Hello! My name is Miss Riley and I’m thrilled to be teaching Year 4 at Dovecot Primary School. I have a real passion for creating a positive, engaging classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I believe in nurturing curiosity, encouraging creativity, and helping every child grow in confidence.

I’m especially passionate about using drama, music, and storytelling in my teaching—perhaps inspired by my love of musical theatre and films! I also enjoy exploring the world through travel and trying new foods, which often sparks some great classroom discussions.

At home, I love spending time with my two dogs, Emmie and Minnie, who keep me busy with beach walks and plenty of muddy adventures!

Reading in Year 4

Your child will be given a set of books and a reading diary to bring home. Please ensure these are kept in their book bag and brought to school every day.

Your child will read with myself or Miss Muldoon during the week. In addition, the children will have lots of opportunities to read and enjoy books both at school and at home throughout the term.

Star of the Week

Each Friday, one child’s name will be picked from a hat and chosen to be our Star of the Week. This special role includes helping with classroom jobs, supporting the teacher, and even taking the register with a friend.

General Reminders

• PE will take place every Tuesday – please ensure your child has their full PE kit in school.
• Any letters or reply slips that need to be returned can be placed in your child’s book bag.
• The children are encouraged to check their book bags each morning and hand in letters after the register.

Year 4 – Autumn 2 Learning

As we head into Autumn 2, Year 4 are beginning an exciting new half term filled with hands-on learning, creativity and challenge across the curriculum. Here is an overview of what the children will be exploring this term.

Mathematics – Measurement (Area) & Multiplication and Division A

This half term, the children will begin by learning about area. They will explore area using practical equipment, counting squares, comparing areas and developing strategies to calculate area more efficiently.
We will then move onto Multiplication and Division A, where children will deepen their understanding of times tables, number patterns and the relationship between multiplication and division. They will apply their knowledge to reasoning and problem-solving tasks to build fluency and confidence.

English – Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann

We will be studying the beautifully illustrated text Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann. This rich, atmospheric story offers excellent opportunities for inference, vocabulary exploration and emotive discussion.

Writing Outcome 1: Outsider Narrative

Children will explore the themes of loneliness, belonging and misunderstanding as they write their own outsider narratives, drawing on the polar bear’s journey through the story.

Writing Outcome 2: Information Report

Following this, the children will create a structured information report linked to the story, drawing on key features such as subheadings, technical vocabulary, factual tone and clear organisation.

Science – States of Matter

In Science, we will be learning about states of matter. The children will explore the properties of solids, liquids and gases, investigate how materials change state, and carry out practical experiments—including observing chocolate melting—to develop their scientific enquiry skills.
They will also use scientific vocabulary such as evaporation, condensation, temperature, heating and cooling.

Geography & History – Locational Knowledge and Anglo-Saxons

We will continue our Geography learning from Autumn 1 by further exploring latitude, longitude and time zones, helping children understand how these lines are used to locate places across the world.

Later in the half term, our Humanities focus will move to History, where children will study Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots. Key themes include:
Invasion, Power, Community, Kingdoms, Monarchy, Trade, Migration, Religion, Settlement and Conflict.
Children will explore how and why different groups came to Britain, how they lived, and the impact they left behind.

Design & Technology – Electronics (Torches)

In DT, the children will be learning about simple electrical circuits, including switches, bulbs and batteries. They will then apply their knowledge to design and make their own working torch, considering purpose, user and design features. This is always a very exciting and practical unit!

Computing – Animation

In Computing, Year 4 will develop their understanding of 2D animation techniques, including onion skinning and frame-by-frame movement. They will plan, design and create their own animations using digital software, building on sequencing skills and creativity.

PE – Dance (Carnival & Performance)

This half term’s PE focus is Dance, where children will learn choreography linked to carnival themes. They will explore rhythm, timing, spatial awareness and partner work, developing confidence in performance and creativity in movement.