Primary at Richmond Park School
Year 4 - LOWER Key Stage 2 (Ages 8–9)
Deepening Understanding, Expanding Independence
Year 4 at Richmond Park School is a transformative stage where children grow into confident, capable learners who begin to think more critically, make meaningful connections across subjects, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Through captivating topics such as The Rainforest, The Mayans, and Ancient Egypt, pupils strengthen their research, writing, and creative skills while continuing to build solid foundations in mathematics, science, and literacy. Specialist lessons in Spanish, Music, Computing, PE, and Food Technology enrich their learning journey, helping each child uncover new talents, passions, and interests.
By the end of Year 4, pupils emerge as independent, reflective thinkers, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of Upper Key Stage 2 with confidence and curiosity.
“In Year 4, children don’t just learn facts — they learn how to question, connect, and think for themselves.”
— LKS2 Team
A Year of Discovery, Growth, and Confidence
Year 4 is a pivotal year where children build on the strategies and independence developed in Year 3. They grow in resilience, confidence, and self‑motivation, taking greater ownership of their learning.
Lessons become more analytical and structured, encouraging pupils to explore complex ideas, think critically, and apply their knowledge creatively across subjects. This is a year where curiosity is nurtured, responsibility is encouraged, and learning becomes increasingly purposeful.
“In Year 4, our learners grow into thoughtful, capable individuals — curious about the world and confident in their place within it.”
— LKS2 Team
Learning in Year 4
Following the English National Curriculum, Year 4 deepens understanding across all core and foundation subjects. Children are guided to:
- Strengthen reading comprehension and independent writing
- Build mastery in mathematics and real‑world problem‑solving
- Develop research and critical‑thinking skills
- Cultivate creativity, curiosity, and personal responsibility
Pupils learn to work both independently and collaboratively, taking pride in their progress and achievements.
Curriculum Overview
Children explore a rich variety of genres to develop fluency, imagination, and precision in reading and writing. This term includes:
- Poetry & Riddles – studying structure and language to create rainforest‑themed riddles
- Myths & Legends – writing original myths set in the rainforest using similes, metaphors, and descriptive detail
- Non‑Fiction – researching rainforest animals and producing factual information pages
- Guided Reading – strengthening retrieval, inference, and summarising skills
- Grammar & Punctuation – refining sentence structure, dialogue, and vocabulary choices
Year 4 extends children’s understanding of number, place value, and calculation, with a strong focus on applying maths to real‑life situations. Key learning includes:
- Place value in 4‑digit numbers
- Addition and subtraction using column and mental methods
- Multiplication and division (6× and 9× tables)
- Fractions: equivalence and simplification
- Time: reading to the nearest minute and calculating intervals
- Measurement: converting and recording lengths using decimals
By the end of Year 4, pupils are expected to confidently recall all multiplication tables up to 12×12.
Hands‑on, investigative science helps children understand the systems that shape the living world. Topics include:
- Habitats & Classification – how animals and plants adapt to their environments
- Sound & Electricity – exploring vibrations, pitch, circuits, and energy flow
- Teeth & Digestion – understanding how the body processes food
- States of Matter – investigating solids, liquids, and gases
Cross‑curricular topics bring culture, sustainability, and global awareness to life:
- The Rainforest – ecosystems, deforestation, and global responsibility
- The Mayans – ancient civilisation, traditions, and art
- The Egyptians – mummification, the River Nile, and ancient innovation
- Sustainability & Recycling – understanding how small actions can create meaningful change
These themes connect literacy, science, and art, creating a cohesive and immersive learning experience.
Creativity meets culture in Year 4’s art curriculum. Pupils design and produce:
- Mayan Masks (papier mâché)
- Recycled Art Projects promoting sustainability
- Egyptian‑inspired Sculptures such as canopic jars and cartouches
Year 4 PSHE supports emotional wellbeing, social development, and responsible citizenship. Themes include:
- Relationships and friendships
- Respect and empathy
- Mental health and positivity
- Citizenship and global awareness
- Personal safety and responsibility
Children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and support one another — all core values at Richmond Park School.
Specialist Subjects: Unlocking Talent, Passion, and Potential
In Year 4, pupils benefit from exceptional specialist teaching that broadens their horizons and nurtures individual strengths:
- Spanish – strengthening grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding through creative writing, storytelling, and confident oral expression
- Music – reading musical notation, composing rhythmic patterns, and performing in unison and harmony
- Computing – developing programming skills, understanding digital networks, and building strong online safety awareness
- Food Technology – exploring nutrition, kitchen safety, and international cuisine through hands‑on cooking experiences
- PE and Swimming – enhancing coordination, endurance, teamwork, and sportsmanship across a wide range of physical activities
These specialist lessons give every child the chance to discover new interests, develop emerging talents, and build confidence in areas beyond the core curriculum.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Where Experiences Bring Learning to Life
Year 4 includes three educational trips per year, each one carefully designed to enrich classroom learning and spark real‑world connections. Whether exploring museums, science centres, or natural environments, pupils experience first‑hand the topics they study — from The Rainforest to The Mayans.
These memorable experiences deepen understanding, inspire curiosity, and create the kind of learning moments children never forget.
Home–School Partnership
Working Together for Every Child’s Success
A strong partnership between school and home is central to our approach. Families stay informed, involved, and connected through:
- Class Dojo – daily updates, photos, and classroom news
- Curriculum Letters – outlining each term’s learning focus
- Parents Booking – convenient online meetings and extracurricular sign‑ups
- iSAMS Parent Portal – reports, attendance, and key school information
Each week, children take home reading books, spelling lists, and interactive math activities to reinforce learning and build strong study habits.
Celebrating Achievement
Recognising Effort, Progress, and Character
At Richmond Park School, we believe in celebrating every success — big or small. Year 4 pupils are recognised through:
- Star of the Week certificates
- House Points for effort, teamwork, and kindness
- Golden Time – a weekly class reward chosen by pupils
These traditions foster motivation, build community spirit, and help children take pride in their achievements.
Ready for Upper Key Stage 2
Confident, Independent, and Eager for What Comes Next
By the end of Year 4, pupils have developed a secure understanding of core subjects, strong organisational habits, and a growing sense of independence. They move into Upper Key Stage 2 confident, capable, and ready for the exciting challenges and opportunities that Year 5 will bring.
Book a visit or contact us
We’d love to welcome you to Richmond Park School. Schedule your visit today!
