Our Year 4 Curriculum

Year 4 is a year of growing independence, confidence and curiosity. Building on the foundations established in Key Stage 1 and Year 3, children are encouraged to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their skills and become increasingly responsible for their own learning.

Each day, children take part in carefully planned direct teaching in Reading, English and Mathematics. These lessons provide clear explanations, opportunities for guided practice and regular chances to apply and revisit learning. Teaching is carefully sequenced so that children can make connections with what they already know and develop a secure understanding of new concepts.

In Reading, children develop their fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through a rich range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. They are encouraged to discuss texts, make predictions, explain their ideas and use evidence to deepen their understanding. In English, high-quality texts and engaging experiences provide inspiration for a range of writing, while children develop their vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and composition skills.

In Mathematics, children develop increasingly sophisticated mathematical understanding through practical resources, visual representations and abstract methods. They are encouraged to explain their thinking, reason mathematically and apply their knowledge to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts.

Our wider curriculum provides children with opportunities to develop a rich body of knowledge across subjects including Science, History, Geography, Computing, Art, Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education. Learning is carefully planned to help children make meaningful connections, ask questions, investigate ideas and understand the world around them.

We believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning. Throughout Year 4, children have opportunities to collaborate, investigate, create and apply their knowledge in purposeful contexts. Previously taught knowledge is regularly revisited and reinforced to support long-term learning and retention.

Alongside academic development, we place a strong emphasis on independence, resilience and personal responsibility. Children are encouraged to challenge themselves, persevere when learning becomes difficult, learn from mistakes and celebrate their progress.

Our aim is for every child to leave Year 4 as a confident, capable and enthusiastic learner, with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to continue to thrive throughout Key Stage 2.

Autumn Term 1

Autumn Term 1 is an exciting opportunity for children to settle back into school, establish positive routines and begin the new academic year with confidence. As children move into Year 4, they are encouraged to develop greater independence, resilience and responsibility for their learning.

During the first few weeks, we focus on ensuring that children understand the routines, expectations and learning behaviours that will help them to have a successful year. We build a positive classroom community where children feel safe, valued and confident to ask questions, share ideas and embrace new challenges.

In Reading, children develop their fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through a range of high-quality texts. They will be encouraged to discuss their reading, make predictions, retrieve information, make inferences and explain their ideas using evidence from the text.

In English, children will build on their previous learning and develop their skills as confident writers. Through engaging texts and experiences, they will explore new vocabulary, grammar and punctuation while writing for a range of purposes and audiences. Children will be encouraged to plan, draft, edit and improve their work, taking increasing pride in the quality of their writing.

In Mathematics, children will continue to develop their understanding through carefully sequenced learning. They will use practical resources, pictorial representations and abstract methods to deepen their mathematical knowledge. Children will also be encouraged to explain their reasoning, make connections between mathematical concepts and apply their learning to solve a range of problems.

Our wider curriculum will provide exciting opportunities for children to explore, investigate and develop their knowledge across a range of subjects. Learning will be enriched through meaningful experiences and carefully planned activities that encourage curiosity, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

 Science - Digestion and Food                        Geography - Rainforests                                Art - Craft and design

Throughout the term, we will encourage every child to be curious, embrace challenges, show resilience and take pride in their achievements. Our aim is for children to make a positive and confident start to Year 4 and develop the knowledge, skills and independence they need for a successful year ahead.