Dear Parent/Guardian,

In the autumn term we dive into our ‘Water World’ topic where the children learn to think about the importance of water and how to conserve it. We look into the different oceans and seas around the world and take a closer look at their inhabitants. The children also learn about the process of the water cycle and how essential it is to all life on Earth. We will be enjoying a trip to the Sea Life Centre, Blackpool where we can get up close to some amazing creatures.

During the spring term we go back in time to find out about the invaders and settlers of Britain. Throughout this topic the children will gain a greater understanding of the Celts, Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings and the mark they left on British history. A Viking Day in school, supported by a visiting expert, will expand the children’s understanding of Viking culture, history and the impact they had on Britain. We also cover a wide range of art and design inspired by this topic, including drawing and designing Celtic patterns and building a Celtic round house.

Finally, in the summer term we will be exploring our topic ‘To Russia with Love.’ In this topic we will look at the differences and similarities between Russia and Britain and gain a greater understanding of Russian culture, heritage and its history. We will also look at Russian artists and use to inspire our own creations.

Homework is based around learning in the classroom to support and further develop skills. Where possible, we would like your child to read every night and we encourage you to share and enjoy books together.

Swimming is the big new adventure this year and an important part of the PE curriculum. Once a week the children will go to Saddleworth Swimming Baths for their lesson.

Here's to a great learning experience, which we are sure they will thoroughly enjoy!

We look forward to meeting you.

Your Year 4 teachers.

The first topic children encounter in year 4 is centred around the water cycle. The importance of water for life was established in What is Underneath our Feet? in year 3. Their knowledge of the geography of Britain is deepened when examining river locations and erosion at places such as Dover and Dorset. In year 2, children compare England with Africa, and they acquire more knowledge of the continent through the text Lila and the Secret of Rain in year 4. In addition to the work on the importance of rivers, irrigation in Africa is studied; valuable for the understanding of Ancient Egypt in year 5 and the rise of society around the Nile.

	School Learning Zone - Under the Sea
	School Learning Zone - Rivers
	School Learning Zone - The Water Cycle

This geography driven topic allows children to compare and contrast a modern day European country and city with their own. They are introduced to climates and discuss the issues between urban and rural life. This provides a foundation for climate and biome work in year 5. Music and art form the secondary drivers, through which children examine two historically important individuals – Kandinsky and Stravinksy. Children will study composers and artists throughout their curriculum journey, and this provides an opportunity to examine such people more thoroughly.

	School Learning Zone - Climate and Biomes
	School Learning Zone - Contrasting Localities
	School Learning Zone - Wassily Kandinsky
	School Learning Zone - Composers

Year 4 also start with Developing our Science Skills, Teeth and Eating, Habitats and States of Matter. They learn about the digestive system, teeth functions, food chains, grouping living things, and changes of state including evaporation and condensation. In the spring term, they study Sound, exploring how sounds are made by vibrations, pitch, volume, and how sound travels. In the summer term, they cover Electricity, constructing simple circuits, identifying components, and learning about conductors and insulators.

	Properties of Materials Learning Outcomes	[pdf 222KB]
	Properties of Materials Topic Mat	[pdf 201KB]
	States of Matter Learning Outcomes	[pdf 304KB]
	States of Matter Topic Mat	[pdf 281KB]
	Teeth and Eating Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Teeth and Eating Topic Mat	[pdf 198KB]
	Habitats Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Habitats Topic Mat	[pdf 200KB]
	Electricity Learning Outcomes	[pdf 223KB]
	ElectricityTopic Mat	[pdf 194KB]
	Sound Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Sound Topic Mat	[pdf 194KB]