Welcome to Ash - Year 4!

Autumn Term

In science, Year 4 investigated the ‘Digestive System’.  We have previously learnt about the order of the organs and their functions, but this week we wanted to see it in action.  We used a bowl to represent the mouth and we placed different foods such as Weetabix, biscuits, banana and orange juice inside.  We used a fork to press down and cut the food just like our teeth do.  We then poured this into a plastic bag where the breaking down of food continued, this represents the stomach. 

The mushy food was fed through a leg of tights where we watched all the nutrients leave through the ‘walls’ to join the ‘bloodstream’.  Then it was onto the large intestine where more moisture was squeezed out using a paper towel.  A hole was then cut and the hard, solid food was squeezed out – just like our bodies when we get rid of waste from the anus.

This certainly was an exciting, memorable and to quote the children ‘gross’ lesson!

In history we have started our Anglo-Saxon topic. So far we have placed this period of time on a timeline and researched what life was life for an Anglo-Saxon child. Next week, we will be writing as a Roman in order to convince the Anglo-Saxons to come to Britain. We will learn about all the pull and push factors that made the Anglo-Saxons move and settle in Britain.

So far in art this term we have experimented with shade and tint using a base colour such as blue, and then adding small amounts of white and black. We have learnt that this technique is used to create 3D effects when painting.

We have also reminded ourselves of all the elements of art such as tone, colour and texture.

Our big question in R.E. is, ‘Where do Christian beliefs come from?’. So far we have explored all the Bible has to offer a reader, such as poetry, stories, advice and lessons. We designed our own Bible covers to let others know how varied this holy book is. We also discussed what we know about Christianity so far. We are hoping to learn a lot more in this unit.

On Wednesday 2nd October, Year 4 went on a school trip to West Stow Anglo Saxon Village in Bury St Edmunds. We stepped back in time and experienced what homes and dwellings were like for people in Britain 1400 years ago. We also became real life archaeologists as we handled actual artefacts and replicas of evidence found at the grounds of West Stow. We asked many questions and tried to make educated guesses about all the interesting items around us. Well done Year 4 - you made us very proud. A special thank you to the parents who accompanied us, you were such a great help on the day.

The Year 4 team.

Spring Term

On Wednesday 12th February, Year 4 enjoyed a Tudor Day. The children dressed up as Tudors- from peasants to maids and royalty. It was lovely to see them smiling enthusiastically at all of their outfits. Activities such as archery, dancing, portrait drawing, pottery and designing a banquet fit for royalty were all on the menu for the day. It was great fun- as you can see from the pictures.

The Year 4 Team

Hoodwinked

Year 4 performed a fantastic version of Robin Hood – Hoodwinked. The children sang, acted, danced and spoke superbly. It was an enjoyable show with lots of laughs from the audience. We were all so very proud of you children- well done!

Scientist visit  28.3.25

Today we had a scientist come into the school who talked about how animals and humans can adapt and change. She did some entertaining experiments including piercing a balloon with a skewer without popping it and using a catapult. The children were mesmerised by the bubble experiment, where they were able to pass a bubble to each other whilst wearing wholly gloves!

Tennis

Year 4 have been learning to play tennis with Coach Katie. She has taught us about the ready position, forehand and using two hands for a back hand. Here are some photos of us trying to keep a rally going across a net.

Baking

On Tuesday 17th June, Year 4 were busy baking biscuits again. This time they were adapting their plain biscuits to make them more flavoursome and exciting for younger children. You will not be surprised to learn that chocolate chips, icing and sprinkles were the main adaptations. We will be spending more time this week taste testing to ensure their predictions of a yummier biscuit were correct. It’s a hard life!
The Year 4 Team