Welcome to Year 4
Our Class Teachers are Miss Capper and Mrs Sumser
THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION
This term is packed with exciting topics across the curriculum that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Key Questions
- How does the Indus Valley civilisation compare to other ancient civilisations?
- What have archaeologists discovered about Indus Valley settlements?
- What was everyday life like in the Indus Valley?
- What has been found from the Indus Valley?
- Why were many Indus cities abandoned?
History: The Indus Valley Civilisation
This half term, Year 4 are exploring the fascinating ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Children will place the civilisation on a historical timeline and investigate the significance of the Indus River to its people.
Through the study of artefacts, architecture, and technology, pupils will learn about everyday life, trade, and the advanced systems used in Indus cities.
They will compare the Indus Valley to Roman Britain, explore reasons for its decline, and reflect on why it remained a mystery for so long.
Science: Living Things and Their Habitats
In Science, children will investigate how living things (both plants and animals) can be grouped and classified. They will use and design classification keys to identify a variety of organisms and explore how environments change throughout the year.
Pupils will also consider the impact of human activity on habitats, examining real-world examples of both harm and conservation.
Outdoor learning and hands-on activities will help deepen their understanding of how we can protect the natural world.
CLASS NOVEL and PATHWAYS TO WRITE TEXT
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Our writing this term will be inspired by a text called, ‘Alba the Hundred Year Old Fish’ by Lara Hawthorne.
Children will write across a range of genres, including explanations, letters, character and setting descriptions, and diary entries. These will culminate in a final piece: an information text linked to the themes of ocean conservation.
This story links to key grammar concepts such as understanding plural vs possessive ‘s’, using apostrophes correctly, and organising writing into clear paragraphs. Children will also continue to develop their use of fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases, paragraphs, use of language and using dialogue.
We will also read our class novel, ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’ by Jasbinder Bilan. This is a powerful and moving story of courage and determination. Asha journeys through the Himalayan mountains to find her father, guided by the spirit of her grandmother. It blends real-life challenges with magical elements and promotes themes of love, resilience and family.
Children’s Rights and Global Goals
Throughout the summer term, Year 4 will learn about the right to education through Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We will also explore the Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
PSHE
Safety and the changing body (continued)
Children will continue to learn how to support their health, safety, and wellbeing, including how to respond to an asthma attack and recognise when someone needs help. They will understand the difference between private and public information, develop skills to judge reliable online content, and explore the physical and emotional changes that occur as they grow. They will also learn about the risks of smoking and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Citizenship
Year 4 will begin to learn about their role in the community and what it means to be a responsible citizen. They will understand human rights, how reusing items helps the environment, and how different groups contribute to community life. They will also explore how diversity strengthens communities and learn about the role of local councillors.
Please check your child’s Curriculum Map for further details. Don’t forget to follow their learning journey on Seesaw, where you’ll find updates, homework, and announcements.
Thank you for your continued support,
Miss Capper and Mrs. Sumser