Year 4

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 4
This is the part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. Discover what’s in a pond
2. Sing in a church
3. Visit a church
4. Experience new food
5. Build a den
6. Visit a theme park

Curriculum Enrichment
Colchester Castle – linked to Romans
Rainforest Workshop
Mountifitchet Castle
Let's Navigate
Adventure Island

Reading Challenges
Focus Authors
Jacqueline Wilson and David Walliams

75 Books to Read @ Mead
The Enchanted Wood
Five on a Treasure Island
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Arrival
Charlotte’s Web
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
The Adventures of Tintin
Stig of the Dump
Truckers
Matilda

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Understanding of the Rule of Law

In Year 4, pupils learn about the Magna Carta:

• how it came about
• the influence it has had on modern systems of Government
• the link to wider human rights and how they are enshrined in law

Click here for a blog post about the topic

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. 
Alkann

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to Fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 4 the children will have the chance to visit a Hindu temple

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.
get pupils to think about the difference between what we need and what we want;
get pupils think about the steps needed to start a business, then work in groups to devise a business plan that they can put into practice;

In Year 4 this involves:

• introduce pupils to the concept of keeping financial records, through the medium of shop receipts and business balance sheets; 
• get pupils to design a diary in which they can record their weekly expenditure, and then analyse the data they collect; 
• introduce the concept of value for money;
• investigate how taxes on income are calculated;
• understand that gambling and games of chance involve probability

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Amelia

Year 4 Opportunities:

• Volunteering – Eco heroes
• Reading buddies
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week