English

Our new text Varjak Paw is about a Mesopotamian Blue kitten whose life is about to change. He live high up on an old house on a hill, until his home is taken over by a mysterious Gentleman and his two black cats. Varjak's grandfather teaches him about the Way - a secret martial art for cats - and Varjak must use the Way to survive in a dangerous city and save his family. 

This term we will be using Varjak Paw as inspiration to write a narrative, newspaper report. 

Maths

This half term we will be putting our multiplication learning to the test. We will be covering multiplication, fractions, decimals and angles. We will be working towards the small steps: 

• Multiply and divide  by 10 and 100
• Related multiplication and division facts
• Correspondence problems

• 2 x 1 digit short multiplication
• 3 x 1 digit short multiplication
• Recognise a whole
• Count beyond a whole
• Partition a mixed number
• Number lines with mixed numbers
• Compare and order mixed numbers
• Understand improper fractions
• Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers
• Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
• Tenths as decimals
• Tenths on a PV chart
• Tenths on a number line
• Divide a 1 digit number by 10
• Divide a 2 digit number by 10

• Angles as turns
• Identify angles
• Compare angles

As a school we use TT Rockstars to practise our times tables. We encourage the children to practise regularly at home. Year 4 have a termly challenge to earn raffle tickets and wow cards for playing regularly at home!

Science - Sound

Our physics unit on sound will teach us all about how sounds are created and heard. We will be looking at: 

• How are sounds made?
• How does the ear work?
• How does sound travel through different materials?
• What is pitch?
• What is volume?
• How do I soundproof sounds?

Geography - Our Local Area

In this fieldwork unit we will be looking at our local and wider area. We will look to cover: 

• Which county we live in and some physical and human features of it
• Famous physical and human landmarks in the West Midlands
• Using OS maps to understand symbols and 4 figure grid references
• Creating and drawing sketch maps of Shareshill 
• Services in Shareshill and Cannock area

PSHE- One World

This unit is based on a case study of a fictional girl called Chiwa, who lives in Malawi. It explores the concepts of inequality and stereotypes and encourages them to reflect on what they can do to help make the world a fairer place. We will learn about climate change and organisations around the world that help people like Chiwa.

French - Likes and Dislikes

In this unit we will learn vocabulary to say whether we like something or not. We will apply this to a range of scenarios, including food, animals and colours. We will also begin to give reasons to explain why. We will use our speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. 

Music - Stop!

This unit is based upon the song Stop! By Joanna Mangoa, a rap/grime song about bullying. The children will practise the song, and have the chance to compose and perform their own rap lyrics. 

PE

We will be practicing Target Games on Monday's sessions. We will be developing our accuracy and aim of throwing and rolling using ball games, beanbags, Boccia and Archery. We will also be developing our Gymnastics skills in Wednesday's sessions. We will practise partner balances, rolls and use apparatus; finally applying these skills in a sequence.