SOUND
This term is packed with exciting topics across the curriculum that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Key Questions
- What is it inside my ears that allow me to hear sound?
- How does sound travel from an object to my ear?
- What can stop us from hearing sounds?
- Why does a bell feel like its buzzing when it rings?
- Why does my friend in the distance sound so quiet when I know he’s shouting so loudly?
Science: Sound
This term, our science topic is Sound. Children will be investigating how sounds are made, how they travel, and what affects their pitch and volume. Through practical experiments and engaging activities, pupils will explore the science behind everyday sounds and how we hear them.
Year 4 will:
- Identify how sounds are made, associating some of them with something vibrating
- Recognise that vibrations from sounds travel through a medium to the ear, such as air, water, or solids
- Find patterns between the pitch of a sound (how high or low it is) and the features of the object that produced it, such as length, thickness, or tension
- Find patterns between the volume of a sound and the strength of the vibrations that produced it — stronger vibrations create louder sounds
- Recognise that sounds get fainter as the distance from the sound source increases
Children will be encouraged to ask scientific questions, make observations, carry out simple tests, and record their findings. This unit supports both their understanding of the physical world and their ability to think scientifically.
Geography: Earning a living
This half term, Year 4 students will embark on an engaging geography topic entitled "Earning and Living." Through this scheme of work, children will explore the diverse ways in which individuals in the UK and around the globe earn a living. They will examine various professions across different sectors, gain insights into global industries, and investigate the complex reasons why some adults are unable to work while some children do. We encourage you to support your children in understanding these vital economic concepts, fostering their curiosity about the world of work.
History: The Indus Valley Civilisation
Year 4 will continue to explore the fascinating ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Children will place the civilisation on a historical timeline and investigate the significance of the Indus River to its people.
Through the study of artefacts, architecture, and technology, pupils will learn about everyday life, trade, and the advanced systems used in Indus cities.
They will compare the Indus Valley to Roman Britain, explore reasons for its decline, and reflect on why it remained a mystery for so long.
PATHWAYS TO WRITE
Our writing this term will be inspired by a text called, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, retold by Angela McAllister in A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories.
Children will write across a range of genres, including playscripts, diary entries, recounts, and formal letters. These will build towards a final piece that explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal through dramatic writing and character reflection.
This story links to key grammar concepts such as writing sentences with more than one clause using conjunctions like when, if, because, and although. Children will also develop their understanding of organising writing into paragraphs around a theme, building a rich and varied vocabulary, and using present and past tenses accurately — including the progressive and present perfect forms.
Children’s Rights and Global Goals
Throughout the summer term, Year 4 will learn about the right to education through Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We will also explore the Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
PSHE: Jigsaw – Changing Me.
This term, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education will focus on the ‘Changing Me’ unit, part of the Jigsaw programme. This unit helps children understand and manage the emotional and physical changes that come with growing up, in a safe, age-appropriate and supportive way.
Children will explore the idea that everyone is unique, developing a positive sense of identity and self-worth. They will learn that some of their personal characteristics are inherited from their birth parents and will be introduced to the basic science of human reproduction in a factual, respectful, and sensitive manner.
Topics We Will Cover:
- Unique Me: Children will explore their own personality and physical characteristics, and understand how some traits are passed down from their parents through genes.
- Having a Baby: Pupils will learn the correct names for internal and external body parts involved in reproduction and understand how a baby is conceived. They will also reflect on personal feelings and choices around becoming a parent in the future.
- Puberty and Menstruation: This lesson focuses on how a girl’s body changes in preparation for adulthood, including menstruation. The content supports emotional as well as physical development, and strategies for coping with these changes are discussed.
- Circles of Change: Children explore the idea that some changes are in their control and others are not. They will learn how to prepare for and manage changes in a positive way.
- Accepting Change: This lesson looks at changes outside of a child's control, helping them to express their feelings and develop strategies for managing these emotions.
- Looking Ahead: Finally, children will reflect on the transition to Year 5, identifying changes they are looking forward to and setting personal goals for the year ahead.
Please check your child’s Curriculum Map for further details. Don’t forget to follow their learning journey on Seesaw, where you’ll find updates, homework, and announcements.
Thank you for your continued support,
Miss Capper and Mrs Levinsohn
