Year 4

Year 4 - Curriculum - Autumn 1

Curriculum

English	This term we will be writing non-chronological reports, starting with a focus on the continent of Asia. We will then be looking at fables and writing our own. In reading we will be looking at a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, starting with Ottoline and the Yellow Cat.
Maths	Children will be continuing to build their knowledge of place value, including thousands. This will lead on to addition and subtraction later on in the half term.
Science	Our first science topic is ‘States of Matter’. The children will be comparing and grouping materials together based on if they are solid, liquid or gas, observing how materials change state, as well as identifying the different stages of the water cycle.
Geography	In geography, children will be learning about climates and biomes and studying different examples of these from around the world, with a starting focus of Europe.
History	This term children will begin their learning on the Romans and learn how Rome was founded and became a republic.
RE	Children will explore how art, history and religion can influence people’s lives, give meaning and create cohesion within communities around the world, focusing on El Salvador.
PSHE	Children will be discussing and developing their understanding of what it means to be part of a community and working collaboratively.
Computing	Children will learn about the internet, how to find information, how it is shared and how it is connected. We will discuss different types of information online and how to be safe on the internet.
Art	Learning this year will start off with a focus on pencil lines, shapes and tones. Children will study and produce a self portrait using appropriate drawing tools and techniques. We will then use our history topic to influence mosaics.
PE	This term PE lessons will take place on the following days: Cambodia: Tuesday (dance) and Wednesday (tennis). Mongolia: Wednesday (tennis) and Thursday (dance). Children will be learning tennis and dance this half term. Please ensure children come to school in appropriate clothing for lessons on that day. Tennis will take place outside, weather permitting.
Suggestions for parents	Maths – We are encouraging daily practise of times tables both in school and at home. Children should consolidate their 3, 4 and 8 timestables learning from year 3. Useful websites are: – Times Table Rockstars (Soundcheck section) – Hit the Button – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button English – Please try to read with your child at least three times a week and ask them questions about the text they are reading. Share stories and poetry and don’t forget to include reading non-fiction and information texts e.g. signs, maps, catalogues and cereal packets. Computing – Discuss online safety with your children to reinforce the safety messages we give at school. This term we are learning about the responsibility we have for different groups of people online. Art – Visit one of London’s free galleries like the National Portrait Gallery to get some inspiration and see different styles of drawings, sculpture and portraits. https://www.npg.org.uk/ Geography – Looking at maps, flags or information about Asian countries will expand your learning about our class countries: Mongolia and Cambodia https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zmy7m39

WCIT

Year 4 have the exciting opportunity to learn an instrument this year during Whole Class Instrument Teaching, which is led by music specialists. Each class will learn a different instrument. Details of this will be shared when they have been finalised including the instrument your child will learn, and the day. You will have an opportunity to see the children’s new skills in a concert at the end of the autumn term.

Homework
Homework will begin soon and will continue to be set via Google Classroom on a Thursday and is due back the following Tuesday. Children will still be using Mathletics and Times Table Rockstars for maths homework. The children will receive spellings each week which they will be tested on the following Friday and an assignment will be set for them on Spelling Shed. In addition, the children will also have a written or alternative task linked to what they have been learning about during the week. If your child requires any support with their homework, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Reading
Children are expected to read every day (15 minutes minimum) and to keep a record in their reading record. The children can complete this independently but we would welcome your support in reading with your children at least 3 times a week. Reading records must be brought into school every day as they are checked by their class teacher and the children should also have their book-banded reading book with them each day. These will be allocated and send home by the end of next week.

Important dates

WB 14^th September – Clubs begin

15^th September – Year 4 Parents’ meeting 5.45pm

28^th September – Homework club begins

WB 26^th October – Half Term