The children in FS have had a wonderful morning in our very own Forest School. They were managing risks, finding places to climb and using some wonderful imagination as they played.
They even carried on some Art learning – using wax crayons to do some nature rubbings. They used lovely language such as ‘bumpy,’ ‘rough,’ ‘smooth,’ and hard,’ to describe texture. What a fun morning they had!
A warm welcome to both Year 4 and parents alike! I am very much looking forward to a term full of joyful learning. The children will have many opportunities for learning in the classroom and beyond in the next few months running up to Christmas. So far the children have been a joy to work with and I have every confidence the Autumn term will be a chance to create memories and learn skills that will stay with them as they move through school. This year’s annual theme at BRW is ‘The Treasure Within’ (Matthew 6:21). The children are encouraged to think about what they value most as this is what our hearts are drawn to and what we treasure will become our life’s focus. This year and beyond, we will focus on our spiritual treasure within: our own qualities and the qualities of others.
In RE, the children’s first topic will be ‘Creation and Covenant’, with a focus on our big question ‘Why is Abraham seen as a model of prayer?’. This will encourage us to explore the historical context of Abraham and the cultural and religious context out of which he was called. By the end of the topic the children will be reflecting on the challenges and blessings Abraham experienced and how their faith played a part in how they reacted as well as reflecting on how faith and love can help them to be a good neighbour. After this we will be looking at our second topic ‘Prophecy and Promise’.
In English we will be delving into Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’, with opportunities for exploring techniques for describing villains in stories and writing in the style of the author. We will continue to expand our vocabulary and navigate language through spellings and learning new words regularly. The children will also be writing descriptive poetry about the witches from the book! We will also be exploring ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ later in the term.
Mathematics will see us focused this term on Place Value, Addition, Subtraction and fluency with numbers. In the lead up to Christmas, we will move on to Multiplication and Division. All units will provide problem solving opportunities and encourage children to use mathematical language to explain their answers both verbally and through their written work.
Our first History topic will focus on the Indus Valley. We will be looking at who the Indus Valley Civilisation were, who discovered it and finishing off the unit with understanding how it impacted the world we know today.
In Geography, we will be looking at mountains both in the UK and across the world. We will be learning about how they’re formed, how they can affect the weather. The topic will be finished by directly comparing the mountains in the UK with the Himalayas and the impact they have on the economy.
In Science, we will be learning all about Electricity. We will be working scientifically to understand how we get our electricity. We will be using our knowledge of electricity, circuits and DT skills to make some creative torches.
In PE, the children have brilliant opportunities this term for varied and beneficial learning. Year 4 will have Basketball, Multi-sports and fundamentals. The children will learn essential skills in fundamentals that will inform their approach and expand their skill set in future PE units. PE days are currently on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
In French lessons, children will be learning language skills relating to food (which is always useful!), family and friends.
How you can help:
You can check homework reminders, which will be shared in children’s diaries on a weekly basis, starting this Friday. Homework will aim to consolidate learning in class and also provide opportunities for project work with a view to display and celebrate creations throughout the year! There will be reading, spellings, Times Table Rock Stars and Maths/English homework every week. Please use the green Homework diary to record daily reading with your child and to communicate with school about any queries. These must be brought into school every day.
The children will receive logins for Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots and can use Mathletics alongside this to practise their times tables. Encouraging regular use of these will help your children master recall of their times tables facts up to 12×12. To support your child in the lead up to the times table test in May, it is vital they practise their times tables up to 12×12 for 5 minutes each day.
Support your children in ensuring they are engaging in their expected daily home reading during the week and ask them questions about what they are reading to support their understanding of the text.
Correct PE kits are needed in school every day (black shorts, white t-shirt and black trainers or plimsolls). During colder weather, children can wear a dark-coloured tracksuit over their kit. Your child also need a painting apron/old shirt in school to protect their uniform during art and DT lessons. This should remain on their peg in their bag all week.
Please check the Year 4 web page on the school website for updates. We’re also on Facebook and X @BRWSchool.
If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to speak to me!
Thank you for all of your support already!
Miss Lawler
Over the last two weeks, the Forest School children have been making maps to show the way from school to our base, picking up litter to protect the animals in the wood, climbing trees, playing hide and seek, finding sticks and having so much fun together – phew!
Year 3 went on a short pilgrimage to Corpus Christi at the end of the week. We celebrated our Jubilee Year of Hope by visiting our parish church and finding out more about the signs and symbols there. The children loved having a chance to properly explore and look at in detail at everything. They also had the opportunity to stop and say a prayer in Our Lady’s Chapel. Brother John kindly explained and answered their questions.
Years 3 and 4 visited Bestwood Education Centre this week, and were met by Queen Boudica herself!
Our first task was to build catapults to knock down the Roman archway the children had also built. This proved to be hard, thirsty work, but they succeeded! The children also enjoyed putting on actual armour and practising their marching skills. They were quick to learn the shield formations and made an impressive sight to anyone passing.
All in all, it was a very immersive experience and really brought to life all our learning this term. The children wowed us with their knowledge, and I think even Queen Boudica was impressed, not an easy task, as she hates the Romans!
A big thank you to the staff at Bestwood for a great day, and also to our parent helpers who we couldn’t go on visits without! They were amazing with their catapult building skills, THANK-YOU from Year 3!
The children enjoyed a lovely icy treat on a hot sunny afternoon! A great big THANK YOU! They really enjoyed them!
As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope celebrations, Year 6 embarked on a special pilgrimage to St Barnabas Cathedral in Nottingham. The day began with a visit to the Mary Potter Heritage Centre, where pupils learned about the inspiring life of Blessed Mary Potter, a nun who dedicated her life to caring for the sick and the poor. She founded the Little Company of Mary in Nottingham, and her legacy of compassion and faith continues to inspire many today. After exploring the museum, the children were given a guided tour of the beautiful cathedral, discovering its rich history and sacred spaces. The pilgrimage concluded with the privilege of attending Mass, where pupils joined in prayer and reflection, deepening their understanding of faith and the importance of hope in their own lives.
Last week, Year 5 and 6 wowed everyone with their brilliant performance of The Lion King musical. Their singing was powerful, the dancing was full of energy, and every student showed incredible confidence on stage. It was clear they had worked so hard learning their lines and developing their acting skills. The whole production was a joy to watch – a true celebration of their talent and teamwork!
The Foundation Children have really enjoyed using all the new outdoor musical equipment that has been bought with the money raised this year – they have been playing the instruments, singing and dancing! Keep your eyes peeled for future stars!
On Friday some of the Rainbow Fish wanted to put on a talent show for some of their friends! They were some amazing performances – from jokes, to dances and even some singing! They also had their very own judging panel!
