Autumn 1 2025
Design and Technology
Firstly, we looked at different types of torches considering what they were used for, by whom and what features they had in common and why.
Next, we looked at the internal workings of a torch and using our knowledge of electrical circuits and insulators we constructed a simple circuit with a switch and considered how this could be added and used to our own torch designs.
Then we looked at different materials that could be used as casing for our torch design. We considered the properties of the casing such as weight, waterproofing and malleability.
After that, we decided on our design and making teams and we set about designing a torch for an explorer considering our previous learning. Our design hand to include a switch.
Then we worked together to make and evaluate our torch.
RE
During our RE sessions, we have explored how different faiths and those with no faith consider life to be like a journey. We began by identifying what we mean by the term “milestones” and then drew the journey of our life so far and the mile stones we’ve already reached.
Then, we considered the milestones of birth and marriage. We explored how Christians, Hindus and Muslims celebrate these different milestones. We discussed our own personal experiences as well as identifying similarities and differences between them. We also discussed what people with no religious faith, such as Humanists, might do.
Finally, we considered the end of life and how life is commemorated in different ways and different beliefs about the afterlife. We then considered our own reflections on this area.
Geography
In Geography, we considered The Big Question: Would we prefer to live in the Arctic or Antarctic and why?
We began by locating the Polar regions on a map and globe and using pictures and videos we discussed what it might be like living there. Then, we compared the Arctic and Antarctic biomes (population, plants, animals, climate, land). Next, we considered how these regions have changed over time before developing our geographical skills by naming and using the 8 points on a compass and locating places on a map using 4 figure grid references. Finally, we had enough information to answer our Big Question.
Music
In Music throughout this year, we will be learning to play the guitar. This work has begun by learning how to hold a guitar correctly for both playing and resting. We have also learnt the names of the strings and learned different accompaniments to songs such as Get Back by the Beatles. During our sessions we have also learnt about the pulse and rhythm of a piece of music as well as singing different songs.
English
In our writing sessions, we were inspired by Polar explorers especially Ernest Shackleton and Matthew Henson. We used drama and reading first, and then read second-hand accounts of their explorations and achievements. We then wrote in character, firstly as a crew member on Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to the Antarctic expedition, which resulted in on of the greatest rescue missions of all time. Finally, we wrote diary entries imagining we were on Matthew Henson expedition to the Arctic. To relate to their experience, we used drama to act out the stories of both Shackleton and Henson.
In reading, we have read different types of text to continue developing our reading skills such as inference and vocabulary. We particularly enjoyed reading (and singing) A Spoonful of Sugar and developing an understanding Louise Bourgeois and her sculptures by reading Cloth Lullaby, a story about her life.
Computing
In Computing, we combined creative thinking with our developing computer skills to edit photos by cropping, changing colour, cloning and combining. Mr Berry challenged year 4 to edit and improve his holiday photos!
Children cropped and recoloured photos of the Eiffel Tower twinkling.
Then we challenged ourselves by combing images to create unique and surprising scenes!
Summer 2025
Our main topic this term has been History based, learning about Ancient Egypt. We have learnt about hieroglyphic writing and done some ourselves. We have learnt about pyramids and mummification. We have looked at the importance of the River Nile and all the different ways in which it was used.
In Science, our topic has been animals and humans. We have learnt about teeth and how to look after them. We have compared the teeth of different animals and worked out why then need different teeth. We have learnt about the digestive system and food chains of different animals
In art, we have looked at the work of William Morris. We have looked at patterns in nature and used these ideas to design our printing. We have practiced foils prints, tile prints and string prints.
In DT, we have looked at bread from around the world and how it is made. We tasted lots of bread and then we made our own bread, which was so tasty!
In RE, we have learnt about the Hindu religion. We have learnt about the different gods within the Hindu religions and how they are worshipped at a shrine at home and in a Mandir. We have learnt about Hindu celebrations and compared them to celebrations of our own.
Summer 2025
