Year 4

Spring 1

                                                              Why do people live near volcanoes? 

This half term, we’re diving deep into the incredible forces that shape our planet! We’ll start by uncovering the four layers of the Earth—crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core—and discover fascinating facts about each one. From there, we’ll explore how mighty mountains are formed, looking at real examples like the Himalayas in Asia, and learn how tectonic plates create these towering landscapes. Our volcano studies will take us inside shield and composite volcanoes, revealing how they form, how they’re classified, and the dramatic effects they can have—both good and bad—on nearby communities. We’ll also investigate earthquakes: what causes them, where they happen, and the impact they can have on people’s lives. To finish, we’ll become rock detectives, observing, recording, and mapping different rock types to uncover their origins. It’s going to be an exciting journey through the dynamic Earth!

Spring 2

                                                             Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?

Next half term, we’ll step back in time to uncover the fascinating world of Ancient Rome and its impact on Britain. We’ll explore what mattered most to people in Roman society and learn key terms like ‘empire’, ‘invasion’, and ‘settlement’. Students will investigate why the Romans invaded Britain and how the Celts responded to this dramatic change. We’ll discover the secrets behind the Roman army’s success—its clever structure, strict discipline, and advanced equipment—and use real artefacts to piece together the lives of Roman soldiers stationed here. Finally, we’ll look at the lasting legacy of Rome, ranking the ways it changed Britain and understanding why those influences are still important today.

Spring 2

Ariki and the Island of Wonders

Nicola Davies

Ariki and Ipo are making the most of a beautiful day, sailing the sea near Turtle Island on a “borrowed” boat. They’re too busy daydreaming to spot the grey clouds gathering overhead – but then a terrible storm breaks, carrying them miles from home. After days without food or drink, they are washed up on an unfamiliar island. The island is beautiful beyond belief: they see butterflies, each one lovelier than the last, lizards chasing across the rocks and, most wonderful of all, a gigantic blue bird with eyes that glow purple. When they meet another castaway, however, the children discover this island is no paradise – there are dangers lurking in the shadows! A nail-biting adventure with a strong message about endangered animals and human intervention, and a wonderful partner to Ariki and the Giant Shark.

How we read in our guided reading lessons:

Spring 2

When the Giant Stirred by Celia Godkin 

A small island in the Pacific exists in perfect harmony, where all the plants, animals and people are interdependent. But the islanders live with the knowledge that their mountain god sometimes grumbles and threatens to awake. When that happens, the people offer up prayers and garlands of flowers to coax the giant back to sleep.
There comes a day, however, when the god will not be appeased. Smoke rises out of the mountain's crater, and ash and cinders begin to fall on the village. The chief tells his people it is time to leave. And days later, when the people have barely landed on another island, the volcano explodes. Soon there is nothing left of the old island but a smoking ruin devoid of all life.
But the story is not over. Slowly, gradually, the island begins to support the stirrings of life once more. And with the return to its lush, former glory comes the hope that the island will be home once more to a sleepy village and its gentle, smiling people.

Written with the grace and dignity of a native storyteller's voice, When the Giant Stirred demonstrates how even one of the world's most cataclymic events can be an integral part of nature's cycle. 

In this unit, children will write their own version of ‘When the Giant Stirred’ in the first person from the point of view of the boy in the story.

Spring Term

This term, we will look at multiplication and division, measurement, fractions and decimals. We will make timestables our main focus, using Times Table Rockstars and timestables.co.uk to practise regularly and undertake a practice Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)  practice test approximately three times a week. Further information about the statutory MTC can be found on the government website.

We will look ahead to the Times Table Check that takes place towards the end of the year. Check out www.timestables.co.uk for some fantastic games to aid learning as well as TTRS and www.topmarks.co.uk. 

PE - On PE days, children should wear school PE kit with jewellery removed. Earring studs that are not removed will be covered with microporous tape. 

Spring 2 PE Days      4C: Monday & Wednesday        4Ch: Wednesday & Thursday 

Coats & outdoor shoes- please can you send your child in with a coat every day as we will be learning in and out of the classroom in both rain and shine. Outdoor shoes are particularly important as the with our current wet and muddy weather. It is not safe for children to spend time in school without their shoes on, regardless of how wet they are. It is imperative that all belongings, including coats, are clearly named.

Water bottles - children should bring a water bottle in with them each morning so that they can access a drink during the day.

Reading - in Key Stage 2, reading continues to be something that children should be doing regularly so that they are able to build their fluency and comprehension. Please can you record in your child's reading diary each time that they read so that we can monitor their progress more accurately.

Bookbags -  Please bring in books/book bags every day. These will be kept in your child's drawer or on their peg. Where possible, please avoid sending your child in with very large back packs as we struggle to fit them all in the cloakroom