Year 4 at Damers is filled with exciting topics that are brought to life through high-quality texts, inspiring children to become enthusiastic readers, writers and learners. From exploring life in Britain during the Second World War to discovering the geography and culture of India, investigating the importance of water and developing navigation skills through mapwork and orienteering, each topic is carefully linked to engaging books that spark curiosity, enrich vocabulary and deepen understanding across the curriculum. Texts such as The Dragon Seekers, Letters from the Lighthouse and When the Mountains Roared provide rich opportunities for meaningful reading and writing. 

A key focus throughout Year 4 is securing the literacy skills children need for a successful transition to middle school. Through regular reading, discussion and writing across the curriculum, pupils develop greater independence as readers and writers. Children continue to build reading fluency and comprehension while exploring a wide range of high-quality texts, helping them to understand increasingly complex vocabulary and ideas. Alongside this, there is a strong emphasis on spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation, enabling pupils to write with confidence and control for a variety of purposes and audiences. By the end of Year 4, children are equipped with the literacy skills and resilience needed to embrace the challenges of the next stage of their education.

Mathematics places a significant emphasis on securing times table knowledge in preparation for the Year 4 Multiplication Check. Through daily practice and engaging activities, pupils develop quick and accurate recall of multiplication and division facts, providing a strong foundation for more complex mathematical learning. Throughout the year, children build their understanding of place value, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry and problem solving. 

The year begins with a fascinating study of the Second World War, exploring its impact on Britain and the experiences of people living in Dorset during wartime. A visit to Bovington Tank Museum helps bring this important period of history to life. In the spring term, children investigate the unique geographical and cultural features of India before learning why water is one of our planet’s most precious resources. During the summer term, pupils develop their mapping and orienteering skills before reflecting on how they have changed and grown throughout their time at Damers. 

Alongside these topics, Year 4 offers a broad and balanced curriculum including science, computing, art, design technology, music and PE. At the heart of everything are the Damers values of respect, kindness, courage, equality, honesty and resilience, ensuring every child feels supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their very best

A highlight of Year 4 is the residential visit to Leeson House, where children develop independence, resilience and teamwork while taking part in outdoor learning activities. Weekly Forest School sessions further enhance these skills, giving pupils opportunities to connect with nature, solve problems and build confidence in an outdoor environment. 

We end the year on our spectacular end-of-year production. Working collaboratively, children help to develop and write elements of the performance themselves, giving them a real sense of ownership and creativity. The production provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to showcase their talents in acting, singing, dancing and storytelling while building confidence, teamwork and communication skills. It is a wonderful celebration of all they have achieved during their final year at Damers and creates lasting memories for children and families alike.