Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths: In Year 4, children have been developing a strong understanding of length and perimeter and have become increasingly confident in calculating the perimeter of a range of polygons. They have practised finding perimeter by accurately adding the lengths of sides, as well as working out missing lengths when given partial information. Children have also been identifying and classifying polygons, recognising the difference between regular and irregular polygons, and using this knowledge to support their calculations. Their growing confidence and secure number skills have enabled them to approach perimeter questions more independently and accurately as they prepare to move towards more challenging problems in the coming half term.

Literacy: Year 4 have been completing their work on the text Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, using the story to deepen their understanding of the experiences of the Windrush Generation. As they reach the end of the text, children have reflected on themes of migration, identity, and belonging, and have explored how people from different backgrounds and countries came to England after the Second World War and how this affected the country. Building on this learning, pupils have been finishing their factual reports about the Empire Windrush, gathering key information, using factual language, and organising their ideas clearly. This unit has supported children in developing their non-fiction writing skills while encouraging empathy and thoughtful engagement with an important part of Britain’s recent history.

Science: Year 4 children are now focusing more closely on changes of state as a key part of their learning about solids, liquids, and gases. Through a range of practical, hands-on experiments, they are investigating how materials change when heated or cooled, including processes such as melting, freezing, and evaporation. Children are exploring how particles behave in each state and observing how different materials respond to changes in temperature. They are making predictions, carrying out fair tests, and recording their results using appropriate scientific vocabulary, helping them to develop confidence in scientific enquiry while deepening their understanding of the world around them.

Geography: In Year 4, children have been exploring the topic Misty Mountains and Winding Rivers, with a strong focus on understanding rivers. They have learned about how rivers are formed and studied the different physical features found along them, including the source, tributaries, meanders, banks, and mouth, as well as the processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition. Pupils have also considered how rivers shape the land around them and influence the surrounding environment. Building on this learning, the children are now moving on to study mountains of the world, where they will explore different mountain ranges, identify key features such as peaks, valleys, and slopes, and learn how mountains are formed.

Computing: In Year 4, children will be developing their coding skills by designing and creating their own logos using simple programming commands. They will use coordinates and directional language to control movement on screen, helping them understand how precise instructions affect outcomes. Through planning, testing, and refining their code, pupils will strengthen their logical thinking, sequencing, and problem-solving skills. Alongside this work, e-safety will remain a key focus, with children continuing to learn how to use technology responsibly, protect personal information, and behave respectfully online, supporting them in becoming confident and safe digital learners.

Looking Ahead:

• Literacy: Sequencing a factual report on the Windrush Generation from the book Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush. Starting the new book called Frindleswylde.
• Maths: Finishing the topic of Length and Perimeter, working on the next topic of fractions. Ensuring Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) exposure is incorporated in some aspect of the day.
• R.E.: Vaisakhi in Sikhism and how it's a special festival that celebrates the birth of the Khalsa and marks an important time of new beginnings for Sikhs around the world.
• P.E.: Dodgeball with Mrs Bell and Stevenage, and Gymnastics 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.