In English we are reading Gulliver's Travels

Year 4 Curriculum

English

This half term, our young writers are setting sail for uncharted waters as we embark on a thrilling adventure inspired by Jonathan Swift’s classic, Gulliver’s Travels. Through the eyes of this famous explorer, the children will delve into a world of giants and tiny civilizations, exploring a diverse range of writing styles along the way.

From crafting immersive setting descriptions of strange new lands to penning heartfelt letters in role as a shipwrecked Gulliver, our pupils will be challenged to think big (and small!). The unit will culminate in the children writing their very own innovated version of the story, where they will imagine entirely new islands for Gulliver to discover.

To elevate their storytelling, the children will be sharpening several key tools in their "writer’s toolkit." They will learn to:

• Bring Characters to Life: Mastering the art of dialogue to show the interactions between Gulliver and the inhabitants he meets.

• Navigate Complex Sentences: Using subordinate clause openers to add sophisticated detail and flow to their narratives.

• Show Ownership and Detail: Refining their use of possessive apostrophes to clearly identify the many treasures and tools Gulliver carries on his voyages.

By the end of this voyage, the children will not only have strengthened their technical writing skills but will also have developed a rich, imaginative voice capable of transporting any reader to the furthest corners of the globe!

Maths

In Maths this half term, our Year 4 mathematicians are tackling a dynamic range of topics designed to build both fluency and practical problem-solving skills. We began our journey by deepening our understanding of place value, ensuring we can confidently navigate numbers into the thousands. This solid foundation has allowed us to master formal methods for addition and subtraction, which the children are now applying to real-world scenarios involving money and measures.

As we move forward, the children will dive into the world of operations and geometry, where they will:

• Master Multiplication and Division: Developing a rapid recall of times tables and learning how to multiply and divide larger numbers with precision and speed.

• Explore Boundaries and Space: Applying their addition skills to calculate the perimeter of shapes, before moving on to measure the area of rectilinear figures by counting and calculating squares.

• Bridge Number and Shape: Linking their understanding of multiplication to find areas of rectangles more efficiently, showing them how different areas of maths connect.

By linking these concepts together, we aim to show the children how mathematics connects to the world around them, from the perimeter of our school playground to the multiplication needed to plan a large-scale event. Our goal is for every child to see themselves as a confident problem-solver, ready to apply their skills to the challenges of the everyday world.

Science

This half term, our Year 4 scientists are turning into nature detectives as we dive into the fascinating world of biology. We began our journey with a "Knowledge Harvester," where the children had the chance to explore, engage, and extend what they already know about the living world, setting the stage for some deep scientific discovery.

As we venture further into our study of habitats and ecosystems, the children will:

• Become Classification Experts: Learning that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways based on their unique characteristics.

• Master Identification Tools: Developing the skills to identify both animals and plants using professional classification keys. The children will learn how to ask the right "yes or no" questions to narrow down exactly which species they have found.

• Investigate Environmental Change: Recognising that environments can change - due to both natural causes and human impact—and discussing how these changes can sometimes pose dangers to the living things that call those places home.

By the end of this unit, our young scientists will have a much deeper appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth and a better understanding of our responsibility to protect the fragile environments that support it.

Geography

This half term, our Year 4 geographers are heading out on an expedition to discover the power and beauty of our waterways. We are diving deep into the world of Rivers, exploring how water shapes our landscape and sustains life across the globe.

Our journey begins in the sky as we answer the question, "What is the water cycle?" The children will learn how water is constantly moving between the earth and the atmosphere through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Throughout the unit, our young explorers will:

• Discover River Formation: Investigating how a river is formed, from tiny trickles high in the mountains to the mighty flows that reach the ocean.

• Map the World: Identifying where we can find rivers across different continents and understanding why they are such a vital part of our planet's geography.

• Understand Human Impact: Exploring how rivers are used by people for transport, energy, and leisure, and how they have shaped where towns and cities are built.

• Investigate Our Local Area: We will become local experts by researching what we can find out about our local rivers. The children will use maps and fieldwork skills to identify the specific features our local river has, such as meanders, banks, and mouths.

By the end of this unit, the children will have a deep understanding of the "veins of our planet" and will be able to speak confidently about the importance of protecting our local and global water systems.

History

This half term, our Year 4 historians are stepping back in time to the soot-filled streets of 19th-century Britain. We are exploring a turning point in our history: the movement to rescue children from the hardships of the industrial revolution and the incredible legacy of Lord Shaftesbury.

Our journey begins by looking at the great divide of the era as we compare the lives of wealthy and poor children in Victorian London. From there, we will investigate the hidden world of the "hurryers" and "trappers" to understand the dangerous jobs children did underground in the coal mines.

Throughout this unit, our young historians will:

• Explore Local History: We will make a direct link to the Cotton Mill Industry in our local area to understand the physical impact of factory work on a child’s body, looking at the long hours and cramped conditions of the mills.

• Investigate Personal Battles: We will explain why the Chimney Sweepers Act was Lord Shaftesbury’s most personal and hard-fought battle to protect "climbing boys."

• Trace the Rise of Schools: The children will describe the monumental shift as education began to replace child labour, following the growth of Ragged Schools and the first steps towards universal education.

• Evaluate a Legacy: Finally, we will reflect on how Shaftesbury changed the ‘Pupil Voice’ of the past, evaluating how he gave a voice to those who were previously unheard.

By the end of this unit, the children will have a deep appreciation for the rights they hold today and a clear understanding of the reformers who fought to ensure every child has the right to a childhood.

RE

This half term, Year 4 will be exploring the profound concept of Sacrifice and its significance within the Christian faith and the wider world. We will begin by looking at the story of Jesus in the Wilderness, identifying how this narrative shapes Christian beliefs about self-discipline and devotion. The children will learn about the season of Lent, exploring why Christians choose to give things up and how this reflects the value of "sacrificial love."

Throughout the unit, our young thinkers will delve into:

• Agape Love: Defining this special type of selfless love and looking at how modern Christians, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Oscar Romero, were motivated by their faith to make great sacrifices for others.

• Global Perspectives: Discussing why people are willing to make sacrifices—not just for those they love, but sometimes for strangers—and weighing up the positive and negative responses to these acts.

• Personal Reflection: Giving examples of sacrifices made by or for them, and reflecting on the value of sacrifice as a powerful expression of love.

By the end of the term, the children will have developed a deeper understanding of how faith can motivate people to put the needs of others before their own.

French

This half term, Year 4 is heading out of this world to learn all about the "Alien Family." Our young linguists will be building their vocabulary to describe family members and facial features, all while developing their ability to speak in full sentences. We will also be taking a cultural detour to find out how Epiphany is celebrated in France, including the tradition of the Galette des Rois.

The children will focus on:

• Meet the Family: Learning the masculine and feminine terms for relatives, such as le papa, la maman, le frère, and la sœur.

• Describing Aliens: Using the phrases "je suis" (I am) and "j’ai" (I have) to describe their alien characters.

• Negative Structures: Learning how to say what their alien doesn't have using the phrase "je n’ai pas de..." (e.g., Je n’ai pas de nez!).

• Face Features: Mastering vocabulary for parts of the head, from les yeux (eyes) to les oreilles (ears).

By the end of the unit, the children will be able to introduce a whole family of extraterrestrials and describe exactly what they look like in French!

Music

This half term, Year 4 will be finding their rhythm as we welcome the Lancashire Music Service to lead our weekly music sessions. The children will be picking up the ukulele, a fantastic instrument for developing both fine motor skills and a keen ear for melody. Throughout the unit, our young musicians will progress from holding the instrument correctly to mastering basic chords, allowing them to play along to well-known songs.

As they build their confidence, the children will explore:

• Strumming Patterns: Developing a steady sense of pulse and rhythm.

• Plucking Techniques: Learning how to play individual notes with precision.

• Ensemble Skills: Working together as a class orchestra to perform pieces in unison.

By the end of the term, we hope the children will have discovered the joy of making music together and perhaps even found a new lifelong hobby!

Computing

This half term, Year 4 is stepping into the future as we explore the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Far from being something found only in science fiction, the children will begin by identifying examples of AI that they interact with every day—from voice assistants to video game characters.

The core of our learning will be demystifying how these systems work. The children will discover that:

• Computers are Taught: Understanding that machines don't think for themselves, but are "taught" to learn.

• Human Input: Exploring how computers use specific information and patterns provided by people to make decisions.

• The Power of Data: Investigating why high-quality data is essential for training and testing a "Machine Learning" model, and what happens if the information we give a computer is incorrect or biased.

Through practical activities and reviews, the children will move from being passive users of technology to informed digital citizens who understand the "brain" behind the screen.

PE

This half term, Year 4 will be heading outside to develop their skills in Tag Rugby. Our main focus will be mastering the swing pass, ensuring the children can deliver the ball with accuracy, power, and consistent form. We will be challenging the players to look beyond just the ball by developing their spatial awareness—learning how to identify open space and move effectively into position immediately after a pass.

To take their game to the next level, the children will also explore:

• Tactical Deception: Learning how to perform a feint to outwit defenders and create passing opportunities.

• Versatility: Integrating different techniques, such as the bounce pass, and choosing the right skill based on the game situation.

• Invasion Strategies: Applying simple tactics to outmaneuver opponents and work as a cohesive team to reach the try line.

Through these drills and matches, the children will develop not only their physical fitness but also their communication and strategic thinking under pressure.

PSHE

This half term, Year 4 will be exploring the essential theme of Rights and Respects. We will be investigating the delicate balance between the rights we all hold as humans and the responsibilities that come with them. The children will identify the "hidden heroes" in our school and local community—from healthcare workers to school staff—who help us stay healthy and safe, while discussing what it truly means to "be responsible" within our own society.

As we broaden our horizons, our young citizens will also explore:

• The Power of Influence: We will define the word 'influence' and examine how the media can shape our thoughts. The children will practice forming and presenting their own respectful opinions based on factual information.

• Standing Up for Others: We will discuss the role of the bystander in situations like bullying and learn how our individual actions can positively influence the outcome of a situation.

• Money and the Community: In a fascinating look at the "real world," the children will learn about Income Tax, National Insurance, and VAT. We will look at how a payslip is laid out and debate how to prioritise essential public services.

By the end of this unit, the children will have a much clearer understanding of how they fit into the world—both as individuals with a voice and as members of a wider, supportive community.

DT

This half term, our young designers are stepping into the kitchen to explore the delicious world of Food Technology. We will begin by becoming food critics—using our senses to describe the taste, texture, and appearance of different biscuits. The children will investigate the "target market," discussing why certain biscuits are designed specifically for children, adults, or even special celebrations.

To bring their own designs to life, the children will develop their practical kitchen skills by:

• Planning and Budgeting: Learning how to manage a budget to select ingredients and adapting recipes to create a unique final product.

• Precision Baking: Mastering the art of measuring and mixing ingredients accurately while following a recipe.

• Kitchen Safety: Following essential hygiene and safety rules to ensure a clean working environment.

• Critical Evaluation: Contributing to group discussions to decide what makes a "successful" biscuit and evaluating their own creations against their original design criteria.

By the end of the unit, the children will have moved from "tasters" to "creators," understanding the full process of bringing a food product to market.