As Geographers we will locate countries using atlases and globes, focusing on the Mediterranean. We will learn about the human and physical features of Greece. We compare different types of maps e.g. satellite images and geo-political maps. We label the changes which occurred during the Greek empire on a map.

As Historians we will be investigating the Ancient Greeks. We study the myths of Theseus and the Minotaur, King Midas and Perseus and Medusa. We study Ancient Greek culture such as the Olympics and their love of drama and find out where life would be better – Athens or Sparta. We will learn about key events throughout the ‘Golden Era’ of Ancient Greece such as the battle of Marathon and more.

As Scientists we will be investigating how to classify plants and animals using branching keys. We will visit Richmond Park to investigate the plants and animals which live there, classifying plants by observing their leaves and using a branching diagram to identify the minibeasts we find there. In states of matter, we focus on solids, liquids and gases. We study the changes of state: evaporation, condensation and solidification/freezing.

As Language Specialists we will look at a range of Ancient Greek myths and legends and identify the features of them. We study the myths of Theseus and the Minotaur, King Midas and Perseus and Medusa. We then study beasts more widely using book ‘Arthur Spiderwick’s field guide’. Using formal language, we will write a report on our beasts – thinking about their prey, habitats and how they attack and protect themselves. Our first text of the year will be Oliver and the Seawigs which is an adventurous narrative. We will be ploughing into the spelling patterns that we need to learn in year four, as well as learning the year 3 and 4 curriculum spelling list. Our English lessons will also be covering the grammar and punctuation content for our year group.

As Mathematicians we will start the year by exploring numbers up to 100,000 and become confident in ordering, comparing and rounding them. We hone our addition and subtraction skills and use a range of efficient methods in order to solve problems quickly and confidently. Later on in the term, we then apply these same skills to solve multiplication and division problems. As always, we constantly explain our answers and methods and ensure we can prove them in a variety of ways.

The Big Idea: Ancient Greece has left a significant legacy which is important for us as 2020 citizens to know about. We have an opportunity to learn about wonderful myths, amazing architecture and sculpture, pottery and social and political big ideas, such as democracy.

Across the curriculum As Athletes we will learn about the importance of keeping fit and healthy, development of and confidence in physical skills, character building. We undertake weekly fitness sessions and a ‘daily mile’ in order to keep fit and healthy.

As Musicians we will engage in and be inspire by the universal language of music, one of highest forms of creativity. As speakers of Spanish we will learn phrases and new vocabulary in a fun and engaging way by a native Spanish speaker. As Artists we will investigate and study the ancient art of Greece. We will then investigate the medium of chalk and charcoal and study value in art (light and dark). We then create our own chalk and charcoal image of a Greek column. We are inspired by ancient techniques and pieces of art.

As Computer Programmers we will be become digitally literate and be prepared as safe and active participants in a digital world. We use the program ‘Scratch’ to code and learn how to research effectively.

Year 4 Autumn Term

Fairies, Beasts and Monsters