Magpies 2026 - 2027

Magpies Class

We are a Y4 class, taught by Mrs Porteous.

Here is what we are learning this term.

Maths - 

Number and place value up to 4-digit numbers: multiples of 1,000; partitioning 4-digit numbers flexibly; 1, 10, 100, 1000 more or less; comparing and ordering numbers up to 10,000; rounding to the nearest 1,000, 100, 10.

Addition and subtraction: add and subtract two 4-digit numbers; add and subtract with more than one exchange; problem solving.

Measurement of area.

Multiplication and division: 3,6,9,7,11,12,1 and 0 multiplication facts; multiply three numbers.

English - 

We begin the term with a focused block of Place Value of Punctuation and Grammar (PVPG). At an age-appropriate level, children will deepen their understanding of how sentences are constructed, exploring, discussing and applying a range of sentence structures with increasing accuracy and control. Guided Reading and Spelling will continue alongside this.

In Autumn B, we will develop our reading and writing skills across a range of genres and text types using high quality texts. Using Vito Murrow’s beautifully illustrated book, The Whale, we will explore the language and style needed for a newspaper report and setting description.

Science - 

Electricity

The children will identify which common appliances run on electricity and how to keep themselves safe around electricity.  They will then construct simple circuits, recognising common conductors and insulators before using this knowledge to create a selector switch.

History -

Romans

We will be investigating the impact that the Romans had on Britain after their invasion. We will be looking at Julius Caesar’s unsuccessful attempts to invade and how Claudius eventually took control of most of Britain. We will be wondering why the Romans invaded and what legacy they left and exploring why Boudicca did not succeed in defending her territory as a Celtish Queen.

Geography - 

Settlements 

Magpies will be learning to recognise key features of different settlements. We will be considering why people settle together and what choices they make in their locations and key features. We will also be learning to give four-figure grid references and find settlement locations from these references. We will look at OS maps and their symbols.

Computing - 

Digital Foundations 4

We will explore that a computing device is made of connected parts and can be connected to other computing devices and reveal some advantages and disadvantages of different connections

Computer Systems and Networks 4 

In this unit, Magpies will learn what the internet is and how it is used. They will also learn about the World Wide Web and discover how content is created.

Art - 

Making Waves

Water in art can take many forms- from using water to creating the illusion of water. We will look at various watercolour techniques, including lifting off and also attempt to represent water in various mediums including graphite and collage.

Design Technology - 

Battery Operated Lights 

The class will create a new light by using their knowledge and understanding of electrical systems. 

They will explain how technology has helped shaped the world we live in, write their own simple design criteria and then make a product which contains a working circuit to light a bulb. They will explore and make a series and parallel circuit, diagnosing faults when necessary, and follow instructions to make a selection of different switches.  

R.E. - 

Harvest Celebrations

The children will look at a variety of different religions and cultures and investigate how each celebrates the season of harvest. We will also be learning our songs for this Harvest season.

Pilgrimage

After half term, the children will be studying the act of pilgrimage from a mostly Christian focus as we lead up to Christmas

Music - 

All that Jazz!

Our first half term will look at the development of jazz and its leading pioneers. We will look at the various styles of jazz, such as Bebop, Big Band and Stride and the composers and performers that shape these. These musicians include Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Along the way the children will learn to improvise and scat!

M.F.L.: French - 

Weather

We will be learning a variety of phrases including how to ask what the future weather is and also how to describe the weather.

P.E. - 

The children will have two P.E. sessions. Outdoor PE will be taught on a Thursday. In the Autumn term children will be working to improve their fundamental movement skills and techniques. Indoor PE will be taught on a Monday. Lessons will include travelling and jumping and balance and rotation.

On these days, the children will need to come to school dressed in their P.E. uniform: navy shorts and light blue t-shirt; navy tracksuit and light blue t-shirt. No logos or football kits. Trainers should be plain black. All long hair should be tied back and earrings should be removed.

P.S.H.E. -

Be Yourself

Children will explore their strengths and achievements, how to express their thoughts and feelings respectfully and how to be assertive when in uncomfortable situations. The children will also have an opportunity to explore the influence of the media in how we view ourselves and analyse the reality of these messages. They will also explore how to make things right when we make mistakes and the importance of learning from these mistakes.

One World

Children will look at a case study of a fictional girl who lives in Malawi and they will explore different aspects of her life. Children will see how people’s life experiences and opportunities differ throughout the world and that our actions can have both positive and harmful effects on people living in different countries. Children will explore the concepts of inequality and stereotypes and be encouraged to reflect on what they can do to help make the world a fairer place. Children will also learn about climate change and its effects, fair trading practices and organisations which help people. They will learn about how to be a good global citizen as well.

Homework - 

Maths: Maths homework will be set via Class DoJo on a Monday to be completed by the following Sunday. It is important that all children to continue to access Times Table Rockstars online to practice and improve instant recall of key multiplication and related division facts.

English: English homework will be set via EdShed on a Monday to be completed by the following Sunday. Spelling homework will also be set on EdShed

Reading: At Weston, we encourage children to develop a lifelong love for reading. We ask for children to read regularly at home to adults and to themselves. Reading is fundamental to the wider academic and personal development of children and the need for children to read widely from a broad and challenging range of texts continues to be important. Children will be provided with quality texts appropriate for their age and ability.