner.
Lastly, the children will be learning how to write formal letters, an essential skill that helps them communicate clearly and professionally. They will be introduced to the structure of formal letters, including proper salutations, body organisation, and appropriate closings. Through engaging activities, they will practice writing letters for different purposes, such as requesting information, expressing gratitude, or addressing concerns. This will not only improve their writing skills but also teach them the importance of tone, clarity, and etiquette in communication. By the end of the term, they will have the confidence to craft well-structured letters for real-life situations.
Science: sound
This term in Science, Year 4 will be exploring sound. We’ll investigate how sounds are made, discovering how vibrations travel through different materials to reach our ears.
We’ll learn about pitch and volume, exploring how the size and tension of an object affect the sounds it produces. We’ll also investigate how sounds change over distance and how we can use different materials to muffle or amplify them.
Curriculum Focus:
History: The Roman Empire’s Impact on Britain
This term, Year 4 will explore how the Roman Empire changed Britain. We’ll learn about the Roman invasion, why they came, and how they built towns, roads, and infrastructure that shaped Britain’s future.
We’ll discover the impact of Roman laws, language, and trade, as well as how Roman technology, such as aqueducts and central heating, improved daily life. Students will also learn about Boudicca’s rebellion and how some Britons resisted Roman rule.
By the end of the term, children will understand how the Romans influenced Britain and how their legacy is still seen today!
Geography:
This term in Year 4 Geography, we will explore the water cycle and its key processes. Children will learn about how water moves around the Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and how it plays a crucial role in weather patterns and climate.
We’ll investigate the journey of water from rivers to oceans and back again, understanding the impact of rainfall on the environment and how different regions manage their water supply. The children will also explore how human activities, such as farming and urbanisation, affect the water cycle.
PE:
This term in PE, Year 4 will focus on Tennis and Cricket. In Tennis we’ll develop skills in serving, rallying and volleying, while improving our hand-eye coordination and agility. Students will also learn the rules of the game and the importance of positioning and strategy.
In Cricket we’ll work on key skills like bowling, batting, fielding and practising teamwork and communication during matches. Students will learn the fundamentals of the game and how to apply their skills in game situations.
Both sports will encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play as we develop our physical abilities and understanding of these classic games.
PSHE:
This term in PSHE, Year 4 will focus on caring for our bodies and understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children will learn about the benefits of exercise, nutrition, and personal hygiene, and how these habits contribute to physical and mental well-being.
We’ll explore the different ways we can take care of our bodies, including understanding how sleep, hydration, and self-care play vital roles. Through discussions and activities, students will also reflect on how to make positive choices and how to look after themselves both physically and emotionally.
RE:
This term in RE, Year 4 will explore the question: What matters to Hindus, Christians, and to us? We’ll investigate the role of worship, pilgrimage, and community in the lives of Hindus and Christians. Students will learn about the significance of worship rituals, pilgrimages like the Hindu journey to the Ganges or Christian pilgrimages to sites like Jerusalem, and how these practices strengthen faith and community.
We’ll also explore the values that guide these religions and reflect on how we can create a sense of belonging for everyone in our own communities. By comparing beliefs, students will consider how these teachings can inspire us to live more thoughtfully and respectfully.
SPANISH:
This term in Year 4 Spanish, we will be learning about "El tiempo" (The Weather). Children will practice vocabulary related to different weather conditions such as "soleado" (sunny), "lluvioso" (rainy), and "nublado" (cloudy). We will also learn how to describe the weather in different seasons and practice using simple phrases to talk about the weather in Spanish.
Students will improve their pronunciation and sentence structure as they describe the weather and make comparisons, helping them to communicate more confidently in Spanish.
Music:
This term in Year 4 Music, we will dive into the lively world of Samba and Carnival music. Children will explore how rhythm, pitch, and tempo create exciting sounds and moods, learning to identify and use traditional instruments.
Through hands-on activities, students will experiment with different dynamics, tempo, and pitch to create their own Samba rhythms, understanding how these elements bring energy and excitement to Carnival music. They will work together to perform as a group, building confidence in both performance skills and teamwork.
Homework:
At Maltby Manor Academy, we are committed to supporting your child's learning at home. In Key Stage 2, our homework is designed to build key skills and foster a love of learning.
Here’s what to expect:
- Times Table Rock Stars – Practice times tables daily using TT Rockstars to build multiplication skills and confidence.
- Daily Reading – Record all reading activities in your child's planner. Regular reading at home is key to developing comprehension and fluency.
- Weekly Spelling Sheets – Focused activities to develop accurate and confident spelling. Handed out on a Friday returned by Wednesday.
- Curriculum Homework Menu – A choice of creative, engaging tasks linked to your child’s current topics.
Our homework programme offers a variety of opportunities to enrich your child’s learning and strengthen the home-school partnership. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child thrive!
We're looking forward to a fantastic half-term filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let's make it a year to remember!