Year 4 Summer Two - Curriculum Information

Wow – It’s the last half term of the year! Let’s see what exciting things we have planned!  We will be reading, ‘PAX’ by Sara Pennypacker - In Pax, war brews at an unknown time in an unknown place, and Peter’s father forces him to leave his beloved pet fox along the side of the road. Devastated by the loss of his fox, Pax, Peter attempts the impossible; he decides to embark on an almost 300-mile quest to return to the spot along the side of the road where he believes Pax will still be waiting… This book encourages friendship, resilience, and change– which links in with our Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘Changing me’. We will also use King and King, by Linda de Hann and Stern Nijland  (our Everyone’s welcome book) to help deepen our understating of this topic. In religious education, we will also be looking at Buddhism and how Buddhists can lead a good life by making the right choices.

In English we shall be exploring the ‘Bike boy’. We follow this adventure story and understand a mother’s worry as her son grows up attempting to fly and find the world. We will be focusing on football and yoga this half term in PE – Stretch and hold! In class, we will be learning about Japan for Geography! Exploring this, so we can answer our BIG question: How is Japan different to other parts of Asia? In this unit, children will study the physical and human geographical features of Japan. They will begin by identifying Japan’s location in the Northern Hemisphere. They will learn about Japan’s position on tectonic plate boundaries and what the consequences are for the islands of Japan and the people who live there!

In Maths –We will continue developing our times tables knowledge to aid our ability to tackle problem solving and reasoning questions. In addition to this, we will be working on decimals, and money. For Music, we have six lessons left before we finish our guitar lessons for the year! A HUGE thanks to Mr R for his support and patience. We will be finalising some songs on the guitar and making them the best we can!

In Science, we will be learning about ecology and seeking to answer our BIG QUESTION: How does our ecosystem impact living things and the environment? Pupils will learn about the seven things that all living things have in common: movement, sensitivity, respiration, nutrition, excretion, respiration, and growth. They will also look at food chains and ecosystems!

Finally, in History we will continue to learn about the Stuarts, thinking about our BIG question: Why do we remember certain events of the Stuart period? Focusing on chronological knowledge beyond 1066 and looking at fundamental British. The children will also, use a range of sources to interpret the cause and consequence of significant events, such as the English Civil War, The Gunpowder Plot, and the Great Fire of London, as well as analysing the influence of significant people including Oliver Cromwell and Sir Christopher Wren. We will be using the picture book ‘The Great Fire of London: Anniversary Edition of the Great Fire of 1666’ by Emma Adams to bring our learning to life!

Please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. We post every week and love to share your child’s learning with you! We also have lots more exciting experiences planned for this half-term, such as, a trip to Twin Lakes and Sports day!

Keep a look out!

Best,

Miss Holmes

Year 4 Summer 1 Curriculum Information

Are you ready for a summer term of learning? We will be reading, ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling – this is about a boy named Mowgli who gets lost in a jungle when he is just a little boy. When mother wolf finds him and accepts him as one of her own calves, Mowgli is brought up and raised among animals and is taught the laws of the jungle. Will he live happily or will the tiger Shere-Khan spread fear among the jungle animals, scaring Mowgli as well. What follows is a story of understanding and adventure, encouraging all to look after one another. Thus, encouraging friendship and acceptance of each other – which links in with our Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘relationships’. We shall also be exploring Beegu by Alexis Deacon. Beegu is not supposed to be on Earth. She is lost. She is a friendly little creature, but the Earth People don't seem very welcoming at all. However, so far, she has only met the BIG ones. The little ones are a different matter . . .This beautiful picture book explores being lost but brave in the unknown.

In English we shall be looking at the traditional tale of ‘The princess and the pea’. As readers, we are taught not to judge people based on their appearances, as can be seen when a shabby-looking princess passes a test orchestrated by the queen! I wonder what the test will be! For poetry, we shall be reading ‘Around the World in Eighty Poems’ by James Berry. This diverse poetry collection takes readers on an imaginary journey from Greenland to Great Britain by way of Nicaragua, Kenya, Hungary and many other lands. Some poems are light-hearted, some are serious, and together they evoke a world that's both exotic and familiar.

We will be focusing on hand ball and athletics this half term in PE – let’s get physical! In class, we will be learning about London and the southeast for Geography! Exploring this, so we can answer our BIG question: What makes London a great capital city? Naming and locating counties and cities of the United Kingdom, geographical regions and their identifying human and physical characteristics, key topographical features (including hills, mountains, coasts, and rivers), and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects have changed over time!

In Maths –We will continue developing our timetable knowledge and focusing on place value, to aid our ability to tackle problem solving and reasoning questions. In addition to this, we will be developing our fluency with fractions, decimals, and percentages.

In Science, we will be learning about SOUND. We shall identify how sounds are made, associating some of them with something vibrating, recognise that vibrations from sounds travel through a medium to the ear. But also find patterns between the pitch of a sound and features of the object that produced it. All whilst, thinking about our pitch perfect BIG question - What is sound and how do we hear?

Finally, in History we shall be learning about the Stuarts, thinking about our BIG question: Why do we remember certain events of the Stuart period? Focusing on chronological knowledge beyond 1066 and looking at fundamental British. The children will also, use a range of sources to interpret the cause and consequence of significant events, such as the English Civil War, The Gunpowder Plot and the Great Fire of London, as well as analysing the influence of significant people including Oliver Cromwell and Sir Christopher Wren.

 In Music, we will be continuing our guitar lessons every Tuesday, focusing on performing and playing collaboratively. Finally, in RE we shall be researching What is the best way for a Buddhist to lead a good life? We shall explore teachings of Buddhism, why we make some choices and say why we think some of these are ‘good’ choices.

Please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. We have lots more exciting experiences planned for this half-term such as a Shakespeare day, Art days and many more!

Year 4 Spring Term 2 Curriculum Information

Hello Year Four! I hope you had a restful half term break! Let’s talk about all the new and exciting things we will be learning! Firstly, we will be reading the beautiful and heart-warming ‘The boy at the back of the class’ by Onjali Q. Rauf. This is the story about how one ordinary nine-year-old child and three classmates, who are full of empathy for Ahmet. A boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria (he is the boy at the back of the class). Through their sensitivity, curiosity, ingenuity, bravery, and innocent niceness, they make a massive impact on Ahmet’s life, friends, class, school, community, and wider world. This story will focus on hardships and friendships. Thus, encouraging the acceptance and help from others– which links in with our school values and Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘Healthy me’.

In English we shall be looking at the narrative ‘Float’ by Daniel Miyares. This is a thoughtful, rich picture book about a boy and his paper boat. It's a rainy, gloomy day and he decides to head out to play in the water with his paper boat. We will be following along the story to see how his day with his paper boat unfolds. This compliments our new Science topic ‘The Water cycle’, where we shall be delving into states of matter, thinking about our BIG QUESTION: How does the water cycle recycle?

Right, let’s talk about History! We will be thinking about Can conflict ever lead to peace? Exploring the Roman Empire! Looking at Julius Caesar, the Punic wars, and the fall of the Roman Empire!

Moving swiftly on, we will be focusing on Gymnastics in PE! Learning about balance, moment and control. The children will also continue their swimming lessons. Marching into Maths –We will continue developing our timetables knowledge and focus on Division, Fractions and Decimals.

Onto Geography – This half term we will be looking at Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s cause way, The Marble Arch Caves and thinking about our BIG QUESTION… What are the physical and human features of Northern Ireland?

In RE, will be exploring the question: What is it like for someone to follow God? Making links between the story of Noah and how we live in school and the wider world. We shall also look at Jesus and the Easter story. In Music, we will be continuing our guitar lessons every Tuesday, focusing on more chords and complexed patterns. Finally, in DT we will have a full two days working on cross stitching as our focus is on textiles!

Additionally, as part of their history, the children have been learning about the Roman Empire, so we have organised a trip to go to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre on Thursday 9th March! We also have World Book Day on the first Thursday back and will be exploring poetry and performing. Additionally, we have Science week and Shakespeare week to look forward to as well. Now, this is only a small insight to what we will be learning in class, so please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. 

Thank you for your continuous support.

Year 4 Spring 1 Curriculum Information

Welcome back Year 4! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New year! Let’s tell you all about the new and exciting things we will be learning about this half term! Firstly, we will be reading the thrilling ‘Julius Caesar’ by the famous, English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Shakespeare tells the story of the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination, and the great defeat of his conspirators! This tragic tale will focus on hardships, friendships, and the betrayal of others. Thus, encouraging the acceptance and help from others to reach your goals – which links in with our school values and Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘Dreams and Goals’. As we will be thinking about the acceptance of others, this shall compliment a day of thinking about refuges and racism. A second book we shall explore is ‘Dreams of Freedom’. This book is a celebration of champions of freedom throughout history. This brilliant book not only introduces children to the importance of human rights, freedom, and the history of these concepts, but also to a wonderful variety of illustrations. It also has a collection of words from Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Anne Frank, Malala Yousafzai, and many more! Additionally, we shall have our Shakespeare day, where we will be commemorating his birthday.

In English we shall be looking at the fascinating explanation of Microbes! This journey takes us into the wonderful world of our own Microbes – looking at how they help us stay healthy! Everywhere we go there are microbes! Volcanoes and toxic waste dumps – there are microbes. Icy glaciers and the darkest depths of the ocean – there are microbes. The scorching hot deserts – yes, there are microbes -They really are everywhere! This links with our new Science topic ‘The Human body’, where we shall be delving into cells, nutrients, LOOKING AT REAL HUMAN TEETH and digestion! Thinking about our BIG QUESTION: Why and how should we look after our bodies?

We will be starting Basketball in PE! Learning about ball moment and control. The children will also begin their swimming lessons for the next twelve weeks.  Marching into Maths –We will continue developing our timetables knowledge and focus on Division, Fractions, and Decimals.

Right, let’s talk about History! We will be thinking about Why does Pompeii hold the richest source of archaeological evidence in ancient Rome? Exploring Life in Ancient Rome! Looking at the Monarchy, the great Roman empire, and the life they lived. We will be able to use our new library artefacts to bring our history lessons to life! These include pottery and an Ancient Rome project box.

For music, we shall continue with our guitar lessons with Mr R, learning new chords and hopefully some songs! Additionally in Art, we have a two hour ‘Take flight’ art session with the library service, which will get the children’s creativity flowing. Lastly, we will be making some links between some religious festivals and stories (e.g., Svetaketu, Ganesh, Diwali) and what Hindus believe about God in RE. This will compliment our RE, when we celebrate World Religion Day.

Now this is just a whistle stop tour so please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. We also have our three-day residential trip on adventure training! We will be developing character muscles of courage, as we try new things and teamwork as we work together to overcome problems and take sensible risks!

 We will keep you well updated along our learning journey.

Thank you for your continuous support.

Year 4 Autumn 2 Curriculum Information

I’s time for a new and exciting half term! We will be reading, the spectacular ‘Oliver Twist’ by the marvellous Charles Dickens. As we delve into the novel we learn that Oliver twist is a young, innocent boy who runs away from the brutality of the workhouse, only to find himself taken in by a gang of thieves! The devilish Fagin runs the show alongside his violent side kick, Bill Sikes, and the irreplaceable Artful Dodger. Rescued from London’s dingiest and darkest dens, but then forced to help in a violent burglary, Oliver’s chances of survival are slim and his chances of happiness is almost nil. Will he survive? This novel will focus on hardships, friendships, and the understanding of others. Thus, encouraging compassion, teamwork, and acceptance of each other – which links in with our Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘Celebrating differences’. We will also be thinking of our school and British values as we commemorate Remembrance Day and celebrate Diwali.

This year we are very lucky to have some visitors from Creative Learning Services who will be talking to the children about WW1 and Remembrance Day. This will be an interactive assembly! We are very excited for this!

In English we shall be looking at the remarkable story of ‘The Iron Man’ by Ted Hughes. This story includes a gigantic metal robot who appears out of nowhere, crashing onto the beach and shattering into many parts. He is discovered by a young boy called Hogarth, who becomes his friend. The Iron Man proceeds to devour farm machinery, until the farmers rise up against him and threaten to bring in the army. Hogarth comes to his rescue and suggests that the monster should be left in peace to feed from the scrap metal yard. But is the Iron Man the only strange creature to visit Earth?

We will be focusing on Cricket and tag rugby this half term in PE – The Leicestershire Tigers will be leading the cricket and are roaring to get started!  We will also be learning about the World Cup and British Values! We will spend time as a whole school sharing learning about sport’s from different country.

In Design and Technology, we will be exploring the concept of Structure. We will be producing a range of free-standing frame structures of different shapes and sizes in order to design a pavilion that is strong, stable and aesthetically pleasing.

Marching into Maths –We will continue developing our timetables knowledge and focus on written Addition and Subtraction methods. As well as Multiplication and division!

In our shining classroom, we will be learning about Electricity in Science and thinking about our Big Question: How do we make a light shine? This will include circuits, switches, and lots of electrifying fun.

We will be continuing with our Ancient Greece topic in History, looking at Greek art, architecture, legacies, and the Olympics games. How has Ancient Greek culture influenced the Western  World?

In Geography, we will look at Mediterranean Europe and be asking ourselves our Big Question: ‘What impact has Mediterranean Europe had on Britain?

Please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. We have lots more exciting experiences planned for this half-term such as an all about Greek Art session, an interactive assembly at Christmas where we will be learning about Christmas in Leicestershire in 1891, an opportunity to record our own Christmas songs live for a CD and many more!

Year 4 Autumn 1 Curriculum Information

Are you ready for a new year and lots of learning? We will be reading, the ‘The Wolf Wilder’ by Katherine Rundall, as our adventurous class story. We will delve into the novel, starting with Feodora and her mother who live in the snowbound wood of Russia. But down the road, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. We will learn later that Fedora’s mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is in training to become one too. This means they teach tamed animals to be wild again – fighting, running, fending for themselves and being wary of humans. This thrilling tale will find Feo running for her life, trying to escape the Russian Army who threatens her very existence. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, encouraging all to stand up for what you love and of course, wolves. Thus, encouraging compassion, teamwork, and acceptance of each other – which links in with our school values and Personal, Social and health Education topic, ‘Being Me in My World’.

In English we shall be learning about the Greek myth ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’. We will meet kings, a ravenous beast, and a brave boy. Linking with our History topic, Ancient Greece! According to legend, King Minos ruled Athens and forced the people to deliver children every nine years to keep the beast’s hunger at bay. We will be unpicking the rich vocabulary from this novel to use in our narrative writing. Who will win, boy or beast? 

Complementing our English unit, History will be bursting with fun! Thinking our big question: How has Ancient Greek culture influenced the Western World? We will be using artefacts from the library and looking at philosophers, warriors, myths, and legends! I am hoping Ancient Greece won’t be our Achilles heal by the end of this half term!

We will be focusing on Basketball and Cricket this half term in PE – I think a lot of ducking might be involved for me!

 In Geography, we will be learning about Spatial sense. We will be identifying and locating tropics on a globe, looking at scales and grid references to help us. Linking to our BIG question: Where is our local area and how has it changed over time? We will also be using our map reading skills to identify where we live and look at our local area - perhaps you already know some famous facts about Melton Mowbray... cheese and pork pies come to my mind.

Moving swiftly onto Maths –We will continue to develop our timetable knowledge and focusing on place value. Looking at how this can aid our ability to overcome problem solving and reasoning questions.

In Science, we will be learning about the classification of Plants and Animals. Developing our grouping skills, looking at different classes of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Thinking about our Big question: Why do we classify plants and animals?

We are also very lucky to have some specialists in school from Leicestershire library services who are going to be teaching us about how animals adapt and food changes. They will be bringing the children some brilliant artefacts of wild animals to look at!

We will also be looking at Jesus in Religious Education and how he is an inspiration to many.

Please keep a look out on Class Dojo for photos of our learning, information, and updates. We have lots more exciting experiences planned for this half-term such as Ronald Dahl day and many more.