YEAR 4 : Schwartz and Coleridge-Taylor

Term 1

In Year 4, we have been exploring the question ‘What are the climate zones and how do they impact their inhabitants?’ In literacy, we have retold the text ‘Hodgeheg’ by D. King Smith. We innovated the story changing the character and setting. We then went on to writing non-chronological report about different climate zones. The children really enjoyed their trip to Bristol Downs.

In maths, the children enjoyed exploring place value up to 10,000 including the formal methods of addition and subtraction. In the wider curriculum, we have been learning about the different climate zones thinking about the animals, plants and people who live there. In DT, we have designed and made money containers. Finally, in PE, we have been looking at net games and have improved our skills.

Term 2

In Year 4, we have been exploring the question 'Is the water we drink today the same water that Dinosaurs drank millions of years ago?' We have been learning all about the water cycle and exploring various different states of matters. The children have enjoyed taking part in a range of different science experiments.  In literacy, we have been exploring the icy world of Starjik, which included solving the mystery of the missing boy and inventing a different ending to the story the 'Ice Palace'. We have also been studying discussion texts including whether we should wear school uniform to school or not. The children enjoyed exploring different people's views and opinions.

During maths, we have been learning how to find the perimeter of quadrilaterals. They have also been focusing on learning their tables up to 10X10 and looking at the relationships between them. Using these skills, they have been solving problems in context. In P.E, we completed a yoga unit where the children have been learning about how breathing and physical movement can help up to express ourselves. The children finished the topic creating an eight-pose sequence. Finally, in D.T, we learned about heathy eating and the importance of a balanced diet in which they created a winter stew.

Term 3

In Year 4, we have been exploring the question “What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?' We have been learning all about the digestive system, human teeth and their functions and exploring food chains and webs. The children have enjoyed creating their own Greek pots using mod roc and then painting them.  In literacy, we have been exploring a variety of Greek Myths such as Theseus and the Minotaur. The children wrote their own versions adapting the setting to make it their own. We have been focused on including subordinating conjunctions and using characters thoughts to portray feelings in our writing. We have also been studying persuasive texts, focusing on Greek culture and leisure activities.

During Maths, we have been focusing on understanding and manipulating multiplicative relationships. They have also been focusing on learning their tables up to 10X10 and looking at the relationships between them. Using these skills, they have been solving problems in context. In P.E, we completed a yoga unit where the children have been learning about how breathing and physical movement can help us to express ourselves. The children finished the topic creating an eight-pose sequence. Finally, in computing we have been focusing on programming, learning how to write algorithms. The children have particularly enjoyed applying this new skill. 

Term 4

In Year 4, we have been exploring the question, ‘Does the light stay on when the fridge door is closed?' We have been learning all about where electricity is sourced from, the safety precautions we need to take when working with electricity and have designed and created their own circuits. In literacy, we have been writing adventure stories based on the novel ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo which the children have very much enjoyed. 

In maths, the children started the term by learning about plotting co-ordinates on a graph. They then moved on to looking at different fractions and learning how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions. They have been learning how to add fraction with like denominators and using their knowledge of both mixed numbers and improper fractions to add two numbers. In Science, the children have been learning about how electricity is created and how it travels through the wires into our appliances.

In P.E, the children worked with the sports coaches to complete a dance and games unit. Finally, in DT, the children designed and created a buzzer game bringing together the learning from science and applying it to product design.

Term 5

Year 4 enjoyed exploring symmetry using 2d shapes and a ruler as the line of symmetry. The children took it in turns to create a pattern for their partner to copy.
In Geography we studied volcanoes. We discovered where to find them, how they are formed and what happens when they erupt. We used papier mache to make our own volcanoes and then a variety of 'magic' ingredients to make them erupt.
As part of our topic on The Romans in Britain, we visited Caerleon in Wales where there is a Museum, a Roman Baths and an Amphitheatre and Barracks. The children enjoyed a workshop with a Roman centurion, where they learned about the life of soldiers, wore a tunic and practised marching with a sword and shield. They followed orders given in latin and had a good attempt at forming the special battle formations of the Wedge and the Tortoise. We visited a barrack room and had the opportunity to wear metal helmets and upper body armour ...it was very heavy!! In the Roman Baths we watched videos telling us about how the Romans bathed, exercised and spent their leisure time. The mosaic floor was beautiful and the remains of the pool and the heated floors fascinating. Our final stop was the Roman Amphitheatre where we imagined Gladiators fighting while the crowd cheered them on. It was a great day out.
In Art Year 4 studied the Fauvist movement which began in Paris in the 1920s. Fauve in french means wild beasts which is what established artists thought of painters like Henri Matisse because they used the wrong colours when representing what they saw. Year 4 had a go at copying some fauvist paintings and did really well!

Term 1 Overview

Term 1 Newsletter

Term 2 Overview

Term 2 Newsletter

Term 3 Overview

Term 3 Newsletter

Term 4 Overview

Term 4 Newsletter

Term 5 Overview

Term 5 Newsletter

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