Year 4

What can I say about teaching Year 4? It is a joy! Teaching this year group at Chilton Cantelo is a particular pleasure because we attract an enthusiastic and happy group of children who just love being at school and have the desire to learn. Every day is different and there is never a dull moment. I find Year 4 so rewarding and get quite a lump in my throat when Senior School students return to reminisce and sit at the tables they used when they were much smaller.

The aim in Year 4 is to experience a broad curriculum, setting the foundation for lifelong learning. Children settle down to the serious application of attitude towards work and we strike a happy medium between working hard and playing hard. Every subject provides challenges which, once grasped, lead to requests for more demanding concepts and I am delighted when I hear Year 6 pupils recalling topics taught to them in Year 4.

Drama is a great love of mine and I have directed a wide range of productions in which my Year 4 pupils have always been very involved. Drama can form a part of any of our lessons and provides an opportunity for even the shyest members of the class to assume a character and loosen their inhibitions. It also helps to develop freedom of speech and a sense of humour.

Jackie Cleverly | Year 4 Teacher