Happy Half Term, Year 4 (24.10.25)

Happy Half Term, everyone!

Thank you for such a fantastic few weeks in Year 4. You’ve all worked incredibly hard and brought so much enthusiasm to every lesson. You definitely deserve a well-earned break. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve been up to this week.

In English, we’ve been looking closely at our newspaper example text. We explored how the layout is set out and picked apart the clever techniques the writer used. Then it was your turn. You used these features to have a go at writing your own pieces, and I’ve loved seeing the brilliant ideas you’ve come up with. When we return, we will carry on writing them.

In Maths, we’ve started a new unit. This time, it's all about addition and subtraction. In particular this week, we focused on scaling. You did a great job spotting how the number facts you already know can help you tackle more challenging problems. There’s been some really impressive thinking this week.

In Science, we’ve been learning about how environments can change. We talked about how humans can have both a positive and negative impact, like planting trees or cleaning up plastic, as well as pollution and deforestation. To finish off the topic, you completed your end-of-unit check and shared your ideas with confidence.

In DT, you evaluated your pavilion models, thinking about what worked well and what you’d do differently next time. It was great to hear you talking thoughtfully about your designs and reflecting on how your ideas had developed.

In PE, you focused on your football shooting skills and played mini games to practise them in action. With Coach Beth, you’ve also continued building on your striking and fielding techniques. Brilliant effort all round.

This week, during our history lesson, we paused our usual focus on the Vikings to learn about a truly inspiring figure as part of our Black History Month activities. We explored the life of Nelson Mandela, a courageous leader who stood up against apartheid in South Africa and fought for equality and justice. We learned about his incredible journey from prisoner to president, and why he’s remembered around the world as a symbol of peace and perseverance. To mark his legacy, you created some beautiful portraits of Mandela using a range of art techniques. After half term, we’ll be adding fascinating facts about his life and achievements to complete this meaningful work.

In RE, we explored the idea of authority. We thought about who has authority in our lives and how that compares to the special authority Jesus is believed to have by Christians.

We also enjoyed our final Forest School session with Mr Hadfield. You worked together to build shelters, made fires and toasted marshmallows, all while making the most of your time outdoors. A lovely way to end our Forest School experience.

In HeartSmart, we reflected on the half term and talked about all the ways we’ve grown, from showing kindness and resilience to building confidence. We finished the lesson with this lovely Bible verse: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 It was the perfect reminder to keep showing kindness, courage and compassion in everything we do.

Have a brilliant half term. You’ve earned it.

Miss Pennance