Class Novel

Below are the statutory words for year 3 and 4.

 Common exception words are a key aspect of the KS2 English Curriculum. Children should practise spelling these words which will help their school work throughout the curriculum, as well as in independent writes. 

English

This half term, our young writers are embarking on an Arctic adventure inspired by Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear. Through the lens of this moving story, the children will explore a diverse range of writing styles, from crafting immersive narrative openings and evocative poetry to producing formal documentaries and compelling persuasive pieces.

To elevate their writing, the children will be focusing on several key grammatical skills. They will learn to:

• Navigate Complex Sentences: Using adverbial starters to add detail and flow.

• Enhance Precision: Identifying and selecting the most effective determiners and pronouns.

• Set the Scene: Using fronted adverbials to tell the reader exactly where the action is happening.

By the end of the unit, the children will not only have strengthened their technical "writer's toolkit" but will also have found their voices as advocates for the natural world.

Maths

In Maths this half term, our Year 4 mathematicians are tackling a dynamic range of topics designed to build both fluency and practical problem-solving skills. We will be strengthening our core arithmetic by mastering addition and subtraction methods, before applying those skills to real-world scenarios involving money and measures.

The children will also dive into the world of geometry and data, where they will:

Explore the properties of 2D shapes and calculate the area of rectilinear figures.

Develop their spatial awareness through position and direction, including plotting coordinates.

Interpret and represent information using statistics, such as bar charts and line graphs.

By linking these concepts together, we aim to show the children how mathematics connects to the world around them, from the shapes in our playground to the data in our weather reports.

Science

This half term, Year 4 will be investigating the invisible world of Sound. Our young scientists will begin by identifying how sounds are created, discovering that every noise—from a whisper to a drumbeat—is associated with something vibrating. We will explore how these vibrations travel through a medium (such as air or water) to reach our ears.

Through hands-on experiments, the children will look for patterns in how we hear:

• Pitch: Exploring how the features of an object, like the length of a string or the size of a jar, change how high or low a sound is.

• Volume: Identifying the link between the strength of a vibration and how loud a sound becomes.

• Distance: Observing how and why sounds get fainter as we move further away from the source.

By the end of the unit, the children will have a "sound" understanding of the physics behind their favorite music and the world around them!

Geography

This half term, Year 4 will be exploring the vital role of energy in our modern world. We will investigate the significance of energy in our daily lives, learning to distinguish between renewable and non-renewable sources. The children will evaluate the pros and cons of different energy types—such as wind, solar, and fossil fuels—and even justify where a new energy source should be located based on geographical features.

In addition to global energy, we will be sharpening our cartography and fieldwork skills by:

• Mastering Maps: Locating UK cities and using 6-figure grid references to identify features on OS maps.

• Global Positioning: Discovering the significance of the Prime Meridian and how it shapes our world.

• Tracking Change: Using digital maps to identify human features and discussing how transport links have evolved over time.

• Hands-on Research: Designing interview questions to gather data and plotting our findings onto sketch maps.

By the end of the unit, the children will have a deeper understanding of how the UK and the wider world are powered, connected, and mapped.

History

Step back in time with Year 4 this half term as we set sail to discover the truth about the Vikings. We will begin by investigating when and why these Norse travelers first arrived on British shores, questioning whether they were simply ruthless raiders, resourceful traders, or something else entirely. By examining their incredible achievements and seafaring skills, the children will map out where the Vikings went and the ingenious ways they got there.

Our young historians will also develop their "detective" skills by:

• Analysing Sources: Comparing different Viking sagas that describe the same events to understand why perspectives differ.

• Assessing Impact: Exploring how Viking raids and subsequent settlements forever changed local communities across Britain.

• Evaluating Legacy: Identifying the long-lasting impact the Vikings had on the wider world, from language to law.

By the end of the unit, the children will be able to form their own evidence-based opinions on how this fascinating period shaped the Britain we live in today.

RE

This half term, Year 4 will be exploring the profound concept of Sacrifice and its significance within the Christian faith and the wider world. We will begin by looking at the story of Jesus in the Wilderness, identifying how this narrative shapes Christian beliefs about self-discipline and devotion. The children will learn about the season of Lent, exploring why Christians choose to give things up and how this reflects the value of "sacrificial love."

Throughout the unit, our young thinkers will delve into:

• Agape Love: Defining this special type of selfless love and looking at how modern Christians, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Oscar Romero, were motivated by their faith to make great sacrifices for others.

• Global Perspectives: Discussing why people are willing to make sacrifices—not just for those they love, but sometimes for strangers—and weighing up the positive and negative responses to these acts.

• Personal Reflection: Giving examples of sacrifices made by or for them, and reflecting on the value of sacrifice as a powerful expression of love.

By the end of the term, the children will have developed a deeper understanding of how faith can motivate people to put the needs of others before their own.

French

This half term, Year 4 is heading out of this world to learn all about the "Alien Family." Our young linguists will be building their vocabulary to describe family members and facial features, all while developing their ability to speak in full sentences. We will also be taking a cultural detour to find out how Epiphany is celebrated in France, including the tradition of the Galette des Rois.

The children will focus on:

• Meet the Family: Learning the masculine and feminine terms for relatives, such as le papa, la maman, le frère, and la sœur.

• Describing Aliens: Using the phrases "je suis" (I am) and "j’ai" (I have) to describe their alien characters.

• Negative Structures: Learning how to say what their alien doesn't have using the phrase "je n’ai pas de..." (e.g., Je n’ai pas de nez!).

• Face Features: Mastering vocabulary for parts of the head, from les yeux (eyes) to les oreilles (ears).

By the end of the unit, the children will be able to introduce a whole family of extraterrestrials and describe exactly what they look like in French!

Music

This half term, Year 4 will be finding their rhythm as we welcome the Lancashire Music Service to lead our weekly music sessions. The children will be picking up the ukulele, a fantastic instrument for developing both fine motor skills and a keen ear for melody. Throughout the unit, our young musicians will progress from holding the instrument correctly to mastering basic chords, allowing them to play along to well-known songs.

As they build their confidence, the children will explore:

• Strumming Patterns: Developing a steady sense of pulse and rhythm.

• Plucking Techniques: Learning how to play individual notes with precision.

• Ensemble Skills: Working together as a class orchestra to perform pieces in unison.

By the end of the term, we hope the children will have discovered the joy of making music together and perhaps even found a new lifelong hobby!

Computing

This half term, Year 4 is stepping into the future as we explore the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Far from being something found only in science fiction, the children will begin by identifying examples of AI that they interact with every day—from voice assistants to video game characters.

The core of our learning will be demystifying how these systems work. The children will discover that:

• Computers are Taught: Understanding that machines don't think for themselves, but are "taught" to learn.

• Human Input: Exploring how computers use specific information and patterns provided by people to make decisions.

• The Power of Data: Investigating why high-quality data is essential for training and testing a "Machine Learning" model, and what happens if the information we give a computer is incorrect or biased.

Through practical activities and reviews, the children will move from being passive users of technology to informed digital citizens who understand the "brain" behind the screen.

PE

This half term, Year 4 will be heading outside to develop their skills in Tag Rugby. Our main focus will be mastering the swing pass, ensuring the children can deliver the ball with accuracy, power, and consistent form. We will be challenging the players to look beyond just the ball by developing their spatial awareness—learning how to identify open space and move effectively into position immediately after a pass.

To take their game to the next level, the children will also explore:

• Tactical Deception: Learning how to perform a feint to outwit defenders and create passing opportunities.

• Versatility: Integrating different techniques, such as the bounce pass, and choosing the right skill based on the game situation.

• Invasion Strategies: Applying simple tactics to outmaneuver opponents and work as a cohesive team to reach the try line.

Through these drills and matches, the children will develop not only their physical fitness but also their communication and strategic thinking under pressure.

PSHE

This half term, Year 4 will be exploring the essential theme of Rights and Respects. We will be investigating the delicate balance between the rights we all hold as humans and the responsibilities that come with them. The children will identify the "hidden heroes" in our school and local community—from healthcare workers to school staff—who help us stay healthy and safe, while discussing what it truly means to "be responsible" within our own society.

As we broaden our horizons, our young citizens will also explore:

• The Power of Influence: We will define the word 'influence' and examine how the media can shape our thoughts. The children will practice forming and presenting their own respectful opinions based on factual information.

• Standing Up for Others: We will discuss the role of the bystander in situations like bullying and learn how our individual actions can positively influence the outcome of a situation.

• Money and the Community: In a fascinating look at the "real world," the children will learn about Income Tax, National Insurance, and VAT. We will look at how a payslip is laid out and debate how to prioritise essential public services.

By the end of this unit, the children will have a much clearer understanding of how they fit into the world—both as individuals with a voice and as members of a wider, supportive community.

DT

This half term, our young designers are stepping into the kitchen to explore the delicious world of Food Technology. We will begin by becoming food critics—using our senses to describe the taste, texture, and appearance of different biscuits. The children will investigate the "target market," discussing why certain biscuits are designed specifically for children, adults, or even special celebrations.

To bring their own designs to life, the children will develop their practical kitchen skills by:

• Planning and Budgeting: Learning how to manage a budget to select ingredients and adapting recipes to create a unique final product.

• Precision Baking: Mastering the art of measuring and mixing ingredients accurately while following a recipe.

• Kitchen Safety: Following essential hygiene and safety rules to ensure a clean working environment.

• Critical Evaluation: Contributing to group discussions to decide what makes a "successful" biscuit and evaluating their own creations against their original design criteria.

By the end of the unit, the children will have moved from "tasters" to "creators," understanding the full process of bringing a food product to market.