Friday, 8th September 2023

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Welcome back !

The children in Year 4 have had a lovely first week! They’ve settled into the school year well and tried their best in all activities.

We are celebrating Diversity at Pope Paul School this year and the children have learnt that diversity means differences. In class, they shared what makes them unique and different and participated in acts of worship around this theme. They also created pieces of artwork inspired by ‘diversity’, which will form their first display in class.

In English, the children started their first unit of work with a focus on sentence structure. We are using Mary Howitt’s wonderful poem ‘The Spider and the Fly’ to gain understanding of characters and plot before composing short persuasive letters, an advert and later on a longer narrative piece applying understanding of conjunctions and fronted adverbials. This week, the children used role play to gain understanding of the main characters and how they change through the ‘story’.

In Maths, the class looked at Place Value and used different concrete resources such as dienes (base 10) equipment and place value counters to represent 4 digit numbers flexibly.

In RE, we started looking at our Mission Prayer from a diversity point of you, understanding how we celebrate our community and our individual gifts.

Thank you for those parents who sent in boxes of tissues; we really appreciate your donations. For some reason we never seem to have enough 🙂

Dates for your diary:

PE- Mondays and Thursdays (please make sure children come in their full PE uniform on those days)

Meet the Teacher- Tuesday, 12th September 2023 at 8.45am

Y4 assembly- Thursday, 28th September 2023

Y4 Class Mass- Wednesday, 11th October 2023

Parent Consultations- Tuesday, 17th October 2023/ Thursday, 19th October 2023

Class Trip to the Epping Forest District Museum- Thursday, 19th October 2023

Home Learning:

Children will receive their new reading records next week, with their log in details for online resources/learning platforms.

Please practice this week’s spelling words: homophones

accept-except, knot-not, peace-piece, plain-plane, weather-whether

Please log onto mathsframe (free resource but be advised it can contain ads and pop ups) and spend 15-20 mins practicing mixed multiplication tables.

https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check

 

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, 14th July 2023

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This week, the children in Year 4 used Scientific vocabulary to describe invertebrates found around the school grounds and used classification keys to name and describe them.

In RE, they further developed their understanding of the life and work of Nelson Mandela and made links with the Kingdom of Heaven and Gospel values.

Tuesday afternoon we enjoyed listening to the wonderful performance of our class musicians.

On Wednesday we went to Nicholas Breakspear School  for a Community Mass. With Year 5, we joined the Year 7s from NBS and two other Catholic primary schools for Mass followed by an exciting rounders tournament.

Thursday was D&T day for Year 4, with a whole-school focus on Building a Better World. Our task was to test and evaluate alternative, more sustainable ways to generate electricity. We tried our hands at building potato and lemon batteries with some success.

On Thursday, the class also had the chance to spend some time in their new classroom, with their new teacher Miss Donatantonio as part of Transition Day.

Thank you for all of you who came to ‘say goodbye’ to our lovely Year 4 classroom and the children’s amazing work; it has been lovely to see you and have a final few words of celebration before the end of this year.

Please, could you send in a strong tote bag next week, as we will slowly start sending books and artwork home.

Have a lovely weekend and see on Monday for our final 4 days together (Mrs McDonald finishing the week off on Friday)

Ms Varga

Please practice your spelling words from this week.- https://www.edshed.com/en-gb and update reading logs.

 

 

Friday, 7th July 2023

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This has been a short but busy week with lots of entertainment for the children in Year 4!

On Tuesday, we watched the Year 6 production of  ‘Jungle Book’, whilst on Thursday, we travelled to Hatfield House Park for our class trip.

During our visit, we found the place where the Elizabethan Oak once stood; a magnificent tree where Elizabeth was told that she is to be queen. We visited the Old Palace and its beautiful garden with a flower maze. We also walked around the ‘stable yard’ which is full of typical Tudor buildings. That allowed us to look at features of architecture from the period. We roamed around the other 3 gardens as well and inspected the sundial which is although not from the Tudor time, fascinating nonetheless. We sketched Elizabeth I’s portrait before having lunch and a bit of play time on the grounds.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see your Home Learning below:

Practice your spelling words:  Set 33- Revision Words. https://www.edshed.com/en-gb

Read and update reading log: https://readtheory.org/auth/login

Please open your assigned pod on StudyLadder and complete your activities linked to identifying, ordering and comparing angles, our current maths topic. https://www.studyladder.co.uk/

 

Friday, 30th June 2023

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Another busy week for the children in Year 4. On Monday and Tuesday, the class completed their last narrative, based on our class book Stitch Head. Their alternative endings are very entertaining; it has been a pleasure reading their imaginative stories.

On Wednesday, Year 4 took part in Sports Day, where they demonstrated real team spirit.

On Thursday, we celebrated Mass in Church focusing on two important saints, Peter and Paul.

In Science, the children learnt about the different vertebrate groups and sorted interesting animals accordingly.

In RE, the class has learnt about Nelson Mandela and linked his legacy to their understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Next week Thursday is our class trip. Please make sure you give consent on School Comms and order a school packed lunch (if needed) in advance. Since we will be walking quite a lot and use clipboards throughout our visit, please may I ask that you put packed lunches, water bottles and sun hats into a small backpack, allowing the children to have their hands free. Thank you for you support with that.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see below your Home Learning

Home Learning Due in by Tuesday, 4th July 2023
Spelling Words that are plurals with possessive

https://www.edshed.com/en-gb
Reading https://readtheory.org/

Please complete 2 activities and update reading logs.
Study Ladder https://www.studyladder.co.uk/

Complete the revision activities in your assigned pod.

 

 

Friday, 23rd June 2023

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The children in Year 4, spent considerable time planning for their big narrative based on our class book Stitch Head. The class recapped the use of expanded noun phrases, similes and metaphors, fronted adverbials and the use of conjunctions. They created a bank of powerful verbs and also planned some short dialogues to practice speech. We shall start our alternative endings on Monday, writing across 3 days, including lots of editing.

In Maths, the children completed arithmetic papers applying all 4 formal methods and revising their learning on decimal numbers and fractions.

In Science, the class started their new unit of Living things and their habitat and looked at different ways to classify animals and plants, whilst in RE they reflected on the Kingdom of Heaven and came up with an action plan to explain how to achieve their ideal worlds.

In PE, we have been practicing for Sports day and we are looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 28th June 2023. Please make sure all children have a sun hat and water bottles.

Please see your Home Learning below:

Home Learning Due in by Tuesday, 27th June 2023
Spelling Set 31- Challenge words

https://www.edshed.com/en-gb
Reading https://readtheory.org/auth/login

Please complete 2 activities and update your reading log.
Study Ladder https://www.studyladder.co.uk/

Please complete the activities in your assigned pod all centred around fast recall activities.

Friday, 16th June 2023

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This week was Healthy Eating week and the children in Year 4 partook in various activities to think about staying hydrated, consuming more fruit and vegetables, incorporating more fibre in their diet and also considering ways to reduce food waste. Throughout the week, they researched fruits and vegetables and identified which parts of the plant we actually eat. They designed a healthy meal whilst grouping their ingredients according to  food groups. They tasted 4 wholemeal items: morning cereal, tortilla, rice and wholemeal oat biscuits. They also sampled exotic fruits, evaluating not only the taste but the look, smell and texture. After creating a class database, they plotted their results on a graph. The class also had a chance to taste different infused water during the week, thinking about the importance of hydration, especially in the current heat. Thank you for all of you who kindly supported our learning by sending in fruit and veg; the children had a lovely time. It has been lovely to see them so open to new flavours and I am proud to announce we have 5 new wholemeal enthusiasts!

A huge well done to the class who sat their MTC tests this Tuesday. They worked very hard on their multiplication facts all year and tackled this rigorous exam with composure and confidence.

In English, the children used expanded noun phrases to describe characters whilst in Maths, we revised our formal written methods for the 4 calculations and consolidated long division. In RE, we deepened our understanding of Matthew’s parables further whilst in Art the children looked at artists from the 1960s to understanding how abstract art creates effect. In PE, we practiced our running and throwing skills when completing sprints, javelin throwing long jumping and obstacle drills.

A quick reminder that next Friday (23rd June) is non-uniform day in return for a hamper item (bottles, chocolates, raffle prizes, etc).

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see below your Home Learning:

Home Learning Due in by Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Spelling Words with the prefix ‘bi-’ meaning ‘two’

https://www.edshed.com/en-gb
Reading https://readtheory.org/auth/login

Please complete 2 activities and update reading log
Study Ladder https://www.studyladder.co.uk/

Please complete the activities in your assigned pod, all Maths revision tasks.

Friday, 9th June 2023

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The children in Year 4, this week moved on to the formal written method for division, practicing the ‘long’ division layout in Maths, whilst in English, they used expanded noun phrases, similes and metaphors to describe Castle Groteskew, our setting.

In computing, they have applied their understanding of count -controlled loops to draw shapes, changing and debugging code in their Logo interface.

In RE, the class looked at Matthew’s parables and wrote explanatory paragraphs about their deeper meaning. It has also been a privilege to walk with them behind the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday. Their reverent and prayerful attitude gave real depth to this special celebration.

On Wednesday, whilst the choir went for their rehearsal, the rest of the class created amazing posters and boards for this weekend’s Potters Bar Carnival, where our school will have a ‘Fairtrade’ themed float. Please support our school community if you can and join in with the fun!

A huge well done also to the choir, who performed beautifully on Wednesday evening in the Wyllyotts.

Finally, a few events coming up:

The Multiplication Table Check (government) test will take place next week Monday and Tuesday (12th, 13th June 2023). On Monday the children will partake in the website’s ‘practice’ test, enabling them to have a feel for the layout and pace, preparing them for the actual test on Tuesday. The children will complete the test in groups of 5 in a quiet room supervised by myself, using iPads. The website generates separate sets for each child, therefore they will all have different questions. The test asks the children to complete 25 questions with a time limit of 6 seconds/question. Results will come once the government site closes and the responses are marked. We will give feedback, via the children’s summer reports.

The Year 4 summer term class trip will take place on Thursday, 6th July 2023. The class will visit the parks of Hatfield House, with a history focus on the Tudors. We will tour the gardens and look at the main building from the outside whilst learning about historical events and characters linked to the location. The children will have a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors (hopefully under the sun). The class will travel by train to Hatfield before walking the short distance to the park entrance. They will return to school for a normal pickup. A letter detailing the costs will follow next week.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see your Home Learning below:

Spelling- Words with the prefixes ‘super-’, ‘anti-’ and ‘auto-’

https://www.edshed.com/en-gb

Reading- https://readtheory.org/auth/login Please complete 2 activities and update reading logs.

Multiplication- https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check Please spend time practicing your facts, ready for Tuesday’s MTC test.

 

Friday, 26th May 2023

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This week, we came together as a community to celebrate Pentecost and the Crowning of Mary. Thank you to all the families who supported and shared in our celebrations this week.

In Maths, the children consolidated their understanding of the formal written method for multiplication through problem solving and reasoning, whilst in English, they have used visual sources to make notes (based on our class book, Stitch Head by Guy Bass).

In Science, they built simple series circuits and later used those to evaluate and fix ‘broken’ circuits, applying their understanding of a full loop.

In Art, the class used clay to mould Tudor Roses and painted them once they were dry.

In Tennis, the children carried on working on their serves and played short rallies afterwards.

We completed the already busy week with a beautiful whole school Mass on Friday, followed by a shared ‘Golden Time’ outside!

I wish all of you a restful and healthy half term holiday,

Ms Varga

 

Choir – POTSMA Concert words to learn

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SAILING

 

I am sailing, I am sailing, home again ‘cross the sea, I am sailing stormy waters to be near you, to be free

I am flying, I am flying like a bird, ‘cross the sky, I am flying, passing high clouds to be near you, to be free.

Can you hear me, can you hear me, thro’ the dark night far away? I am dying, for ever trying to be with you, who can say?

We are sailing, we are sailing home again ‘cross the sea, We are sailing stormy waters to be near you, to be free. To be near you, to be free.

 

WELLERMAN

There once was a ship that put to sea, The name of that ship was the Billy o’ Tea

The winds blew hard, her bow dipped down

Blow, me bully boys, blow (huh)

 

Soon may the Wellerman come to bring us sugar and tea and rum

One day, when the tonguin’ is done we’ll take our leave and go

 

She had not been two weeks from shore

When down on her, a right whale bore

The captain called all hands and swore

He’d take that whale in tow (huh) Chorus

 

No line was cut, no whale was freed

The captain’s mind was not on greed

But he belonged to the Wellerman’s creed

She took that ship in tow (huh) Chorus

 

As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on

The line’s not cut, and the whale’s not gone

The Wellerman makes his regular call

Blow, me bully boys, blow (huh) Chorus

 

BIG BAD LAD OF THE OCEAN

I come from a very old family. (Family) For millions of years we’ve been at sea. (Been at sea.)

We’ve been accused, maligned and abused.

But they’ll never get the better of me. (Of me.)

 

‘Cos I’m the big bad lad of the ocean, I’m the mean machine of the sea.

You never know which way I’ll go, so don’t get too close to me.

I never show my emotions, I’m the coldest fish in the sea.

You never know which way I’ll go, so don’t get too close to me.

 

The whole of my life I can never sleep. (Never sleep.)

Patrolling the ocean all alone. (All alone.)

The day that I stop is the day that I drop

To the bottom of the sea like a stone. (Like a stone.) Chorus.

 

Big bad lad of the sea. (That’s me.)

 

SEAGULL

Seagull, seagull, sit on the shore, sit on the shore, sit on the shore.

Seagull, seagull, sit on the shore and sail on my Santy Anna.

 

Penguin –swim in the sea

Puffin –fly in the sky

Skua –follow the ship

 

PIRATES

The pirate ship is coming, We know it’s on its way,

The pirate ship is coming, We’ve seen it in the bay.

 

A skull and crossbones on the mast, A wild and noisy crew:

The pirate ship is coming And it’s after me and you!

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum, pirates like to have their fun!

Yo-ho-ho on the‘Salty Breeze’as they sail the seven seas.

 

The captain wears an eye-patch, A cutlass in his hand,

And on the bridge beside him, His faithful pirates stand. Chorus

 

They’re seeking gold and silver And jewels of ev’ry kind,

They’ll board each sailing vessel And take what they can find. Chorus

 

BEYOND THE SEA

Somewhere beyond the sea, somewhere waiting for me

My lover stands on golden sands, and watches the ships that go sailing

Somewhere beyond the sea, she’s there watching for me

If I could fly like birds on high, then straight to her arms, I’d go sailing

 

It’s far beyond a star, It’s near beyond the moon

I know beyond a doubt, my heart will lead me there soon

We’ll meet beyond the shore, we’ll kiss just as before

Happy we’ll be beyond the sea, and never again, I’ll go sailing

 

I know beyond a doubt, my heart will lead me there soon

We’ll meet beyond the shore, we’ll kiss just as before

Happy we’ll be beyond the sea, and never again, I’ll go sailing

 

SURFIN’ USA

UNDER THE SEA

The seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s lake.

You dream about going up there, but that is a big mistake.

Just look at the world around you

Right here on the ocean floor,

Such wonderful things surround you

What more is you lookin’ for?

 

Under the sea, under the sea

Darling it’s better down where it’s wetter, take it from me.

Up on the shore they work all day,

Out in the sun they slave away.

While we devotin’ full time to floatin’ under the sea.

 

Down here all the fish is happy as off through the waves they roll.

The fish on the land ain’t happy, they sad ’cause they in their bowl.

But fish in the bowl is lucky, they in for a worser fate.

One day when the boss get hungry, guess who’s gon’ be on the plate?

 

Under the sea, under the sea. Nobody beat us, fry us and eat us in fricassee.

We what the land folks loves to cook, under the sea we off the hook.

We got no troubles, life is the bubbles under the sea.

 

Each little clam here know how to jam here under the sea.

Each little snail here know how to wail here.

That’s why it’s hotter under the water.

Ya, we in luck here, down in the muck here under the sea.

 

Friday, 19th May 2023

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This week, the children in Year 4 celebrated  ‘Spirituality week’, focusing on our daily journeys with Jesus. On Monday, the class wrote a prayer for our prayer partners in Year 1. Later, we met in the Peace Garden and read our prayers to each other. On Tuesday, we looked at prayer and completed an activity titled, ‘praying in colours’ thinking of different titles we have for Jesus . On Wednesday, we went on a nature walk to appreciate God’s Creation. On Thursday, we walked to Church to celebrate Mass and then walked through the peace garden at church. In the afternoon, the children took part in some prayer stations led by the Year 5 children.

In Maths, the children moved on from their fraction learning to formal written multiplication. They revised mental strategies and known facts before moving onto the procedure, aligning their place value correctly.

In English, the class have written their final explanation texts, using causal conjunctions and fronted adverbials, sequencing their explanation logically. They have edited them and written them up in the neatest before adding their labelled diagrams.

In PE, we looked at serve this week and carried on practicing different hits.

In D&T, the children used fireproof lantern paper to start creating their electric bedside-lanterns. They incorporated different techniques and lines to  create a really imaginative and personal pattern. We will start building our circuits and switches next week, to complete the design.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

See your Home Learning below:

Home Learning Due in by Tuesday, 23rd May 2023
Spelling https://www.edshed.com/en-gb

Words containing ‘sol’ and ‘real’- set 27
Reading https://readtheory.org/auth/login

Complete 2 activities and update your reading logs.
Multiplication https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check

Please spend 15-20 mins practicing your mixed facts.
Maths Please open the attached documents and practice your written multiplication method. (answers included)

Multiplying-2-digit-numbers-by-1-digit-numbers-worksheets

Multiplying-3-digit-numbers-by-1-digit-numbers-worksheet