Year 4 | Walford Nursery & Primary School

Welcome to Year 4!

Welcome back Year 4! I hope that you have had a great Christmas break and that you are looking forward to a very busy term ahead! Our topic this term will be ‘The Romans'. Below is a little bit about the things that we are going to learn.

English

In English, we will be looking at stories with dilemmas and information texts. We will also be developing our instruction writing, which will link through both our science and design and technology. After half term, we will be exploring Narrative verse and explanation texts. We will also be trying our hand at some persuasive writing!

In Year 4 we will also be focusing on reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Maths

In Maths, we will be looking at multiplication and division. We will revise measurement and begin to look into calculating the area of shapes. We will apply what we learn to real life situations. After half term, we will then be learning about fraction And decimals. We will continue to develop the use of written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We will practise using these methods to solve written, real life problems.

In Year 4, we need to know all of our multiplication facts to 12 x 12. We will have weekly times tables tests in class and practise these regularly, but it is important to keep practising at home!

Science

In Science, we will learn about Sound and vibrations. In this topic, we will explore how sounds are made, how they travel and look more in depth at pitch and volume. After half term, we will then learn about Electricity, exploring simple circuits and conductors.

History- The Romans

Our topic this term is 'The Romans'. During this topic, we will learn about both the History and the Geography of the Roman Empire. We will learn about the Roman army and the Roman way of life. We will also explore the history of key people including Julius Caesar, Claudius and Boudica. In addition, we will look into the 'Romanisation' of Britain and local sites such as Caerwent.

Many of our other subjects will link to our topic this term, for example, Design and Technology, where we will be designing and creating Roman Chariots!

For more information, please see the Topic Web below.

Geography- Natural Disasters.

After discussion of our homework over the Christmas period, in Geography we are going to be exploring the topic 'Natural Disasters' due to the strong links between Rome (Pompeii) and also with current affairs. We will be investigating what a 'natural disaster' is, examples of some and how they are caused. We will particularly focus on Volcanoes as lots of us asked to learn more about Mount Vesuvius/Pompeii.

Music

In Music, we will be having weekly lessons with the very talented Mrs West and throughout the year we will have the fantastic opportunity to play the toot/flute.

Art

Class 4 will have the opportunity to create more incredible masterpieces when designing and producing our very own Roman shields. We will then be exploring Roman mosaics and creating our own in the style of Helen Miles, a modern mosaic artist.

Year 4 will have PE on a Friday led by SuperStars We will also have swimming on a Monday – don’t forget your swimming kit. PE kits should be brought to school on a Monday and remain here until Friday each week.

Homework

Homework is set on a Thursday and should be returned every Monday. Homework will be linked to the work that we are covering in class. Remember that you can always upload your homework to Showbie. Your blue Homework Diaries should be in school every day. Please continue to read daily at home and record this in your blue diary- consistent extra reading will be rewarded with dojos!

In addition to the weekly homework task, Class 4 pupils must also work on their multiplication facts (times tables) and spellings at home. A short list of spellings will also be sent home to learn - and your child should apply the correct spelling of these words during independent writing. Common (high frequency) words should be spelt correctly during class tasks and also during writing assessments (which enable us to assess which writing features your child can use independently).

Passwords to websites including Timestables Rockstars, Education City and Showbie can be found in the back of your blue diary.

Follow this link to find out how to access Education City on your iPad:

http://staffroom.educationcity.com/uk/blog/primary-schools/2013-oct/educationcitycom-whitelisted-puffin-academy

IMPORTANT DATES SPRING TERM 2020

Tuesday 7th January- Start of term.

Tuesday 11th February- E-Safety Learning Walk (Safer Internet Day)

Thursday 13th Februrary Learning Walk: Creative Reading and Writing using iPads

& KS1/KS2 Disco.

Friday 14th February- End of term

Tuesday 25th February-Back to school.

Friday 13th March- Sport Relief- Wear What you Like.

Thursday 26th March- Learning Walk: Science in Action.

Thursday 2nd April- KS2 Oscars Red Carpet Evening.

Friday 3rd April- End of term.

To support your learning at home, you will be able to find lots of Maths and English activities on Education City. You should also encourage your child to explore www.bbc.co.uk/ks2bitesize.

You can practise your multiplication tables on Times Tables Rockstars

https://ttrockstars.com/login

Remember to look in the ‘Gallery’ and the school Twitter to see our latest photographs.

Please note my door is always open and I am always happy to chat with parents about your child and their learning. Please feel free to come and find me if you wish to discuss anything!

Many thanks!

Mrs Morgan