Welcome to Year 4 – Summer term 2017 – 2018
Values driven learning
Classteachers: Miss Murphy/Mrs Long
Class book : ‘The Green Ship’ by Quentin Blake.
Two children find the Green Ship when they climb over the wall into what is more like a forest than a garden. The ship has bushes for bows and stern and its funnels are trees; a small garden shed on an ancient stump is the wheel house and in command of the ship is the owner of the garden, old Mrs Tredegar. Throughout the summer she and the Bosun and the two children sail the Seven Seas visiting exotic faraway places and having wonderful adventures.
Guided reading novel:
An exquisite portrait of the bond between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa – this book takes readers on an incredible journey with Spitfires over London and Great Escapes through the city in a high octane adventure full of comedy and heart.
Our science learning challenge this half term is all about sound. It is entitled: Why is the sound that ‘One Direction’ makes enjoyed by so many?
Our history learning challenge for this half term is: Why were Norman castles so bouncy?
Timetable and curriculum
This is an example of a typical week’s timetable in year four:
This is the curriculum map for year four 2017/18:
Mathematics 2016 2017
We use a mastery approach to learning mathematics. We believe that every child can master an understanding and a love of maths with the right kind of teaching and support. We specifically use the Maths – No Problem! primary school series, using the mastery teaching approach from Singapore.
Aligned to the 2014 English National Curriculum for mathematics, the series is used as part of the NCETM’s Maths Hub programme.
Features of Singapore Maths:
Emphasis on problem solving and comprehension, allowing pupils to relate what they learn and to connect knowledge
Careful scaffolding of core competencies of :
visualisation, as a platform for comprehension
mental strategies, to develop decision making abilities
pattern recognition, to support the ability to make connections and generalise
Emphasis on the foundations for learning and not on the content itself so pupils learn to think mathematically as opposed to merely reciting formulas or procedures.
English 2017 2018
We use Read Write Inc Spelling in years 2 to 6. The scheme has been specially created to meet the higher demands of the national curriculum. We run lessons daily for 15 minutes
Spelling rules are introduced by aliens from an exciting online spelling planet
Every child’s progress is recorded and tracked and intervention given
Parents can help by ensuring that weekly spellings are learnt at home
Grammar
We use ‘grammar Hammer’ Assertive Mentoring programme for grammar. All pupils take part in weekly activities and progress is carefully tracked.
Working at home
If you are looking for some extra work to do at home take a look at these websites. There are a range of fun activities for you to do.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/
- http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/religion/hinduism.htm
Important information.
PE will be on Wednesdays so please make sure your PE kit is in school.
Children will have the opportunity everyday to change their home reading books once their book has been read and reading record signed by an adult. Reading journals must be brought into school EVERY DAY, even if the children have not yet completed the book they have.
Spellings and times tables will be sent home with the children every Monday. They will be tested on them the following Monday.
Homework
Homework books will be given out every Monday. Children must choose one piece of homework from the designated box and return their completed homework the following Monday. The class teacher will explain which box they will be able to choose from each week.
Helping at home
ESPRESSO HAS ARRIVED! Espresso is an educational service for children to use at home. This website is packed full of activities, games and stories for you to enjoy.
The log in details have been sent home with children. If you have not received them please ask a member of staff for them.
