Year 4 Curriculum Newsletter  - Autumn Term 2007

In Literacy this term, we will be looking at characters and settings in historical stories. We will use set texts and try to evaluate the plot, structure and narrative. This will then be followed by reading and writing poems based on a common theme, e.g. families, pets, etc. The first half of the autumn term will end with work on playscripts. Our Non-fiction focus will be non-chronological reports; looking at and evaluating instructions and reading and writing newspapers, using the correct type of language.

In Numeracy, our main focus will be – rounding any 3 digit number to the nearest 10 or 100, know multiplication tables x2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and begin to learn the more difficult ones, multiply 2 digit numbers by 10, adding and subtracting any pair of 2 digit numbers, visualising 2D and 3D shapes and finally learning how to use a variety of measuring instruments.  Many topics will be linked to everyday situations.

In Science we will be focusing on how our bodies move and grow and later in the term, how we can keep warm.

In ICT the children will be learning how to organise and re-organise text on screen and how to use a word processor.

Our History focus will be the rich and poor in Tudor Times.  We will be visiting Rufford Old Hall, later in the year, in order to extend the children’s’ knowledge.

In Geography we will be looking at different types of farming in Sefton.

In Art we will be studying viewpoints, focusing on the sketching elements of the topic. We will look at the school from different views and decide different ways of sketching it.

In Design and Technology, we will be designing and making purses and wallets, experimenting with different materials some of which the children may be asked to bring if necessary.

In P.E, the children will be concentrating on throwing and catching skills in Netball. They will also take part in a dance topic. After the half term, the children will move on to gymnastics.

In Music the children will be singing and composing simple tunes.

In Modern Foreign Languages the children will be learning Spanish. They will focus on common Spanish phrases that they could use every day.

In PHSE, we will be discussing how we can keep healthy through eating and exercise.

Religious Education

During this term, the children will be focussing on the following: Homes and Families, Signs and Symbols, Sikhism and Visitors.

Homes and Families-In this topic the children will look at the different kinds of family life and what is important to their family and why. They will discuss the readings they have explored and why they are important for living together.

Signs and Symbols-In this topic the children will discuss the differences between signs and symbols of belonging. They will also identify and discuss the symbols used at Baptism and Confirmation.

Sikhism-Children will be looking at and learning about the religion of Sikhism and how they worship as a community.

Visitors-In this topic the children will discuss the joys and challenges of having visitors. They will make links between the Scripture they have explored and Advent as a season of getting ready for the coming of Jesus.