Year 4
Ask and you will receive: Seek and you will find: Knock the door, will be opened for you.
Matthew 7:7
Welcome to Year 4!
We are so excited to welcome you and your children to Year 4 – a year full of new opportunities, challenges, and memorable experiences. This is a wonderful stage in your child’s learning journey, where they will grow in independence, confidence, and curiosity.
Year 4 promises to be an exciting year. The children will explore a wide range of subjects, build on their core skills in maths and English, and deepen their understanding of the wider world through history, geography, science, and the arts (including choral singing). One of the highlights for many children is learning how to swim – a vital life skill that we look forward to developing together.
Your child will be supported and encouraged every step of the way by me (Mr Wilson), who will be leading the class, alongside the fantastic support of Mrs Ostrowska and Mrs Mapplebeck. Together, we are committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can flourish.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure that your child has a happy, successful, and inspiring year in Year 4.
Key Days:
P.E. - Monday and Friday (Swimming)
Spelling Test - Monday
New spellings and homework sent home - Monday
If you need to speak to a member of staff, please contact the school office on office@stjosephscatholicprimary.org or ring 0113 2712093 to make an appointment.
Thank you!
Our Learning in Autumn 1
RE - Creation to Covenant
In RE, we will be exploring our Creation to Covenant topic, helping children to understand the story of Creation and how sin damaged humanity’s relationship with God. Children will explore stories from the Bible, including the Fall, and learn how God’s covenant with his people develops throughout Scripture and leads towards Jesus. We will also look at the opening of John’s Gospel, explore what Christians believe about Jesus, and learn how Baptism brings forgiveness and welcomes us into the Christian family. Children will begin to deepen their understanding of key Catholic beliefs, including those expressed in the Nicene Creed.
English – Narrative, Leaflet, and Non-Chronological Report
Our English lessons will centre on the book The Wild Robot, which provides rich inspiration for both storytelling and non-fiction writing. Children will write their own narrative pieces inspired by the text, as well as produce an information leaflet linked to the story. Alongside this, they will create a non-chronological report about forest animals, giving them the chance to develop research skills and practise presenting information clearly and accurately.
Mathematics – Place Value and Times Tables
In maths, we will be focusing on developing a deep understanding of place value, helping children to work confidently with larger numbers and understand the importance of each digit. Alongside this, children will continue to build fluency in their times tables, using practical methods, games, and problem-solving tasks to strengthen their recall and apply multiplication facts in different contexts.
Science – Sound
Our science topic this half term is Sound. Children will investigate how sounds are made, how they travel, and how they can be changed. They will carry out practical experiments to explore pitch and volume, and learn about how the ear works to help us hear. This topic is always an engaging one, as children discover the science behind the sounds in their everyday lives.
History – 1066 and the Normans
In history, we will step back in time to the year 1066 and study one of the most important events in British history: the Norman Conquest. Children will learn about the Battle of Hastings, the role of William the Conqueror, and how life in England changed as a result of Norman rule. This fascinating topic allows children to explore how one moment in time can shape a whole nation.
Art – Formal Elements of Art (Viking Theme)
In art, our focus will be on the formal elements of art, such as line, shape, pattern, and texture. Children will experiment with different techniques to explore these elements and will apply them through a Viking theme. From decorative shields to intricate patterns inspired by Norse design, children will have the chance to develop their creativity while linking their artistic work to their wider historical learning
Physical Education – Swimming and Gymnastics (Bridges)
In PE this half term, children will take part in swimming lessons, where they will learn vital water safety skills and develop their confidence and technique in the pool. Alongside this, they will also focus on gymnastics, with a particular emphasis on creating and performing different types of bridges. This will help them to build strength, balance, flexibility, and control in a fun and challenging way.