Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths: In Year 4 Maths, children are now moving on to the 11- and 12-times tables, building on the strong multiplication and division skills they have already developed. They are beginning to use more efficient strategies when tackling questions, including those that involve multiplying three numbers. As we go forward, we will be talking more about multiplication facts, factors, and products, and introducing some new methods for multiplication and division to deepen their understanding and confidence.

English: In Year 4 Literacy, we have now finished reading The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, including the exciting final part featuring the Space-Bat-Angel-Dragon. Through this story, the children have been focusing on using similes, metaphors, personification, speech, and accurate punctuation to make their writing more descriptive and engaging. Our next text will be FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith, a beautifully illustrated story that will build on the children’s understanding of the present perfect tense. This book will give pupils new opportunities to apply their growing writing skills and continue developing rich, detailed narratives.

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. They carried out lots of hands-on investigations to explore pitch and volume—tightening and loosening strings, tapping different surfaces, and testing how the amount of water in a bottle changes the sound it makes. They also learned how sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases, predicting which materials would muffle or carry sound best. Earlier in the term, the class learned briefly about the human digestive system and the role of different types of teeth. They also had a lovely visit from the dentist, who talked all about teeth health. Later in the topic, the children will create their own sound models, carry out further pitch and volume investigations, and share their findings with the class as they continue to show curiosity about how sound works in the world around them.

History: In History, Year 4 have learned about life in Britain after the Romans left, starting with the Anglo-Saxons and how they lived, worked, and protected their villages. The children especially enjoyed designing and making their own Anglo-Saxon shields. After half term, we will move on to the Vikings. Children will learn who the Vikings were, why they invaded Britain, and what life was like on their longships and in their settlements. They will also explore the lasting impact the Vikings had on Britain. Towards the end of the unit, we will begin to link this learning to our next topic, the Normans, so children can see how the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings helped shape the events leading to the Norman invasion of 1066.

Computing: In Computing, Year 4 have continued to develop their coding skills using the Purple Mash scheme of work, but our main focus this term has been e-safety. The children have spent time learning how to stay safe online, including what spam, malware, and suspicious links are, and why they should never share personal information. We have explored how to recognise unsafe or uncomfortable situations and what to do if they happen, as well as how to communicate kindly and respectfully online. As we move forward, pupils will continue to learn how to use technology confidently, responsibly, and safely.

Looking Ahead:

• Literacy: Sequencing a story; next book (FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith); using conjunctions, modal verbs, and fronted adverbials to develop their understanding of narrative structure and writing techniques.
• Maths: Continuing with multiplication and division, with a strong focus on mastering mathematical language, including talking about factors and products. Giving children more exposure on Times Tables Rock Stars, focusing on these as well.
• R.E.: Learning about Kathina in Buddhism, exploring the meaning of generosity, gratitude, and community within the festival and how it is celebrated around the world.
• P.E.: Football with Mr Mali and Dance 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.