Class 4 (Y5 and Y6)

Welcome to Class 4

SPRING 2026

As the older children in the school, Class 4 are truly wonderful role models. They are such a delight, they are always so polite, kind and thoughtful. We feel so proud of all that they represent. Thank you to each one of the children for their positive contributions to our school community.

Our Aim High Curriculum in Class 4.

Our English work is driven by high quality text that enables children to read, speak and write fluently so that they can communicate ideas with others with confidence now and into the future.

Our writing often begins with a high-quality text, or it can be inspired by a class visit or other curriculum areas – the inspiration is endless. We talk about the importance of grammar as a tool for conveying meaning and provide guidance and opportunity to learn grammar explicitly. We equip the children to understand the composition and structure of their writing. Creating coherent texts relies on pupils’ firm understanding of both sentence structure and paragraph organisation. The best way to model this is through high quality text by reading lots and lots at home and school.

Our whole class reading text this term is Who Let the Gods Out which is the first book in the hilarious bestselling series, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2018! Maz Evan’s touches on the life of Elliot and his meeting with the constellation Virgo with a sensitivity and understanding of the complexities that life can sometimes bring.

As always, in maths, it is about securing the fundamental skills. It is so important that the children are fluent with X Tables and rapid recall of simple number bonds it gives them a huge advantage in managing the demands of the Y5/6 curriculum.

We use the CUBES math strategy as a systematic approach to solving math word problems. The acronym C.U.B.E.S stands for:

Circle key numbers & units.
Underline the question.
Box math action words.
Evaluate the problem.
Solve the problem & check your work

It will really support the children in untangling the complexities of word problems into manageable calculations. This term we will cover topics including the following topics: Percentages, fractions, Decimals. Angels in shape and position and direction.

In science this term, we will continue to develop our skills for working scientifically thinking about how to set up comparative and fair tests. These skills will be honed and developed through the topic called properties and changes of materials. The children will learn to classify materials, describe liquid, solid, gas and demonstrate reversible and irreversible changes. It’s a great topic and very much rooted in the world around us.

In History thinking about the significance and legacy of the Ancient Greek Society frames our topic. They will consider and understand history as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day. We will consider how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.

In art and design, we will begin by thinking about the following disciplinary questions: What is art? How is art made? How is art judged? What is the purpose of art? How does design affect the lives of users? It is a great way to get children to think about their own perspective in art.

We will learn about sculpture will forge links with our History topic. We will evaluate the purpose and legacy of Ancient Greek sculpture. Then using clay as our main material, we will plan and develop ideas through drawing and other preparatory work and use different joining techniques and methods of construction. Finally, we will discuss and evaluate our own work. Using clay in sculpture is always great fun!

Music -in music we follow the Charanga Music Scheme. Each unit of Work consists of clearly sequenced lessons with planning, key learning and outcomes that support the National Curriculum. The Musical Spotlight is Composing and Chords. The children will learn that if we play three or more pitches together, we can create chords in music. Chords provide the basis for accompaniment in music. By using chords in compositions, we can create music that is really interesting. In this unit, you will create an accompaniment, and the composition extension activities will help you to learn about chords. As with each unit there is a Social Question: How Does Music Improve Our World?

Computing – The Teach Computing curriculum is structured into units that enable pupils to build on prior learning. This term we will look at Flat-File Database. This unit looks at how a flat-file database can be used to organise data in records. Pupils use tools within a database to order and answer questions about data. They create graphs and charts from their data to help solve problems. They use a real-life database to answer a question and present their work to others.

We support a worldviews approach in Religious Education. All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture, but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.

French—understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing, focused on familiar and routine matters, using their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary.

Our RSE work is embedded through CORAM SCARF materials. Coram Life Education & SCARF is the UK’s leading charity provider of PSHE and wellbeing education in primary schools.

Here is a useful link that may help support you at home:

https://www.coramlifeeducation.org.uk/family-scarf

Physical Education- this term we will explore rugby, tennis, striking and fielding, indoor athletics volleyball and dance. Teamwork and individual sports really help the children to develop a sense of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

Class Routines

Maths home learning is set on a Tuesday using the online learning platform Mathletics. It is important that children complete tasks set so that they have regular reinforcement and practise.

The children have a spelling journal where they record spelling from the statutory word lists, these will come home on a Wednesday. Please spend a little time at least 3 times a week practising and learning these spellings. I have lots of ideas that I will share with the children. However, as always, please do ask if you have any questions.

Reading five times a week is an expectation within the Carey Federation because we value and want to nurture in the children a love of reading. Please support your children’s learning by hearing them read, reading to them or discussing what they have read five times a week and initialling in their reading record. Take a look at the useful questions I have added to the children’s reading records.

It is a year 5/6 privilege to leave school on their own, once a permission form has been completed. Please appreciate, due to pupil safety being paramount, they are not permitted to walk younger siblings with them. The children are reminded regularly to return to school if their parent/carer is not in the usual meeting place.

Another exciting privilege in Class 4 is to bring their own pencil case! We provide the resources, but many of them like to bring a few of their own things too.

The children’s well-being is of the utmost importance, and we aim to create a happy, healthy environment for all. If you have any worries or questions, please do not hesitate in coming to see us.

Many thanks,

Miss J Miners (Class Teacher)