Dorchester Primary News Feed - Year 4 News

What have you enjoyed learning about this half term?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:57:28 GMT

How do humans use the coast?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:17:51 GMT

This week, Year 4 have been busy practising their lines for their production next week, and they are doing really well! The children have shown great enthusiasm and commitment as they rehearse, and it’s fantastic to see their confidence growing.

Please continue to support them in practising at home, as this will really help them feel prepared and ready to shine. We can’t wait to show everyone their hard work and talent in next week’s performance!

What did we learn about coastal erosion?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:56:53 GMT

It has been an action-packed week of learning in Year 4! In Geography, we dove into the powerful forces of coastal erosion, discovering how our changing tides shape the land. The children took their learning a step further by stepping into the shoes of ‘Coastal Environmental Officers.’ They used their persuasive skills to compassionately advise a resident living in a high-risk home on the cliffs, balancing safety concerns with empathy. Meanwhile, in Maths, we have been mastering the world of fractions. The students worked hard on comparing different fractions, using their knowledge of numerators and denominators to order them accurately. We are so proud of the critical thinking and problem-solving shown by everyone this week!

What did you learn about the Easter Story?

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 22:40:58 GMT

This week, Year 4 had a fantastic time taking part in the Easter Experience. The children travelled back in time and were guided through the story of Jesus’ betrayal, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. The immersive activities really brought the story to life, and the children were highly engaged throughout. Some pupils even had the opportunity to take on ‘starring roles’ in the performance, which made the experience even more memorable.

What is the nature and function of religious buildings and places associated with Christianity and the Christian community?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:55:20 GMT

This week, in Year 4, we have been looking at what places are special to us and why. We then looked at churches and discussed why they are meaningful to Christians. We also looked at what different uses they could have. We then created 'lego churches' including and identifying the different features of a church and their uses,

What is your target in writing?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:24:14 GMT

This week Year 4 have worked incredibly hard to publish their Star Writes. They have rewritten the story of the Rainbow Serpent using expanded noun phrases, inverted commas and possessive pronouns. They should all be proud of their work.

We have begun looking at the Year 4 performance and can't wait to start practising after half term!

What is your target in writing?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:24:09 GMT

We have begun looking at the Year 4 performance and can't wait to start practising after half term!

What are the environmental dangers to the Great Barrier Reef?

Fri, 6 Feb 2026 11:31:20 GMT

This week Year 4 received a high-level transmission from the Department of Planetary Health. They called it Operation: Pulse and Respiration. We had 45 minutes to reconstruct the damage report and present a 'State of Emergency' broadcast to the Global Council. If we didn't, the funding for the restoration project was going to be cut. Ask us what we included in our report and what factors are affecting the Great Barrier Reef.

How can we change the pitch of sound?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:04:04 GMT

This week, Year 4 have loved our Science experiment. They worked in groups using a range of musical instruments to explore pitch. They predicted which sounds would be high and which would be low, then tested their ideas by playing the instruments and listening carefully to the notes. This helped them understand how different instruments can produce high and low sounds.

What caused the volume to vary in our experiment?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:37:07 GMT

This week the children loved their experiment on sound. We investigated the difference in the sounds made as the ball hit the floor each time. We then learnt about why the ball dropped for the higher height made the loudest sound and why.

What does sound travel best through?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:58:51 GMT

This week in Science, we have been investigating sound to determine which material sound travels best through. We tested how sound travels through solids, liquids and gases.

What are the main features of a local mosque?

Fri, 9 Jan 2026 12:47:36 GMT

Year 4 have had a fantastic week back after Christmas and it has been lovely to see them all settle back into their routines so quickly, even with the snow! The children have all worked hard and have impressed us with their positive attitudes. Their highlight of the week has been enjoying playing out in the snow!

How did we make our volcanoes?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:49:23 GMT

Year 4 have had a fantastic half term and have enjoyed learning about earthquakes and volcanoes. We ended the term making volcanoes out of salt dough and enjoyed painting them to try and make them look realistic. They have also enjoyed learning how to make podcasts in computing and produced interesting podcasts about 'Dorchester in December'.

What did you include in your Star Write?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:57:56 GMT

This week, Year 4 produced some truly fabulous pieces of writing. They carefully planned, drafted, edited, and published their Star Writes, and created excellent non-chronological reports about volcanoes. We are extremely proud of the progress they have made.

How can you find which 3 digit numbers are divisible for 3 or 6?

Thu, 4 Dec 2025 14:39:21 GMT

This week in maths we have been learning about the 3x and 6x tables. We then learnt some 'magic tricks' on how to know if three-digit numbers are in either of the times tables. Give your child a 3 digit number and see if they can impressive you with their magic!

What causes earthquakes?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:36:45 GMT

Year 4 really enjoyed learning about what causes earthquakes. We discovered that earthquakes happen when tectonic plates move and press against each other. These plates are always shifting, but when they get stuck, slide past each other, or push together suddenly, the ground shakes and an earthquake occurs.

To put our learning into action, we built ‘houses’ out of spaghetti and marshmallows and tested which structures were the strongest. The children loved experimenting and seeing whose building could survive the longest during our earthquake test!

What did you enjoy most about our Around the World Day?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:32:41 GMT

Year 4 loved their Around the World day this week! Emerald Class learned all about New Zealand, while Fern Class explored Germany. Emerald Class used maps to create salt-dough models of New Zealand and investigated where key cities and landmarks are located. Fern Class learned a German song, explored German culture and cuisine, and even created their own nutcrackers and gingerbread houses.

We look forward to sharing all of their wonderful work with you after school on Monday!

Where are volcanoes located?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:22:45 GMT

This week, we learnt about where volcanoes, mountains and earthquakes are found around the world. We discovered that many of them are located along the edges of the Earth’s tectonic plates. By looking at world maps, we identified how these natural features are spread across different continents and why they appear in these locations.

What did you learn on our trip to the Natural History Museum?

Fri, 7 Nov 2025 13:07:50 GMT

On Tuesday, Year 4 went to the Natural History Museum. We took part in an exciting science workshop all about volcanoes and earthquakes. Through interactive demonstrations, the children explored the powerful geological forces deep within the Earth. They even created a real earthquake and poured their own lava (made of wax)! Working together, the class had to use their new knowledge and skills to try and save a town from disaster. It was an action-packed, hands-on experience that brought their learning to life and helped them understand just how powerful – and unpredictable – our planet can be.

How did you make your biscuits?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:17:05 GMT

This week, Year 4 have been busy and brilliant! We’ve been learning all about the Romans, and the children have written some fantastic sentences, including diary entries from the point of view of a Roman soldier. They used their imaginations to describe what life might have been like in the Roman army, and their writing was full of interesting facts and feelings.

In Maths, we’ve been exploring perimeter, and the children have been counting carefully and calculating lengths with growing confidence. It was tricky at first, but they kept practising and made great progress!

During our DT Day, everyone had a wonderful time designing and baking their own biscuits — they looked amazing and smelled even better because of all the effort the children put in. We’re now really looking forward to our exciting trip to the Natural History Museum after half term, but please remember that everyone will need to bring a packed lunch for the day.

There's no peek of the week today, enjoy the half term. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday 3rd November.

What design did you do for your Take One Picture Flag? Why?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:59:46 GMT

This week we completed our Take One Picture Projects and created models of Canaletto's ‘A Regatta on the Grand Canal’. Emerald Class chose to create shoebox versions and Fern Class created a model city of it, both including origami gondolas and their own designs of flags.

How did you make your origami gondola?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:42:03 GMT

This week we have started our Take One Picture project and loved learning how to make gondolas using origami. The children all worked hard to follow the instructions and make tricky folds. They then decorated them and managed to add some additional features such as the oar.

Which part of the painting, 'A Regatta on the Grand Canal', has inspired you and why?

Fri, 3 Oct 2025 13:06:01 GMT

This week, Year 4 have been looking at the painting 'A Regatta on the Grand Canal', and using it for inspiration for our Take One Picture project. We can't wait to get started with it!

Which artefacts were most interesting in the workshop? Why?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:36:38 GMT

This week Year 4 really enjoyed our virtual workshop looking at Roman artefacts. We were lucky enough to have replicas sent to us so that we could observe them up close and handle them!

Who were the Romans?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:50:53 GMT

This week we were learning about who the Romans were. We looked at when Romans rules Britain and dressed up as Romans, wearing togas or armour. We then looked at pictures and discussed what sort of civilisation they were.

What are the different parts of the human skeleton?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:08:56 GMT

Year 4 loved their science lesson this week look at the human skeleton. We worked in groups drawing round a person and then drawing and labelling different bones that we have.

What has been your best part of this week?

Thu, 4 Sep 2025 21:45:48 GMT

Year 4 have had a great first week back after the summer and we have loved getting to know the children. They have all worked hard and impressed us with their positive attitudes.

Both classes have already produced some lovely artwork inspired by music.

Year 4 - Why is it important to work together?

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 10:22:22 GMT

Year 4 How can we create sculpture from wire, soap and shadows?

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 13:37:06 GMT

Year 4 What variables could affect how slowly a parachute falls?

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:54:25 GMT

Year 4: Would you rather be a rich or poor Tudor?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:29:16 GMT

This week in Year 4, we explored the Tudors and debated life as rich or poor Tudors. We researched Henry VIII, created detailed soap sculptures, and practised adding money and finding change in Maths. It’s been a fun, creative, and informative week full of hands-on learning and historical discovery!

Year 4 - Who invented the Lightbulb?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:06:28 GMT

Year 4 How did the Tudor period start?

Thu, 5 Jun 2025 10:30:13 GMT

Year 4 Why is mindfulness important?

Sat, 24 May 2025 15:35:33 GMT

Year 4 Why do humans build settlements near the coast?

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:33:44 GMT

Year 4 What do you need to create an electrical circuit?

Wed, 7 May 2025 12:11:52 GMT

Year 4 - What is the Water Safety Code?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:15:03 GMT

Year 4 - What is batik printing?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:02:45 GMT

Year 4 - What did you enjoy about "Troy Story"?

Wed, 2 Apr 2025 11:32:57 GMT

Year 4 - How are you persuaded to do something?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:11:32 GMT

Year 4 - What caused the Battle of Troy?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:16:43 GMT

Year 4 - Would you prefer to live in Athens or Sparta?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:32:50 GMT

Year 4 - How would you persuade Polar Bear to stay?

Wed, 5 Mar 2025 15:08:28 GMT

Year 4 - How do we categorise different types of animals?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:18 GMT

Year 4 - How do we recognise a scam online?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:40:07 GMT

Year 4 - If you were a spy, how would you move?

Wed, 5 Feb 2025 12:09:24 GMT

Year 4 - What represents Australian culture?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:40:18 GMT

Year 4 - What is the Dreamtime?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:54:40 GMT

Year 4 Who was Amy Johnson?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:47:03 GMT

Year 4 - Where is Australia?

Wed, 8 Jan 2025 11:30:23 GMT