Ferney Lee Primary School

What did Year 4 learn about in Spring 2?

In Spring Term 2, our Historical enquiry question was: 

'How did the Romans change Britain?' 

In our topic lessons we learnt how and why the Romans invaded Britain, why there were three different invasions, what Roman towns in Britain were like, who Boudicca was and why she is remembered, why the Romans left Britain and what legacy was left here. 

In English, we based our writing on two class texts: 'Revolt against the Romans' by Tony Bradman and 'Roman Invasion' by Jim Eldridge. 

In Maths, we finished our Multiplication and Division unit by learning written methods for multiplication and division and developed our problem solving skills using what we have learnt. We then completed our unit on Area. 

In Science, we started our 'Sound' unit. We identified how sounds are made by recognising and exploring vibrations and what happens when these vibrations reach our ear. We will continue this unit next half term. 

In PE, we continued to learn new skills in the water in our weekly swimming lessons every Wednesday and had Badminton lessons every Friday. 

In Art, we explored Roman based artwork and complete Roman Centurion paintings and mosaics. 

In Design and Technology, we built on our Science skills from last half term to make torches which included a circuit and a switch. 

In PSHE/RHE, we focused on 'Families and other Relationships' and answered the question, 'Why are relationships important in our lives?'

 In French, we learnt about the different food and drink delicacies of the country. 

In RE, we started to learn about the 5 Pillars of Islam. 

What did Year 4 learn about in Spring 1?

In Spring Term 1, our Geographical enquiry question was: 

'Why do our seas and oceans need protecting?' 

In our topic lessons we learnt where the oceans and seas are, what lives in the ocean and where, why the oceans matter, what is harming our oceans and what we can do to help save and look after our oceans. Linking to this topic, we went on a trip to The Blue Planet Aquarium. 

In English, we based our writing on two class texts: 'Flotsam' by David Wiesner and 'Song of the Dolphin Boy' by Elizabeth Laird.

In Maths, we began our Multiplication and Division units where we learnt our times tables up to 12 x 12, how to multiply and divide by multiples of 10 and 100, multiplying by 0 and 1 and written methods for multiplication and division.

In Science, our topic last half term was 'Electricity'. We explored common appliances that run on electricity, constructed simple electrical circuits, learnt about switches and common conductors and insulators.

In PE, we continued to learn new skills in the water in our weekly swimming lessons every Wednesday and took part in  a dance unit every Friday. 

In Art, we developed ideas for 3D work through drawing and visualisation and used more complex techniques to shape materials in 2D. We explored how shapes can be formed and joined in wire and considered the effect of how sculpture is displayed. 

In Music, we learnt to listen to changes in pitch, tempo and dynamics and related it to something tangible and familiar. Linking to our geography learning, pupils represented different stages of the river through vocal and percussive ostinatos, culminating in a final group performance.

In PSHE/RHE, we focused on 'Caring and Responsibility' and answered the question, 'What are our rights and why are they important?'

What did Year 4 learn about in Autumn 2?

Our Historical enquiry question last half term was: 

'Why were the Romans such a successful ruling empire?'

 In our topic lessons we learnt how Rome was founded, what life was like in the Roman Empire and what it was like to be a Roman soldier. 

In English, we based our writing on two focused texts: 'Romans on the Rampage' by Jeremy Strong and 'Empire's End: A Roman Story' by Leila Rasheed.

In Maths, we focused on addition and subtraction and used different skills and strategies to add and subtract within 4 digit numbers. 

In Science, our topic was 'Animals including humans' and we answered the enquiry question, 'What happens in our digestive systems?' We went on a trip to Eureka in December to visit the 'All About Me' area and take part in a 'Chew to Poo' workshop which linked to our Science learning. 

In Art, we developed skills in colour mixing, focusing on using tints and shades to create a 3D effect. We then experimented with composition and applied our painting techniques to a personal still life piece.

In PE, we continued to be confident swimmers every Wednesday and learnt new gymnastic skills every Friday. 

In Design and Technology, we designed, made and built different structures which led to making a pavilion. 

In Music, we learnt how to rock and roll! We learnt the origin and features of rock and roll music before then performing a piece as a class.

In PSHE/RHE, we explored similarities and differences and answered the enquiry question, 'Why is identity and diversity so important?'

What did Year 4 learn about in Autumn 1?

Our Geographical enquiry question in our first half term was: 

'How would living in Italy compare with living in England?'

In our Topic lessons, we compared the climate, crops, physical geography, settlements, landmarks and capital cities of each country. 

In English, we based our writing around three focus texts: 

'Journey' by Aaron Becker, 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' by Onjali Q Rauf and 'The Boy who Biked the World, Part One: On the Road to Africa' by Alastair Humphreys. 

Some of our published writing can be seen in our display above. 

In Maths, we built on our knowledge of Place Value of numbers up to 10,000. 

In Science, we explored States of Matter and answered the enquiry question, 'Can a material change from being a solid, a liquid or a gas?'

In Art, we created 'Power Prints' where we used drawing and a combination of mixed media images for effect when developing a drawing into a print. These can be seen at the top of our display! 

In PE, we started our weekly swimming lessons and learnt how to play as part of a team during Tag Rugby lessons. 

In Design and Technology, we designed, made and evaluated book covers which included a fastening of our choice. 

In Music, we used a mixture of body percussion and tuned percussion instruments to create own rhythms of the rainforest. These can be seen on our class Seesaw page. 

In PSHE/RHE, we explored the question, 'How can we make and maintain a good friendship?'

Meet the staff...

Miss Blanchard (Class Teacher)

Miss Bury 

Mrs Adams 

Welcome to our Library...

Below are the some of texts and literature we will be using in Year 4 to support the delivery of our curriculum.