Year 4: Al Khalili

In line with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, Year 4 students are taught core subjects of English (Reading and Writing), Mathematics and Science as well as Foundation subjects of Art, ICT, Design and Technology, Music, History, Geography, PE and Spanish.

The children will still continue to read one-to-one with an adult at least once a week, as well as in a group session. Although comprehension remains the primary focus here, all aspects of reading – fluency, expression, and comprehension, as well as decoding skills – are taught to ensure independent and fluent reading and to encourage enthusiastic readers who read widely and frequently.

Pupils are also taught to write creatively in a variety of formats: poems, scripts, character descriptions and articles, to facilitate confident and independent communication on a related topic. Reading books are sent home weekly and homework will always contain elements of spelling, writing, Maths and English.

In Maths, the principal focus is to ensure that pupils become increasingly fluent with whole numbers and develop efficient written and mental methods to perform calculations accurately with increasingly larger whole numbers. Year 4 children also participate in a penpal scheme with another school outside London and enjoy swimming as part of their PE lessons.

The Year 4 team are always happy to speak to parents regarding any issues, concerns or queries. To apply for a Year 4 place at Burdett-Coutts school, please contact the school office or click here for more information about our Admissions criteria.

Welcome to Year 4.

A very warm welcome back to you all. A new school year is upon us and with September comes a new chapter and a reminder that change can be beautiful. I hope you and your children have all had a restful holiday and are ready to dive into a new term.

This newsletter is intended to give you an overview of the routines in Year 4, together with useful information about what your children will be learning.

I am excited to be working in partnership with you to make lasting learning memories and to have a great year. If you have any questions throughout the forthcoming weeks, please feel free to book an appointment via the school office.

Curriculum

• Writing: Range of texts focusing on Writing to Entertain
• Maths: Place Value | Addition and Subtraction
• Science: Do we just need our teeth to eat?
• RE: How special is the relationship Jews have with God?
• History: The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
• PSHE: Being Me in My World
• Art & Design: Light and Dark

PE

• PE lessons in Year 4 take place on Friday afternoon.
• Please ensure that your children wear the correct PE kit to school each week; this includes trainers and not their school shoes.

Book Bags

• Please ensure your child’s reading book and reading record book are brought to school every day in their book bags.
• I would be grateful if you could make a note in your child’s reading record when you have heard them read.
• Books will be changed on Monday.

Homework

In Year 4, homework will be given online on a weekly basis via Google Classroom (beginning on Week 2: Monday 11th of September). Homework plays a vital role in helping children consolidate what they have learnt in class and it is really important that all children complete their homework each week independently.

• Reading: Children should take part in a reading activity every night. Reading will help your child develop in all areas of the curriculum and your support at home can have the greatest impact on your child’s overall achievement.
• Maths: Children should spend at least 50 minutes a week on IXL for reading and maths.
• Spelling: During this term, we will be revising Year 1 spelling words and learning Year 4 spelling words. Children will be tested on 10 words each week (on Friday). Please spend some time at home helping your child to learn these spellings each week.