Wisp: A Story of Hope

In this block, Year 4 students will study Wisp: A Story of Hope by Zana Fraillon. Through this powerful picture book, students will explore themes of hope, resilience, and kindness. They will develop skills in reading comprehension, discussing characters and themes, and responding to the text through speaking and writing, including short written responses and creative tasks.

Key vocabulary: hope, resilience, freedom, courage, despair, kindness, survival, imagination, emotion, message

Length/perimeter and Fractions

This term, Year 4 students will focus on two key topics: Length and Perimeter and Fractions. They will learn how to measure and compare lengths using different units and calculate the perimeter of various shapes. In the fractions unit, pupils will explore understanding fractions as parts of a whole, equivalent fractions, and how to add and subtract simple fractions. These skills will be developed through practical activities and problem-solving tasks.

Key vocabulary:length, perimeter, measure, unit, rectangle, square, fraction, numerator, denominator, equivalent, whole, part

Global citizens

In this block, Year 4 students will explore the topic Global Citizens. Students will learn about the world beyond their local community, including different cultures, countries, and how people are connected globally. They will develop an understanding of rights, responsibilities, and how individuals can contribute positively to their community and the wider world.

Key vocabulary: global, citizen, community, culture, country, rights, responsibilities, respect, diversity, connections

Electricity 

In this block, Year 4 students will explore the topic Electricity. Students will learn how electricity is used in everyday life and investigate simple electrical circuits. They will identify common electrical components and learn how to use electricity safely through hands-on investigations and discussions.

Key vocabulary: electricity, circuit, battery, wire, bulb, switch, energy, power, safety 

Healthy me

In this block, Year 4 will study Healthy Me as part of the Jigsaw PSHE programme. Pupils will learn about making healthy choices to support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. They will explore topics such as healthy lifestyles, managing risks, and understanding how to stay safe and well.

Key vocabulary: healthy, choices, wellbeing, balanced lifestyle, exercise, safety, risk, consequences, emotions, responsibility

In this block, Year 4 students will continue to develop and deepen their vocabulary in line with the National Curriculum for English. Pupils will be taught the meaning of new and unfamiliar words encountered in their reading and across the wider curriculum. They will explore how words are formed and changed using prefixes and suffixes, and how word choices can affect meaning and impact in both spoken and written language.

Students will practise using dictionaries to check the meaning of words, support spelling, and build independence as learners. They will also learn to identify and use synonyms and antonyms to improve their writing, making it more interesting, precise, and engaging. Throughout the term, pupils will be encouraged to apply new vocabulary confidently in sentences, discussions, and written work, using Standard English appropriately.

In this block, Year 4 pupils will continue to develop their spelling skills in line with the National Curriculum. Children will revise previously taught spelling patterns from the Year 3 and 4 word lists and work towards mastering these spellings accurately and confidently.

A key focus this term will be understanding and using prefixes. Pupils will learn how prefixes change the meaning of root words and will practise spelling words with a range of common prefixes, including un-, dis-, mis-, in-, re- and more advanced prefixes such as sub-, inter-, super-, anti- and auto-. They will also explore spelling rules for prefixes such as in-/im- and il-/ir-.

Later in the term, pupils will revise and deepen their understanding of homophones and near-homophones, learning how to choose the correct spelling based on meaning and context. Children will also begin using a personal spelling log to support independent spelling practice and help them focus on words they find tricky.

In this block, Year 4 pupils will continue to complete regular home learning to support their progress in school. This will include using MyMaths to practise key maths skills and TT Rock Stars to build fluency and speed in multiplication and division. Pupils will also complete their reading and writing journals, helping to develop comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Regular home learning supports confidence, independence, and reinforces learning covered in class.

In Computing, our topic for this block is We Are Bloggers. In this unit, pupils learn how to share experiences and express opinions by creating a media-rich blog. They begin by exploring existing class blogs to identify the key features of effective blogging, before writing and editing their own blog posts. Pupils then practise commenting on blogs and responding appropriately to feedback, developing respectful online communication skills. As the unit progresses, they enhance their blogs by adding images and other media, and finally take part in a ‘live blog’ of an event. By the end of the unit, pupils will have developed skills in digital writing, media integration, and responsible online interaction.

Key vocabulary: Hyperlinks, Hypertext mark-up language, Internet, Web server

Pop-Up Stories In Year 4, children create pop-up stories to explore how art and design can bring narratives to life. Pupils plan characters and scenes, then learn paper-engineering techniques such as folds, tabs and hinges to create movement and surprise. They focus on composition, layering and sequencing to guide the viewer through a story. Sketchbooks are used for drafting layouts and developing imaginative details. 

Key vocabulary: pop-up, narrative, sequence, composition, layering, background, foreground, fold, tab, hinge, mechanism, structure, illustrate, design, evaluate.

Lean On Me 

In Year 4, pupils use Lean On Me to explore music as a way to express feelings and bring people together. Children sing in tune with growing control, play rhythmic and melodic parts as an ensemble, and respond to cues to stay together. They develop listening skills by identifying instruments, structure and musical features, then create their own short compositions using repeated patterns and simple harmony. 

Key vocabulary: melody, harmony, rhythm, pulse, ensemble, structure, chorus, verse, ostinato, improvise, compose, dynamics, tempo, timbre, groove.

Refugee Cat 

In Year 4, pupils use drama to explore Refugee Cat, developing empathy and understanding through character-led performance. Children create scenes using role-play, narration and still images, focusing on emotions, relationships and choices. They practise speaking with clarity and control, using movement, space and levels to communicate mood and meaning. Pupils reflect thoughtfully on themes and consider how drama can express powerful viewpoints to an audience. 

Key vocabulary: refugee, empathy, character, narration, still image, freeze frame, mood, expression, voice, movement, levels, space, audience, reflect.

Wisp 

This block, classes 4B and 4D will be taking part in dance lessons designed to build confidence, creativity, and enjoyment through movement.

In Year 4, pupils create dances inspired by the book Wisp, exploring mood, character and storytelling through movement. Children develop expressive gestures and use dynamics to show changes in emotion, energy and atmosphere. They structure sequences with clear narrative moments, using pathways, levels and relationships to suggest setting and action. Pupils refine transitions, develop group formations and perform with clarity and focus, evaluating how movement communicates meaning. 

Key vocabulary: narrative, atmosphere, dynamics, gesture, expression, pathway, levels, formation, transition, sequence, travel, energy, timing, focus, evaluate.

Striking & Fielding (Teeball/Cricket): Pupils develop their ability to strike a ball, catch, and throw accurately. They begin to learn fielding positions and the concept of batting and bowling.

Key vocabulary:  striking, throwing, catching, fielding, positions, batting, bowling 

This block, classes 4A and 4C will be taking part in swimming lessons designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Alongside stroke development, children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.