Year 4
Year 4 News
Spring 2
Welcome to Spring 2! It’s a busy and exciting half-term as the days get longer and the children continue to build their independence. This term, our curriculum is packed with opportunities for the children to dive deeper into their subjects, from exploring the changing states of matter to uncovering the incredible legacy of the Roman Empire. We have a fantastic range of hands-on activities planned to keep their curiosity sparked and their confidence growing.
Below you will find information about the curriculum for this term, as well as key guidance to support your child’s learning at home.
English
This half-term, Year 4 will be traveling through the pages of African Tales, using its vibrant folklore to inspire a wide range of writing. From stepping into a character’s shoes for emotive diary entries to reporting on key events in formal newspaper reports, the children will explore a variety of voices and perspectives. We’ll also be sharpening our persuasive writing skills before the children weave their own creative stories, drawing on the rich traditions and descriptive vocabulary found throughout the book.
In Guided Reading, we will be reading 'The Girl who stole an Elephant' a story set in Sri Lanka and we be helping children to develop their comprehension skills, infer meaning from the text, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Home Support
Reading:
Please encourage your child to read aloud and share their books with you for at least 10 minutes each day. Remember to sign their reading record and ensure their reading journal is completed weekly.
Spellings:
Children should practice their spellings daily using the READ, COVER, WRITE, CHECK method. Encourage them to learn the meaning of new words, as this helps to build vocabulary and deepen understanding.
Maths
This term in Maths, Year 4 pupils will be developing their skills in interpreting and presenting data by exploring bar graphs and line graphs. They will also deepen their understanding of fractions, including recognising equivalent fractions, simplifying fractions, and working with mixed numbers and improper fractions. Children will practise adding and subtracting fractions to build confidence with these concepts.
Later in the term, pupils will learn how to tell and convert time between 12-hour and 24-hour clocks. They will also explore decimals and money, developing their ability to recognise decimal numbers and apply their understanding to real-life contexts involving money and calculations.
Science:
Science
In Science this term, Year 4 pupils will be learning about the human digestive system. They will explore the different organs involved in digestion and learn about the important role each part plays in helping our bodies break down food and absorb nutrients.
Pupils will also investigate teeth, including the different types such as canines, incisors and molars, and how they help us chew and process food. As part of this topic, children will learn about the importance of keeping teeth healthy, including good dental hygiene and what can happen if teeth are not properly cared for.
History (Topic)
Our History focus this term asks the big question: Who were the Romans? We will travel back nearly 2,000 years to discover how a small village in Italy grew into a mighty empire that eventually reached the shores of Britain. The children will explore the legendary story of Romulus and Remus, investigate the disciplined life of a Roman soldier, and learn about the fierce resistance led by the Iceni queen, Boudicca. Through handling artifacts and studying ancient ruins, we will uncover the lasting legacy the Romans left behind—from straight roads and central heating to the very foundations of our modern towns and cities.
Computing
In Computing this term, Year 4 pupils will be working with LEGO WeDo 2.0 to explore the basics of coding and robotics. Children will design, build and programme a range of models, helping them develop their problem-solving, creativity and teamwork skills.
Throughout the unit, pupils will create and programme different robotic models including a pulling robot, a frog, a fly, a bee and a gorilla. They will learn how to use simple programming commands to control movement, sensors and actions, gaining a better understanding of how technology can be used to bring models to life.
Islamic Studies and Arabic
Children will continue revising surahs and duas from the Qur’an and learning Arabic with our specialist teachers. This will support their spiritual growth and deepen their understanding of language and faith.
Homework
Homework is set weekly on Google Classroom and IXL. It is designed to reinforce learning from lessons and provide valuable practice. Please establish a consistent routine at home and encourage your child to complete tasks to the best of their ability.
School Uniform & PE Kit
Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Year 4 PE sessions will take place on Tuesdays. On these days, children should come to school wearing their PE kit.
Teachers
This term English will be taught by Ust. Sayed, Maths will be taught by Ust. Bas, with Ust. Cassim teaching the foundation subjects.
Ustadah Mughal
Ustadha Mughal is a valued learning support assistant who will be working with Year 4 this year, inshallah. We are pleased to have her supporting the class
Ustadah Haque
Ust Haque is an experienced TA and she will be working closely with our students this year as well as helping others in the classroom with their maths and foundation subjects.
