In Year 4 we have Miss Corry (class teacher) and Mrs Owen (teaching assistant).

Welcome to Year 4: The Year of Mastery!

Year 4 is an incredible year where children truly come into their own as confident, independent thinkers. This year is defined by a sense of curiosity and the drive to master new challenges. We raise the bar across all subjects, encouraging our pupils to take pride in their work and become "experts" in their learning.

Life in Year 4

Our classroom is an environment of high expectations and high rewards. A typical day in Year 4 involves:

  • The Morning Power-Up: We dive straight into "Arithmetic Starters" and grammar challenges, ensuring our core skills are sharp for the day ahead.

  • Literacy & Deep Reading: We explore rich, diverse texts, moving from simple comprehension to analyzing a writer’s craft. Year 4 is often where children find their "forever favorite" authors!

  • Discovery: Our curriculum takes us on some amazing journeys—from the engineering marvels of the Romans to the intricate ecosystems of the rainforest.

  • Creative Expression: Through weekly Art, Music, and DT, we encourage children to solve problems creatively and express their unique points of view.

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

The biggest highlight of the Year 4 maths calendar is the National Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), which takes place in June. By the end of this year, the goal is for every child to know all their times tables up to 12 x12 with instant recall.

  • Why it matters: Fluency in times tables is the "mathematical foundation." Once children don't have to count on their fingers to find 7x8, they can focus their brainpower on much harder concepts like equivalent fractions and long division.

  • How we prepare: We have daily class sessions. We use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) religiously to build speed and accuracy.

  • The Goal: Children are given 6 seconds to answer each question in the official check. We make training for this feel like a sport—competitive, fun, and incredibly rewarding!

Focus on the Fundamentals

1. Handwriting

In Year 4, we expect a consistent, joined-up style in all books. We focus on the "flow" of writing, ensuring that speed doesn't compromise legibility. Children will be working hard to demonstrate they can maintain their best cursive style across all subjects.

2. Spelling & Vocabulary

We move beyond simple phonics into the world of etymology (word origins) and morphology (prefixes and suffixes). We tackle the Year 3/4 Statutory Word List, and we love adding challenges to stretch our vocabulary.

3. Formal Maths Methods

This is the year where we move into formal "column" methods for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Precision is key! 

Helping at Home: The Year 4 Challenge

  • TTRS is Essential: Please encourage your child to play in "Soundcheck" mode on Times Tables Rock Stars. This specifically mimics the format of the MTC and is the best way to prepare.

  • Read for Stamina: Year 4 pupils should be reading for at least 15–20 minutes a day. Encourage them to read a mix of fiction and non-fiction to broaden their general knowledge.

  • Talk about the World: Whether it's news for kids or a documentary, chatting about the world helps build the "cultural capital" that makes their school writing so much richer.

Communication & Independence

  • Digital Tools: Class Dojo remains our hub for home learning. It’s also a great way for children to take photos of their home achievements to share with the class.

  • Self-Organisation: By Year 4, we expect children to remember their own PE days, water bottles, and Book Bags.

  • Open Door Policy: The jump in curriculum expectations in Year 4 can feel big! We are here to support both you and your child. If you have any questions about the MTC or any other aspect of learning, please just ask.

Year 4 is a superb, fun year. Your children will grow up a great deal this year and you'll see them become much more independent and resilient - ready to take on Yr 5!

Autumn in Year 4