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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 and 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: 

In Spring 1, Year 4 will continue building on their mathematical journey. We will start by strengthening our multiplication and division skills, focusing on using efficient strategies and building fluency. Through a range of practical activities, we’ll deepen our understanding of these operations and apply them to solve problems.

As we progress, we will explore fractions, learning how to compare, add, and subtract them with confidence. We will also continue to develop our mental calculation strategies to help solve a variety of problems quickly and efficiently. This term will be filled with engaging and hands-on activities designed to enhance key mathematical concepts.

In preparation for the Multiplication Times Table Check, we will continue practising multiplication and division facts up to 12x12. Through interactive games, quizzes, and activities, we aim to build confidence and ensure quick, accurate recall of multiplication facts, helping students excel in this important assessment.

English:

This term in English, Year 4 will embark on an exciting literary adventure, drawing inspiration from various genres to enhance our writing skills. We will begin by exploring explanatory texts, learning how to clearly explain processes and concepts. Next, we will work on persuasive writing, where we’ll develop our ability to convince others using effective arguments and language techniques.

In addition, we will dive into stories from other cultures, exploring different narratives and storytelling traditions from around the world.

Science:

This term in Science, Year 4 will explore the fascinating world of living things and their habitats. We will learn about different types of habitats, from forests to oceans, and how living organisms adapt to survive in these environments. We will also study food chains, discovering how energy flows through ecosystems, and identifying producers, consumers, and decomposers in various habitats.

Throughout the term, we will engage in hands-on activities to help us understand how different animals and plants are interconnected and depend on each other to thrive. This will help us develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.

Curriculum Focus: 

History:

This term in History, Year 4 will explore the fascinating world of the Roman Empire. Children will learn about the rise of Rome, its powerful leaders like Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus, and how the Romans built one of the largest empires in history. We will study key aspects of Roman life, including their government, the Roman army, and the famous Roman roads and architecture.

Students will also learn about daily life in Ancient Rome, from food and clothing to entertainment and public baths, giving them a comprehensive understanding of how the Romans lived and thrived in their vast empire.

Geography:

This term in Year 4 Geography, we will explore the powerful forces of volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains. Children will learn about the structure of the Earth, understanding how tectonic plates and natural processes shape our world. We’ll study the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions, the movement of the Earth’s plates during earthquakes, and the formation of mountains over time.

Throughout this unit, students will investigate famous volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain ranges around the globe, learning how these natural events have impacted human life and the environment. The children will also explore how different habitats and climates are affected by these dramatic Earth processes. By the end of the term, they will have a deeper understanding of the Earth’s physical processes and how they continue to shape our planet today.

PE:

This term in PE, Year 4 will be developing their skills in Gymnastics and Matball. In Gymnastics, children will learn how to perform a variety of movements, from rolls and jumps to balancing and linking sequences. They will work on improving their flexibility, coordination, and body control, while also learning how to perform and present their routines with confidence.

In Matball, students will practice teamwork, communication, and strategy as they develop their skills in this fun and fast-paced game. Matball combines elements of football and basketball, and students will focus on passing, dribbling, and shooting to score goals. This term will be filled with fun activities to build strength, agility, and cooperation, helping children improve their physical fitness and teamwork abilities.

PSHE:

This term in PSHE, Year 4 will focus on understanding feelings, friends, and friendships. Children will learn how to recognise and manage their emotions, exploring different feelings and the importance of expressing them in a healthy way. We will also discuss what makes a good friend, how to build and maintain positive friendships, and how to resolve conflicts in a respectful manner.

Through various activities and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of empathy, communication, and teamwork, helping them build strong and supportive relationships with others.

RE:

This term in RE, Year 4 will be exploring the big question: What matters most? Through this investigation, we will look at how Christians and Humanists understand the concepts of right and wrong, and what they believe is most important in life.

Children will explore Christian teachings on morality and the role of the Ten Commandments, as well as Humanist perspectives on ethics and personal responsibility. Through discussions and activities, students will reflect on what values guide their own lives and compare these to the views of others.

SPANISH:

This term in Year 4 Spanish, we will be learning all about "Mi familia" (My Family). Children will learn how to talk about their family members, describing relationships and practicing vocabulary such as "madre" (mother), "padre" (father), "hermano" (brother), and "hermana" (sister). We'll focus on using basic phrases to introduce family members and describe them, working on pronunciation and simple sentence structures.

Music:

This term in Music, Year 4 will explore changes in pitch, tempo, and dynamics. Children will learn how pitch (high and low sounds), tempo (speed of music), and dynamics (loud and soft sounds) can change within a piece of music and how these elements influence the overall mood and feeling of a song. Through listening activities, students will identify these changes in music and experiment with creating their own music, using instruments and their voices to change pitch, tempo, and dynamics.

Homework: 

For the upcoming term, we will have a half termly homework menu linked to our wider curriculum, offering a range of engaging tasks related to the areas we are studying. In addition to this, children are expected to:

  • Daily Reading: Record all reading activities in their planners. Regular reading at home supports comprehension and fluency.
  • TT Rockstars: Practice times tables daily using TT Rockstars to build multiplication skills and confidence.
  • Times Table Practice: Reinforce multiplication facts through consistent practice to prepare for assessments and improve arithmetic skills.

These activities are designed to support learning and reinforce the concepts covered in class.

We're looking forward to a fantastic half-term filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let's make it a year to remember!