Welcome to Year 4
Caring Respect Empathy Courage Resilience
Our Year 4 Team
Teacher - Mr N. Bullough and Mrs I. Milburn
Our dedicated team is committed to providing a learning environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and independence. We understand the significance of nurturing each child's well-being while fostering a modern, friendly atmosphere.
We believe in creating a caring and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and respected. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to become responsible and independent learners. In Year 4, we aim to ignite a passion for learning and encourage critical thinking.
Our approach to teaching and learning is rooted in promoting a modern and dynamic educational experience, ensuring that our children are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. We prioritise the holistic development of each child in Year 4, reinforcing the importance of emotional and social well-being alongside academic progress.
Moreover, our friendly and approachable team are dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive relationship with both the children and their families. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for the overall development of every child.
We look forward to nurturing and guiding your child on their educational journey, and we are committed to ensuring that they thrive in our Year 4 class!
Ukulele
In Year 4, we learn to play the ukulele every Tuesday with Mr Garner!
Learning to play an instrument is a valuable and enriching experience that stimulates the brain and provides numerous cognitive and emotional benefits. The ukulele, a versatile and accessible instrument, offers a unique opportunity for our children to develop essential skills while discovering the joy of music.
Studies have shown that engaging in music education improves cognitive functions such as memory and abstract reasoning, which are crucial for success in subjects like mathematics and science. Playing the ukulele also fosters skills in leadership and team-building, as our children learn to collaborate and communicate effectively in group settings. Moreover, it instils a deep appreciation for the rewards of working with others towards a common goal.
Embracing music as a regular part of life has the added benefit of promoting emotional well-being. Music has the power to soothe the mind and keep individuals calm, helping them navigate through the challenges of everyday life. In addition, mastering a musical instrument, such as the ukulele, instils a sense of pride and achievement, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
Furthermore, the process of learning to play the ukulele encourages individuals to express themselves creatively, fostering a deep sense of self-awareness and confidence. It also requires the use of both sides of the brain, enhancing memory power and cognitive abilities.
Multiplication tables check (MTC)
Learning times tables is a crucial skill for every child in their mathematical journey. That's why, every week, we dedicate time to practising and mastering our times tables. By using fun and interactive tools like TT Rockstars on the iPad, we make learning times tables enjoyable and effective. The regular practice helps children to build fluency and confidence in their numerical abilities.
The weekly times tables practice is not just about assessment, but also about identifying areas of improvement and providing individualised support to each child in Year 4. By consistently revisiting and reinforcing times tables, we ensure that children have a solid foundation for tackling more complex mathematical concepts in the future.
With dedication and regular practice, our children are able to develop a deep understanding of multiplication and division, setting them up for success in their academic pursuits. So, let's rock those times tables and conquer the world of maths!
Autumn term learning
Spring term learning
Summer term learning
Computing
Coding, Programming and Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computing has become an integral part of the modern society, permeating nearly every aspect of our lives. In our classroom, it plays a vital role in preparing students for the digital age.
One valuable aspect of computing education is the incorporation of software and tools such as Tinkercad and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). These tools provide our children with opportunities to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences. By designing and creating their own virtual models, our children gain practical knowledge in a stimulating and ambitious environment.
Coding, another crucial component of computing education, empowers our children to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology. Platforms like Scratch, which is widely used across Merton Bank, enables students to design and code their own interactive stories, games, and animations. This fosters critical thinking, logical reasoning, and collaboration.
Furthermore, computing education encourages our children to explore computational thinking, which involves breaking down complex problems into logical steps and building algorithms to solve them. These skills are not only essential for computer science but also transferable to other subjects and real-life situations.
The inclusion of computing in the classroom offers our children an invaluable opportunity to develop essential skills for the digital world. Through the use of tools like Tinkercad, CAD, ambitious coding projects, and platforms like Scratch, our children become active participants in the digital landscape, equipped with the expertise to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Art plays a vital role in the educational journey of our children in the classroom. It provides a platform to engage with creativity and self-expression, allowing young minds to explore and communicate ideas in a unique way.
One influential artist who showcases the significance of art in our classroom is Mark Rothko. His abstract expressionist paintings encourage our children to delve into their emotions and interpretations of colour and form. By studying artists like Rothko, our children develop critical thinking skills and learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives that art offers.
Art also provides a gateway to history and culture. The works of Michelangelo, for example, allow our children to connect to the Renaissance period and understand the rich artistic heritage of Europe. Through studying great artists, our children develop an awareness of how art shapes and reflects society.
Within the art curriculum, concepts such as tone, shading, and sketching are taught. These techniques enhance observational skills and attention to detail. Our children learn to appreciate the use of contrasting light and dark tones, offering depth and realism to their artwork.
Implementing art in the classroom not only enhances creativity and self-expression, but also fosters skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and innovation. It provides a holistic education that caters to the diverse needs and talents of students.
Take a look at some of the exciting learning in Year 4 during Spring Term 2024
Writing
Creating myths and legends
This term, we have been exploring the exciting world of Talk 4 Writing, a powerful approach to developing writing skills. In this particular unit, we dove into the epic tale of Beowulf, as retold by renowned author Michael Morpurgo.
Within our lessons, we placed a strong emphasis on developing not only writing skills but also on fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the English literary heritage. By using Talk 4 Writing, we engaged in exploring Beowulf through various creative activities, such as drama, role-play, and story mapping.
We dedicated time for the development of impeccable handwriting and presentation skills throughout our lessons and we believe that by instilling a high standard of presentation, it not only enhances the visual impact of our work, but also helped to develop a sense of pride and ownership of our writing.
By immersing ourselves in the world of Beowulf, we fostered our creativity, critical thinking, and literary analysis skills. Through Talk 4 Writing, we provided a platform to explore the themes, characters, and language of this timeless tale, enabling us to produce outstanding written pieces that showcase our growth as confident writers.
RE
Christianity
Our RE this term focuses on the key question, 'Is sacrifice an important part of religious life'. It encompasses a diverse range of engaging and thought-provoking topics. We delve into the investigation of the person of Jesus through the profound concept of sacrifice, exploring deeply rooted beliefs and values. We also gain insights into living religious traditions, understanding the importance of shared human experiences and the eternal search for personal meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, we explore the impactful life of Oscar Romero, drawing inspiration from his selfless acts of courage and service to others. We actively participate in creating informative posters to support our Merton Bank Food Bank, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
In addition, we immerse ourselves in the compelling story of Jesus in the wilderness, analysing how he conquered temptation and stayed true to his beliefs. This narrative serves as a powerful example of resilience and faith, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of personal challenges and triumphs.
Spanish
Body parts and plurals
We have been engaging in a diverse range of Spanish language learning activities this term, focusing on parts of the body and face. Throughout this term, the focus has been on expanding vocabulary related to the parts of the face and the body, as well as mastering Spanish plural rules.
In addition to vocabulary building, we have been actively involved in creating and practising yoga sequences in Spanish, which not only enhances our language skills but also promotes physical well-being. Furthermore, we have delved into the realm of creativity by crafting written and spoken descriptions of imaginative aliens solely in Spanish.
These activities aim not only to strengthen our language proficiency but also to cultivate our creativity and critical thinking skills. Through practical application and cultural immersion, we are not just learning a language but exploring a new world of possibilities.
By integrating these varied approaches to language learning, we strive to provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that equips us with the linguistic skills and cultural understanding necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
English
Teaching Live from Pie Corbett, John Sutton, and Deputy Mitchell
In Year 4, we place a strong emphasis on providing a high-quality writing education. In recent months, we have engaged in a variety of enriching learning experiences facilitated by renowned educators such as Teaching Live's Pie Corbett, John Sutton, and Deputy Mitchell.
One of the key focal points of our writing curriculum has been the exploration of the captivating book Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy. This text has served as a rich source of inspiration, allowing us to delve into the world of skyships and embark on literary adventures reminiscent of the story.
Moreover, our emphasis on spelling, punctuation, and grammar has significantly enhanced our writing skills. By honing these essential aspects of language, we have been able to craft more articulate and coherent pieces of writing.
In order to further enrich the writing process, we have incorporated a range of drama activities into our curriculum. These activities have not only stimulated our creativity but have also provided us with valuable tools for planning and structuring our writing effectively.
Enrichment
A visit to the famous Clonter Opera Theatre
As part of our enriching curriculum at Merton Bank, we had the unique opportunity to engage in a variety of creative tasks that maximised our learning potential and fostered a love for the arts. One standout experience was our visit to Clonter Opera Theatre in Congleton, where we were immersed in the world of performing arts.
We delved into the literary world by creating a silhouette frame inspired by a scene from "Brightstorm" by Vashti Hardy. This activity not only honed our artistic skills but also deepened our understanding of the text and its themes.
Furthermore, we showcased our musical talents by collaboratively composing a suspenseful song with a pianist, incorporating our own lyrics and music. This activity not only nurtured our creativity but also promoted teamwork and communication skills.
A highlight of the programme was the collaborative effort to bring a scene from "Brightstorm" to life by moving stage furniture whilst our silhouette was projected onto the stage. This hands-on experience allowed us to immerse ourselves in the world of theatre and visual storytelling.
We had the opportunity to work closely with a costume designer to design a costume for a character from a famous play. This task encouraged us to think critically about character development and the importance of costumes in bringing characters to life on stage.
Overall, these engaging experiences not only enhanced our creative and artistic skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the performing arts
Take a look at some of the exciting learning in Year 4 during Summer Term 2024
