Year 4
English: Texts and outcomes
Autumn 1
Communication
“Lightning Speed” is a thematic unit based around the history and development of the internet and World Wide Web, with a focus on computing. It primarily looks at how computers communicate, the importance of networks, how email works and how the internet enables collaboration.
Autumn Term 2
“Three Giant Steps ” is a thematic unit based around three contrasting locations, with a key focus on geography. We will continue to develop our sense of place in the world by studying three focus places:- Dover, France and Canada (The French Connection!). We will identify the position of all three places in the world, along with climate, capital city, time zone, population and area. We will also learn about the human and physical geography of each place.
“Window on the World” is a thematic unit, based on global issues, with a key focus on geography. We begin by looking at settlements and land use, before moving on to learning about trade links. In particular, the Suez Canal as an important international trade route will be a focus. We will also learn more about extinction and endangered species, linked to captive breeding programmes.
Spring Term 1
Culture
“Cry Freedom” is a thematic unit based around slavery. It looks at the history and origins of slavery around the world, before moving on to learning about some key figures involved in the abolition of slavery. Pupils will also learn about modern-day slavery, including child labour.
Spring Term 2
“Saxon King” is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the inspirational story of Harold Godwinson. He is famous for being the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, ruling as a talented leader in peace and war. Pupils will learn, through his life story, all about his achievements and what makes him such an important historical figure.
“Viking Warrior” is a competency-based thematic unit with a history focus, telling the legendary story of Ragnar Lothbrok. He is a Viking “sea lord” who, according to his very famous saga, invaded the ancient Kingdom of Frankia and then the British Isles over 1000 years ago. He is known for wearing “hairy trousers”, which protected him on his adventures.
Summer Term 1
Conflict
"Law and Order" is a thematic unit, based on the concept of justice, with a key focus on citizenship. We will look at the importance of leadership and the meaning of democracy and its origins, before moving on to how this applies practically in communities, both school-wide, locally and nationally. We finish by recognising issues of justice, rights and responsibilities in their own setting and the wider world.
Summer Term 2
Conservation
“Picture Our Planet” is a thematic unit, with a key focus on geography. Learning is centred around three contrasting localities:- Brazil, Scotland and Fiji, and includes key facts, physical and human features, traditions and customs and an insight into how each country is tackling particular conservation issues.