L4 Curriculum

In L4, the curriculum will include a wide variety of topics, as detailed below:

Language

All four elements of language, reading, writing, listening and talking are taught.  A structured reading scheme –Literacy World - is used as a whole language programme.

We believe in teaching spelling and there is a structured scheme in place, called Quota where children work at their own pace, setting their own limits. Formal comprehension work is continued as are grammar lessons which teach knowledge about language, punctuation and structure. This becomes increasingly important as children write at length in our creative and functional writing programme.  Some of the language work revolves around topics which include, About Me, Celts, Winter, Pirates and Vikings.  A novel study on ‘James and the Giant Peach’ is also carried out.    

Listening and Talking activities take place on a regular basis.

All pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction in Library Skills by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.

Maths

Maths is taught in ability groupings.  This means that we can vary the size of groups and the content and pace of lessons to match the ability of the pupils.  Our less able group is taught in a small group where pupils are given individual support and consolidation.  Our most able are given a wide variety of challenges and problems to solve.  The core texts in operation are Heineman Level 4 and Maths in Action C, according to the ability group. 

Number work focuses on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of Hundreds, Tens and Units.  

Practical Maths – covering shape, length, weight, volume and time also takes place.  Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.

Environmental Studies

In our teaching of Science, History and Geography, we aim to develop in pupils a curiosity and a greater understanding of their past and heritage and of the world around them.  We develop their research and investigative skills as well as their analytical thinking skills and their evaluation of evidence.  Much of the work will involve them in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments.

Topics covered:

Geography

  • Term 1   Where I Live
                    Map work – keys, plans, maps
  • Term 2   A comparative study of France
  • Term 3   Glamis – A village study in Scotland.

History

  • Term 1   Celts
  • Term 2   Romans (with particular reference to Scotland)
  • Term 3   Vikings   (individual topic undertaken in Term 3 on Viking Ships )                     

Science

  • Term 1   Forces
  • Term 2   Fit For Life
  • Term 3   Plants

RE and Personal and Social Development

Topics covered include Bible stories

PE

From L4, pupils go on the bus up to Mayfield, our superb Sports facility.  There are two sessions each week, taught by specialist teachers, one focusing on indoor PE such as  gymnastics, games and dance and the other focusing on outdoor Games such as Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Tennis.

Music

Children are taught  by a specialist teacher once a week.

Art and Drama

Art is taught within the classroom on a regular basis.  The classrooms are bright with the exciting artwork on display.  Drama is taught by the class teacher using our large school hall.

ICT

Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for an exciting lesson with our specialist teacher. 

Homework

Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial.  There is a homework diary, detailing what homework is required each night.  Normally homework in L4 consists of hearing reading, learning spelling, learning multiplication tables and completing a short written exercise either in Maths or Language. Homework in L4 should not take more than 30 minutes per night.