Year Four

Year 4 have had a fantastic week of Inquiry, continuing to explore justice systems in depth. 

At the start of the week, the children took part in class debates, considering the choices, actions and consequences of individuals’ behaviour during Anglo-Saxon times. This helped them to think carefully about the Key Concept of Responsibility and how actions can lead to different outcomes.

Having concluded their time travel stories, the children then explored our Key Concept of Perspective. They stepped into the roles of Viking raiders and Anglo-Saxon villagers, writing powerful pieces describing what it might have felt like to experience a terrifying Viking raid. These pieces showed empathy, imagination and a growing understanding of historical viewpoints.

We then delved deeper into our Inquiry using the Key Concepts of Function and Responsibility, learning about the roles of people in Viking and Anglo-Saxon society — from Viking raiders and chieftains to the monks of Lindisfarne and the responsibilities of the Northumbrian king. Learning about this significant invasion helped the children understand how the decisions and actions of one group within a community can have a wide-ranging impact on others. Discussions were thoughtful, considered and impressively well informed.

A highlight of the week was the creation of a modern-day courtroom, where all children took on key roles as evidence was heard from villagers, monks, chieftains and kings. Even the Viking raiders had the opportunity to plead for their lives! Year 4 fully embraced an afternoon of highly convincing and animated role-play, which eventually ended with sentencing — in true Anglo-Saxon style.

It has been wonderful to see such high levels of agency, collaboration and historical understanding across both classes. We are incredibly proud of how confidently the children have articulated their thoughts and opinions, demonstrating real depth in their learning.

Well done, Year 4!