Over the past couple of weeks, Year 4 Ellen MacArthur class has been busy diving into exciting learning across all our subjects.

In maths, we’ve been developing our confidence with 4-digit numbers. We have practised rounding them to the nearest 10, 100 and 1,000, thinking carefully about which digit helps us decide whether to round up or down. We’ve also been tackling column addition with 4-digit numbers, lining up each place value correctly and remembering to regroup when needed. It’s been wonderful to see everyone growing more accurate and resilient with each lesson.

In English, we’ve stepped into the world of suspense writing. Our focus has been on building tension by using short, snappy sentences and choosing powerful verbs that make the reader feel on edge. The class has embraced the challenge brilliantly, crafting moments that keep the audience guessing about what might happen next. We’ve talked a lot about how even tiny changes to word choice can create a big impact. One of our highlights was Michael Rosen Day. We had the chance to join a live talk with Michael Rosen himself, which felt incredibly special. The children were completely captivated as he performed some of his well-loved poems. His retelling of “Chocolate Cake” had everyone smiling, laughing, and hanging onto every word. We also learned a fun fact—Michael Rosen does not like walnuts! This sparked lots of lively discussion about favourite (and least favourite) foods.

We also took part in an important mental health workshop that introduced “the big 5,” a set of strategies to help us look after our wellbeing. The children explored how staying active, connecting with others, getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax all contribute to feeling healthy and happy. It was a thoughtful session that encouraged everyone to reflect on how they care for themselves.

To top it all off, last week we were lucky enough to take a trip to the cinema to watch How to Train Your Dragon. The experience was magical - popcorn in hand, cosy seats, and an exciting story full of adventure and imagination. It was a lovely way to celebrate all the hard work the class has been putting in.

Year 4 Ellen MacArthur has certainly had a busy few weeks, and we’re excited for everything still to come!