Welcome to Lion Class!
Summer 2!

This half term, our main topic is Rivers, which will be explored across a range of subjects. To enrich our learning, Year 4 will have a visitor coming into school to talk about rivers, and later in the term, we will visit the local River Meon to explore the natural environment of our area first-hand.

Geography will centre around the key question: Are all rivers the same as our local river? Pupils will learn about the main features of a river, including the source, mouth, meander, waterfalls, riverbank and riverbed. They will compare the local River Meon with a global river such as the Amazon, identifying similarities and differences. Learners will also explore how rivers change over time due to erosion and climate. A field trip to the River Meon will provide an opportunity for pupils to deepen their understanding through first-hand experience.

In English, the core text A River by Marc Martin will support pupils in writing a descriptive narrative setting, aimed at entertaining and describing for a wide audience. Pupils will also study the poem The River by Valerie Bloom, using it as inspiration to create their own descriptive poetry. Additionally, using Where on Earth? Rivers by Susie Brooks, pupils will produce a non-chronological report for a Year 3 audience, focusing on informing the reader with clear and structured information.

In Art, the work of Claude Monet will inspire pupils’ learning. They will develop drawing skills by recording patterns seen on the surface of water, and in painting, they will learn about complementary colours and how these create visual impact. Pupils will also explore the techniques of Impressionist artists, including painting outdoors, known as en plein air. In addition, they will experiment with printing and marbling, using materials such as shaving foam mixed with paint or ink to create unique effects.

In Reading, pupils will study a range of texts linked to the river theme. Using River Story, they will focus on language for effect as well as responding to and explaining their ideas. Through The Suitcase Kid, they will develop skills in inference and explanation, building a deeper understanding of characters and themes.

In Computing, learners will explore and practice editing images in various programs.

In RE, pupils will learn about stones as symbols, exploring their meaning and significance in different contexts.

In French, learners will focus on explaining what do we like and dislike in a context of Eurovision, we will also learn about different French speaking countries.

Music lessons will follow the theme of River’s Journey, where pupils will explore pitch by identifying melodic shapes and experimenting with different scale patterns, including the minor scale. They will also study musical structure, recognising how ideas can develop subtly over time through techniques such as simple theme and variation. Pupils will continue to develop their understanding of ostinato patterns within their compositions.

Year 4 will continue to attend Forest School every Wednesday, and we hope for good weather so the children can make the most of these valuable outdoor experiences. For PE, pupils will be attending swimming lessons at Waterlooville Health Centre. We look forward to seeing their confidence grow as they develop their swimming skills and prepare for the main pool.

As always, we ask that children read at least five times a week. Reading is a vital life skill, and regular practice greatly supports their progress. Although the multiplication check has now taken place—well done to all the children for their fantastic effort—it remains important that pupils continue to practise their times tables using TT Rockstars. Children should also be confident accessing Read Theory and EdShed, which are excellent platforms for developing reading comprehension and spelling skills (if your child do not know their login please DoJo).

With the warmer weather approaching, please ensure your child brings a hat to school and has sun cream applied before the day begins.

Thank you for your continued support.
The Year 4 Team