Year 4

In Year 4, our students embark on an enriching and diverse learning journey that spans historical empires, scientific wonders, and creative expression. The curriculum is carefully designed to build on prior knowledge while introducing new concepts that challenge and inspire.

Humanities: From Ancient Empires to Modern Cities

Our historical studies transport students back to Roman Britain. They investigate the power and impact of the Roman Empire, exploring the reasons behind the invasion and the significant legacy left behind—from roads and towns to the introduction of Christianity. This learning is complemented in Geography by our "A Tale of 3 Cities" unit, where students compare the human and physical features of London, Dublin, and Rome. By using maps, atlases, and digital tools like Google Earth, they develop a deep understanding of European geography and the similarities and differences between these major capitals.

Science and the Natural World

Scientific inquiry in Year 4 focuses on understanding the complexity of life. Students learn to classify living things and their habitats, using classification keys to identify a variety of organisms in their local environment. We explore how environments can change, both naturally and through human impact, and the dangers these changes pose to living things. Other key scientific explorations include the physics of Sound, the biology of the human body, and the fundamentals of Electricity and States of Matter.

Creative and Technical Skills

The arts are a vibrant part of our Year 4 curriculum. In Art, students dive into the world of Roy Lichtenstein and Pop Art. They learn about primary color palettes, the use of Ben-Day dots for shading, and how to incorporate onomatopoeia into their own comic-strip inspired masterpieces. In DT, students apply practical skills to everything from adapting recipes to building complex pavilion structures.

Mathematics and English

Core skills are woven through every term to ensure academic fluency. In Mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on mastering multiplication tables (specifically the 3, 6, 7, and 9 times tables) and manipulating multiplicative relationships. Our English curriculum encourages children to write for various purposes—to entertain, inform, and persuade—through setting descriptions, newspaper reports, and poetry.

A Glimpse at the Year 4 Subject Map

This holistic approach ensures that our Year 4 students not only meet academic benchmarks but also grow as global citizens with a broad appreciation for the world's history, science, and culture.

year 4 curriculum overview.pdf