Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths:
In Year 4, the children have been strengthening their multiplication and division skills, building on their knowledge of the 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12 times tables to help identify factors and factor pairs of larger numbers. This work has supported them in spotting patterns and using efficient strategies, including multiplying three numbers together. As we move forward, an increasing focus will be placed on deepening their understanding of multiplication and division through new formal methods, which will help them tackle more complex calculations with confidence. Their growing knowledge of factors, products, and times tables will provide a strong foundation for this learning as we head into the spring term. Since September, children have developed their knowledge of times tables and their ability to identify fact families for certain questions.

Literacy:
In Literacy, Year 4 are now coming to the end of FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith, a beautifully illustrated book that has helped them build on their understanding of descriptive language, clause types, and the use of personification, metaphors, and similes. The children have been applying these skills to create richer, more detailed narratives while also strengthening their use of the present perfect tense. We are incredibly proud of the progress they have made since September, both in their writing and presentation, with many pupils now confidently making the transition from pencil to pen.

Science:
In Science, Year 4 have been learning all about sound. The children explored how sounds are made and discovered that they travel as vibrations through different materials. Through hands-on investigations, they experimented with pitch and volume by tightening and loosening strings, tapping different surfaces, and testing how varying amounts of water in a bottle change the sound produced. They also examined how sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases, predicting which materials would muffle or carry sound most effectively. The children even created their own sound models, conducted further experiments, and shared their findings with the class, showing great curiosity about how sound works in the world around them.

History:
In History, Year 4 have been learning about life in Britain after the Romans left, beginning with the Anglo-Saxons and how they lived, worked, and defended their villages. One of the highlights was designing and creating their own Anglo-Saxon shields. After half term, we shifted our focus to the Vikings, exploring who they were, why they launched fierce invasions of Britain, and what life was like aboard their longships and in the settlements they established. The children also investigated the lasting influence the Vikings had on Britain. There were also some great pieces of homework about daily Viking life, and research on Viking warriors. As the unit progressed, we started to connect this learning to our next topic, the Normans, showing how the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings set the stage for the Norman invasion of 1066 — the final successful invasion of Britain.

Computing:
In Computing, Year 4 have spent this term focusing on e-safety and how to stay safe online. The children have learned how to recognise spam, malware, and suspicious links, and why it is important never to share personal information on the internet. They have also explored how to identify unsafe or uncomfortable online situations and what steps to take if they arise. Alongside this, the children have discussed how to communicate kindly and respectfully online, understanding the impact their words and actions can have. As we move forward, pupils will continue developing their digital skills while learning to use technology confidently, responsibly, and safely.

Other note:
Well done to Year 4 for completing their first-class assembly with myself, showcasing all their positive learning. I hope everyone has a well-deserved break and rest during the Christmas holiday.

Looking Ahead:

Literacy: Sequencing a factual report on the Windrush generation from the book Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush. Helping the children focus their knowledge on speech and quotations.

Maths: Continuing with multiplication and division, with a strong focus on mastering mathematical language related to factors and products. Giving children more exposure to Times Tables Rock Stars, focusing on these as well.

R.E.: Vaisakhi in Sikhism — exploring how it is 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.: Rugby with Mr Mali and Stevenage, and Gymnastics with Mrs Bissmire.

Autumn Term 2025

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