Year 4

As we bid farewell to another enriching term, our Year 4 students have taken an exciting journey through the transdisciplinary theme of "Where We Are in Place and Time." This term's focus on the remarkable Maya civilization allowed our children to delve into its fascinating history, culture, and traditions, uncovering the mysteries of when, where, and who the Maya were.

Our learning adventure began with an immersive provocation, where students became archaeologists, exploring ancient artefacts and replicas. This sparked curiosity and questions, culminating in a memorable Maya Workshop with Dr. Dianne, the UK's only Maya archaeologist. The children were thrilled to interact with a real-life expert, enthusiastically asking questions and gaining insights from her wealth of knowledge. It was a joy to see them dressed as Maya people and archaeologists, fully embracing their roles.

Building on this foundation, the students became storytellers and reporters, crafting detailed newspaper articles and captivating narratives about the Maya civilisation. These projects demonstrated their growing writing skills and their ability to creatively apply what they had learned. Our class reader, Oh Maya Gods, further enriched their understanding, immersing them in a story that intertwined Maya mythology with ancient Greek gods, sparking lively discussions and imaginative connections. 

Art was another highlight this term, as students honed their sketching skills inspired by Alphonso Dunn, the Jamaican artist known for his detailed sketching techniques. They applied their learning to design intricate Maya masks, blending creativity with cultural exploration. This artistry extended to our computing inquiry, where the children used Chrome Canvas to craft digital versions of Maya masks, showcasing their technological talents.

To round off the term, our children shone brightly on stage during the Christmas performances. From heartfelt poems to joyous songs, each class brought their unique spirit to the festivities, demonstrating their incredible talents and spreading holiday cheer.

This module, our Year 4 students have been  showcasing their creativity and ingenuity in a fantastic instrumental competition! The challenge was to create musical instruments at home using recycled materials. The results were truly amazing—our classrooms were filled with an impressive array of innovative designs, from cardboard guitars and tin can drums to bottle shakers and paper-tube flutes.

The excitement built up to judging day, where students proudly presented their creations, demonstrating how they worked and the sounds they could produce. The judges had a difficult time deciding on a winner as every instrument reflected the children's hard work and imagination. After much deliberation, a winner was chosen and celebrated by the whole class.

A big thank you to all the parents and carers who supported their children in making these incredible instruments. Your help made this experience not only possible but also memorable for the students. It was clear that the children thoroughly enjoyed the process—from building their instruments at home to performing and sharing their ideas with friends.

We’re so proud of our budding musicians and inventors!

We are immensely proud of our students’ curiosity, creativity, and commitment this term. A special thank you to Dr. Dianne and our dedicated educators for fostering such an inspiring learning environment.

Here’s to a term filled with discovery and joy. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!