Welcome to Year 4!
Year 4 is an exciting and important year in Key Stage 2. Children continue to develop independence, resilience and curiosity while building upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous years. Through the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), pupils gain a rich understanding of the world through carefully planned learning that is sequenced to ensure knowledge is remembered and applied.
Our curriculum aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing children for future success both in and beyond the classroom.
English
Reading and writing are at the heart of learning across the curriculum.
Reading
Children will:
- Read a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
- Develop fluent and expressive reading.
- Explore rich vocabulary and language features.
- Predict, infer and explain ideas from texts.
- Discuss books and justify opinions using evidence.
Writing
Children will learn to:
- Write for a range of purposes and audiences.
- Organise writing into coherent paragraphs.
- Use ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
- Apply grammar and punctuation accurately.
- Plan, draft, edit and improve their work.
- Write stories, reports, explanations, letters and persuasive texts.
Mathematics
In Year 4, children deepen their mathematical understanding and become more confident problem-solvers.
Topics include:
- Place value
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Fractions and decimals
- Measurement
- Area
- Time
- Geometry
- Statistics
A significant focus is placed on learning and recalling all multiplication facts up to 12 × 12 in preparation for the national Multiplication Tables Check.
Children are encouraged to explain their reasoning and apply their learning to solve increasingly complex problems.
Science
Science develops children’s understanding of the natural world through observation, investigation and enquiry.
Topics may include:
- Living things and their habitats
- Animals, including humans
- States of matter
- Sound
- Electricity
Children learn to:
- Ask scientific questions.
- Plan and carry out investigations.
- Record data accurately.
- Interpret findings.
- Use evidence to draw conclusions.
History
The PKC History curriculum allows children to explore significant civilisations and historical developments.
Topics may include:
- Ancient Greece
- The Roman Empire
- Early British history
- Significant achievements and legacies of ancient civilisations
- The impact of historical events on modern society
Children develop chronological understanding and learn how historians use evidence to understand the past.
Geography
Children continue to develop an understanding of the world and their place within it.
Topics may include:
- Europe and its countries
- Physical geography, including rivers and mountains
- Human geography and settlements
- Climate and environmental issues
- Map work and fieldwork investigations
Children learn how geographical processes shape our world and affect people’s lives.
Art and Design
Through practical experiences and the study of artists, children develop creativity and artistic knowledge.
Children will:
- Refine drawing and sketching techniques.
- Experiment with painting and colour mixing.
- Create sculptures and 3D art.
- Explore printmaking and pattern.
- Study significant artists and artistic movements.
Art lessons encourage creativity while developing technical skills and artistic understanding.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology encourages innovation, creativity and practical problem solving.
Children will:
- Design purposeful products.
- Develop technical knowledge and practical skills.
- Work with a variety of materials and tools.
- Explore structures, mechanisms and electrical systems.
- Evaluate and improve their designs.
Children learn how technology, engineering and design influence everyday life.
Music
Music develops creativity, confidence and musical appreciation.
Children will:
- Sing with accuracy and expression.
- Develop understanding of rhythm, pitch and tempo.
- Listen to music from different cultures and periods.
- Play instruments individually and as part of a group.
- Compose and perform simple musical pieces.
Computing
Computing prepares children to become safe, responsible and capable users of technology.
Topics include:
- Online safety
- Programming and coding
- Data handling
- Digital communication
- Computer networks
- Creating digital media
Children learn how technology works and how it can be used creatively and effectively.
Religious Education
Religious Education encourages understanding, reflection and respect for different beliefs and traditions.
Children explore:
- Christianity and other world faiths
- Sacred texts and teachings
- Beliefs and practices
- Festivals and traditions
- Ethical questions and values
They develop an appreciation of diversity and learn about the role religion plays in communities worldwide.
Physical Education
PE promotes healthy lifestyles, teamwork and personal achievement.
Activities may include:
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Team games
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
- Fitness and coordination challenges
Children develop physical competence alongside resilience, determination and sportsmanship.
French
Year 4 children continue to develop their knowledge of French through speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
They will:
- Learn new vocabulary and phrases.
- Develop conversational skills.
- Read and understand simple texts.
- Write basic sentences.
- Learn about French culture and traditions.
This helps children become confident communicators and broadens their understanding of the wider world.
Personal Development
Personal development is embedded throughout the curriculum and school life.
Children explore:
- Positive friendships and relationships
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Online and personal safety
- Healthy lifestyles
- Respect and responsibility
- British Values
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
These experiences support children in becoming thoughtful, respectful and responsible citizens.
How You Can Help at Home
You can support your child by:
- Reading regularly together and discussing books.
- Practising multiplication tables frequently.
- Encouraging independent homework habits.
- Talking about current events and the wider world.
- Visiting libraries, museums and places of interest.
- Promoting resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.