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.

Pupil of the Week

Each Friday, one child’s name will be picked from a hat and chosen to be our Pupil 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 – Spring 2 Learning

As we begin Spring 2, Year 4 are looking forward to another exciting half term filled with creativity, challenge, and discovery across the curriculum. The children will continue to build on their existing knowledge and skills while exploring new texts, concepts, and hands-on learning experiences. Below is an overview of what your child will be learning this half term.

 

Mathematics – Fractions and Decimals A

In Maths, children will develop their understanding of fractions, exploring how fractions represent parts of a whole and quantities. They will compare, order, and find fractions of amounts, using practical resources and visual representations to support understanding.

Later in the half term, we will move on to Decimals A, where children will learn how decimals relate to fractions and place value. They will practise reading, writing, comparing, and ordering decimals, applying their knowledge to problem-solving and reasoning activities.

 

English – The Lost Happy Endings by Carol Ann Duffy

This half term, Year 4 will be immersed in the rich and imaginative text The Lost Happy Endings. Through this powerful story, children will explore themes of storytelling, imagination, and the importance of hope.

Writing Outcome 1: Twisted Narrative
Children will write their own twisted narrative, adapting traditional stories and experimenting with structure, character, and descriptive language.

Writing Outcome 2: Persuasive Letter
Children will write a persuasive letter linked to the text, developing their ability to use formal language, clear arguments, and persuasive techniques to influence the reader.

 

Science – Electricity

In Science, children will explore the topic of Electricity. They will learn about:

• Simple electrical circuits
• Conductors and insulators
• Electrical components and their functions
• How electricity is used safely in everyday life

Through practical investigations and discussion, children will build their scientific understanding and enquiry skills.

 

Geography – The Water Cycle

In Geography, we will continue our learning about The Water Cycle. Across three lessons and an end-of-unit assessment, children will develop their understanding of how water moves through the environment.

Key concepts include:
Human and Physical Geography – Environment, Connection, Interaction, Landscape, Process, Cycle

 

History – Vikings and Anglo-Saxons

Following Geography, Year 4 will begin their History unit:
The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor (AD).

Children will explore key historical concepts including:
Invasion, Power, Community, Kingdom, Trade, Migration, Belief, Settlement, Heir, Monarchy, Conflict, King, Religion

They will develop their understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, and historical significance.

 

Design and Technology – Textiles

In DT, children will work with textiles, learning how to create 3D products from 2D shapes. As part of this unit, they will design and make a money container, developing skills in cutting, joining, shaping, and evaluating their work.

 

Computing – Sound Stories

In Computing, children will create Sound Stories, using digital tools to combine audio, sequencing, and creativity. They will learn how sound can enhance storytelling and how to structure a digital narrative.

 

PE – Football

In PE, Year 4 will be developing their skills through football. Children will practise:

• Dribbling and passing
• Control and movement
• Attacking and defending
• Teamwork and game awareness

Through games and skill-based activities, children will continue to build confidence, coordination, and sportsmanship.