Welcome to Year 4!

Autumn Term 2024/25

Hello Class 3! I hope you have all had a fantastic summer. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.

School will begin at 8.45am and finish at 3.15pm.

This year, water bottles and all school equipment, including pencil cases, will be provided by school.

Please ensure all break time snacks continue to be in line with our healthy food policy: https://www.applebyprimary.cumbria.sch.uk/school-meals/

English: We will be reading The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, focussing on developing our skills for writing a narrative with interesting character and setting descriptions. We will also be reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate where we will explore key features of information texts and build upon our descriptive writing skills in story-writing.

Maths: In Maths we will be using the White Rose scheme to develop confidence in place value and the four operations. We will also practise ‘fluent in 5’ challenges to build mathematical fluency and develop reasoning skills.

Times tables: At the end of Year 4, there is a statutory multiplication tables check, focussing on all times tables from 1x1 up to 12x12. In order to best prepare for this, regular times tables practise will take place in class, developing both fluency and speed with times tables. Maths Frame is the website we use to support the children with their times tables learning. It is a website, not an app, which means it can be accessed via PC, mobile or tablet devices. We encourage regular practise on Maths Frame which will support the children’s future mathematical learning. Please see https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check

History: The title of this term’s history unit is ‘How did pre-Roman Britain change?’. We will study similarities and differences between the Neolithic, Mesolithic and Palaeolithic periods and explore how hunter-gatherers lived before and after the introduction of farming to Britain.

Science: In science, our themes this term are rocks and light. We will be comparing the properties of a variety of rocks and minerals and suggesting why some materials are better-suited for some purposes than others. We will investigate the strength and durability of different rocks and learn about the formation of fossils. In our work about light, we will explore reflection, shadows and how they change and the importance of protection from sunlight.

Art and Design: Our Art and Design work this term will focus on developing our skills in drawing, sketching and pattern-making through the use of collage.

Computing: We will be exploring the basics of the internet, how to create audio files and discussing the importance of safety when using the internet in our computing sessions.

PE: Children will have PE sessions twice a week. PE kits should be brought in on a Monday and taken home on a Friday. Children should bring both outdoor and indoor clothing and shoes as we will be going outdoors as much as the weather permits. Please make sure all kit is named. Earrings and jewellery must be removed for PE and your child must be able to do this for themselves. PE kit consists of a plain white t-shirt, black shorts/leggings/joggers and a plain black hoodie if necessary, with suitable trainers. Please note that your child will not be able to participate in PE without the correct kit.

PSHE: This term’s themes in Jigsaw PSHE are ‘Being me in my world’ and ‘Celebrating difference’. Please do not hesitate to send me a message on Seesaw if you wish to access lesson plans via the Jigsaw parent portal.

Music: Garry Linsley will be teaching music to Year 4 this year. The children will learn how to play the recorder and participate in a number of activities that develop their confidence and rhythmic skill.

Design and Technology: This term, we will be discussing the importance of a healthy diet, studying the Eatwell guide and exploring the skills involved in cooking and nutrition.

Homework: The children will receive their weekly homework on a Monday. Times tables homework will be due on the Friday of the same week. Reading comprehension and spelling homework will be due on the following Monday ready for their weekly spelling test.

French and RE will be taught by Miss Ridley on a Tuesday.

If you wish to contact me with any questions, please use this class page and the ‘contact Miss Andrews’ link, or please see me at the gate if you wish to discuss any queries in person.

I am looking forward to another busy and successful year!

Miss Andrews