Welcome to Year 4

Welcome to Year 4!

Year 4 is an exciting year of learning and growing independence. We will encourage the children to develop resilience and perseverance, try their best and take pride in their work. With support and encouragement, we will help them to build confidence and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

Mrs Morton teaches Year 4 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and Mrs Webster teaches on Wednesdays. Mrs Irving, our Learning Support Assistant, works with the class every day.

Our Learning

English and Reading

This year, we will explore and write narratives, non-chronological reports, persuasive letters and Viking myths. We will enjoy a range of texts, including the classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Finding Winnie, which tells the true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. We will also share poems from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.

Maths and the Multiplication Tables Check

In Maths, we follow the White Rose unit overview, with a small adjustment in the autumn term to begin with multiplication. This gives children a strong focus on learning their times tables from the start of Year 4. Knowing times tables helps children build confidence and supports their learning across many areas of Maths.

In June, Year 4 children will take the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), which checks their ability to recall multiplication facts up to 12 × 12.

Throughout the year, we provide regular opportunities for children to practise and strengthen their recall. The school has invested in Times Tables Rock Stars, an online programme that helps children learn and practise their multiplication facts in a fun and engaging way.

These websites offer useful activities to support times tables practice:

• Times Tables Rock Stars
• BBC Super Movers
• Timestables.co.uk

Science

Through practical investigations and exploration, we will learn about the properties of rocks and soils, forces and magnets, light, sound, and nutrition in animals, including humans.

History

We will explore how Britain changed during Roman rule, bringing our learning to life with a visit to the Deva Experience in Chester. We will also discover how the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings shaped Britain’s history.

Geography

We will learn about volcanoes and investigate how land is used in our local area. We will also explore the UK and Europe, using maps to locate countries and learning about where natural resources come from.

Design and Technology

This year we will use our design and construction skills to create a pavilion for Aslan, the lion from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In Spring we will develop our cooking skills with Chef James, using seasonal produce to prepare a tasty meal. Later in the year, we will make pneumatic toys.

Art

We will create Roman mosaics and explore sculpture using a variety of materials in our Mega Materials topic. We will also study the work of Paul Cézanne and create our own paintings inspired by his work.

Music

We are delighted to welcome Mr Bartlett from St Helens’ Music Service each week to teach the children how to play the recorder and help them to develop their understanding and appreciation of different musiclal genres.

Spanish

We will continue to develop our knowledge of Spanish phonics to help us read new and unfamiliar words. We will learn vocabulary and phrases to talk about animals, instruments, seasons, the classroom and we will also learn how to communicate in a café.

Computing

We will learn how the internet works, explore programming and create digital content using desktop publishing and animation software. Throughout the year, we will continue to develop our understanding of how to stay safe online.

Religious Education

In RE, we follow the To Know You More Clearly framework. Year 4 is a special year for many of our children as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive their First Holy Communion. Preparation for these sacraments is led by the parish, with the school supporting and encouraging children throughout their journey.

PE

PE with Coach Gary takes place on Tuesdays. Children should come to school wearing their full PE kit: black shorts, a white round-neck T-shirt, and trainers or pumps. In colder weather, they may also wear plain black tracksuit bottoms or leggings.

There will be additional sporting opportunities and events throughout the year when children will need to wear their PE kit. We will let families know about these in plenty of time.

Homework

The homework expectation in Lower Key Stage 2 is approximately 1–1½ hours per week. Activities may be paper-based or online, such as practising on Times Tables Rock Stars. Homework is set on Wednesdays and should be completed by the following Monday.

Children are also expected to read regularly at home to develop their fluency, comprehension and enjoyment of reading. Alongside their school reading books, they are welcome to enjoy books from home or the library. All home reading can be recorded in their reading record.

Please ensure that children bring their reading books into school every day.

Home reading also counts towards our reading awards:

• Bronze: 75 home reads
• Silver: 150 home reads
• Gold: 225 home reads

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning. We look forward to a happy and successful year together!

Meet the teacher Presentation 2026