Autumn 1

Below you will find an outline of what we are covering across the curriculum:

English

Our English lessons are centred around exciting, high-quality texts that inspire creativity, imagination and a love of reading and writing.

This half-term, Oak Class will be developing a range of writing skills. We will begin by exploring Mini Rabbit Not Lost by John Bond, using this engaging story as inspiration to write our own narratives with the purpose of entertaining the reader.

We will also explore free-verse poetry, enjoying and responding to poems including Words Are Ours by Michael Rosen and The Magic Box by Kit Wright. The children will have opportunities to play with language, explore their own ideas and create imaginative poetry of their own.

Alongside these units, children will take part in daily handwriting and spelling sessions, helping them to develop greater accuracy, fluency and confidence in their writing.

Maths

This half-term in Maths, Oak Class will begin by developing their understanding of place value. Children will explore how to represent and partition 4-digit numbers, use number lines, and compare and order numbers. They will also develop their rounding skills, rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100 and 1,000.

We will then move on to addition and subtraction, where children will build confidence in adding and subtracting 1s, 10s, 100s and 1,000s. They will learn to add and subtract numbers with up to four digits using formal written methods, as well as developing their knowledge of number bonds to 100 and exploring the relationship between addition and subtraction through inverse operations.

Throughout the term, children will take part in daily Mastering Number sessions to develop their fluency and confidence with number. They will also practise their times tables every day, helping them to develop quick and accurate recall and feel confident and well-prepared for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC).

Science – Light and Shadows

This unit is designed to support children as they explore light and shadows. It highlights key vocabulary and concepts, including light sources, transparency, reflection and how shadows are formed. The unit explains how the distance and position of a light source affect the size and shape of shadows and includes important guidance on eye safety around bright light. It is perfect for consolidating essential knowledge and fostering an understanding of how light behaves and interacts with different materials.

This links with our science topic of light and shadows. This unit supports pupils as they explore how artists use light and dark, including tints and shades, to create form and make objects appear three-dimensional. It introduces key artistic vocabulary, including tone, highlight, mid-tone, shadow, still life, composition and contrast, helping pupils understand how artists communicate ideas through painting.

French – This is Me

This unit is designed to support the pupils as they learn vocabulary and phrases related to personal identity and self-description. It introduces key vocabulary such as name, age, nationality, family, and hobbies, helping the pupils develop their French-speaking, listening, and reading skills. The pupils will also learn how to introduce themselves, describe their interests, and engage in simple conversations about personal information.

History – What was important to Ancient Egyptians?

This unit is designed to support pupils as they explore the core aspects of ancient Egyptian civilisation. It introduces the significance of religion, the River Nile, the afterlife, and the development of hieroglyphic writing. Children learn about key beliefs such as the worship of numerous gods, the process of mummification, and the importance of the soul’s journey after death. The timeline on page 2 highlights major periods in ancient Egyptian history, offering chronological context. Essential vocabulary is clearly defined, helping pupils develop historical understanding and fluency with terms such as pharaoh, papyrus, and civilisation. It is perfect for consolidating essential knowledge and fostering an understanding of Ancient Egypt.

Computing

In Computing, children use the Purple Mash scheme of learning. Children will develop their skills in using technology safely and effectively, learning about coding, digital creativity, and online safety.

Music

Children will explore rhythm, melody, and musical expression through singing, playing instruments, and listening to a wide range of music.

RE (Religious Education)

Our RE question this half-term is: 

PSHE

PE (Physical Education)

Children will develop their fitness, coordination, teamwork, and skills through a variety of sports and physical activities. This half-term sports are Football and Tag Rugby.