Autumn Term in Year 4 - Termly letter
English
We have started the year by focusing our English lessons around the book ‘Varjak Paw’. We will be improving our writing including precise grammatical features embedded within a range of genres. Additionally, we will be developing reading skills in targeted Guided Reading lessons as well as with regular comprehension practice. In addition, children will also participate in a performance poetry competition where we will analyse different styles of poems, and the children (in groups or as individuals) will choose one to learn and recite as part of the contest. After this, we will be studying ‘Wolves’ by Emily Gravett and ‘Into the forest’ by Anthony Browne. We will write our own non-chronological reports, and twists on fairy tales based on the stories.
Maths
In maths, we will continue or mastery approach and will be focusing on number. We have already studied Roman numerals during the first week back. We have also been learning to recognise the value of a digit within in a four digit number. We will also learn to round to the closest 10, 100 and 1000, how to order numbers from smallest to largest and how to count below 0. We will then learn to add and subtract four digit numbers and how to use the inverse equation to check work. We shall apply our knowledge of number to multiplying and dividing two and three digit numbers by one digit numbers. Additionally, we will be looking at area within our measurement topic in order to apply our knowledge of multiplication. The children will continue to have weekly times tables tests as we are working towards having fluent recall of all the times tables up to 12 by the end of the year.
Science
Our first science topic this term is ‘sound’. We will begin by learning how sound waves travel through different mediums. We will then learn how sounds are made, recognise that vibrations travel to the ear, experiment with creating different pitches and volumes, and recognise sounds that get fainter as distance increases. The children will participate in investigations to test their new knowledge. After sound, we will study electricity including how circuits work and how to construct them, as well as how to draw diagrams of simple circuits. We will be recognising the use of switches in circuits and recognise common conductors and insulators as well as identifying household appliances which use electricity.
Computing
Children will become more familiar with e-safety and how to protect their privacy online. We will then focus on effective searching techniques using platforms such as Google and how we can do this in an efficient and safe way. The following unit will be the creation of eBooks using iPads where we will carry out research and work on the Book Creator app to create an interactive book. We will then focus on the layout and content to ensure that it is accessible to the audience for which we are writing.
Topic
Our topic question is ‘What is the legacy of the Roman Empire?’ We will explore the creation of Rome, their influence on Britain today, including trade and architecture, lifestyle and the direct impact through their invasion of Britain. Not only are we visiting the local Paradise Co-Op for an outdoor Roman experience very soon, but we will have a ‘Roman Day’ where students will be immersed in the life in the Roman era through a workshop run by professionals in school learning about all things Ancient Rome! We will explore more Roman leaders, battles, languages, towns, roads, sewers, and much more!
Art/DT
We have produced artwork for our Class Charter. We shall be creating Rman mosaics based on artifacts we will be studying in Topic. We shall also create artwork from our English text, ‘Varjak Paw’. We are also designing and making ear defenders as part of our science work on sound.
PSHE
In PSHE, students have already held an election for their class representative in the Student Council and learnt about the importance of rules and why we need them. Furthermore, most days we will have a Pupil of the Day chosen at random in each class who will have special responsibilities and receive compliments from their peers. This is an approach aiming to develop children’s social skills and self-esteem and has had much success in the past.
Spanish
Year 4 will continue with weekly Spanish lessons building on what they studied last year. This will include writing the date in Spanish/birthdays (Cuando es tu cumpleaños?), talking and writing about how they feel, (Como te sientes hoy?) and learning the vocabulary around weather and seasons. After half term we will continue to learn numbers, learn about the Euro and further expressions for likes and dislikes. The children will also prepare and perform a radio or TV advert for a toy.
Music
We shall be completing the vocal project this term, run by music specialists from Wandsworth Borough. This is a very exciting project where our children will have the opportunity to learn new songs and perform them in front of parents in the Winter Sounds concert, as well as to similarly aged children from another school at the Cluster Concert.
PE
In PE, each class will be practising skills in ball games such as rugby, netball and football. Some lessons will be with our coaches, Mr Haughton and Mr Clack, whilst others might be delivered by Mr Vadera or the class teacher.
RE
In RE, we shall be exploring Hinduism, including: language, dress, culture, gods and food associated with the faith.
Trips and Special Events
19th September: Romans at the Paradise Co-op
8th October: Benjamin Franklin House (sound – armonica)
3rd December: Roman Day workshop
Winter Sounds Concert and Cluster Concert: dates tbc
Reminders
Please ensure your child completes their Mathletics each week. They will be set ready for each Monday.
We will carry out our speed tables tests and spelling tests each Friday so please encourage your children to learn those too.
Finally, please do your best to support your child with their reading at home.