Years 3-4

The work in years three and four builds upon the foundations made in the Pre Prep or in other schools, from which a child may come. The work is designed to support, develop and extend the understanding and skills of the individual.  The classes are mixed ability and all the work is therefore differentiated, according to the ability of the individual.  The classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards. 

On entry all children are routinely tested by the Special Needs Department, to identify any child who may have a specific difficulty and, where necessary, parents are informed and consulted.  This testing enables the class teacher to target the skills required to overcome any specific problems.

Reading is seen as one of the most important elements of the Year 3 and 4 English curriculum.  All children are regularly heard read and their reading choices are discussed and extended to include a variety of genres.  Any child found to have a reading age below their chronological age will be heard read every day.  The Year 3 and 4 classrooms have their own libraries of books but children also have regular access to the school library.

 Children also study a variety of books.  These stories and poems are used as stimulus for their own writing.  This includes developing their story ideas, characters, poems, instructions, newspapers and advertisements.  Their writing also includes comprehension and the study of grammar and spelling.  Some of this work is developed by use of one of the two ICT suites, or by using their Alpha Smart lap tops in the classroom.   

Speaking and Listening are integral to the work in Years 3 and 4.  These skills are developed in group and whole class lessons.  This work is extended and developed through their weekly drama lessons, during their chapel presentations and through their preparation for the Year 4 play.

All the children are encouraged to take part in the many language based competitions that are offered  internally and externally and many of the children have achieved great success here.

Assessment of all the children is ongoing throughout these important years and regular testing of reading, spelling, comprehension and writing take place both formally and by teacher assessment.

Mrs C E Ruck, Head of English (Years 3 - 6)