Topic Summary
Do we treat others fairly?
This half term we reflect on our relationships with others. We look at the lives of inspirational figures, such as Rosa Parks and Walter Tull. We find out about who they were and what they did that was so inspirational. We will be historians, looking at a range of sources and we will write newspapers on key moments in their lives. The children will then think about whether people are still treated differently today, why this happens and the impact this can have.
In the topic we will be teaching the children the following key concepts:
- Acceptance – Why are people not always accepted?
- Resilience – How have people shown resilience?
- Segregation – What does segregation mean?
- Conflict – In what ways can people be in conflict with each other?
Visits/Events
- Monday 10th November - Theatre Production of Sleeping Beauty
- Wednesday 12th November - School Photographs
- Friday 14th November - Children in Need
- Friday 28th November - Author Philip Kavvadias in school
- Wednesday 10th December - Christmas Fayre
- Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Jumper and Decorations Day
- Wednesday 17th December 2:45pm - Year 4 Carols
Subject Information
English
This half term we will continue to develop our reading and writing skills through a variety of lessons. We will be writing a biography all about the hero Walter Tull. The children will also learn how to write inspiration speeches linking to our black history topic, using emotive and persuasive language. We will also be developing our use of descriptive language to write setting descriptions. We will finish the half term using some Christmas inspired books and writing with a festive theme!
To develop our grammar we will continue to learn about:
- Word classes such as nouns, verbs , adverbs and adjectives.
- Punctuation such as apostrophes and inverted commas.
- Homophones and synonyms.
- Metaphors and Personification
We will use a variety of books and stimulus this half term to support our English lessons including:
- Nadine Dreams of Home
- Fields of Glory
- The Wild Way Home
- Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers' Toy Shop
- The Man on the Moon Christmas Advert
- The Boy at the Back of the Class
Maths
This term in maths we will be looking at the following topics:
Measurement and Area We will learn that area is the amount of space taken up by a two-dimensional shape or surface and explore different ways of working out the area of a shape. We will use the strategy of counting the number of squares inside a shape to calculate its area.
Multiplication and Division This term our multiplication and division learning will include:
- Multiples of 3.
- Multiply and divide by 6, 9, 7.
- 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 times tables and division facts.
- Multiply by 1 and 0. Divide a number by 1 and itself.
- Multiply three numbers.
Science
This term in science we will look at states of matter.
- We will explore and look at the properties of materials and objects, which can be grouped into solids, liquids and gases.
- Work scientifically to understand how to use a thermometer and a stopwatch accurately.
- Plan and carry out experiments such as: investigating whether the temperature of water affects the time it takes for ice to melt and water to evaporate. We will work scientifically to analyse data, make conclusions and evaluate our experiment.
- Study the water cycle, building on our understanding of evaporation and condensation and look at these processes as parts of the water cycle.
History
The children will be looking at Black British History this term. We will look at evidence about the first black people in Roman Times and their links to Hadrian’s Wall. We will study the role of black people in the wars and look at a case study of Walter Tull. We will also look at the Windrush and the impact this had on future generations. We will study significant events such as the Bristol Bus Boycott and compare these events with others from around the world, such as when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus.
Music and RE
In Music the children will be exploring the song This Little Light of Mine looking at tempo and rhythm. Our musician of the half term is Tchaikovsky and we will be listening to a selection of music composed by this classical artist.
In RE, the children will be learning all about Islam such as key beliefs and how Muslims worship. We will think about the questions: What is Islam and how does the faith compare to Christianity, especially at Christmas?
Art
In our art lessons, the children will continue to develop their work from last half term looking at abstract versions of the human/animal form. They will develop their painting skills using a variety of brushes. The children will take inspiration from Paul Klee and Picasso, using light for the foreground and shadows in the background. They will begin to use complementary and opposing colours in their work.
Computing
This term children will be using code.org to practise their coding skills. They will explore more complex ideas like loops, events, and conditionals through interactive puzzles and games. They will learn valuable skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving and critical thinking.
PE and PSHE
The children will continue to have two PE lessons each week.
- Tuesday – children will be doing gymnastics. They will be looking at sequences of movements and performing them.
- Wednesday – children will continue work with the Lee Sterry staff and will be working on their tennis skills.
In PSHE, we will be continuing our work on Zones of Regulation. We will also be looking at how we treat each other focusing on the question ‘How do we treat each other with respect?'
If you would like any further details about this half term's curriculum in Year 4, please speak to your child's teacher.