Curriculum Information 2026-27 F Group (Year 4)
Learning Through Topics The Junior School follows a one-week timetable and a topic-based curriculum. Learning across different subjects is often connected to the term’s topic, allowing pupils to explore ideas in depth and understand how knowledge and skills connect. Each topic begins by asking: What do we already know? What do we want to find out? Questions, discussion and discovery help shape the learning that follows. Trips, practical activities and first-hand experiences bring each topic to life, while pupils continue to develop essential knowledge and core skills across the curriculum.
Our approach to learning Every pupil brings different strengths, experiences and needs to their learning. At St Chris, we combine ambitious academic goals with deep learning, curiosity and meaningful engagement. We provide the right balance of support and challenge for each pupil, helping them to make progress, develop confidence and grow academically, socially and personally.
Our Year At A Glance Autumn: Ancient Egypt
Pupils discover one of the world's earliest civilisations, exploring life along the River Nile and learning about pharaohs, pyramids, beliefs, art and inventions. Through enquiry, discussion and creative projects, pupils investigate how Ancient Egyptians lived and why their achievements still fascinate us today. A special experience: Museum visit to explore authentic Egyptian artefacts.
Spring: China or Mexico Pupils explore the geography, culture, history and traditions of either China or Mexico. Through map work, research and creative activities, they develop an understanding of how people, landscapes and beliefs shape communities around the world.
Summer: Famous People Pupils investigate the lives and achievements of influential figures from a range of fields, including science, art, literature and conservation. They consider how individuals have shaped the world around them and reflect on the qualities that helped them succeed.
Tracking Progress Teachers regularly observe and assess pupils’ learning, building a clear understanding of each pupil’s strengths, progress and areas for development. Half-termly meetings with the Head of the Junior School help identify where an individual pupil may benefit from additional support or greater challenge. Small classes and support from teaching assistants also allow for focused group work where needed. Families receive two academic reports each year, alongside a parent consultation every term and teachers are always available for individual meetings.
Homework Homework is meaningful, manageable and connected to pupils’ learning in school. Pupils are offered a selection of age-appropriate enrichment activities, typically choosing three or four to complete. These may involve creative projects, practical challenges or research, with some offering opportunities for the whole family to take part.
Weekly Hours Per Subject This graphic represents a typical week in F Group.
English 5 Hours 40 mins
Science 1 Hour 40 mins PSHE & RSE 1 Hour
French 25 mins
Maths 4 Hours 10 mins
PE 25 mins
Computing 1 Hour
Ukulele 25 mins
Humanities 1 Hour
Art & DT 1 Hour
Music 25 mins
Forest School
Swimming 30 mins
Games 50 mins
1 Hour 40 mins
Core Learning
taught by class teachers
English 5 Hours 40 mins
Maths 4 Hours 10 mins
English is closely connected to our topic work, providing rich opportunities for reading, discussion and writing. Pupils explore a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry while developing grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation skills. Focus: Reading • Writing • Vocabulary • Grammar • Spelling
We develop confidence and fluency with number while encouraging pupils to reason, solve problems and explain their thinking. Key areas include place value, the four operations, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, statistics, time and money. Focus: Fluency • Problem-solving • Reasoning • Real-life application
Science 1 Hour 40 mins
Pupils develop scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to investigate and understand the world around them. Topics include states of matter, living things and habitats, animals including humans, sound and electricity, supported through practical enquiry and investigation. Focus: Question • Predict • Investigate • Explain
Humanities (Geography/ History) 1 Hour
Humanities learning is woven through our termly topics and helps pupils think like historians and geographers. They develop chronological understanding, map skills, geographical knowledge and an appreciation of early civilisations and settlement patterns. Focus: Evidence • Chronology • Maps • Discussion • Enquiry
Creative, Personal and Technology taught by class teachers
Art & Design Technology 1 Hour
PSHE & RSE 1 Hour
Computing 1 Hour
Art and design technology are inspired by our topics and encourage creative exploration. Pupils work with a variety of materials and techniques, including painting, printing, clay, modelling and mixed media, while developing their own artistic style. PSHE and RSE support pupils in staying safe, happy and healthy while developing positive and respectful relationships. Following the SCARF programme, Year 4 learning includes empathy, resilience, fairness, online safety, peer influence and an introduction to physical and emotional changes. Teaching takes place in a safe and inclusive environment, and pupils are never expected to share personal experiences. Parents are informed in advance about RSE content.
Our “MR P” ICT curriculum supports students in developing essential digital skills through a creative approach. Using the DARES model (Design, Apply, Refine, Evaluate, Share), students plan, create, improve, reflect on and share their work. Projects include animation, sound design, word processing, online surveys and augmented reality, encouraging problem-solving and digital literacy.
Creative and Languages
taught by subject specialist teachers
French 25 mins
Pupils build confidence in speaking and listening through games, songs, stories and practical activities. They expand their vocabulary and understanding of grammar while learning to communicate using simple sentences and increasingly familiar language structures.
Music 25 mins
Pupils develop their musical skills through singing, performing, improvising and ensemble work. They explore rhythm, pitch and notation, learn topic-based songs and begin to use musical language to describe and improve their performances.
Learning beyond the classroom taught by subject specialist teachers
Ukulele 25 mins
Pupils learn the fundamental skills needed to play the ukulele confidently and musically. They develop strumming techniques, learn a range of chords and perform familiar songs while strengthening rhythm, coordination and musical expression. Pupils develop fundamental skills through:
PE 25 mins
Fitness • Creative Dance • Outdoor and Adventurous Activities • Gymnastics • Tennis • Athletics They build confidence, coordination and resilience, with opportunities to extend learning through after-school clubs and competitive sport.
Games 50 mins
Our programme develops sporting skills, tactical awareness and teamwork. Autumn: Football & Netball Spring: Rugby & Hockey Summer: Cricket & Rounders Pupils learn to apply skills in game situations while developing sportsmanship, fair play and enjoyment of physical activity.
Swimming 30 mins
Swimming focuses on developing stamina, confidence and technique in the water. Throughout the year, pupils refine all four strokes, improve breathing and timing, and work towards swimming longer distances with control and efficiency.
Forest School 1 Hour 40 mins
Forest School encourages curiosity, resilience and independence through hands-on outdoor learning. Pupils develop practical skills including shelter building, knot tying and safe tool use, while exploring local habitats and strengthening their understanding of the natural world.