Spring Term – The Roman Empire

Welcome to the year 4, Emerald class page. We are looking forward to welcoming the children back to school ready for our new Spring term!

History
Our topic this term is the Roman Empire. We will look at: the benefits and drawbacks of the different ruling systems, how the Roman Empire changed over time, why the Roman army was so effective, what Britain was like before the Romans arrived and what lasting impact they had after they had left. We also learn about Boudicca's rebellion and the Battle of Colchester. We will also be visiting the Deva Centre in Chester during Spring 2 to learn about why this city was so important to the Romans.

Geography
This term in Year 4, children will be learning all about volcanoes as part of their geography, in line with the UK National Curriculum. They will explore what volcanoes are, where they are found around the world, and why they erupt, developing their understanding of physical geography and natural processes. This exciting topic links closely with their reading and English lessons, which are themed around Pompeii. Through stories, information texts and creative writing inspired by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, children will build their vocabulary, improve their writing skills and deepen their understanding of how volcanoes have affected people and places in the past.

English and Reading
Writing this term will be based around the book 'Escape from Pompeii' which links to our History and Geography topic. We will also be reading an information text on Volcanoes for a nonfiction focus within guided reading. We will learn how to use a variety of verb forms including the progressive and the present perfect forms, how to organise paragraphs around a theme (using fronted adverbials to introduce or connect paragraphs), and continue to learn how to punctuate direct speech (using dialogue to show the relationship between characters). We shall also continue to work on our handwriting and spelling.

Maths
Our Maths learning will focus on learning to add and subtract using exchanging, multiplication and division, calculating area, length and perimeter, fractions and decimals. We will also be learning our times tables using TTRockstars and preparing for the MTC (multiplication times table check) for the upcoming summer.

Science
This term the class will be looking at two areas: sound and states of matter. In the unit on sound, the children will learn about how sounds are made, associating them with something vibrating and understand how they travel to the ear. They will also learn about what affects pitch and volume. In the unit on states of matter, the children will learn about solids, liquids and gases, making links to the water cycle.

Computing
In Computing, the children will be learning how to code. They will learn about algorithms, how to use button objects, using timers, using 'if' and 'else' statements, use number variables and learn how to design and make and interactive scene. The children will also learn about animation.

PE
This term, we shall be learning gymnastics on Mondays and fitness on Wednesdays – PE kits can be worn to school on these set days. The children will also have 3 days of forest school.

Art and DT
In Design & Technology we will investigate and model frame structures to improve their stability, then apply this research to design and create a stable, decorated pavilion. In Art, we will be exploring the way different materials can be shaped and joined, learning about techniques for 3D used by artists as diverse as Barbara Hepworth.

Music
This term we will be discussing artists’ work, classical composers and film clips and respond to them by composing music to represent ideas, action and mood.

RE
In RE, we will be exploring the artefacts which are used for prayer and to celebrate important events in Islam. We shall also be thinking about why Prophet Muhammad is important to all Muslims, understanding Judaism to look at what it means to make a covenant and refer to the covenants that God made with Noah and Abraham. We will also learn to understand that Jewish people are still waiting for the fulfilment of the promise of the Messiah. We shall think about how Jews believe the Torah is inspired by God, it is stored and used respectfully,

School trips and workshops
This term, the children will be visiting the Chester Deva centre to immerse themselves in Roman life and further develop their understanding of the roman heritage linked to the city. We will also be be travelling to Delamere forest for our year 4 residential for 1 night where the children have the opportunity to embark in lots of fun activities and spend time with their class mates!