Term 6 2024-25 

History:
This term, Year 4 continued exploring Ancient Civilisations, turning our focus to Ancient Egypt. Having now studied both Ancient Sumer and Ancient Egypt, we’ve been comparing the two cultures and identifying both their similarities and differences. We found, overall, that they were both fantastically important and invented things that we still use (in one form or another) today.

English:
Our History topic inspired two major writing projects this term. First, we learned all about the mummification process used by the ancient Egyptians. After gaining a clear understanding of each step, we wrote our own instructional texts. These included an equipment list, a step-by-step method, and used technical vocabulary accurately. At this point, we are all completely capable of mummifying a body.

After that, we turned our attention to persuasive writing. After analysing examples of persuasive letters, we wrote our own letters addressed to the British Museum. In these letters, we presented arguments as to why the Rosetta Stone should be returned to Egypt. The class produced some excellent, well-reasoned and convincing letters.

Maths:
We began Term 6 by taking part in the much-anticipated multiplication tables check. The children have shown great dedication to learning their times tables throughout the year, and it really paid off. Most of the class achieved high scores, with a good number of children getting full marks. This strong foundation will support them greatly in Year 5 Maths.

Following the check, our focus moved to fractions. The class has worked on converting improper fractions into mixed numbers, adding and subtracting fractions, and starting to apply this understanding to solve more complex reasoning problems.

Art & Design:
In Art, we explored the topic of sculpture. Each student created a statuette inspired by ancient Sumerian art. We began by constructing wire armatures to serve as the internal support for our sculptures. Then, we used clay to form the figure shapes, which we later painted once they had dried. The results were impressive and unique!

RE & Trips:
Our second trip of the term took us to a synagogue. This visit helped to deepen our understanding of Judaism, building on what we’ve learned in Religious Education throughout the year. The children were curious and respectful, asking thoughtful questions and recognising objects they had studied in class.

Jubilee University: First Aid
As part of our enrichment through Jubilee University, we took part in First Aid training. The children learned how to respond in an emergency using the ‘LIONEL’ method to communicate key information when calling for help. They also practised placing someone in the recovery position and learned how to apply a sling. These are valuable life skills that the class approached with great maturity.