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Year 4

Autumn 2

Mathematics

This half-term in Maths, we will be building confidence with multiplication and division, including multiplying and dividing by 10 and 100 and using written methods for larger numbers. We will then develop our understanding of fractions, exploring equivalent fractions, finding fractions of amounts and applying our skills to solve problems.

English

In Reading and Writing this half-term, we will be using the text ‘The boy at the back of the class’ by Onjali Q. Rauf.  Through the story, children will explore different characters’ thoughts, feelings and experiences and consider how writers help us understand another person’s point of view. We will develop our writing skills through direct speech, fronted adverbials and apostrophes, as well as learning how to organise information clearly when writing a helpful guide. We will continue to develop our reading comprehension skills, retrieving information from the text to answer questions.

Science

This half-term in Science, children will be exploring the topic of states of matter and how materials can change from one state to another. They will learn that all materials exist as solids, liquids, or gases, and discover the unique properties of each. For example, solids keep their shape and take up the same amount of space, while liquids can flow and change shape depending on their container, and gases spread out to fill any space and can be compressed. Pupils will investigate how heating and cooling can cause materials to change state, such as ice melting into water or water boiling into steam, and learn key scientific terms like melting point, boiling point, evaporation, and condensation.

As part of this unit, children will also explore the water cycle and understand how evaporation and condensation play an important role in recycling water on Earth. They will learn how the Sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and seas, causing it to evaporate, and how water vapour condenses to form clouds before falling back to the ground as rain, hail, or snow. Through practical activities and observations, pupils will develop a deeper understanding of how temperature affects matter and why these processes are essential for life on our planet.

Geography

This half-term in geography, children will be learning more about Europe and what makes each country unique. They will begin by recognising that different countries have their own flags, languages, and famous landmarks. For example, they will explore iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the Colosseum in Italy, the Parthenon in Greece, and Stonehenge in England. Alongside this, pupils will revisit the idea that Europe is home to a rich variety of languages—there are 24 official languages spoken across the continent!

As the unit progresses, children will think about why people move from one country to another in Europe. They will learn that migration can happen for many reasons, including war, jobs, education, climate, and changes in personal circumstances. This will lead to discussions about diversity and how we can celebrate and be inclusive of different cultures. Through these lessons, pupils will gain a deeper understanding of Europe as a continent and the ways in which people and places are connected.

History

This half-term in history, children will be learning about the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain and how it shaped life in the early medieval period. They will discover that around 446–454 CE, British King Vortigern invited two brothers, Hengest and Horsa, from Jutland to help defend Britain against attacks from northern tribes such as the Picts and Scots. In return for their support, the Anglo-Saxons were given land, marking the beginning of Anglo-Saxon Britain around 450 CE. Pupils will learn that the Anglo-Saxons were not one single group but a collection of tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.

As part of their learning, children will explore fascinating archaeological evidence, such as the Sutton Hoo burial site, which has helped historians understand the complexity of Anglo-Saxon society. They will also compare the Anglo-Saxon invasion with the Scots’ attempted invasion to identify similarities and differences. Through this study, pupils will gain insight into why invasions happened, how they changed life in Britain, and what these events tell us about power and settlement during this time. 

Computing

This half-term in computing, children will be learning how to use software to create content that meets a specific goal by producing their own audio recordings and podcasts. They will start by understanding what a podcast is and identifying the input and output devices needed, such as microphones for recording and speakers for playback. Pupils will then learn practical editing skills, including trimming unwanted audio, layering sounds to make recordings more engaging, and importing and exporting tracks in formats like MP3. They will also explore how to save and reopen projects so that edits can be made later, and how to choose appropriate edits to improve the quality of their work.

Alongside these technical skills, children will learn about online safety and the importance of making responsible decisions when using digital platforms. They will discuss age restrictions and the digital age of consent, understand why privacy settings matter, and practise using child-friendly search engines such as Swiggle and YouTube Kids. Pupils will also learn how to navigate privacy settings, seek advice from trusted adults, and make informed choices about sharing personal information online. By the end of the unit, children will have developed both creative and critical digital skills, enabling them to produce high-quality audio content while staying safe online.

PE

This half-term in PE, the children will have two focusses. They will be working on their fitness skills as well as learning the principles of attacking and defending in football through invasion games.

PSHE

This half-term in PSHE, children will learn the importance of celebrating differences and managing conflicts positively. They will explore strategies such as negotiation and compromise to resolve disagreements and understand the consequences of aggressive behaviour. Pupils will also discuss diversity, including race, gender, religion, and ethnicity, and learn how stereotypes can influence attitudes. Alongside this, they will consider personal boundaries, recognise non-verbal signals, and know who to talk to if they feel uncomfortable. These lessons aim to build respect, empathy, and confidence in handling real-life situations.

RE

This half-term in RE, children will explore the concept of angels in the Christian tradition. They will learn that angels are messengers of God and appear in both the Old and New Testaments, including the birth narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. Pupils will consider why angels are important in these stories and what they represent for Christians. Through creative activities and discussion, they will express their own ideas about angels, explore how Christians use this concept in worship and storytelling, and reflect on the value angels might hold in their own lives and communities. 

Languages

This half-term in Spanish, children will build on their number knowledge by learning how to say and write numbers from 20 to 39. They will discover patterns in the language, such as how numbers in the twenties and thirties are formed by combining the tens with the units. Pupils will also learn the days of the week and months of the year, practising pronunciation and spelling to improve fluency. These skills will help them use Spanish confidently in everyday contexts and prepare for more complex vocabulary later on.

Music

Throughout this unit, children will develop their recorder-playing skills, focusing on breath control, finger placement and musical expression. They will learn to play the notes C, B, A and G, explore rhythm and dynamics and practise ensemble performance to improve timing and coordination.  They will also continue to develop their knowledge of formal notation.

Design & Technology

Children will continue to design and make their own biscuits, beginning with a sensory exploration of biscuit taste-testing. They will plan using sketches, annotated diagrams, and recipes, and select materials based on function and appearance. Working to a budget, they will adapt their designs and present their final product for feedback and evaluation.