Year 4
Welcome to Year 4 – bigger challenges, bigger adventures!
Year 4 is a year of growing confidence, independence and ambition. Children are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning, challenge themselves, work collaboratively and make connections across the curriculum. It is also a year packed with unforgettable experiences – from Egyptian mummies and virtual reality to wildlife, conservation and an overnight residential adventure.
Our creative curriculum takes children on three very different journeys throughout the year…
🫀 Stayin’ Alive
We begin by exploring what keeps us alive and healthy. Children investigate the human body, learn how the digestive system works and discover how food gives us the energy we need. They put their knowledge into action by designing and making their own smoothies, developing practical skills while thinking carefully about healthy choices. Our learning also has a real-life purpose. Children take part in fundraising for local food banks, helping them understand how they can make a positive difference in their community. The topic is brought to life with exciting visits and workshops, including the immersive Explorer Dome and a session with DTE Derby.
🏺 Tomb Raiders
Next, we travel thousands of years back in time to the world of the Ancient Egyptians. Children uncover the mysteries of pharaohs, pyramids, gods, tombs and mummification, while exploring what everyday life was like along the River Nile. There is plenty of hands-on learning too, including creating pneumatic mummies using mechanisms and air pressure. Our science and geography learning links in through an exploration of the water cycle, rivers and the importance of the Nile to ancient Egyptian life. To make the past feel even more real, children also experience an incredible virtual reality visit from Giant Workshops, allowing them to step inside the world they have been studying.
🌍 Pole to Pole
Our final topic takes us on a journey right around the globe. Children become explorers as they investigate continents, oceans, latitude, longitude and different environments around the world. They learn about famous explorers, discover some of the planet’s most extreme places and consider how humans interact with the natural world. A major focus is conservation and climate change. Children explore why habitats and species need protecting and think about the choices we can make to help care for our planet. A highlight of the topic is our visit to Peak Wildlife Park, where children can see conservation in action and encounter some incredible animals up close.
🏕️ Our Year 4 Residential
Year 4 also brings one of our biggest adventures yet – an overnight residential stay at Condover Hall. For many children, this is a huge step in developing independence. It is a chance to try new activities, work as part of a team, build confidence and enjoy time away with friends in a completely different environment. There are challenges, laughter, teamwork and plenty of memories made along the way.
✖️ Multiplication Tables Check
In May, children will also complete the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). Throughout Year 4, we build fluency and confidence with multiplication facts in lots of different ways, helping children to become quicker, more accurate and more secure with their times tables.
Year 4 is a year full of discovery, challenge, independence and adventure. Whether children are exploring inside the human body, stepping into Ancient Egypt, travelling across the globe or spending a night away at Condover, we want them to leave Year 4 feeling more confident, capable and curious than ever before.
Read our ‘Everything You Need to Know’ booklet below for more information!
Many thanks,
The Year 4 Team
Mrs. Clayton, Mrs. Herriman and Mrs. Greenbank – Classroom Teachers
Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Ferne, Mrs. Maydew and Miss Sidebottom – Teaching Assistants
Our School Day |
||
|---|---|---|
| Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) | ||
| Gates Open | 08:40 | |
| Registration | 09:00 | |
| Morning Break | 10:40 - 10:55 | |
| Lunch | 12:20 - 13:20 | |
| Afternoon Break | - | |
| End of School Day | 15:25 | |
'Everything you need to know about Y4'
Year 4 Spring Term Curriculum Letter
Teaching and Learning Policy September 2023
FS2-KS1-LKS2-UKS2 Curriculum Overviews 2023
FS2 means Foundation Stage Two; KS1 means Key Stage One (Y1 and Y2); LKS2 means Lower Key Stage Two (Y3 and Y4); UKS2 means Upper Key Stage Two (Y5 and Y6)
2024 Multiplication Tables Check - information for parents/carers
Reading at Markeaton Primary School
Y4 Recommended Reading list for Equality and Diversity (scroll down and use the filter on the left)
Please visit our Dates For Your Diary page for information regarding upcoming trips and activities for Year 4