Year Four | RCPA NEW

Woodpeckers and Kingfishers News

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W/B 16th March 2026

Year 4 DT Torch Project 🔦

This term, our Year 4 pupils took part in an exciting Design and Technology project where they designed and created their very own torches. This hands-on experience allowed the children to apply the scientific knowledge they developed during last half term’s electricity unit.

They used their understanding of components such as bulbs, wires, batteries, and switches to design simple circuits. Once confident, they carefully incorporated these circuits into their torch designs.

The children demonstrated fantastic creativity when designing the outer casing of their torches. They considered both functionality and appearance, selecting suitable materials and thinking about how to securely house their circuits.

Throughout the process, pupils showed excellent problem-solving skills. They tested their circuits, identified faults, and made improvements to ensure their torches worked effectively. It was wonderful to see their resilience and determination when things didn’t work the first time.

By the end of the project, every child had created a working torch and gained a deeper understanding of how electricity is used in everyday objects. They were incredibly proud of their finished products—and rightly so!

This project was a brilliant example of combining science and DT skills, and the children thoroughly enjoyed bringing their learning to life.

W/B 9th March 2026

Year 4 had a fantastic time celebrating Science Week 2026 with the exciting theme “Curious Kitchen.” We discovered that science is happening all around us – even when we are cooking!

During the week, we became kitchen scientists and explored how different ingredients can change and react when they are mixed together. Some of our experiments fizzed and bubbled, which was very exciting to watch!

We also learned about air miles and food waste, thinking about where our food comes from and how far it travels before it reaches our plates. This helped us understand how our food choices can affect the environment and why it is important not to waste food.

As part of our experiments, we had great fun making our own sherbet, observing the fizzy reaction when the ingredients mixed together. We also made bread, learning how ingredients combine and change to create something new.

It was a brilliant week full of curiosity, investigation, and delicious science!

W/B 2nd March 2026

Year 4 Celebrate World Book Day

Year 4 had a fantastic time celebrating World Book Day this week! The children came to school dressed as their favourite book characters, and it was wonderful to see so many creative costumes around the classroom and playground.

One of the highlights of the day was when the Year 4 children shared books and stories with the Year 2 children. It was lovely to see them engaged in reading together. The classroom was full of excitement as everyone talked about their favourite books and characters.

Overall, it was a very special day, and it was great to see everyone engaging in reading and celebrating the joy of books together.

W/B 23rd February 2026

This half term, Year Four is going on an amazing adventure into the world of early Islamic civilisation! Imagine bustling cities like Baghdad, full of colourful markets, delicious smells, and amazing buildings with tall towers and sparkling decorations. People studied everything from stars and medicine to maths and art, and clever thinkers like Al‑Khwarizmi invented algebra, the kind of maths we still use today! The House of Wisdom was like a giant library where people shared exciting ideas from all over the world.

Children can begin their adventure by logging onto the link below:

Islamic civilisation - KS2 History - BBC Bitesize

W/B 9th February 2026

Year 4 Become Rainforest Information Experts!

Year 4 have had an exciting time diving deep into the world of the rainforest!

In Geography, we discovered where rainforests are located, explored the four different layers and learned about the incredible animals and plants that live there. We were amazed to find out how important rainforests are for our planet and why they must be protected.

In our reading lessons, we became experts at spotting the features of information texts, such as headings, technical vocabulary and organised paragraphs. We practised gathering key facts and turning them into our own clear explanations.

Using all of these skills, we planned and wrote our own rainforest information texts, making sure to include fascinating facts and ambitious vocabulary. We are so proud of the enthusiasm, effort and creativity Year 4 have shown — their writing truly shows how much they have learned!

Over the half term, it would be really beneficial for the children to practise their times table facts regularly and continue reading at home to build fluency and understanding. Below are a few websites they may wish to access to support their learning. Thank you, as always, for your continued support!

Year 4 at primary school (age 8–9) - Oxford Owl

Home - BBC Bitesize

Topmarks – Free Interactive Learning Games, Maths Worksheets & Teaching Resources

Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica – KS2 Maths game - BBC Bitesize

Following on from Parents’ Evening, after half term the children will be learning

Maths – Fractions

Step 1: Tenths as fractions
Step 2: Tenths as decimals
Step 3: Tenths on a place value chart
Step 4: Tenths on a number line
Step 5: Divide a 1-digit number by 10
Step 6: Divide a 2-digit number by 10
Step 7: Hundredths as fractions
Step 8: Hundredths as decimals
Step 9: Hundredths on a place value chart
Step 10: Divide a 1- or 2-digit number by 100

Maths – Decimals

Step 1: Tenths as decimals
Step 2: Tenths on a place value chart
Step 3: Tenths on a number line
Step 4: Divide a 1-digit number by 10
Step 5: Divide a 2-digit number by 10
Step 6: Hundredths as fractions
Step 7: Hundredths as decimals
Step 8: Hundredths on a place value chart
Step 9: Divide a 1- or 2-digit number by 100

English

Writing a diary entry inspired by Wizards vs Fairies
Writing a poem linked to EasteWe are looking forward to another busy and exciting half term!

W/B 2nd February 2026

In our science lessons, we have continued to explore the topic of electricity, focusing on circuits. The children have shown great enthusiasm as we delved into the practical aspects of this subject. This week, they designed and constructed their own switches, which they then tested to see how they functioned within a circuit. This hands-on experience has significantly enhanced their understanding of electrical concepts and the importance of circuits in everyday life. Click below to find out more.

W/B 26th January 2026

Year 4 Share Their Stories with Reception

Year 4 had a wonderful opportunity this week to share their narrative writing with the Reception children. After working hard to plan and write their stories, the Year 4 pupils visited the Reception classrooms to read their work aloud.

The Reception children listened carefully and were very engaged, enjoying the stories and the chance to hear them read by the older pupils. After each story, they gave feedback to the Year 4 writers, which was both thoughtful and encouraging. Comments included things like, “I loved that it had animals in!” and “That part was my favourite.”

This experience was valuable for both year groups. Year 4 pupils practised reading aloud clearly and confidently, while also learning how to respond positively to feedback. Reception children enjoyed being part of the audience and sharing their opinions.

It was lovely to see such supportive interactions between the year groups, and everyone came away smiling. Well done to Year 4 for their fantastic storytelling and to Reception for being such enthusiastic listeners!

W/B 19th January 2026

A Fantastic Day at Tarka Tennis for Year 4!

Year 4 had a truly wonderful and successful day at Tarka Tennis, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and lots of learning. The children approached every activity with fantastic attitudes and big smiles.

Throughout the morning, the children took part in a wide range of engaging tennis activities designed to develop all the key skills and principles of the game. From improving hand–eye coordination and racket control to working on movement, teamwork, and game awareness, every session was carefully planned and highly enjoyable.

The children showed excellent focus, resilience, and cooperation, encouraging one another and demonstrating great sportsmanship.

W/B 12th January 2026

Year 4 Explore Electricity 🔌💡

This week, Year 4 have been busy exploring the exciting world of electricity as part of their science learning. The children have been investigating how electrical circuits work and what is needed to make a light bulb shine.

Using batteries, bulbs and wires, the pupils built their own simple circuits and tested them carefully. Before making any changes, the children made predictions about what they thought would happen. They explored questions such as: What happens if a wire is removed? or Will the bulb still light up if we change the position of the components?

Through hands-on experimentation, the children discovered that a circuit must be complete for electricity to flow and for the bulb to light up. They worked collaboratively, discussed their ideas, and used scientific vocabulary to explain their observations.

Year 4 showed great curiosity and problem-solving skills throughout the lesson, and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they tested their predictions and explained their results. A fantastic week of scientific learning!

W/B 5th January 2026

Year 4 have made a thoughtful start to the new year by reflecting on their dreams and goals. They have been exploring the poem ‘Dreams’ by Langston Hughes, discussing its meaning and thinking about what life might be like without hopes and aspirations.

In geography, we have just started our new topic on tropical rainforests. The children will be learning about rainforest climates, layers, plants, and animals, and will begin building their understanding of these unique environments. This learning will link closely with English, where the children will be developing their skills in planning and writing narrative stories set in a tropical rainforest, using their growing knowledge to create vivid and engaging descriptions.

To support their learning about rainforests, we encourage pupils to visit the BBC Bitesize website, which offers clear explanations, engaging videos, and interactive activities to help deepen their understanding of rainforests.

Rainforest layers - Tropical rainforest regions of the world - 4th level Geography Revision - BBC Bitesize

W/B 13th October 2025

This week in Year 4 we have started a new unit in Maths - we are now adding and subtracting. We have added 4-digit numbers together and we are starting to exchange too,

In English we are continuing to explore our non-fiction text where we are writing about the digestive system and exploring what happens to our food as it moves through the body. Next week we will be writing up the final draft of our writing - will include some in the blog to show you!

Last week the children had a great time at the Year 4 Sleepover - this was great practice for our residential next year. They played outside and had snacks with a movie . The reviews from the children were 10/10!

W/B 6th October 2025

This week in Year 4 we have been experimenting using eggs to represent teeth and what happens if we don't take care of them!

We observed the eggs in the different liquids over 3 days and we recorded our findings. The egg that had been left in vinegar had a really soft shell and the egg that had been left in orange juice had white hard spots all over it. It was an interesting and pretty gross experiment that we all loved, it has helped the children to realise the importance of having a healthy mouth and looking after their teeth.

W/B 29th September 2025

This week Year 4 have taken part in Cross Country at Park School. We had a great morning with everyone taking part, and all the children pushing themselves to be their best.

We have also performed at The Harvest Festival. Kingfishers showcased their Harvest poem, and Woodpeckers performed their original Harvest Rap! Both performances were amazing, and the rest of the school gave them a huge round of applause.

W/B 22nd September 2025

This week Year 4 were lucky enough to have a visit from an author as part of Appledore Book Festival. Neill Cameron came into both Year 4 classes and showed us how he comes up with new ideas for his books and magazines, and we came up with our own characters using his method! We have used these ideas and explored our own characters to create our very own comic strip in Art. We'll share some of our final products next week!