Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths:
In Year 4, the children have developed a strong and flexible understanding of fractions, confidently converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers, exploring equivalent fractions, and using number lines to compare and order them. Building on this knowledge, they are now moving on to decimals, where they are learning about tenths and hundredths and representing these on place value charts. The children are also beginning to apply this understanding when dividing by 10 and 100, recognising how digits move within the place value system, and using their solid fraction knowledge to support these new concepts.

Literacy:
Year 4 have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Frindleswylde by Natalie O’Hara, using the story as inspiration to plan and write their own sequel narratives. After looking at similar texts, the children have developed their understanding of narrative structure and have worked hard to build on the original storyline with their own imaginative ideas. They have focused on using adverbial phrases to show when, where and how events happen, conjunctions to extend and link their ideas, and expanded noun phrases to add detail and description. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they experiment with language, develop their storytelling skills, and produce increasingly engaging and well-structured writing.

Science:
Year 4 are now moving on from their learning about states of matter, where they explored the properties of solids, liquids, and gases through practical investigations and observed changes such as melting, freezing, and evaporation. Building on their scientific skills, the children are beginning a new topic on grouping and classifying living things. In this unit, they will learn how scientists sort plants and animals based on their characteristics, exploring similarities and differences between species. They will also begin to use simple classification keys to identify and group living things, developing their observation and reasoning skills as young scientists.

Geography:
In Year 4, the children are beginning an exciting geography topic on mountains, where they will take part in a range of project-based learning activities. They will explore mountain environments in the UK and around the world, learning about key features such as peaks, slopes, ridges, and valleys, and how these landscapes are formed over time. Alongside this, the children will also focus on the water cycle, understanding how water moves through processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and how this links to mountain climates and environments. Through their projects, pupils will develop their geographical knowledge while building research, presentation, and enquiry skills.

Computing:
In Year 4, the children will be starting an exciting new computing topic on animation. They will learn how animations are created by designing a sequence of still frames that, when played together, give the illusion of movement. The children will plan and create their own simple animations, thinking carefully about how each frame changes to show action. Using digital tools, they will design and edit their work while developing their creativity and computing skills. They will also test and refine their animations, learning how small adjustments can improve the overall quality, while building their confidence in problem-solving and careful planning.

Looking ahead:

• Literacy: Completing their own sequel story on the book Frindleswylde, focusing on planning, structuring, and editing using writing techniques they have picked up across Year 4 so far. Moving onto the new book Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, focusing on poetry.
• Maths: Continuing with the topic of decimals, ensuring Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) exposure is incorporated in some aspect of the day.
• R.E.: Christianity and the Holy Week of Easter, learning about Christianity and the events of Holy Week, exploring why Easter is important to Christians.
• P.E.: Handball with Mrs Bell and Stevenage, and OAA (Outdoor Adventure Activities) with Mrs Bissmire.

Spring Term 2025

Click on the links below to see what the children in Year 4 will be learning in the Spring Term.