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 – Summer 2 Learning

As we begin our final half-term of Year 4, the children are looking forward to an exciting and engaging Summer 2 packed with creativity, investigation and new challenges across the curriculum. This half-term, children will continue to build on the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the year while exploring fascinating new topics and preparing for their transition into Year 5.

Below is an overview of what your child will be learning this half-term.

 

Mathematics – Shape, Statistics and Position & Direction

In Maths, children will begin by exploring Shape, where they will:

• Identify and compare different types of angles
• Classify polygons and triangles
• Explore lines of symmetry
• Develop their understanding of geometric properties

We will then move on to Statistics, where children will learn to:

• Interpret and present data using charts and graphs
• Answer questions using information from data sets
• Compare and analyse different forms of data presentation

Finally, children will study Position and Direction, learning to:

• Describe positions using coordinates
• Plot points on a grid
• Understand movement, translation and direction
• Follow and create routes using coordinates

 

English – Manfish by Jennifer Berne

This half-term, Year 4 will be exploring the inspiring text Manfish, based on the life of Jacques Cousteau, the famous explorer, inventor and conservationist.

Writing Outcome 1: Invention Narrative

Children will write their own narrative inspired by inventions and discoveries, focusing on:

• Character development
• Description and setting
• Building suspense and excitement
• Using ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structures

Writing Outcome 2: Biography

Children will learn about the features of biographies before writing a biography based on Jacques Cousteau's life and achievements. They will focus on:

• Chronological organisation
• Formal language
• Historical facts and key events
• Paragraph structure and cohesion

 

Science – Living Things and Their Habitats (Revisit)

This half-term, children will revisit and deepen their understanding of Living Things and Their Habitats, building upon their learning from earlier in the year.

They will explore:

• Classification of living things
• Vertebrates and invertebrates
• Grouping organisms using observable characteristics
• Habitats and environmental changes
• Food chains and ecosystems

Children will continue developing their scientific enquiry skills through investigation, observation and discussion.

 

History – Ancient Egypt

In History, Year 4 will travel back in time to study one of the world's earliest civilisations: Ancient Egypt.

Children will explore:

• The achievements of Ancient Egyptian civilisation
• The importance of the River Nile
• Egyptian society and hierarchy
• Pharaohs, queens and nobility
• Religion, beliefs and the afterlife
• Trade, power and empire
• Daily life in Ancient Egypt

Key vocabulary will include:

Civilisation, Kingdom, Empire, Settlement, Society, King, Queen, Nobility, Hierarchy, Power, Beliefs, Trade, War and Slave.

Children will develop their understanding of chronology, historical significance and the impact Ancient Egypt has had on the modern world.

 

Design and Technology – Cooking and Nutrition

In DT, children will focus on Cooking and Nutrition, exploring:

• Culture and seasonality
• Healthy eating and balanced diets
• Food preparation skills
• Kitchen safety and hygiene

As part of the unit, children will design and make their own pizza, evaluating their final product and considering how ingredients can be adapted for different tastes and dietary needs.

 

Computing – Composing Beats

In Computing, children will explore digital music through Composing Beats.

They will learn to:

• Create and edit digital music
• Understand rhythm and patterns
• Use software to compose and sequence beats
• Experiment with different sounds and effects

This unit encourages creativity while developing digital skills.

 

PE – Athletics

In PE, children will be developing their skills through Athletics.

They will practise:

• Running techniques and sprinting
• Throwing and jumping events
• Balance, coordination and agility
• Teamwork and sportsmanship
• Improving personal performance

Children will have opportunities to challenge themselves, set personal goals and celebrate their achievements.