Welcome to Owls Class - Year 4
Welcome to the exciting world of Year 4 – Owls Class!
This page is full of useful information about what we’ll be learning and enjoying in Year 4. As part of Lower Key Stage 2, children continue to grow in independence, build on key skills, and begin to explore topics in greater depth across the curriculum.
Each term, we’ll upload curriculum maps so you can see what your child will be learning and how you can support them at home. You’ll also find links to recommended reading lists and helpful guides for TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed.
If you weren’t able to attend our “Meet the Teacher” session, don’t worry – all the key information can be found further down the page.
Owls Class is a welcoming, enthusiastic and supportive environment where every child is encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy their learning journey. We’re looking forward to a brilliant year of curiosity, creativity and progress together!
Useful Info
Year 4 is an exciting year full of growing confidence, independence, and curiosity. In Year 4, children will:
Discover engaging topics in science (sound, electricity, animals including humans), history (Romans, Anglo-Saxons and World War II) and geography (rivers)
Read a wide range of high-quality books to build fluency, deepen comprehension, and spark imagination
Develop their writing with clear structure, interesting vocabulary, and accurate grammar, using The Write Stuff approach
Tackle new mathematical challenges including times tables up to 12×12, fractions, decimals, and problem-solving using the White Rose programme
Carry out hands-on science investigations and begin to ask thoughtful questions about the world around them
Think about values, beliefs, and big ideas in RE and PSHE
Grow in confidence through class discussions, presentations and Collective Worship
Take part in enrichment opportunities such as school trips, workshops, and outdoor learning
At St Katharine’s, we guide children through their learning journey with Christian values at the heart – encouraging them to be kind, resilient, and respectful. By the end of Year 4, children are becoming thoughtful, enthusiastic learners, ready for the next step in Key Stage 2.
Curriculum
We create Year 4 curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year. We always aim to go above and beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum, details of which can be found here.
Assessment
In Year 4, we use assessment as a tool to support learning, not just measure it. Our approach ensures that children feel encouraged and challenged, while helping teachers tailor lessons to suit individual needs.
Types of Assessment:
- Informal Assessments – these happen every day through marking, feedback, questioning and observation during lessons.
- Times Tables Checks – we continue to build fluency in multiplication facts and each week there is a low-stakes test, individually tailored to each child’s current attainment, in addition, there is the statutory MTC (Multiplication Tables Check) that takes place in school in June.
- Spelling Tests – spellings will be set each week, in line with the national curriculum, on Spelling Shed. Children will be tested weekly (sometimes in dictation sentences).
- Foundation Subjects – teachers assess knowledge and skills in subjects like science, history and RE using practical tasks, quizzes and discussion.
- GL tests In Year 4 children take the online GL New Group Reading Test twice a year – in the autumn and spring. In May they will take online GL tests in Cognitive Ability (CATs) and Progress Tests in English (PTE), maths (PTM) and science (PTS).
- Maths – children will take paper tests during the year at the class teacher’s discretion to help identify gaps and areas for additional support and teaching.
How We Share Progress:
- Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring to discuss how your child is progressing and how you can support at home.
- Written Report –an end-of-year report is provided in July, summarising academic progress and personal development.
- Open Communication – we’re always happy to talk if you have questions about your child’s progress. Please contact your class teacher in the first instance either directly via their email or through the office.
Assessment at St Katharine’s is rooted in our Christian ethos – it’s not about comparing children, but helping every child discover and grow their God-given potential.
Homework
Homework in Year 4 is set on Teams, TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed
Daily reading – ideally to an adult (5 x 10 mins)
Spellings (10 mins spread across the week)
Reading comprehension or maths task (20 mins)
TT Rock Stars – 3 times per week (minimum 3 x 3 mins)
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year 4 Books for Topics – Recommended Reads
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Meet the Teacher
We get up to so much in Owls Class!
Curriculum Maps
Class Activities Gallery
Take a look at our fun activities and events. This gallery showcases the joyful moments and learning experiences in the Owls class.
Join Owls Class Today!
We have space in our Year 4 class. If you’re thinking about moving your child to our school for any reason, please get in touch.