Year 4 in Top Gear

As the academic year shifts up a gear, Year 4 students have been working hard to build and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understandings across all subjects.

Scientifically observing and recording their seed growth in Science has been a particular highlight. In Humanities, students have been building their understanding as to what threatens various animals in their habitats and what they require in order to thrive. This will culminate in students designing their own animal enclosures with the aim of helping to ensure the survival of the species.

There has also been a heightened buzz during English lessons as students practice the skill of actively participating in group discussions. The ability of students to present a point of view and respond to the view of others whilst drawing evidence from the text in support has been impressive and continues to develop. As a unique assessment task, it provides a different avenue for students to demonstrate their abilities.

Mathematically, students are currently engaged with money; a concept that easily captures the attention of all. Planning and budgeting for a trip to the movies is not your everyday assessment task. Maybe it is good practice for the upcoming holidays and an effective way to persuade Mum and Dad to take that day trip!

In Digital Technology lessons, boys are learning how robots work. They have investigated why robots look different, depending on their need and function. As part of the curriculum, they put their coding skills to the test and programmed Ozobots, miniature robots that have light sensors that detect colour. In class students were challenged to design a costume to put on their robot and the annual fashion parade of robots strutting down the catwalk is sure to set trends for next season! This is in preparation for their assessment, where boys will code a robot to replicate the journey of the First Fleet to Australia. They will make a ship design for their Ozobot as it sails the seas.

Africa the continent, its geographical space, its unique wildlife and their habitats are being explored by Year 4 students in Humanities. Boys are learning where countries in Africa are, what their landscape looks like and how animals survive in different environments. This is all in preparation for their Animal Habitat study where each boy chooses an animal and has to create a native environment habitat for it to survive in an Australian zoo.

Paul Degenkamp

Year 4 Coordinator

Keep an eye on our socials for more stories from the classroom.