Curriculum
In Year 4, pupils continue to work towards the Key Stage 2
national expectations through a broad and engaging curriculum. Reading takes
place daily and the children receive guided reading lessons as a class
throughout the week. English and Maths are taught daily, alongside carefully
planned blocks of Science, History, French and Geography. Each area of learning
builds upon prior knowledge, ensuring children develop a secure understanding
as they progress through their school journey.
Physical Education is delivered through the Get Set 4 PE
scheme, helping pupils to develop their physical skills, teamwork and tactical
awareness. Children also take part in swimming lessons for one term at The Park
Leisure Centre and have access to a range of lunchtime and after-school clubs.
Children develop their computing skills daily through the
regular use of iPads in the classroom. Technology is used to support learning
across the curriculum and to help pupils become confident and responsible
digital learners.
Throughout the Year 4 curriculum, pupils explore a wide
range of computing skills. These include working collaboratively online,
building simple websites and creating games using basic coding skills. Children
are also taught how to use technology safely and responsibly while developing
their problem-solving and creativity through digital projects.
Music plays an important role in Year 4 life. Pupils receive
weekly music lessons and take part in a term of ukulele tuition delivered by a
specialist music teacher. There are opportunities for beginners and those
wishing to develop their skills further, culminating in our annual Christmas
performance where children proudly showcase their talents to an audience.
Year 4 is a year of growing independence, confidence and
enthusiasm for learning, with many opportunities for children to challenge
themselves and shine.
English
In English, we read a range of exciting and inspiring texts
to encourage children to develop both their writing skills and a lifelong love
of reading. Key class texts may include Harry Potter, The Lion, the Witch and
the Wardrobe, The BFG and Arthur and the Golden Rope. These rich and
imaginative stories provide opportunities for discussion, exploration of
language and creative inspiration.
Using these texts, children are supported to develop
high-quality descriptive writing and to find their own ‘writing voice’. We work
together to explore vocabulary, sentence structure and the features of
effective writing.
Throughout the year, pupils will write for a variety of
purposes and audiences. Writing tasks include newspaper reports, instructions,
non-chronological reports, poetry and other creative and non-fiction pieces.
English lessons take place every morning, providing regular opportunities for
children to read, write and develop their literacy skills in a structured and
supportive environment.
Maths
In Year 4, we use the White Rose Maths scheme to deliver our
maths lessons. This approach is designed to ensure that all pupils can access
the learning, regardless of ability, while also providing opportunities for
children to deepen their understanding and challenge themselves within each
lesson.
We practise mental arithmetic skills daily as part of our
maths lessons to build fluency and confidence. In addition, children complete
their weekly Big Maths CLIC and SAFE tests every Friday. These assessments
support the development of formal calculation methods, mental arithmetic skills
and broader mathematical understanding.
In Year 4, children are required to take the government’s
national Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). To help prepare for this, we
practise times tables every day using the TT Rock Stars app, helping pupils to
develop quick recall and accuracy in multiplication facts.
