Year 4

Welcome to the Summer Term in Year 4

We are delighted to welcome you back for a busy and exciting Summer Term in Year 4. This term is packed with opportunities for children to build their knowledge, develop key skills, and grow in confidence across the curriculum. We will be exploring new topics, developing independence, and preparing for the transition into Year 5.

English

In English this term, we will be developing our reading and writing skills through engaging texts linked to our History topic on the Ancient Egyptians. Children will explore a range of genres and use these as inspiration for their own writing.

We will be reading Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx as our narrative unit and Macavity later on in the half term as our poetry unit. In summer 2 we will look at the Soar film online to create our own playscripts.

Alongside this, we will continue to build our grammar and spelling skills by:

• Using pronouns accurately
• Writing in Standard English (e.g. we were instead of we was)
• Linking ideas using fronted adverbials (e.g. Later that day…, Back at home…)
• Learning spelling patterns such as:
  • sc for the /s/ sound (e.g. science, scene)
  • y for the /i/ sound (e.g. myth, gym, Egypt)

Mathematics

In Mathematics, we will continue to follow the White Rose Maths scheme, building on prior learning and developing confidence across a range of topics. Children will deepen their understanding through practical activities, discussion, and problem-solving.

This term, we will focus on:

• Decimals (including comparing, ordering, and rounding)
• Money (calculating, estimating, and solving problems)
• Time (including 24-hour clock and conv, rsions)
• Geometry (angles, shapes, symmetry, and coordinates)
• Statistics (interpreting and drawing charts and graphs)

There will be a continued emphasis on fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving, alongside regular practice of mental maths skills.

Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

As part of the Year 4 curriculum, children will complete the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) later this term. This is a national, statutory assessment designed to check how fluently children can recall their times tables up to 12 × 12.

In school, we will support children by:

• Providing regular practice through games and activities
• Building confidence with timed recall
• Revisiting key multiplication facts

You can support your child at home by:

• Practising times tables regularly
• Using online games or quick-fire questions
• Encouraging accuracy and confidence

Your support is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in helping children succeed.

History

In History this term, Year 4 will be learning about Ancient Egypt, one of the earliest and most fascinating civilisations in the world. Children will explore how people lived, what they believed, and the achievements that still influence us today.

We will investigate the key question:
What did the Ancient Egyptians invent, and how have their ideas shaped the way we live today?

Children will:

• Learn about important inventions and achievements
• Explore how historians use sources to understand the past
• Develop enquiry skills by asking questions and analysing evidence
• Substantive concept: Inventions
• Disciplinary concept: Historical sources

Geography

In Geography, we will be studying biomes, with a focus on Spain. Children will explore different environments around the world and how they support both wildlife and human activity.

We will investigate the key question:
How do different biomes in Spain support diverse ecosystems and human activities?

Children will:

• Learn about climate zones and ecosystems
• Understand how humans interact with different environments
• Develop fieldwork and map-reading skills

Physical Education (PE)

In PE this term, children will develop their physical skills, teamwork, and coordination through a range of activities.

PE lessons will take place on:

• Wednesday – Swimming
  Children will build water confidence and develop swimming techniques. Please ensure they come to school wearing their swimming kit.
• Thursday – PE
  We will begin with athletics and move on to rounders and tennis later in the term.

Please ensure children come to school in the correct PE kit on these days.

Reading

Reading continues to be a key focus in Year 4, supporting learning across all subjects. We encourage children to develop a love of reading and to read regularly both in school and at home.

• Books are changed regularly as needed
• Children should place books in the class basket each morning
• Daily reading at home is strongly encouraged

Thank you for your continued support, regular reading makes a significant difference to children’s confidence and progress.

We are looking forward to a positive, productive, and enjoyable Summer Term with the children. It is always a pleasure to see their enthusiasm for learning and their growing independence.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support with reading, homework, and learning at home.

Mrs Dugdale & Miss Huke