Year 4

Maths has been exciting this term with the introduction of new concepts such as the area and perimeter of a figure and applying it in real-life situations such as floor covering, wallpaper and paint. We broadened our horizons with multiplication (4-digit by 1-digit numbers) and division (long division of 2- and 3-digit numbers by 1-digit number). We also investigated different methods of data collection and data display, evaluating the effectiveness of different data displays, and comparing them. Students found that it is easier and faster to read the bar graph compared to other types of graphs. Although some of the concepts have been challenging for the students, they were enthusiastic about learning new concepts.

The students have thoroughly enjoyed science this term. With hands on experiments on a weekly basis, the students were regularly interested in what they would investigate next. The focus area of our learning was on forces. A favourite among the experiments was making their own catapults to demonstrate the forces of push and pull, and how a direct force is needed in order for the object to move.

The students have also loved learning about the different elements of drama. They have watched some theatre productions such as Pinocchio and some live monologue performances by children their age. Having seen others, they got to perform a monologue of their choice which they were very excited to do. Some students went the extra mile to make props and even put on amazing accents during their performance. 

For HASS, our students have been highly engaged learning about how the rise of the Ottoman Empire, inspired the Age of European Exploration in the 1400 to 1600’s. The famous voyages of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, and others, were explored, and their impacts on the economic, political, and religious landscape of the world were discussed. Such a topic opened itself very easily to the analysis of Muslim influences in history, and students were afforded insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.