Year 4 had yet another busy week.

In English, the children placed their last Roman myth into context looking at artifacts and maps to gain a deep understanding about the characters and settings. Later in the week, they used that myth to plan their own version upon. The children came up with brilliant ideas and are ready to write their narrative on Monday. In Maths, we have finished conversion of measurements with a practical comparing and ordering lesson before moving on to properties of 2D shapes using precise mathematical language. In Science, they investigated the melting points of different substances, collecting data of temperature in degrees Celsius and time.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Candlemas, Jesus’ presentation in the Temple and created paper lanterns using flame resistant paper bags and scented candles. The children wrote beautiful prayers showing gratitude for qualities that make them ‘Lights in the World’. In Swimming on Wednesday, all pupils were invited to swim lengths in the large pool and they all did very well. In PE, we also worked on our group balances before using apparatus to travel across the floor. In RE, the class reflected once more on where to find God in our words, actions and symbols. In History, they argued about the credibility of primary and secondary sources whilst learning about Boudicca, the ‘Celtic Queen’.

Thank you for facilitating the children to logon to TTRockstars and creating their avatars. They sounded excited about the new resource!

Have a lovely and safe weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see your Home Learning below:

The children in Year 4 had a fantastic week following the theme of Other Faith Week, Hinduism. On Monday, the class visited the Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford experiencing the Hindu way of life first hand. They had the opportunity to visit the stables, ride on a cart pulled by 2 of the newest oxen on the farm. They fed the cows and later visited the green houses, the meditational pond and the George Harrison memorial gardens. Following the outside tour, the children listened to a presentation explaining the main beliefs of Hinduism and dressed up as Gods and Goddesses. Soon after, we looked around the main buildings, dressing up in more casual every day saris and turbans and participated in one of the daily services. The children were then invited to eat a hearty and healthy lunch of curry, rice, chips and flat bread with a cup of orange juice, all cooked on site using ingredients the community grows on the farm. After lunch, the class took part in face painting where they received traditional symbols of fire, flames, flowers and snakes. The children had a lovely time and their impeccable behaviour was complimented on throughout the trip.

Later during the week, we learnt a little bit more about the main beliefs of Hinduism, the origins of this religion and its most important Gods and Goddesses. In Maths, we finished our learning of measurements, extending it towards weight, capacity and time. In English, the children used comic strips to retell the main events of the Aeneas and the adventures of the underworld myths focusing on single and multi clause sentences. In Science, they investigated gases and answered questions such as what would happen to gases if they are heated or if it is possible to make gases by combining liquids and solids. In History, they looked and the effects of the Roman invasion on religion in Britain, whilst in French, they made links between body parts and movements.

Thank you for all of you who sent in plastic bottles for our design and technology project. If you haven’t, you still have time until Tuesday morning, as we shall start creating the base shell early next week.

Have a lovely and safe weekend,

Ms Varga

Please see your Home Learning below:

The children in Year 4 had yet another busy week. In English, they used role play to get into character and based on well-known Roman myths, such as the story of Diana and Orion or Aeneas and Jupiter, wrote diary entries and descriptive paragraphs using figurative language (metaphors, personification and similes). In Maths, the class moved on to converting units of length building on their understanding of how to make whole and decimal numbers 10, 100 times larger and smaller. The children used practical resources like place value sliders, classroom rulers and metre sticks to investigate length.

In Science, the children set up a series of fair tests to investigate the speed different liquids move at. They very much enjoyed this hands on task! They then created a data set of class average and plotted their data on a graph. Really impressive learning!

In History, they used e-books to research continuity in food and nutrition. They wrote in-depth explanations how food and eating changed during the Roman invasion and what similarities and differences they noticed between Celtic and Roman times. The class searched for the presence of God, exploring the meaning of the phrase: ‘Bidden or not bidden, God is present’ in RE, whilst in French they studied the names of basic body parts and sang a French equivalent of ‘Heads, shoulders, knees…’ In computing, they learnt about computing networks. The class also experimented with mosaic designs and started an art project creating a mosaic using paper tiles.

Next Monday, the class will visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor as part of our ‘Other Faith Week’. Just to reiterate some of the information that was sent home earlier this week:

• Children need to wear their winter school uniform (no PE kits)
• Girls must wear trousers (this can be their grey school uniform or a dark coloured tracksuit bottom. NO jeans, please)
• Children will receive a hot meal at lunch time (very mild curry, plain rice, potato chips, orange juice and biscuit. All vegetarian (not vegan) and nut free). Unless the children have particular allergies that the school was notified about, they will eat the meal offered in the lunch hall. Please do not send in home packed lunches, as they are not allowed on site.

I am sure the class will very much enjoy this trip. Over the years, this beautiful place of worship offered a most comprehensive and exciting visit with opportunities to dress up, participate in face painting, visit the stables, etc.

Have a safe and lovely weekend,

Ms Varga

Please your Home Learning below:

Please also see our whole school RE learning for the week:

220121 Whole-school RE learning letter – Hinduism

We have had a busy and an exciting week!

The highlight of our week was going swimming. The children were excited to get on the coach. At the swimming pool, the children were quickly put into groups. In PE the children learnt a dance called Pat a Cake Polka. They were fantastic! Then they taught the dance to Mrs Heymoz and Mrs Lines.

In Maths, we have continued to develop mental strategies when adding. The children have learnt to use think 10, compensation, finding complements and reordering.

In English, we have been reading The Finger-Eater By Dick King Smith. The children have loved the exciting adventures and have been describing the characters and writing predictions. We have been focusing on using evidence from the text to support our writing. If you have books written by Dick King- Smith at home, please read them.

In Art, we began our topic on collaging. We used tissue paper to make a flower. In Science, we observed rocks and sorted them in groups according to their appearance. Next week we will be learning about the different types of rocks.

On Monday 24^th January we are going on a trip to the Bhaktivedanta Manor Hindu Temple. I would like 3 adult helpers please. On Tuesday 8^th February, we are going to Celtic Harmony, I would like 2 adult helpers please. Both trips are for the whole day.

Home Learning

Spellings – login to spelling frame and complete the activities.

telephone, telegraph, television, telescope, telephoto, teleport, subway, submarine, submerge, subsection, subterranean, substandard

Complete 2 read theory activities

Science- There are 3 different types of rocks. Please research to find the three names and a definition for each one. Make a poster with the name, a picture (drawn or stuck on) and information about that type of rock. Please bring this into school by Tuesday so the children can use it in their learning.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Carey