Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 21st March "Collaboration is the essence of life."

We cannot express how proud we are of the children this week! What a performance - full of energy, teamwork, sparkle and fun. I know they have worked so hard over the last few weeks to get better and better and children have come to me to tell me how their confidence has improved in this process. It teaches them they can overcome nerves, they can do anything they put their mind to! They have developed a dear love of Shakespeare to boot. They fully deserve their trip to Gawthorpe Hall to find out more about the Bard on Monday! I am one proud teacher!

It is an exciting time for Year 4. They have had their final session to prepare for Reconciliation and they are ready. In RE this week, children learned about Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

In History this week, we have used sources of evidence to discover whose was the Anglo-Saxon grave at Sutton Hoo. There is a fascinating film about this called, ‘The Dig.’

Maths has seen us review our knowledge of Fractions. We have nearly completed all our times tables facts now - very nearly there!

Conversation starters

Reconciliation

In your life, when have you made bad choices? What would you like to say sorry to God for? How could you put it right with others? Spend some time reflecting on this before Tuesday. Remember, we are all human and make wrong choices sometimes. God is a loving Father, ready to forgive.

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Mia-Grace. Another double whammy certificate of Bobby Bee and Sadie Spider! You are so positive about your lessons and you are enjoying working hard at school.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Alice receives the star for being so grateful towards others and for spreading positivity to all around her.

Notices

Monday 24th March Gawthorpe hall trip - EARLY START 8:20 at school

Tuesday 25th March - Reconciliation in church. Please come in full school uniform (no PE kits) for 5:45. Children will sit at the front with their peers. This is always a special, calm event.

Wednesday 9th April - Our class assembly at 9:15am

Well done to all your beautiful children! Have a restful weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Shakespeare playmaking Thursday 20th March

We are all very excited and ready! Please ensure the following:

• Children are dropped of at 8:30am prompt on Thursday morning in uniform - they need to get dressed before getting on the coach at 8:45

• Children have some kind of black shoes either in their costume bag or to wear on the day - this can be modern shoes, pumps, trainers or school shoes. Best not to have any white on the shoes.

• They have water bottles

• They have a rucksack with any colouring, drawing equipment

• They have apacked lunch from you or Jackie

• You pick them up and drop them off at the times stated at M&S FRONT door. Please look at the allocated adult for your child on the form below.

  We will see you there!

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 14th March "If God can work through me, He can work through anyone." St Francis of Assisi

There has been a lot of deep thinking in our class this week. In our RE sessions we have been thinking about works of mercy. These are acts that we do because we are Christian such as helping others, forgiving, being grateful and saying sorry. We have also reflected on our gospel for the forthcoming Sunday about the Transfiguration and how this encourages us to have faith in Jesus. We sung, ‘Make me a channel of your peace,’ and discussed how the words show we strive to be a vessel of Jesus - encouraging others and bringing hope.

We have been working so hard on the opening and finale of our Shakespeare. We had a director visit on Monday to give it the ‘ok!’ You are in for a real treat and it is great to see all children’s confidence grow. In maths we have focused on divisibility rules for 3, 6 and 9. We are loving our Brer Rabbit folk tales in English.

In History, we have invented our Anglo-Saxon society which the children have named Riverton. We have learned about the way of life of this civilisation and how they supported each other in their mini communities.

Conversation starters

History

What was an Anglo-Saxon village like? How did the families live?

My Happy mind

How can you be a channel of peace, encouraging others?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Rodnie. Another double whammy certificate of Lizzie Ladybird and Cooper Crab! You improve every time you do something! You are so attentive and focused in lessons. Thank you!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Bea receives the star for being so generous with her love. You are always so olite and you are a caring, beautiful person.

Notices

Tuesday 18th March - Third Reconciliation session 3:30-4:20 just for children this week. Please complete Making things Right booklet up to p28

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March EARLY START - 8:30am at school

Children can come in their PE kit on Thursday. They will need their school bag - they can bring fiddle toys, colouring books/ quiz books/drawing books and colours. They will need a water bottle and all children must have back shoes (jazz shoes/pumps/trainers or school shoes)

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle. Also on this day, Greg Anderson from Lytham Hall will be joining us in school to help the children make a ‘People we love’ planter. These are optional to be made and will cost £6 to cover the cost of the experience. Mrs Nel has popped it on Parent Pay and if you would like your child to be part of it, please pay by Tuesday next week.

So many have already paid - thank you! Greg will talk the children through the different plants used and each child will make it for someone they love.

Monday 24th March Gawthorpe hall trip - EARLY START 8:20 at school

Tuesday 25th March. 6pm - Reconciliation in church. Please could children arrive in full school uniform (not PE kits) at 5:45

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 7th March "Reading is dreaming with open eyes."

This week in year 4, we have reflected on the beginning of Lent and children have thought about the 3 main principles, Almsgiving, fasting and prayer. On Wedensday children went to church to mark Ash Wednesday. They sung beautifully and helped their Year 2 partners reflect too. Then they swapped their Lenten boxes. Please encourage children to do little chores to help around the house and give them a few pennies to fill it up over Lent.

In My Happy Mind lessons this week, children started a new topic ;Relate.’ This began by thinking about how we relate to others differently according to their personalities and strengths.

On Tuesday, children had their First session to prepare for Reconciliation. Please help them to complete the first part of the book - see homework. This can be a really special thing to do together.

On Wednesday, we had five members of the class at ‘The Big Sing.’ I know Miss Woodend was so proud of you. You sung brilliantly and were all role models. Also on Wednesday, children prepared a reading for the youngest members of our school for our World Book Day. This was a sponsored event for our Class Charity - Encephalitis International. Thank you so much for supporting us in this event. Children were amazing! I had to compile a little video below to show you their beautiful story reading in our newly created library. Also the children looked fantastic on World book day - thank you so much for all your efforts. They had a lovely day of reading. We also practised our Shakespeare in the hall in costume - see pics below!

Our Geography this half term is all about Environmental Regions. This week, children learned about the 4 main regions of Europe. They grew more familiar with capital cities when they had to plan a trip through Europe visiting cities from all environmental regions.

In History, we have studied where the Anglo-Saxons came from and reasons why they came to settle here - we call these push and pull factors.

Conversation starters

Geography

Have a look at a map of Europe together. Have you been anywhere there? Which cities have you visited? Why does Italy have 3 different environmental regions within it?

My Happy mind

What does it mean if you can relate to people?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to George C. Another double whammy certificate of Kiki Chameleon and Cooper Crab! You have become such an attentive listener and such a kind, calm, creative member of the class. Thank you for your excellent focus and respect.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Ellie-Rose receives the star for being such a kind person who is always generous and loving.

Notices

Tuesday 11th March - Second Reconciliation session 3:30-4:20 just for children this week. Please complete Making things Right booklet up to p15

World Book day sponsor form and money- please fill in and bring in as soon as possible

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

PICK UPS ARE AT M&S FRONT door at 2:45 and 7:45. Drop off there at 4:45. Six more outstanding to fill in the online form so we know who is picking up your child.

Please ensure they have costumes in school.

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle.

Monday 24th March - Our trip to Gawthorpe Hall

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 28th February "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. "s

We have had a lovely week in year 4. In our RE sessions this week we have learned the parable of the Prodigal son. This important message shows us God is always waiting for us with open arms - ready to forgive us no matter what.

This week we have been throwing ourselves into Shakespeare practice. The children are doing so well and everyone knows their parts. It is a real team effort - full of their creative ideas. We cant wait for you to see it. In English, we have also started a new unit on folk tales, where we are enjoying Brer Rabbit stories.

Our Geography this half term is all about Environmental Regions. Children have been looking at why the earth has different climate zones and what this means for each region- how it affects the seasons and landscapes.

In History, we have started to learn what happened in England after the Romans left. The next group of invaders were the Anglo Saxons and they lived very differently to the flamboyant Romans. Through drama, we explored their society and built a community together.

Conversation starters

Geography

These are the main environmental regions of the world: ARID, EQUATORIAL, TEMPERATE, POLAR, MEDITERRANEAN and SNOW. Can you explain what these regions are like and give some examples of countries?

My Happy mind

Can you remember your 5 top character strengths? How can we use these strengths to help others in our actions?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Lena. Another double whammy certificate of Bobby Bee and Sadie Spider! You are really going for it in your learning. From going for gold to challenging yourself with your reading. Keep it up!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Phoebe receives the star for being so positive with everyone around her and being a guardian angel to others in the way she immediately helps anyone in need.

Notices

Sunday 2nd March -Welcome mass for all Holy Communicants. We look forward to this special event.

Tuesday 4th March - First Holy Communion session for parents and children.

Thursday 6th March World Book day - there is no pressure to come as a character; you may just want to come as a colour or a theme or a book - the choice is yours. We would like to collect any old World Book Day costumes that you may have at home and no longer fit. There will be a rail at the front of school for you to put them then anyone who may need one can use them. It is always good to share what we have and no longer need. We are also doing a second hand book sale so please bring any books yo have finished reading.

Year 4 are doing a Sponsored read on World book day - we are going to snuggle up in our new school library and every child will have an opportunity to read a book of their choice to a younger child. This is to raise money for our class charity -’Encephalitis International. Please collect sponsor money and bring with your form on World book day.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

IMPORTANT! Please read and sign the individual photo and video consent letter given on Friday - and bring back for Monday.

Children will arrive at school and will get a coach to the Grand Theatre for their dress rehearsal. Their first performance is at 1:00pm

2. They will then need picking up at the pick up point which is confirmed as M& S FRONT door at 2:45pm.

3. Then you can take them somewhere for some tea and bring them back to the same point at 4:45pm ready for their evening performance at 6pm. It is fine if another parent picks your child up - as long as you let me know in the form below and provide their contact number.

4. They will then need picking up after the evening show at the same pick up point - at 7:45pm

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle.

Monday 24th March - Our trip to Gawthorpe Hall

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Holy Communion dates and groups

Dear parents,

Regarding the email I sent out earlier, here are the groups for Holy Communion and a copy of all the dates and times of sessions.

Do not forget the welcome mass for the Holy communicants on Sunday this week.

Year 4 Half term blog and important information Friday 14th February

Thank you all so much for sharing in your child’s learning with me today. It is a privilege to teach your children and they are all doing so well.

It has been a reflective and fun week in Year 4. Children have been understanding the sacrament of Reconciliation in RE and are looking forward to starting their sessions about reconciliation after the half term. This week has had an online safety focus and we have talked about what is appropriate/inappropriate to share online. We have thought about who strangers are and how you cannot tell who people are when you are having an online conversation. Lots of good reflections and interesting conversation.

On Wednesday, we were lucky to go and watch Aladdin at St. Bedes. This was a wonderful performance and the children really enjoyed it. Their behaviour when looking after the younger Yr2 children was delightful.

This week, we have been putting together our Shakespeare production and will endeavour to work on this after the holidays. Please see in the notices for costume information and a very important form to fill out.

Conversation starters

Online Safety

How can you stay safe online? What is personal information?

My Happy mind

How many ‘perfect moments’ can you have this half term?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Lena, Jackson and Ava! You will receive these after half term at the next assembly.

Children who met their reading target this half term: George C. Hugo, Alice, Phoebe, Isaac, Martha, Ava, Alana

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Liam receives the star for being a role model in class - always hopeful in his own abilities and such a nice friend to others.

Notices

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

Below is a costume list for each character in our Shakespeare play. Please let me know if you have any questions or issues and we can problem solve together. It would be great if these could be in on the first week back in a plastic bag with your child’s name on.

Also below is an important form for you to fill in. This is for you to consider who is picking up and dropping off your child on production day Thursday 20th March. We also need contact numbers.

It will work as follows:

1. Children will arrive at school and will get a coach to the Grand Theatre for their dress rehearsal. Their first performance is at 1:00pm

2. They will then need picking up at a pick up point near the Grand (possibly M& S back door) at 2:45pm.

3. Then you can take them somewhere for some tea and bring them back to the same point at 4:45pm ready for their evening performance at 6pm. It is fine if another parent picks your child up - as long as you let me know in the form below and provide their contact number.

4. They will then need picking up after the evening show at the same pick up point - at 7:45pm

Please fill in the following online form over half term to state the above

The following trips are now payable on parent pay. The first two are to pay for the coach fare and have been subsidised by school too:

1. Aladdin at St Bedes £2

2. The Grand Shakespeare Playmaking event £5

3. Gawthorpe Hall 24th March £18

Have a lovely half term creating some perfect moments together,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 7th February "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of people."

We have had a lovely week in year 4. In our RE sessions this week we have looked at The Creed and why catholics say it. What does it remind us about our beliefs? We have examined the gospel story where Peter is told - you will ‘catch people’ instead of fish and discussed the meaning of this.

We had a very meaningful day on Monday at the Grand Theatre. Children took part in debates, they had a workshop appreciating what accents and dialects are and how the differ from Standard English. They also learned about how to be excellent, active listeners. Big congratulations to Bea, who got up on stage to say what she had learned.

We have studied digestion in Science, made animations in Computing, learned about French festivals and created some wonderful Shakespeare soundscapes and physical theatre.

Conversation starters

Science

What happens to your food when you swallow it?

My Happy mind

How can you spread happiness to others?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Myles, Alice and Emilia

Lunchtime awards: Anna

Role model: Albert

Marvellous Manners:

French star goes to Hugo for a great timetable in French

This week, the learning certificate goes to Emilia. Another double whammy certificate! You are a role model Emilia because you are always so respecting and responsible. I am so impressed with how reflective you are upon your own learning. You really go for it! Well done!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Liam receives the star for being a role model in class - always hopeful in his own abilities and such a nice friend to others.

Notices

The following trips are now payable on parent pay. The first two are to pay for the coach fare and have been subsidised by school too:

1. Aladdin at St Bedes £2

2. The Grand Shakespeare Playmaking event £5

3. Gawthorpe Hall 24th March £18

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Have a lovely February weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 31st January "Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices."

What a super week we have had in Year 4. The class have been enjoying our new collection of books in our class library! Our RE focus this week has been twofold. First we have been pondering on the faith of St. Peter and how he could recognise Jesus as the Messiah- the chosen one. Then children have been learning about their own statement of faith - the Nicene Creed.

In our Happy mind session this week, children learned all about the ‘happy hormone’ dopamine and how feeling happy helps us to concentrate, feel calm and centred.

In English, we have started to look at physical theatre and how body language, position and tone of voice can really capture an audience. We have also read more of our novel, the Butterfly Lion and have responded to it by writing a persuasive letter.

Children have really enjoyed maths this week. We have delved into the 3x table and then used this to understand the 6x table.

In Science, children learned about animal’s teeth and how the teeth of carnivores and herbivores differ.

In geography we are learning what can affect the Water cycle and what we can do about the rise in temperature.

Conversation starters

Science

Why do some animals have no canine teeth? What kind of teeth does your pet have?

My Happy mind

What is dopamine? How can we generate it?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Hugo, Isaac and Bea

Lunchtime awards: Lettie

Role model: Nathan

Marvellous Manners:

Flute stars this week: Rosa and Louie

French star goes to Louisa for super understanding of days of the week.

PE stars - Heath and Albert for amazing swing throws.

This week, the learning certificate goes to Martha. Another double whammy certificate SAdie Spider/Lizzie Ladybird. I am really impressed with how reflective you are beig about your own learning. You have discussions with me openly about how you need to improve and you are taking steps to do so. Your hard work in lessons means you are getting better and better.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Nathan receives the star for being so full of joy and hope. Nathan you said this week you are grateful that you are alive! I can tell that you appreciate all you have.

Notices

EARLY START! Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February. We will be setting off at 9:00 on the dot. Please could you be sure to arrive for 8:45am. Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Enjoy the real live Tempest with your family this weekend!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 24th January "All the charms of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you!" (William Shakespeare - The Tempest.)

It has been a really reflective week in Year 4. This week children had a special visitor to school to tell them all about the Jewish faith. They were filled with questions and the gospel this week told them of Jesus reading from the Torah in the synagogue so this again helped children make links between the two faiths. The children below led a lovely worship about Jesus’ sacrifice. They asked the class, why did Jesus do this for us?

Our Shakespeare lessons this week focused on the rest of the story. The children have absolutely stunned us with their great understanding of Caliban’s soliloquy and their portrayal of the angst between characters. We now look forward to creating our part of the play as a performance - we are focusing on the last 4 scenes of the play.

In maths we have learned to solve problems involving perimeter and we have seen how we can use our multipliction and division facts to find perimeters of regular polygons.

In Science, children learned about the part the mouth plays in digestion and how it kick starts the process. Children loved this and wrote a lovely explanation of the processes involved. I can highly recommend this video below - we watched a little in class. It is very child-friendly and fascinating!

In geography we are learning all about the Water cycle and the different stages of this. Children could link this to their computing by making animations of the process.

Conversation starters

Science

What part do the teeth and mouth play in digestion? What happens when you swallow your food?

Religion

How do Jewish and Catholic faiths link? How are they different?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Scarlett.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Hugo

Marvellous Manners: Ellie-Rose

Flute stars this week: Anna and Lena

This week, the learning certificate goes to Scarlett. Another double whammy certificate Tommy Turtle and Roger Robin. Although it has been a hard week for you, you have still listened intently and been brave. You have tried so hard in everything and have looked outwards to help others at all times. Well done Scarlett!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Myles receives the star for exploring his own faith. We noticed you have really been thinking and pondering over faith this week and asked interesting questions to clarify the difference in Jewish and Christian beliefs about Jesus.

Notices

Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

Today I am giving out the main speaking parts for our performance. A lot of the roles are non-speaking or echoing and involve creating the ‘scene’ for the audience or being a non-speaking character. Rest assured these parts are just as important if not more so than the speaking parts!

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Enjoy the real live Tempest with your family this weekend!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 17th January "History is the discovering of the principles of human nature."

Year 4 have had great fun learning this week. The children below led a lovely worship about having Faith. In RE lessons we have been exploring how Jesus reveals He is the Messiah in various ways. In our Happy mind lesson this week, we reflected on how to appreciate ourselves by being kind to ourselves. We thought about ways we can show appreciation - for ourselves, others and experiences.

Our Shakespeare lessons this week focused on working up a storm (or Tempest) Children re-created the second storm in the play whilst learning about the characters shipwrecked. They then wrote a description of this setting including a glimpse of its conjuror, the wild spirit Ariel.

In maths we have learned to calculate perimeter of rectangles and squares ‘Going for Gold’ common multiplication facts this week (see homework) In Science, children learned all about their teeth and the different purposes of each type.

On Thursday we had a journey to Bolton Museum for an Egyptian workshop. Children loved it and it cemented their knowledge from this riveting topic! Here are some pictures below

Conversation starters

My Happy Mind

How can you show your appreciation for yourself? What can you do to be kinder on yourself?

History

What was your most fascinating discovery at the museum?

Let’s Celebrate!

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Louisa

Marvellous Manners: Lucia

Flute stars this week: Liam,

This week, the learning certificate goes to Rosa. Another double whammy certificate Clara Clownfish/Bobby Bee. This week we have talked with the class about paying TOTAL attention and we feel you are doing just that! this is helping you notice so much more. You were amazing in the museum, figuring out the answers to the quiz sheet by reading the clues next to the exhibits. Well done!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Hugo receives the star. You went out of your way to warn people about the slippy path outside school. Mrs Nel thought this was beautiful and I agree. What a caring young man!

Notices

Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March. There will be much more information about this coming up but you can purchase tickets to see your child perform scenes from The Tempest alongside other schools below. Make sure you book the right date - there are 2 showings at 1:00 and 6:00

Have a great weekend with your lovely children,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 10th January "May the new year bring you new strength, new hopes and new dreams."

What a lovely start to the year we have had! We began our week with a lovely worship about the Epiphany and explored our new virtues - faith-filled and hopeful. In our Happy mind lessons we are on a new unit called ‘Appreciate’ which has helped children think about why it is so important to show appreciation and how it makes us feel. We are very appreciative to welcome a new member of our team in Year 4, Miss Bray who has settled into our class beautifully.

Our Shakespeare lessons began with gusto this week. We are studying ‘The Tempest’ and children have been powerful magicans, dukes, shipwrecked sailors and wild spirits! This kind of learning ‘on our feet’ is always very popular and children are loving interpreting the language as they act out scenes. We did some bautiful descriptive writing of Caliban’s Island after creating a word carpet in the hall together. You will be able to see them perform a scene on the Grand theatre stage - please see notices below.

In maths we are learning all about perimeter and we hae started our first ‘Going for Gold’ common multiplication facts this week (see homework) In Science, children absolutely wowed me with their depth of understanding about states of matter. Next week, it is on to a new topic.

We have been doing gymnastic sequences in RE and had our last Ancient history lesson about other civilisations. All in all a very exciting week.

Conversation starters

My Happy Mind

How could you as a family think of a way to share each day what you are thankful for? Children have been discussing this in class

English

Why did Shakespeare write a play about a Tempest? Tell your parents what the island we created is like!

Let’s Celebrate!

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Lettie

Marvellous Manners: Myles

PE stars this week: Fletcher and Martha for lovely gymnastics

Flute stars this week: Myles and George C.

This week, the learning certificate goes to Fletcher. You have received a double whammy Kiki Chameleon/Roger Robin certificate. You are a role model to others because you make good choices and you always plan and consider your work carefully. Well done!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Anna receives the star. You are such a delight Anna because you are always so positive, you smile at everyone and you spread joy wherever you go!

Notices

Egyptian trip Thursday 16th January. This is normal drop off and pick up - unless any delays. Children can wear their school PE uniform for comfort.

Class Charity Children voted together and have decided to collect money for a relatively unknown charity for Encephalitis - which can be very dehabilitating. A member of the class has a close relative with this condition and the charity relies heavily on donations to help. Next, the class will be deciding how they fundraise.

PE Please can I remind you to try to remember not to wear earrings on PE days as they can be a struggle to get out.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March. There will be much more information about this coming up but you can purchase tickets to see your child perform scenes from The Tempest alongside other schools below. Make sure you book the right date - there are 2 showings at 1:00 and 6:00

There are other trips coming up imminently too! Please keep an eye on the blog

Have a lovely, chilly weekend

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Consent for photographs to be taken at the Grand theatre

Dear Parents,

Year 4 children will be visiting the Grand on a few occasions in the next few weeks. We will be going for our storytelling festival on Monday 3rd Feb and also in March to perform our section of ‘The Tempest,’ on stage.

Please could you fill in the form below to give your consent about photographs? The Grand theatre has outlined what these are used for and I have added it to the form for you to read.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 20th December 'Its the most wonderful time of the year!"

It has been a glorious week full of Christmas memories in year 4 this week! Monday saw us first engaging in worship around the gospel of great joy. This was followed by doing our Carol concert in church and I am sure you would agree, they gave us all goosebumps! The rest of the week has seen us have parties, do numerous festive crafts, make ice-cream, watch movies and have enrichment too. Far too many photos this week - so instead there is a video below of all the magic this week. There is also a special Christmas flute performance for your viewing pleasure.

Let’s Celebrate!

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Eliie-Rose

Marvellous Manners: Jackson

This week, the children have voted for the certificate winners in class. They were asked to think of children who go above and beyond and demonstrate every learning character. It was tricky, as so many children do this in Year 4.

However, joint boy winners were Liam and Rodnie.

Rodnie it was said you have excellent focus and you participate fully in all learning. You are a super listener.

Liam, your friends said you are always so polite. You also have excellent focus. Your friends said you are friendly and kind.

Girls, it was close but our winner by one point was Phoebe. Your friends said you are always kind and you manage your distractions. They said every breaktime you help people!

To be chosen out of all the beautiful children in Year 4 is praise indeed! Well done.

Notices

Egyptian trip

On Thursday 16th January we are going to Bolton museum for an Egyptian workshop. The cost of the trip is £16 and it is payable on Parentpay. The children have simply adored this topic.

Have a happy, holy and special Christmas together. Thank you for the privilege of teaching these lovely children.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 13th December 'We are invited to make a pilgrimage into the heart and life of God'

We have had a really interesting and varied week in Year 4. On Thursday afternoon, children were so reflective as they took their Year 3 partner on a little pilgrimage around school to visit our nativity stations. This was beautiful and allowed them to lead worship of the events of the nativity story.

In our RE lessons this week, children have been learning all about the Jesse tree and what it represents. They have been encouraged to reflect on the nativity story in all of our practises at church.

In English this week children have been very excited to compose their own versions of the Pied Piper fairy tale! Each day they have included a new grammar skill in their story. They are absolutely brilliant!

In History this week, we reflected on whether King Tut’s grave should have been disturbed - and thought about the benefits for history. We also mummified someone - see pictures below! Children then worked hard to explain this process in detail.

We have been in church for two rehearsals this week. Children have worked so hard to make something very beautiful. We can’t wait for you to see. More detail below about drop off times on Monday.

What can I say about today? THANK-YOU for all your wonderful contributions - I have never eaten so much cake in my whole life! They were simply stunning! Here are some pictures of our adventures.

Here are some lovely pictures of this week’s travelling nativity..

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. Can you tell your parents how bodies were mummified? Don’t do it while they are eating their tea!

Let’s Celebrate!

Flute stars this week: Alana and Joseph

Albert has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Lena

Marvellous Manners: Heath

Notices

Christmas carol concert is Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. Please can children come to church at 5:45pm in their full school uniform. They can leave their coats with you and come straight to the altar to get ready.

Wednesday 18th December - Christmas party day! Come in your Christmas clothes!

On Thursday December 19th December we will have a DVD afternoon. Children can bring a small snack - like a chocolate bar or crisps and drink (non-fizzy) for the film. No nuts please.

We break up on Friday at 2pm.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 6th December, "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

A busy but beautiful week! In our RHE lessons this week, we were learning we don’t have to be the same, like the same things or have the same strengths - we can appreciate each others’ differences. In RE children learned about the ancestry of Jesus and why we call Him the Son of David.

Maths this week has seen us grapple with rounding to the nearest 10, 100 or thousand.

In English this week we have been learning an oral retelling of ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin,’ and children have been practising both reading and grammar skills - such as being able to write dialogue, choose different sentence starts and infer meaning from the text.

In History this week, children have loved learning about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb just over one hundred years ago. In fact many children are now selecting books about this from our class library. Our French unit on clothes has seen the children make clothes catalogues, describing what the models are wearing and attempting to make the adjectives agree with the noun, whether it be masculine, feminine or plural.

We have been in church for two rehearsals this week. Children have worked so hard to make something very beautiful. We can’t wait for you to see. More detail below about drop off times on Monday.

Here are some lovely pictures of this week’s travelling nativity..

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. Can you tell your parents how Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered? Where do you think the tomb of Cleopatra could be?

Let’s Celebrate!

MASSIVE CELEBRATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN WHO HAVE MET THEIR READING TARGET THIS WEEK

Fletcher and Lettie Well done bookworms!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Rodnie received a double whammy Cooper Crab and Sadie Spider certificate. You are so attentive and hard-working Rodnie - consistently so! This is why you do so well and you act on feedback too.

Alice also received a double whammy certificate - Kiki Chameleon and Cooper Crab. You carefully consider all that you do and have become such an attentive listener. This is allowing you to have so much success in your work!
Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Phoebe received our star. You are so intentionally helpful Phoebe. You do not hesitate to notice when something needs doing and you just help humbly without letting everyone know. Thank you.

Flute stars this week: Ava and Louie

French star this week is Mia-Grace for an excellent clothes catalogue

Bea has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: George L.

Marvelous Manners: Alana

Notices

Christmas carol concert is Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. We hope you can come to this beautiful event. Children will need to wear their full school uniform

Wednesday 18th December - Christmas party day! Come in your Christmas clothes!

On Thursday December 19th December we will have a DVD afternoon. Children can bring a small snack - like a chocolate bar or crisps and drink (non-fizzy) for the film.

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

Have a Christmassy weekend!

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 29th November, "Stay awake, praying at all times."

The children have been working so hard and learning so well this week in Year 4. During our Happy Mind session this week, they reflected in their journals on which strength they could grow and get better at - thinking of ways they could do this. In RE sessions the focus has been on preparing for Advent and understanding what it is. On Thursday, children made their Advent promises - their own gift to Jesus this Advent season.

Maths this week has seen us decompose all 4 digit numbers in different ways. Children have compared and ordered these numbers and are now learning to round to the nearest thousand, hundred or ten. They have really worked their socks off on this.

Our Science this week was all about condensation. Children learned that this is the opposite of evaporation and they observed a cold can of coke, which after a while began to form tiny droplets on the outside of the can in our warm classroom.

In English this week we have moved onto a unit about Fairy Tales. We are busy analysing different versions of the Pied Piper and using lots of our grammar skills to experiment with different types of sentence starts and description. WE will soon be writing our own fairy tale based on this. We have also started our new novel - The Butterfly Lion and children are already intrigued.

In History this week, children were interpreting evidence which told us about the everyday lives of Ancient Egyptians and their status in society. We have started studying our French unit on clothes where children are beginning to understand French masculine, feminine and plural noun agreement!

Add to this lots of singing for our concert and a cracking PE lesson on Tueday - and all in all it has been a really super week!

Here are a few photos showing our lovely worship led by these three children and also some children practising their ‘Going for Gold’ times tables facts:

Here some beautiful photos of our children enjoying their travelling nativity. Thank you for taking the time to reflect and to send these in.

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. Have a look around your house. Can you see examples of evaporation and condensation in action? Why is the ground frosty in the morning at the moment? When your kettle boils - can you see gas come out - or can you see liquid?

2.My Happy Mind - this week, pick a strength every morning that you wish to demonstrate that day. At the end of the day when you go to bed, think about if you used it well and how it made you feel.

Let’s Celebrate!

MASSIVE CELEBRATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN WHO HAVE MET THEIR READING TARGET THIS HALF TERM!

Bea, Hugo, Alice, Lena, Phoebe, Isaac, Martha, Ava and Albert. Well done bookworms!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Jackson received a Clara Clownfish certificate. You are brilliant at noticing things Jackson. You are a pattern spotter! I think this is why you excel at French! I have noticed that you are increasingly intentional about paying good attention in class so you can be your best.

Alana also received a Lizzie Ladybird certificate. You are really listening to feedback and advice to improve your writing Alana. You seek to get better and you are so productive. You are helpful around class too!
Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Joseph received our star. You are such a friendly person Joseph and you are intentional about making others happy. You are forming so many lovely relationships because you are so caring.

Flute stars this week: Alice and Martha

French star this week is Rosa for super understanding

Fletcher has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: George C.

Marvelous Manners: Anna

Notices

Christmas cards - please could we ask that children do not write individual christmas cards for members of the class? If they wish, they can write one card to the whole class which would be displayed in our worship area.

Updated Holy Communion dates are below. Please chek and if there is anyone else on the 10th who could swap to the 17th please let me know as we are still a bit top heavy on the 10th.

Mass in Advent. We are going to church next Thursday 5th December for Advent mass. If anyone would like to join us, we will be setting off at 9:00 from school

Christmas Parish Pantomime We are going to our parish panto - Ali Baba on Friday 6th December. Please could you pay £5 on parent pay?

Christmas songs Year 4 did brilliantly again this week in their singing! On the homework are the next 2 songs to practise for our Carol concert which is in church on Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. Please encourage them to practise again this week

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 22nd November "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord."

What a busy but lovely week we have had! we are well under way with our Christmas preparations for our carol concert in church and we have been doing so much exciting learning!

Our RE lessons this week were firstly focused on John the Baptist and understanding why he was important. We then looked at how he linked to another prophet Isaiah - in prophesying Jesus’ coming. This led us beautifully to start thinking about the season of Advent and what it entails.

Our Science this week was all about evaporation. Excitedly, the children made a puddle outside and even in this cold, it had evaporated within 1 hour! We carried out an experiment in class to see if water would evaporate more quickly if it was in a container with a larger surface area.

Maths has seen us solve one and two step problems using bar modelling and our understanding of measures. Children are more readily able to convert now between eg m to km or g to kg. We are now moving onto numbers to 10,000 comparing and ordering them.

In English, we have finally finished our novel. It was bittersweet and all children have now quizzed on this book which gave them some major Accelerated reader points!

Here are a few photos of our week:

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. What is evaporation? Can you think of any examples in nature?

2.My Happy Mind - this week, you can talk about Which strength would you like to build further?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Lettie received a Sadie Spider certificate. You are such a hard worker Lettie which really showed in your persuasive letter! You were brilliant with maths problems too this week!

George L also received a Sadie Spider certificate. You have become such a good listener and you have become so much more productive too! I can see you striving to get better and better!

Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Mia-Grace received our star. You are always so willing to help out everyone Mia-Grace. You just love to give to others.

Flute stars this week: Lettie and Fletcher

Nathan has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Nathan

Marvelous Manners: Alice

Notices

Christmas Parish Pantomime We are going to our parish panto - Ali Baba on Friday 6th December. Please could you pay £5 on parent pay?

Christmas songs Year 4 did brilliantly again this week in their singing! On the homework are the next 3 songs to practise for our Carol concert which is in church on Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. Please encourage them to practise again this week

Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 15th November, "Know your strengths and take advantage of them."

It has been a lovely week in year 4 and it was so great to see you sharing your child’s work on Thursday. Aren’t they doing well!

Our RE lessons this week have really made us think. We are learning about prophets and what it takes to be someone who can seek God’s Word clearly for others to see. This links beautifully to our RHE work on strengths - we have been thinking about how we can employ our top strengths in certain scenarios. Children and staff are noticing when they and each other are using them. We have talked this week about consciously responding to situations rather than reacting and choosing to use your strengths to overcome hardships .

Three children (see gallery below) led a beautiful worship this week about Love and read Scripture about the Crucifixion.

Our Science this week was all about changing states - how when particles are heated, they receive energy which makes them loosen and move - thus changing state to liquid. We did an experiment to predict then find the melting point of butter.

Maths has seen us delve deeper into measures and be able to solve problems with mass, capacity and length using numbers up to 2000.

In English, children learned the dreadful news that, indeed, Mr Zuckerman still intends to kill his pig at Christmastime, despite his fame. They have been learning the art of persuasion in order to persuade the farmer to reconsider. They might practise their new found art at home!

Here are a few photos showing our pride in our work this week:

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. What is the opposite process to melting? Do all materials have the same melting point? Why not find out the melting points of some different things?

2.My Happy Mind - this week talk about How could you use your top five strengths when things are difficult for you or when you are finding something hard to deal with?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Heath received a Bobby Bee certificate. It is lovely to see your conscious choice each lesson to be ready, give total attention and 100% participation. You are a phenomenal learner

Martha received a Lizzie Ladybird certificate. I can see you are such a mature, reflective person Martha. You are really reflecting on your work and trying to get that little bit better each time. Your listening has improved and you are striving to do your best. Well done you two!

Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Louie received our star. Louie, you are so intentional about being pleasant and kind to all you meet. Your happiness and joy are infectious and your smile lights up a room!

PE champions in year 4 this week: Mia-Grace and Fletcher

Flute stars this week:

Ava has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Rosa

Marvelous Manners: Joseph

Notices

Holy Communion dates

If you click the button below, it will take you to a list showing which children will be making their first Holy Communion on which date - Saturday 10th May or Saturday 17th May. If there are any issues with this, please let me know at the earliest opportunity.

Christmas songs This class are such gorgeous singers! On the homework are the first 3 songs to practise for our Carol concert which is in church on Monday 6th December at 2pm and 6pm. Please encourage them to practise and you can start to get a little Christmassy.

Travelling Nativity Over the next few weeks, you child will come home with our travelling nativity. It has a lovely story in called ‘The Shepherd Girl’ that you can share together. Please look after the little nativity characters carefully. If you wish to capture your reflection together, you can send me a photo by email. It must come back to school the next day, so the next child can take it and have their turn before Christmas. Enjoy!

Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 8th November, "Look well into yourself. There is a source of strength which will always spring up if you will always look there." (Marcus Aurelius)

What an exciting week we have had! There have been so many rich lessons and learning going on that I decided to put it in a video below.

We began the week in worship, remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom and their great strength. In our Happy Mind lesson the children completed a survey to find out what their top strengths were. They have made ‘top trump’ cards displaying their top 5 strengths and there is a copy of the survey they took in their homework books so you can celebrate them with them. We stressed that we all have a mixture of strengths - like pick n mix sweets, you may have more of one type than another.

In RE, children have learned what a prophet is and have been finding out about the prophet Elijah. This has really helped them understand one of our virtues this half term, what it means to be ‘prophetic’ - a person God chooses to give His message to the people.

Our Science was so exciting this week - first the children learned all about the 3 states of matter. Then on Tuesday they explored this further at UCLAN by looking at changing states, understanding acids, alkalis and becoming cosmetic chemists for the day!

Maths too has seen us go out and about to find out exactly what 1kilometre length feels like. We went for a walk around the block, measuring the distance - we actually only walked 580metres but it gave them a real sense of 1000m = 1km which was the aim. We are looking at being able to read measures on jugs, scales and metre sticks by understanding portions of 1000 - when it is split into two equal parts, four equal parts, ten equal parts or five equal parts.

We had an excellent gymnastics lesson where children assessed each other on their sequences that they had put together. We also launched our History topic Ancient Egyptians..

In English, we are over half way through our novel. Children have made their own points and backed them up with evidence. They have also learned the important grammar skill of describing characters and objects using extended noun phrases.

Have a look at our week in this video:

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. Have a look at the River Nile using Google Earth. What continent is Egypt in? NSEW? Why does it look green from an aerial view?

2.My Happy Mind - this week share your strengths survey with your parents.

This week’s question, “ How could you use your top five strngths to help yourself and others?”

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Lucia received a Bobby Bee certificate. You positively buzz with enthusiasm in lessons Lucia. It is lovely teaching you because you are so immersed in all you do and you really want to get better and better all the time!

George C. received a Tommy Turtle certificate. You are becoming such a good learner George. You are having such a good go at everything - listening carefully to the learning and advice so you can achieve highly. We love hearing you participate so well in our class discussions.

Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Rosa received our star. So many members of staff mention your name to me Rosa. They notice you being so kind and loving - especially to our younger children. They must be very thankful to have you watching over them like an angel!

PE champions in year 4 this week: Joseph and Anna

Flute stars this week:

Rodnie has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Albert

Marvelous Manners: Scarlett

Notices

Travelling Nativity Over the next few weeks, you child will come home with our travelling nativity. It has a lovely story in called ‘The Shepherd Girl’ that you can share together. Please look after the little nativity characters carefully. If you wish to capture your reflection together, you can send me a photo by email. It must come back to school the next day, so the next child can take it and have their turn before Christmas. Enjoy!

Book Look - Thursday 14th November 2.15pm. Please come and see all your child’s hard work.

Friday 15th November PJ Day for Brian House. Please bring £1 and a teddy of course.

Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

The temperature has dropped. Have a nice, crisp weekend with your lovely children.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.