Welcome to Amethyst Class!

A very warm welcome to all our Year 4 and Year 5 children and families. We have a busy and exciting half term ahead, filled with opportunities to develop our knowledge, confidence and independence across the curriculum.

In Guided Reading, we will explore The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson. Through this engaging story, the children will strengthen their reading fluency, retrieve key information, explore unfamiliar vocabulary and develop their inference, prediction and summarising skills.

Our Maths learning will begin with place value, helping the children to deepen their understanding of numbers and explain their mathematical thinking. We will then move on to addition and subtraction, using a range of representations and strategies to solve increasingly challenging problems. Year 5 pupils will also explore negative numbers.

In History, we will complete a fascinating local study of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The children will investigate why the Pilgrims remain historically significant, place important events in chronological order and explore how their experiences helped to shape ideas about settlement, democracy and government. They will use historical evidence and artefacts to form opinions, draw conclusions and take part in thoughtful debates.

Our PSHE learning will focus on health, wellbeing and positive relationships. We will consider the importance of a balanced diet, physical activity and healthy daily habits. The children will also explore how to support others, respond positively to challenges and understand how kindness can benefit both ourselves and those around us.

In PE, Year 4 pupils will develop their swimming skills, while Year 5 pupils will focus on health-related exercise and fitness. The class will also enjoy outdoor adventurous activities, including orienteering. Some pupils will have the exciting opportunity to attend the Austerfield residential, where they can develop teamwork, resilience and independence.

We look forward to sharing the children’s learning and celebrating their achievements throughout the half term!

Year 4s will be swimming every Friday morning this term and all of the class can come to school in PE kits for our active Friday.   

What is the Year 4 Multiplication Check?

The Year 4 Multiplication Check is a national assessment designed to evaluate your child's fluency in multiplication facts up to 12x12. It aims to ensure that children have a solid foundation in this essential mathematical skill. The check will consist of a series of timed online questions, during which students will be required to recall and answer multiplication facts accurately.

When will the assessment take place?

The Year 4 Multiplication Check will be conducted during June. Please ensure that your child is present and prepared on this day. We have allocated specific time slots throughout the day to minimise disruption to the regular teaching schedule and to ensure that each student has ample opportunity to perform at their best.

How can you support your child?

As parents, you play a pivotal role in preparing your child for this assessment. Here are some recommendations to support your child's multiplication skills: Practice, practice, practice: Encourage your child to practice their times tables regularly. This can be done through TTRS.

Communicate with us: If you have any concerns or questions regarding the Year 4 Multiplication Check, please feel free to get in touch with us. We are here to support you and your child.