Year4
Cu r r i c u l u mOu t l i ne 2 0 1 9 2 0
Our Learning Wheel explained Our learners Our schools are small enough to ensure that each learner is known. By placing our learners at the centre of our approach, we create an education that allows individuality to flourish.
Developing character Fostering a secure bedrock of self-esteem and a sure moral compass is essential preparation for a future in a complex world.
Learning segments We group our subjects together into six curriculum areas. We teach subjects in an
integrated way, because the future belongs to those who can think way beyond narrow subject boundaries.
Learning to think Education is not just about imparting knowledge. It’s about teaching young people how to think for themselves: critically, creatively and collaboratively.
Outer circle We prepare young people to blaze a trail in whatever field they choose. They leave us equipped with a breadth of skills, ready to become responsible global citizens.
Form Teachers 4G - Mr Godfrey 4B - Miss Burcher
Curriculum areas and subject teachers Humanities - Social understanding Mr Godfrey (Thematic Learning, PSHEE,), Mrs Matthews (Religious Studies) Miss Burcher (Thematic Learning, PSHEE, Religious Studies) Language and Communication Mr Godfrey (Language and Literacy), Miss Burcher (Language and Literacy), Ms Prowse (French), Mrs Foreman (Spanish), Mrs Fernández Smart (Spanish) Mathematical Understanding Mrs Digby (Maths), Miss Burcher (Maths) Physical Education and Well-being Mr Evans (Games and Swimming), Mr Godfrey (Games), Mrs Parkin (Games and Swimming), Mr Leggoe (Games) Miss Grayson (Games and Swimming) Creative and Performing Arts Miss Wynne-Powell (Creative and Design Engineering), Miss Mullaly (Music), Mrs Clark (Drama) Scientific Understanding Miss Burcher, Mr Kohler
Humanities - Social Understanding
Key Topics: ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and ‘What's on the menu?’ Pupils will be focusing on the Romans in the first half of the spring term, from the creation of the Roman Empire, to discovering what Rome was like and what the Romans did for Britain. Pupils will study the Roman way of life, looking at homes, jobs, clothes, jewellery, entertainment and what life would have been like in the Roman army. In the second half of the Spring term we are aiming to give the children a knowledge, understanding, awareness and concern for their environment. We hope to give the children a broad understanding of different types of farming and farming around the world. We will cover local and world map knowledge by investigating where our food comes from. The children will also study sustainability, climate and the weather, focusing on climate change.
Religious Studies Key Topics In RS pupils will be studying Christianity this term, looking at the New Testament and the life of Jesus. We will discover what it means to be a Christian and investigate who Jesus was and what the Gospels can tell us about Jesus. Pupils will also look at why Pentecost and Ascension day are important for Christians. Finally, in preparation for Easter, we look at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and the Easter account.
PSHEE Key Topics In PSHEE we shall continue to address E-safety looking at how pupils can safeguard themselves online. We will discuss the dangers online and how to stay safe and also the importance of being aware of your own digital footprint. In the second half of term we shall be thinking about rights, rules and responsibilities at home, in school and the local community. Activities will include role play, discussion, responding to stories, and creatively representing the children’s ideas. We will also consider economic well being and discussing issues around money.
Language and Communication Key Topics: ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and ‘What's on the menu?’ In the Spring term we will deepen the pupils understanding of ‘Rome wasn't built in a day’ and ‘What's on the menu?’ by reading a range of texts and demonstrating their understanding through a range of different writing genres such as letter writing, information texts, diary entries and newspaper reports. We will also focus specifically on key writing styles, planning creative writing and writing for a specific purpose. In language and literacy lessons we will continue to focus on the key skills of spelling, grammar and punctuation. We will also aim to build on pupils’ reading comprehension skills as they begin to develop their ability to infer and analyse text. Pupils continue to be encouraged to read aloud and enjoy a range of texts for pleasure.
Assessment ● ● ●
PTE (Progress Test English) Half termly writing assessment Weekly spelling tests
French In French, we will revise basic numbers up to 40 and extend up to 69. This will then be applied to basic time-telling with use in conversation and useful application to finding out when visitor attractions, markets and shops will be open. Pupils will also learn key parts of the body and explore how to talk about basic holiday illnesses in doctor and pharmacy situations. To help at home: Pupils can practice vocabulary and conversation from the free websites languagesonline.org.uk and Duolingo.
Spanish
Key Topics The focus continues to be on speaking and listening and on establishing a good accent. Linking to the theme ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, we will look briefly at Spain under the Romans. We will also learn to describe a face using relevant vocabulary as well as adjectives of colour and shape. Drawing inspiration to our second theme of ‘What’s on the menu?’ we will look at eating habits in Spain, key food vocabulary and learn to say what we like or don’t like. Of course there will be plenty of opportunity for games, songs and stories as usual. Pupils can consolidate their learning by using the Linguascope or Grow Story Grow websites or by using one of the free websites which we have used in class.
Mathematical Understanding
Key Topics In maths, we will start by consolidating the 11 and 12 times tables, discuss how to find factors of a two-digit number and develop efficient multiplication strategies, including multiplying and dividing two or three digit numbers by one digit. Then we begin work on fractions - equivalency, counting in fractions, fractions of amounts and adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator, including subtracting from 1 whole. Next we move onto decimals. We will cover converting tenths and hundredths to their decimal equivalents, dividing by 10 and 100, identifying the value of digits in a number, comparing and ordering decimals and rounding decimals up to two decimal places. Finally we will consider how to find the area of different shapes by counting squares and fractions of squares. Besides our six core lessons, we have one weekly mental maths lesson where we focus on number fluency and also a maths investigation lesson relating to the current topic. Times tables are expected to be reinforced at home. We use a wide variety of resources - concrete, pictorial, abstract and digital - to help pupils to develop mastery in each topic.
Assessment ● ●
In-class topic tests PTM (Progress Test in Maths)
Physical Education and Well-being Key Topics Swimming continues until February half term before indoor athletics becomes the focus of PE lessons. Football, hockey and netball will form the basis of games lessons for the children this term. Development of key skills and refinement of technique will be integral to all lessons. Do encourage your child to get involved with any of these sports outside of school by joining local clubs, and discuss the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Creative and Performing Arts
Key Topics We will explore the music of Africa with a focus on African Djembe Drumming and singing. We will practise our coordination of drumming and singing simultaneously, and choreograph our music colourfully, in line with the typical musical culture. Alongside this, we will develop recorder skills by learning a repertoire of folk songs and melodies. Where were these pieces performed, who sang them and who watched, where did they come from and where do local groups still perform, are all questions we will seek to answer. Our first mission will be to construct a well built Roman shield ready for our collaboration day. We will then complete the process of building our clay water feature, using a variety of construction and sculpting skills having enjoyed experimentation with water engineering last term. The final outcome will be on display at Bridge End in the summer term. The second part of term will see us mastering skills in sculpting from mouldable materials. Woven into the Create sessions will be elements of art and design history and quickfire skills activities that introduce different materials and schema. Listen out for the Cambridge Camera Club Competition later this term - Last year revealed quite a few Dame B’s shutterbugs!
Scientific Understanding
Key Topics Our main topic this term is sound, linking this to how we hear musical instrument ; and the development of sound theory over time. We will study sound waves, gaining an understanding of pitch, amplitude and frequency as well investigate sound pollution and safe and appropriate levels of sound. The children will work on completing an investigation of soundproofing to help further develop their investigative skills. Learning will be active and practical with a strong link the STEM concepts, linking these important areas together whilst developing project based scientific understanding We will also start investigating the link between light and shadows. Gaining an understanding for how light travels and how it can be a source of sustainable energy. We finish the term revisiting friction forces, states of matter and the human body. We will also start investigating the link between light and shadows.