Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths: In Year 4, children have been strengthening their multiplication and division skills through secure knowledge of times tables, factors, and fact families. Moving forward, the main focus will be on learning and applying formal methods to multiply and divide two-digit and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number. Children have also been using prior learning in place value to support them in solving questions. Their strong recall of times tables will help them use these methods accurately and confidently as they tackle more complex calculations throughout the spring term.

Literacy: Year 4 are beginning an exciting new text, Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush. This powerful story introduces the children to the experiences of the Windrush Generation and provides an important opportunity to learn about migration, identity, and Britain’s recent history. Through this book, pupils will explore both fiction and non-fiction texts, deepening their understanding of historical events while developing key reading skills. They will write letters inspired by the themes of the book, as well as learn how to gather information, use factual language, and organise ideas effectively in non-fiction writing. This unit will continue to support children in writing with clarity, purpose, and empathy as they engage thoughtfully with real-life stories from the past.

Science: Year 4 will be learning about the states of matter, focusing on solids, liquids, and gases and their characteristic properties. The children will investigate how materials can change state when heated or cooled, observing processes such as melting, freezing, and evaporation. Through practical, hands-on experiments, they will explore how particles behave in each state and compare how different materials respond to changes in temperature. Pupils will make predictions, carry out fair tests, and record their findings using key scientific vocabulary. This topic will help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while strengthening their scientific enquiry skills and confidence in conducting experiments.

Geography: Year 4 will be exploring the topic Misty Mountains and Winding Rivers. Through this engaging project, the children will learn about the key features of rivers, including the source, tributaries, meanders, banks, and mouth, as well as how rivers shape the land through erosion, transportation, and deposition. They will also develop their understanding of mountain ranges, identifying features such as peaks, valleys, and slopes, and learning how mountains are formed. Alongside this, Year 4 will discover how rivers and mountains support a wide range of ecosystems and influence human settlement around the world. This topic will help children build strong geographical knowledge while developing their map skills and understanding of the physical processes that shape our planet.

Computing: Year 4 will be developing their coding skills by learning how to create and control logos using simple programming commands. The children will practise following step-by-step directions and using clearly marked instruction sheets to input code accurately, helping them understand how commands affect outcomes. Through this process, they will build their confidence in logical thinking, sequencing, and problem-solving. Alongside their coding work, e-safety will remain a key focus, with pupils being reminded how to use technology responsibly, keep personal information safe, and behave respectfully online. This balance will support children in becoming confident, capable, 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). Helping the children focus their knowledge on speech, quotations, and letter writing.

Maths: Continuing with multiplication and division, with a strong focus on column methods and multiplying and dividing a two- or three-digit number by a one-digit number. Giving children more exposure to Times Tables Rock Stars, focusing on these skills as well.

R.E.: Vaisakhi in Sikhism and 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.: 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.