Welcome to the Autumn Term! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. We have an exciting and busy term ahead, with lots of engaging learning opportunities planned for the children.

PE and Allotment
PE lessons will take place on Thursdays and Fridays, and our allotment slot is on Tuesday mornings for Autumn 1. Please ensure that children come to school wearing their PE kits on these days, along with appropriate footwear suitable for both physical activity and outdoor learning. As part of our allotment time, children will take part in planting, maintaining, and observing the growth of different plants.

Curriculum Overview

Maths
This term, we will be focusing on developing our understanding of place value with larger numbers. We will be partitioning numbers, postioning numbers on a number line, comparing numbers and rounding numbers. Our calculation focus will be addition and subtraction, developing and using efficient strategies, developing the use of exchange.

English
This term, we will be focusing on our Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar through various different writing activities. The main theme of our writing will be everything shark related. We will be making fact files, writing newspaper articles and much more. The children will have the opportunity to recap what they learnt in year 3, as well as being able to implement some year 4 spelling and grammar into their work. 

History and Geography
In History, we will explore ancient civilisations, with the main focus being on Egypt. Children will have the opportunity to understand where civilisations sit on the timeline, who the ancient Egyptians were and learn many facts about them. Children will also look at the river Nile and discover why it is such an important part of Ancient Egypt, as well as seeing why it is still considered very important today. Towards the end of the project, the children will have the opportunity to make their own Egyptian pyramid and explore why pharaohs built these. 

Science
Our Science topic this term is Animals and their habitats. We will look at the differences between animals and how they live. We will classify the groups of animals looking at how they adapt to environments and how we can affect their environments.

Religious Education (RE)
We will be learning abou thow different religions show their commitment to their faith. We will be focusing on how people welcome new life into the world, exploring celebrations, ceremonies, symbols and clothing. We are developing an understanding of people's sense of belonging and identity. 

Art and DT
In Art, we will be exploring different drawing techniques, including different tones and shades, and how these can change the shape of an object. We will also be looking at the artist Edward Hopper and how he develops both realistic and abstract paintings. 

Computing
Children will develop their skills in collecting and recording data, including using digital tools to organise and present information. They will also learn how to edit audio media, exploring how sound can be recorded, improved, and used creatively.

PSHE
Our PSHE learning will focus on relationships, expectations and community. We will be looking at what the Magna Carta is and how this has helped to shape the laws we have today. Children will also explore what different emotions we have through the colour monster, and discuss the different ways we can recognise these in ourselves and others. 

School Values
This term, we will be focusing on the value of Trust, encouraging children to reflect on this in their behaviour and learning.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,
Mrs Lowe and Mrs Birbeck
Year 4 Class Teachers