Year 4
Welcome to Year 4
Class 4 is an exciting, fun and hard-working class. This is a great class to be in because we never give up, are always brave and enjoy tackling new challenges. We work with Mrs Thompson (class teacher), Mrs Nattrass, Mrs Henderson and Mrs Ford (Teaching Assistants) Together, they help make our learning exciting, ensuring that we get lots of opportunities to take our learning outside of the classroom.
Year 4 Key InformationLong Term Planning Overview Year 4 2023-24Year 4 Timetable 23-24
Classroom Routines
Reading
Reading is an essential part of children's learning and opens them up to new worlds and exciting adventures. The aim is for all children to read at least three times a week with an adult, and to record this in their reading record. Please remember to write in your child’s book when they have finished so we know when to change their book. Additionally, if children have a book of interest they are reading at home, we absolutely encourage them to use this as their reading book to help foster a love for reading. We ask all children to bring their reading record into school every Friday and those who have read at least 3 times and have 3 adult signatures will get entered into our class prize draw with a chance of winning a small prize.
Homework
Homework is set every Friday in children's homework books, this will take the form of weekly spellings, timestable practice and a reading comprehension. All children are expected to hand their homework in on a Thursday each week for marking. If children require any assistance with their homework they can attend Homework Club on a Monday lunchtime where they can be supported by an adult.
We also encourage children to use our online learning platforms to further support their learning. Children's logins can be found in the front of their homework books. TT Rockstars Login
PE
We value the importance of physical education to maintain a healthy lifestyle, therefore we have 2 weekly PE lessons in year 4. We have PE on a Tuesday and Wednesday.
On a Tuesday each half term, children in either Sharks or Dolphins will have a swimming lesson. On Wednesdays, all children have a session with our sports coach Mr Graham.
Please bring PE kits in on Monday and leave them in for the week so that children are prepared for any eventuality.
Communication
We share learning and resources through ClassDojo. Parents and children are able to post messages, photos and videos and parents can see work and send messages to the class teacher. This is a really strong way of keeping our learning up to date and staying connected with our class. If you have any difficulties accessing ClassDojo, please contact the school office for further support.
Statutory Tests in Year 4
In Year 4, we prepare for the National Multiplication Check, which takes place in Summer Term, by placing strong emphasis on our quick recall of times tables up to 12 x tables through a range of teaching activities and games. We work with all children to rehearse their skills and encourage them to practice these regularly at home too.
Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice. This format has very successfully boosted times tables recall speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils.
All children have logins for TT Rockstars which can be found in the front of their homework books.
Curriculum Areas
English
Throughout the year, we read and are inspired by a diverse range of texts, from short stories such as 'The Promise', novels such as 'The Christmasurus' and historical texts such as 'Escape from Pompeii'. Throughout our units of work, we explore and write several genres of writing from persuasive letters, newspaper reports and narratives. We also focus on using relevant spelling, punctuation and grammar skills such as similes, expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials in our writing.
To help support your child with their writing, please encourage them to practice their spellings on at least 3 separate occasions throughout the week. Weekly spellings can be found on your child’s homework and common exception words can be found at the front of your child’s reading record for further support.
Mathematics
In our school, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme of work with a focus on deepening our knowledge and understanding through the completion of daily fluency, reasoning and problem-solving activities. We also complete daily Flashback quizzes to help us build confidence and retain our previous knowledge.
Science
We love science lessons and getting to learn and experiment by taking parts in a variety of fun scientific enquires.
In year 4, we concentrate our learning on the following science topics:
- Sound
- States of Matter
- Electricity
- Animals including humans
- Living things and their habitats
History
This year we look in depth into the Romans. In Autumn term, we consider what life was like before the Romans invaded by studying the Iron Age Celts. In Spring Term, we focus on the Roman invasion of Britain and consider why they wanted to invade our country. Finally in Summer Term, we consider what lasting legacies the Romans left behind and how they impacted the North East. As part of our History topic we will also visit Segedunum to explore the ancient ruins and take part in a Boudicca and Roman soldier workshop.
Geography
Our focus this year is Europe. We will consider how to locate European countries on world maps and compare their human and physical features, landscapes and biomes. In Spring, we will particularly focus on Italy and learn about Italian culture and landmarks and take an in depth look into volcanoes, how they are formed and what causes earthquakes. Linked to our history topic on the Romans, we research the eruption of Pompeii and how it has helped teach us about the Ancient Roman times. During Summer term, we carry an enquiry into climate change looking in particular at the causes and affects.
Physical Education
Throughout the year, we take part in a range of sporting activities taught by our class teacher Mrs Thompson, our in school sport coach Mr Graham as well as visiting sport specialists/coaches.
In year 4, we participate in:
- Swimming
- Tag Rugby
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Football
- Cricket
Music
Throughout the year, children listen to a range of music and explore pitch, rhythm, singing and composing. In the second half of year 4, our class learn to play clarinets and can also choose to learn how to play violin too.
Further information about taking up musical tuition can be found at: https://www.durhammusic.org.uk/sign-up
French
We have our weekly French lessons taught by language specialists at Lingotots! We learn to hold conversations in French, and develop new vocabulary based on classroom instructions, modes of transport and foods. The sessions are lots of fun and are filled with games and activities!
PSHE and RSE
Our PSHE lessons are adaptable based on the needs of our class, however, we do also take inspiration from the Jigsaw units of work which are:
- Being Me
- Celebrating Differences
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me
In addition, we take part in six weeks of 'Decider Skills' delivered by Piece of Mind team to help us with our emotions and mental health.
Computing
We follow the Teach Computing scheme of work to develop our computing knowledge and skills. At the start of every lesson we focus on an aspect of Online Safety to ensure we are confident in staying safe online.
Our Computing units are:
- Computing Systems & Networks - The Internet
- Data & Information - Data Logging
- Creating Media - Audio Production
- Creating Media - Photo Editing
- Programming - Repetition in shapes
- Programming - Repetition in games
Art and Design
In Art we follow the Access Art scheme of work to build on our skills and knowledge. We get to use a range of art mediums and resources such as clay, paints and oil pastels to explore our creativity and create a range of individual art pieces.
Our art units are:
- Drawing & Illustrations
- Photography/Still Life
- Sculptures
Design Technology
Every other half term, we undertake a DT project in which we evaluate existing designs to get inspiration, and design our own creation before making and evaluating our final product. We focus on a range of skills throughout the year and often link our projects to other areas of the curriculum.
Our DT projects are:
- Textiles - creating a Christmas cushion
- Electrical Systems - Night Lights
- Structures - Roman Pavilions
Religious Education
Throughout year 4 we focus on Christianity to gain and in depth understanding of their religion and beliefs. We study the significance of the Bible, how Christians show care for others as well as studying religious celebrations such as Christmas and Easter (Lent). In the Summer term we also study Durham Cathedral and take a school visit to learn more about St. Cuthbert.