L4

In L4, the curriculum includes a wide variety of topics.

Language

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

We believe in teaching spelling and there is a structured scheme in place, called Quota, in which 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. With children writing at length in our creative and functional writing programme, this becomes increasingly important. Some of the language work revolves around topics which include: Celts, Romans and Pirates. A novel study on ‘The Twits’ 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 most able are given a wide variety of challenges and problems to solve, while our less able group are taught in a small group where pupils are given individual support and consolidation. 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.  

Lessons in Practical Maths – covering shape, length, weight, volume and time - also take 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 the pupils in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments. Topics covered:

Geography

Term 1   Map work – keys, plans, maps
Term 3   Italy

History

Term 1   Celts
Term 2   Romans (with particular reference to Scotland and individual research project undertaken)

Science  

Term 3   Plants; Fit For Life

RE and Personal, Social & Health Education

PSHE: Topics covered include Personal Safety; Health & Wellbeing; and Internet Safety.

RE: Topics include Saints; Hinduism and Sikhism.

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 activities, such as gymnastics, games and dance, and the other focusing on outdoor Games such as Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Tennis. Pupils also have swimming once a week for half the Session.

Music

Children are taught by a specialist teacher once a week.

Art and Drama

Art is taught by the class teacher or specialist teacher, within the classroom or in the Art Department, on a weekly basis. The classrooms are bright with the exciting artwork on display. Drama is taught by the class teacher, making use of our large school hall.

ICT

Pupils visit the ICT suite each week to develop their computing skills with our specialist teacher. 

Homework

Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial. A homework diary details the homework 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.