Sycamore Class - Year 4

Welcome to the Sycamore Class Page

Welcome to Year 4! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer break and are ready for an exciting Autumn Term.

English

This term, our English learning will include a range of exciting texts and writing opportunities: 

• Recount writing: We will write a recount based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, focusing on ordering events clearly, using time connectives and including interesting detail.
• Diary writing: Children will write a diary entry linked to the story, using first person, informal language and thoughts and feelings.
• Setting description: We will describe Wonka’s world in detail, using expanded noun phrases, powerful adjectives and carefully chosen punctuation to create vivid images for the reader.

Alongside these units, children will develop their understanding of punctuation and grammar, including commas, apostrophes, speech marks and different sentence types. We will also continue to focus on cohesive writing, helping ideas link smoothly across sentences and paragraphs.

Maths

This term, we will focus on:

• Place Value: Read, write, order and compare numbers beyond 1,000, identify the value of each digit, round numbers to the nearest 10, 100 and 1,000, and solve practical problems using place value knowledge.
• Addition and Subtraction: Add and subtract numbers with up to four digits using formal written methods and mental strategies, solve one-step and two-step problems, and use estimation to check answers and explain reasoning.
• Area: Compare and measure area by counting squares and using practical resources, investigate the area of simple shapes and find ways to work it out accurately.
• Multiplication and Division: Recall multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables, use arrays, grouping and sharing to multiply and divide, and solve practical problems using these facts.

Science

This term, we will be focusing on States of Matter and Living Things and Their Habitats.

In States of Matter, children will investigate solids, liquids and gases. They will explore whether materials can change shape, observe what happens when materials are heated or cooled, and use scientific vocabulary to describe their findings.

In Living Things and Their Habitats, children will identify and classify living things found in our local area. They will ask and answer questions about habitats, look closely at different environments and find out how living things are suited to where they live.

Geography - My Region and Campania, Italy

 In Geography, children will compare our local area with Campania in Italy and find out how they are similar and different. They will explore climate, landscape, settlements and the ways people live, work and travel in each place.

Art - Sculpture

 In Art, we will explore pottery and sculpture to find out what they can tell us about the past. We will study different artefacts and create our own clay designs.

Design and Technology - Food and Nutrition

Our DT unit, Chocolate That Cares, will see children investigate how chocolate is made and think about how it can be fair for the people who grow it and kind to the planet. We will learn about ingredients, packaging and responsible food choices before designing our own chocolate product.

RE - Judaism

In RE, we will learn about Jewish beliefs, practices and celebrations. We will explore important symbols, stories and places of worship, and find out how Jewish people live their faith.

RSHE - Me & My World

In RSHE, we will think about ourselves, our relationships and how we fit into the wider world. We will learn about kindness, respect, feelings, safety and making positive choices.

French

In French, children will learn vocabulary for places around town, practise simple directions and use short conversations to talk about where we go.

Computing

In Computing, we will focus on online safety. Children will learn how to stay safe online and use technology responsibly, including how to make sensible choices, protect personal information and report anything that worries them.

Music

In Music, we will follow the Charanga scheme. Children will sing and perform in solo and ensemble contexts using their voices, listen carefully, remember sounds and develop their aural memory.

PE 

PE lessons will include football and hockey with Mr Green, as well as fitness and yoga. Children will develop teamwork, coordination, control, balance and stamina through active and enjoyable lessons.

Autumn 1: Football (with Mr Green) and Fitness

Autumn 2: Hockey (with Mr Green) and Yoga

Woodland Learning

Woodland Learning takes place in most weather conditions, apart from high winds and thunderstorms, so children need to be dressed appropriately for spending time outside. It is also very helpful to send in a separate plastic bag for muddy clothes or boots at the end of the session.

Children will need:

• waterproof coat or jacket 
• fleece or sweatshirt
• waterproof trousers or trousers that can get muddy,
• spare socks, and wellies or boots that are named and kept at school.

Our Woodland Learning sessions will usually take place on Thursdays, and these dates are subject to change if needed:

Autumn Term 1:

• Thursday 10th September 2026
• Thursday 24th September 2026
• Thursday 8th October 2026
• Thursday 22nd October 2026

We are looking forward to a busy, creative and inspiring term full of learning, challenge and discovery. Thank you for your continued support - we are excited to see all that the children achieve this autumn.

If you have any queries or concerns, please speak to your child's class teacher at drop-off or pick-up, or contact the school office. You can get in touch through the school office by emailing messages@loxwoodschool.com. 

Mr. Hall & Miss Cici