Stanford Junior School

Year 4 make a spectacular start to their year with our When in Rome topic. We immerse ourselves in learning by becoming Roman soldiers with a visit from Sir Teachalot and by creating Roman style pizza as part of our DT learning. Our first science topic is Humans as Animals, and we discover how the digestive system works and make our own version in class. Year 4 have an opportunity to perform in front of the school as well as parents and carers at the end of the autumn term. Last year, we put on a spectacular performance of ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’.

Our spring topic is Poles Apart which focuses on water and solids, liquids and gases. We explore the life of the famous Antarctic Explorer, Ernest Shackleton—a topic that lends itself to some fantastic writing as the children apply for jobs on his expedition. To support out science learning we visit the Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux. We also investigate sound through vibrations in water and make string telephones and stringed instruments.

Summer is special, as the children go on their first three-day residential trip to Sayers Croft. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn outside the classroom and to study more about water, linking it to rivers and to habitats. We develop independence and team building whilst sploshing about in shallow rivers, pond dipping, climbing low ropes and orienteering. Our history topic  Were the Dark ages dark? focuses on Viking and Anglo-Saxon settlers and invaders. Our year culminates in a trip to Brighton Museum to see their new archaeology exhibit.

It is amazing how much fun learning Year 4 pack into just one year!