Autumn 2 

Another exciting half term of learning, discovery and new experiences in Year 4! We are looking forward to working with the children and helping them grow in confidence, independence and achievement.

Year 4 Team

Mrs Hulland - Class Teacher
Mrs Thomas - Teaching Assistant
Mrs Joy - Teaching Assistant

Together, we are committed to creating a happy, supportive and inspiring classroom where every child can thrive.

What We Are Learning This Term

English

This term, our class text is Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister

The children will be:

• Reading and analysing key events from the story.
• Retelling sections of the text.
• Exploring characters and themes.
• Developing inference skills.
• Writing creatively based on the book.
• Learning to write in the first person to create a detailed diary entry.
• Exploring magic tricks, learning to perform one and writing instructions.

We are looking forward to developing our reading and writing skills through this fantastic book.

Maths

We will begin the term by revisiting place value, addition and subtraction before quickly moving our learning forward in Multiplication and Division.

Our focus will include:

• Revising known multiplication facts (2's, 5's 10's and 3's)
• Learning new multiplication facts (4's, 6's, 7's, 8's)

Regular practice of times tables at home will greatly support children's progress.

As the children become more confident with these times tables, they will be learning how to: 

Multiply and divide efficiently, using their knowledge to solve reasoning problems and noticing patterns.

This half term, Year 4 pupils will also take part in NTS tests as part of our Victorious Trust wide assessments. Results of these will be fed back to parents/carers at our parents evening.

Science

Our Science topic is Electricity.

The children will learn how to:

• Name common household appliances that run on electricity.
• Construct Circuits: Build a simple series electrical circuit using cells, wires, bulbs, switches, and buzzers.
• Complete Loops: Predict and identify whether a lamp will light based on whether it forms a complete, unbroken loop with a battery.
• Control with Switches: Recognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit to turn a lamp on or off.
• Conductors and Insulators: Identify common electrical conductors and insulators, noting that most metals are good conductors.

This Science topic is always a firm favourite with pupils able to take part each week with practical investigations using our class kits!

Reading

Reading is a key part of our week and we will take part in Shared Reading sessions three times each week.

Children will develop:

• Vocabulary knowledge
• Retrieval skills
• Inference and deduction
• Reading fluency
• Confidence in discussing texts
• Teamwork and collaborative learning

We encourage all children to read regularly at home and discuss what they have read with family members. Each home read recorded in pupils' diaries with be rewarded with a Dojo point!

Topic: The Victorians

Our Topic this term a History theme as we explore The Victorian Era.

Children will investigate:

• Timelines: Queen Victoria ruled Britain from 1837 until 1901.
• Rich vs. Poor: Wealthy children lived in big houses with nannies and toys, while poor children often worked long hours or went barefoot. 
• School and Work: Schools were strict with learning by rote and slate writing, though many poor children worked in factories, mines, or as chimney sweeps before laws changed.
• Inventions: Railways, the telephone (invented by Alexander Graham Bell), and steam power

Please take a look at our Knowledge Organiser for key information and vocabulary that children will be learning throughout the term.

Art

This term's featured artist is Moses Williams, known as "The Cutter of silhouettes".

Children will:

• Create silhouettes for Remembrance Day art—poppies or soldier
• Identify and draw the effect of light 
• Complete accurate drawings of whole people including proportion and placement
• Work on a variety of scales including computer generated drawings

Music

Our Musician of the Month is Elvis Presley

Children will learn about him and his contribution to music while developing listening and appreciation skills.

The whole school will also continue to enjoy weekly singing practice in the hall.

Spanish

In Spanish, we will be learning about: My Town Your Town, with topics like:

• Firework poetry
• Around Town
• Christmas Shopping

Children will also create posters and use ICT-based games to make language learning engaging and enjoyable.

Religious Education (RE)

Our focus religion this term is Hinduism.

Through discussion and investigation, children will:

• Explore a key enquiry question - What do Hindus believe God is like?
• Share and respect different viewpoints
• Work collaboratively
• Express their ideas through discussion, art and creative activities

PSHE

PSHE lessons will be taught by Mrs Elsmore.

Our unit is Celebrating Differences, where children will explore themes such as:

• Appearances
• Not judging or making assumptions
• Bullying
• Uniqueness
• Respect

Please see this terms PSHE Knowledge Organiser for more details.

Physical Education (PE)

We have two PE sessions each week.

Monday - Swimming

Location: Hyde Leisure Centre

Children will need:

• Swimming costume/trunks
• Towel
• Swimming cap for girls

Tuesday afternoons - Sports Session

Led by Mr Jaffery

Children will focus on:

• Team sports
• Skill development
• Teamwork
• Personal development
• Sportsmanship

Please ensure PE kits are brought to school and clearly labelled.

This half term is packed with learning opportunities, creativity, challenge and fun. We are looking forward to working closely with both children and families.

Mrs Hulland, Mrs Thomas and Mrs Joy 😊