Good afternoon everyone,
To say it has been a cold week would be an understatement — but perhaps I’ve simply become too used to the warm weather we enjoyed for most of the year! I hope you have all had a lovely week, and it was wonderful to see so many of you at our Year 4 class assembly this morning. The children put an enormous amount of effort into both their learning and the assembly itself, and it meant a great deal to them to be able to share their hard work with you.
Alongside rehearsing our play this week, the children have continued reading The Iron Man and have been reflecting thoughtfully on the story so far. In English, they have also been writing their own narratives from Hogarth’s perspective, using expanded noun phrases to bring events and emotions to life. It has been lovely to see how their vocabulary and confidence in descriptive writing are developing.
In maths, we have been focusing on the 7, 11 and 12 times tables, as well as the related division facts. The children have been exploring patterns within these tables — for example, recognising how the 11 times table builds on place value knowledge, or how doubling and halving strategies can support their understanding of the 12 times table. We have also been working on applying these facts in problem-solving contexts, helping the children to build fluency and recall through games, quizzes and rapid-fire challenges. Any extra practice at home makes a big difference, especially with the multiplication check later in the year.
Our PSHE topic, Celebrating Differences, has led to some especially thoughtful discussions. This week we explored the idea of making assumptions about others — how quickly it can happen, and how it can affect people’s feelings and relationships. The children examined case studies involving misunderstandings or unfair judgements and worked together to suggest kind, practical solutions. It was wonderful to see them showing empathy and considering how to create inclusive, supportive environments both in and out of school.
In computing, we began our new topic, Audio Production. The children learnt about a range of input and output devices we use every day, such as microphones, speakers, tablets and headsets, and how these allow us to record and play back sound. They then had the opportunity to experiment with a recording program, practising simple audio captures and beginning to understand how digital sound can be created and edited.
We were also very fortunate to welcome an officer from Hertfordshire Police’s Cybercrime Team. They spoke to the children about staying safe online in all the different ways children use technology today — whether gaming, browsing the internet, watching videos or communicating with others. The session was engaging, practical and extremely valuable, and the children asked excellent questions.
On Thursday morning, we had a lovely visit to Christ Church, where the children took part in a variety of workshops linked to symbols and pilgrimage. They engaged brilliantly, and the activities helped them deepen their understanding of key themes in RE — you’ll be able to see some of this in the photos below.
Next week is, of course, only a four-day week at Little Heath as we will be closed on Friday… and before we know it, Christmas will be here! It may already have arrived for those who have put their decorations up!
Enjoy your weekends.
Mr Chanter
