Term 4: Burps, Bottoms and Bile

We had a great term learning all about the digestive system. Children learnt about and labelled the parts of the human digestive system and then explored some different animal's digestive systems. We also learnt about our teeth, the different types, what they are made of and how to look after them. During the topic we had a number of fun experiments such as testing the effect of different drinks on our teeth. Throughout the topic we discussed keeping our bodies healthy looking at healthy habits for hygiene and eating. 

Term 3: Gods and Mortals

Year 4 had a great time learning all about ancient Greece. Children explored maps and times lines identifying and locating key historical events and locations. We learnt all about the Greek Gods, daily life and the Greek city states. Throughout the topic we considered the 'Greek Legacy' learning about the alphabet, the Olympics, democracy along with important historical figures such as Plato and Aristotle. The class particularly enjoyed reading the Greek myths and legends. 

The term also started with all of Key Stage 2 going to Exeter to see and take part in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra schools concert 'Midnight Magic'. It was an incredible experience, to see and hear a live orchestra, while also performing along with the musicians. 

Term 5: Traders and Raiders 2022

The children have had a fantastic time learning about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings this term. We started by exploring maps of Europe and Britain. We learnt about the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms and looked at how many place names today have come from the Anglo-Saxon and Viking names. Looking at key events in British history, the children created time lines and we discussed how this links to other areas of history that we have studied. Throughout the topic children learnt to stitch and created Viking tapestries which are on display outside the Year 4 classroom. The Viking day was a huge hit. Throughout the day we used a number of Viking songs to learn all about their lives and customs. Many of you will have heard these performed at our Express Event. See the homework page for some of the lovely work completed this term. 

The term ended with a fantastic day of celebration for the Queen's Jubilee. The children learnt and performed a song to the whole school for this. See below for some of their writing ideas 'If I were King or Queen' and also for our collaborative piece of artwork! 

Our next topic is Blue Abyss where we will learn all about the oceans and ocean creatures. 

As always the topic curriculum map and topic homework project will be sent home with key information and dates. You can access these on the website at any time too under 'Year 4' termly curriculum newsletter and homework. Reminders of key dates will also be on the weekly homework sheets. 

Digestive process demonstration

Teeth test learning to brush our teeth properly

Saliva experiment

After Saliva

After water

Term 2: Misty Mountain, Winding River

This term children had a great time exploring mountains and rivers. We looked at features of mountains and rivers along with famous mountains, mountain ranges and rivers around the world. Finally, we turned out attention to the mountains and rivers of the UK. The children particularly enjoyed our local trips to climb Bothenhampton hill, along with our river walk to examine all three local rivers: the Simene, the Brit and the Asker. 

Make sure you look at the Children's work page for some of the wonderful mountain artwork and topic homework produced for this topic. 

Term 1- Playlist

What a fantastic start to year 4 we have had. The children have been working really hard and have really gotten engaged, particularly with our Playlist topic. In this topic we explored the history of music and some key genres. We found out about the origins of music looking at some of the earliest known instruments. To begin exploring traditional and folk music the children made their own didgeridoos and learned how to play these. Next we learnt all about music in Africa and learnt to perform a West African drumming piece called 'Kuku' which is a song to celebrate when tribes have caught lots of fish! Then we jumped forward to the next main genre of music- Classical music. Children learnt all about the instruments of the orchestra and the main strands of classical music and famous composers- Baroque music and J.S Bach, Classical music and Mozart, and Romantic music and Beethoven. This all linked nicely with our science lessons exploring sound, what it is, how its made and how we can change a sound. Finally, we finished our journey by looking at how traditional music (African) and Western classical music was combined to create Blues music in America in the 1900s. The children learned to improvise, write blues verses and sing the blues. You will find pictures of some of our learning below and also be sure to check out the video centre for a recoding of our Blues song and African drumming. You can also find our 'Rags to Riches' stories from literacy on the 'children's work' page! 

Next term we are learning all about Mountains and Rivers! We will have an expedition when we return from half term so go over to the trips and letters page to see a copy of the letter with all the details (this was handed out in school on our final day).