• English
• Maths

Welcome to Year 4!

Our Curriculum

Geography

This term, our Geography topic for the first part of the Autumn term is ‘Volcanoes and Earthquakes.’ In this unit children will explore the dynamism of the earth, learning about its structure; looking particularly at the causes and distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes and their effects on landscape and people. They will be introduced to the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, the most active region on earth, and consider why people choose to live on the flanks of volcanoes and in earthquake zones when both can be life-threatening. They will learn that volcanoes have existed throughout geological time, and that there are several different types. For our ‘Big Finish’, the children will make their own erupting volcano!

History

Our history focus will be the Romans, which will take place during the second part of the Autumn term. This is always hugely popular with the children (and staff!) We will be learning about the spread of the Roman Empire, the Roman invasion and its impact on Britain and the defeat against the Celts. We will learn about what life was like as a Roman soldier on Hadrian’s wall and will visit the Grosvenor Museum in Chester in the coming weeks to further deepen your child’s knowledge.

Religion

We continue to follow ‘The Way, The Truth and the Life’ syllabus in Religion and continue our spiritual journey through a focus on bible scripture and an exploration of our trust in God. This is always a wonderful unit with which to start off the year.

Science

In science, we will be learning about states of matter, followed by sound after half-term. We will, of course, be conducting lots of fun investigations and learning about the practical, real-world applications of the theories that we study.

English

Our English work will be inspired by the theme ‘Finding freedom’ and then ‘Invention and Innovation’, using a book-based approach to our learning. Children love to learn through books and become engaged in the story, which affects outcomes of writing positively. Children will create poems, develop techniques in writing setting description, write scripts, and develop their explanatory writing techniques. For our reading lessons, we will use books related to our history and geography units.

Maths

In maths, we will be improving our knowledge and skills across a range of areas within the Power Maths scheme, including: the four operations, place value and perimeter. Problem solving and reasoning skills will form an important part of each unit.

Computing

In computing, we will begin with online safety. We have a ‘worry box’ in class regarding online safety, where children can jot down thoughts, worries and questions which can then be addressed in a sensitive manner during computing lessons. Following online safety, we will move onto coding and effective searching.

Art and DT

In the first part of the Autumn term, we will be improving our art and design skills across a range of areas. In the second half of this term, we will look at structures within D&T.

Music and MFL

In Music, we will be listening and responding to a range of Folk Music and having a go at composing some of our own too. Children will also have French lessons once a week on a Friday conducted by a specialist teacher.

Reading

The greatest way to support your child with their learning at home, is to read with them as often as possible – we recommend daily. Please can this be recorded in your child’s reading diary which we would like to be brought into school each day. Once your child has read their book, they may change them themselves in school. Children are encouraged to do this as independently as possible in Year 4.

Homework

Spellings: Spellings will be set on a Tuesday each week and will be added to the Year 4 homework page on the St Gabriel’s school website. Spellings will be tested on a Monday of each week. Please encourage your child to work hard learning these at home. The spellings will also be taught in school in line with the books we are using in English to further embed them within a context. The number of spellings tested each week will vary depending on the spelling focus.  

Other homework: Homework tasks will be set weekly using either Purple Mash or a different learning activity will be set. These tasks will also be set on a Tuesday and will need to be completed by the following Monday. The tasks will be listed on the Year 4 homework page.

Times Tables

In the summer term, Year 4 children are required by the government to complete a Times Tables Check. This is an online program where children answer 25 multiplication only times-tables questions inputting their answers using an onscreen keyboard. Each question has an answer time of 6 seconds. There are numerous ways to help your child become more confident and fluent in their time-tables. Regular practice on TTRockstars will help to build confidence in a fun and engaging way. The ‘Soundcheck’ area was designed to emulate the conditions of the formal test and will familiarise your child with the format. The following websites are also fantastic and replicate the actual test. We will use these in school, but you can also access them from home:

https://talkingtimestables.uk/y4_ks2_mtc_practice_tests_multiplication_tables_check.php

Multiplication Tables Check - 2023 - Timestables.co.uk

Other ways to practise include chants and songs (we will be learning lots in class!), the website ‘Hit the Button’ and additional books and activities which can be found online such as dot to dots or colour by numbers. Any questions or concerns regarding your child and this test, please do get in touch.

PE

During the Autumn term, PE will be on both a Monday and Tuesday afternoon so please remember to send kits in to school on both of these days. Please note that as the weather gets colder, children will need to wear a navy or black jumper and navy or black joggers (or leggings). If the weather is warm, a hat and a good application of sun cream is also recommended.

Belongings

Each day, your child will need to bring their water bottle into school – this will be sent home each day to be cleaned and refilled. The school canteen will be providing snacks at playtimes, so please bring in the correct change where possible if your child would like to buy a snack or you may provide your own healthy snack for your child to eat.

Please also ensure that your child brings their coat into school with them. We are hoping that the weather will provide ample opportunities for fine weather outdoor learning, however, we wish to be prepared to venture outside as much as possible regardless!

As always, if all belongings are clearly named, it would greatly assist us in school.

Behaviour

We will be continuing to use our 'Good to be Green' behaviour system throughout Year 4. In Year 4, we do have very high expectations of behaviour and believe in a fair, firm and consistent approach. What matters to us most is that your children reach their full potential and try their absolute best in all they do. A really positive and happy atmosphere will be created, where children follow our school/class rules. Great behaviour is always celebrated on a Friday when children receive 'Golden Play'. Any questions about our Behaviour system, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Parent helpers

If any parents are interested in coming into school to help with readers, please do let us know via email as soon as possible. Also, if any parents have any specialisms or professions to share with us as a class, we always welcome you to come into school to chat to our children and further develop their learning and experiences.

Finally…

Class Dojo

Class Dojo will be used regularly to aid communication between home and school. Using this website, we are able to share photos and information about your child’s learning and experiences in school and share relevant information about day-to-day school activities. We really hope that you continue to find this a useful tool in feeling continually engaged in the school community and also part of your child’s learning journey.

We would like to again welcome you and your child to Year 4!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.