Welcome to Year 4 - Sycamore

Mr Mali

Learning Update

Maths:
In Year 4, the children have been developing their understanding of money and time through a range of practical, real-life maths activities. They have been using column addition to calculate totals involving pounds and pence, carefully aligning decimal points and applying their knowledge to shopping problems, finding change, and comparing the value of different coins and notes. The children have also been building confidence in reading, telling and converting time between analogue and digital formats, while learning the difference between the 12-hour and 24-hour clocks. Through solving problems involving timetables, durations and everyday scenarios, the children have strengthened their reasoning skills and shown great confidence in applying their maths knowledge to real-life situations.

Literacy:
Year 4 have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the story of Tutankhamun by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, using it as inspiration to deepen their understanding of Ancient Egypt and the work of archaeologists. Through practical discovery activities, the children carefully excavated artefacts hidden in sand, helping them to understand how important historical discoveries are made and why they matter. Building on this learning, the children developed their writing skills by researching and writing biographies about Howard Carter, focusing on his life and greatest achievement — the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. It has been wonderful to see the children confidently apply their historical knowledge and writing skills to produce engaging and informative pieces of work.

Science:
Year 4 have been studying their new science topic on grouping and classifying living things, building on their understanding of how scientists organise animals and plants based on their characteristics. The children have been learning to classify animals into different groups and subgroups, including vertebrates and invertebrates, before exploring smaller groups such as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians by identifying their shared features. They have also been developing their understanding of how plants can be grouped according to their characteristics, such as flowering and non-flowering plants. Through practical investigations and engaging activities, the children have been using classification keys to identify and sort living things, helping them to strengthen their observation, reasoning and scientific thinking skills while understanding how classification helps scientists make sense of the natural world.

History:
Year 4 have begun their new history topic on ancient civilisations, focusing on the Sumerian civilisation and Ancient Egypt. The children have been exploring where and when these civilisations developed, while comparing their achievements, beliefs and ways of life. They have also been learning about the hierarchy of power within each civilisation, understanding the important roles of kings, pharaohs, priests, scribes and workers, and how society was organised differently in each culture. Through discussions and comparison activities, the children are developing a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between the Sumerians and Egyptians, and how these early civilisations helped shape the world we know today.

Computing:
Year 4 have been enjoying their ongoing computing topic on artificial intelligence, where they have been developing their understanding of what AI is and how it is used in everyday life. The children have explored how AI systems can recognise patterns, respond to questions and support people in different ways, helping them to understand how modern technology is designed and trained. They have taken part in thoughtful discussions about the benefits of AI, as well as the importance of using it safely and responsibly. Alongside this, the children have been learning to question the reliability of information provided by AI, understand the importance of keeping personal information secure, and recognise how AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the world around them.

Looking ahead:
Literacy: The Baker by the Sea by Paula White is a beautifully illustrated story about a young boy living in a seaside fishing village who learns that every person’s role in the community is important, no matter how small it may seem.
Maths: Moving on to the topics of shape and statistics, ensuring Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) exposure is incorporated into some aspect of the day.
R.E.: Eid al-Adha is an important Islamic festival celebrated with prayers, charity and sharing food with family and the community.
P.E.: Athletics with Mr Mali and rounders with Mrs Bissmire.

Summer Term 2025

Links to Summer Term learning are in the process of being uploaded.