Year 4

Summer 1

Year 4 have had a short but sweet Summer 1 half-term, packed with exciting learning opportunities across a range of subjects.

One of the highlights of the term was taking part in a live online session with the fantastic author and illustrator Zehra Hicks. The pupils had a wonderful time learning about her work and following along as she demonstrated how to draw characters from her books.

*Getting involved with the illustration with Zehra Hicks*

In PE, Year 4 have been making the most of the sunny weather while developing their cricket skills. The children were fortunate to work with a cricket coach, who led an exciting match and helped them improve their understanding of the game. During lessons, pupils have focused on developing their overarm throwing, catching and fielding skills, showing excellent teamwork and determination.

In Design and Technology, pupils took on the challenge of designing and creating their own slingshot cars. Throughout the term, they practised a range of techniques and worked brilliantly with their partners to refine their designs. Their hard work paid off as they produced some fantastic cars, which were put to the test during exciting trial runs along the corridor. Away from DT, the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about the song Blackbird by The Beatles. Alongside performing and exploring the song, pupils have listened to other music by the band and learnt about their significance in musical history.

Our final term looks to be a very busy one. With sports week and our final topics in subjects like Art, History and Science. Pupils will also be learning about the book Odd and the Frost Giants, where they get to delve into the Norse mythology world.

Spring 2

Year 4 have had a busy and exciting Spring 2 term, working hard across a range of subjects and taking part in some memorable events. The children have continued to show enthusiasm, creativity and a positive attitude towards their learning.

One of the highlights of the term was World Book Day. Year 4 enjoyed sharing their love of reading by visiting Year 1 and reading stories to the younger children. They were fantastic role models, showing confidence, patience and kindness throughout the day. The children also enjoyed choosing books to take home, helping them discover new stories and authors.

*Pupils practise their shading skills with their painting.*

In Science, we have been learning about sound. The pupils investigated how sounds are made and how vibrations travel to our ears. They enjoyed experimenting with musical instruments, exploring pitch and volume, and discovering how these can be changed. The children enjoyed investigating different sounds and developing their understanding of how sound is produced.

*Dancing like electricity, with sharp, dynamic movements.*

Another special event this term was International Women's Day. We welcomed some of the important women in our pupils’ lives into the classroom to take part in a range of activities. The children learnt about the significance of the day and celebrated the achievements of women around the world, reflecting on the importance of equality, respect and appreciation.

*Science Farm Live! Pupils had a great experience watching what happened on a farm.*

Next term is another exciting one with cricket in PE, learning all about circuits in science and learning lots of different poetry!

Spring 1

Year 4 have had an exciting Spring 1 term, working hard across a range of subjects. From gymnastics in PE to designing their own settlements in Geography, pupils have shown great enthusiasm for learning.

In Science, we have been learning all about states of matter. The children identified and explored the properties of solids, liquids and gases, and developed their understanding of condensation and evaporation. To bring this learning to life, the pupils carried out an experiment where they were able to observe condensation for themselves, which created lots of excitement and thoughtful discussion.

Year 4 getting Winter Olympics ready in PE!

In Design and Technology, Year 4 worked fantastically with partners to design and create their own torches. This was no easy task and required great teamwork and perseverance. The pupils built working circuits, assembled them into a plastic bottle, and even created their own switches using paperclips so they could turn the torch on and off independently.

One of the standout moments of the term was our Cultural Awareness Day. Pupils came into school wearing traditional clothing and throughout the morning, children confidently shared information about what they were wearing, why it is worn and its importance within their culture or religion. The discussions were mature, respectful and insightful and it was truly special to step back and watch the pupils lead the learning themselves.

Next term is set to be an exciting one for Year 4. Pupils will be getting creative with paint in Art, investigating sound using a variety of instruments in Science and learning street dancing in PE.

Autumn 2

A term full of challenge, creativity and curiosity!

This term, Year 4 have been building confidence and vital life skills in swimming. As part of our water safety lessons, the children took on the great challenge of swimming while wearing their own clothes. It was a tricky but valuable experience, helping them understand how water feels in real-life situations and why these skills are so important for staying safe.

A very interesting talk all the way from Antarctica!

Creativity was flowing during our visit to the Apple Store, where the children learnt all about designing their own business logos. They explored how colour, shape and font can communicate ideas, and thoroughly enjoyed thinking like young entrepreneurs. In science, things became rather messy as we investigated the digestive system! Through a hands-on experiment, the children discovered what happened inside the stomach — it certainly didn’t look very nice, but it was a memorable and exciting way to learn.

*Getting messy looking at what happens in the stomach!*

*Pupils put themselves in the order that the food goes into the digestive system.*

Year 4 have also been busy preparing for their Christmas performance, brushing up on their Spanish along the way. They learnt the Venezuelan version of The Little Donkey, titled “Con mi burrito sabanero”, and it quickly became a firm favourite. Even now, Year 4 can’t stop singing it — a sure sign of learning (and festive cheer!)

Next term, Year 4 will be developing their strength and control in gymnastics as they learn a range of rolls and put together sequences. In geography, the children will explore village settlements, discovering how places in the UK got their names and what really makes a good place to settle.

Autumn 1

This term, Year 4 have worked incredibly hard across the curriculum. From fantastic performances to starting swimming lessons, it’s been a whirlwind of learning and achievement.

We have been on the move in PE! Pupils have been developing their passing and movement skills, learning how to perform accurate chest passes and stay ready to receive the ball. They then put these skills into action by exploring how to move into space at the right time and avoid interceptions.

In Geography, Year 4 have been learning all about European countries. As a final task, pupils worked in pairs to research the country of Croatia. Using laptops, they investigated both the human and physical geographical features of the country and presented their findings to the class so that they could compare.

Pupils using their research skills to search for European countries

This term, Year 4 have been exploring the wonderful world of poetry and showing fantastic creativity along the way. As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, they wrote and performed a powerful class poem with the slogan “Say No To Hate – We Do Not Discriminate!”, sharing an important message about kindness and respect. The children have also enjoyed studying Michael Rosen’s lively poem Walking with My Iguana, using their imaginations to create their own fun and rhythmic versions. It’s been a brilliant term full of energy, expression, and enthusiasm for poetry!

Our amazing book sleeves that pupils designed and sewed

As we look ahead of next term, Year 4 have got plenty of exciting projects coming up. In science we have got an experiment coming up about the digestive system, where it may get a messy! We are also going to be continuing to improve our swimming with more pupils learning to swim.