Exploring the World of Artificial Intelligence in Year 4

Today, our Year 4 pupils began an exciting journey into the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As part of their new computing unit, we introduced them to this transformative technology that is reshaping industries and daily life.

What Is Artificial Intelligence? To start, we explored the question: What is AI? The pupils learned that AI is a tool that enables machines to mimic human intelligence. From understanding language to recognising patterns and even creating art, AI has the ability to process information and make decisions in ways that once seemed impossible.

How Is AI Being Used Today? We discussed real-world examples of AI in action, such as:

Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Recommendation systems on platforms such as YouTube and Netflix.

Self-driving cars and robotics in factories.

The pupils were amazed to learn that AI isn’t just a futuristic concept; it’s already part of our everyday lives!

The Future Potential of AI - Our conversation then turned to what the future might hold. Could AI help solve climate change? Could it revolutionise healthcare? The pupils shared their imaginative ideas, from AI-powered classrooms to robot doctors.

Hands-On Learning with AI Tools - Mr Spracklen gave an engaging demonstration of an AI music-building tool (https://aimusic.so/app). The pupils were fascinated to see how AI could create unique melodies, sparking a lively discussion about AI’s role in creative fields.

We also explored Google Gemini, an AI platform that can generate images. Pupils were inspired by its ability to create art from just a few words, showcasing how technology can combine creativity and innovation.

Finally, we looked at tools like Merlyn Mind, an AI system designed for classrooms, and ChatGPT, a tool that can support teachers by generating ideas, lesson plans and more. The pupils were curious about how these tools could make learning and teaching more efficient.

Why Teach AI in Year 4? The world of technology is changing rapidly, and by introducing our pupils to AI, we’re helping them become informed digital citizens. This unit not only develops their computing skills but also encourages them to think critically about the ethical implications and opportunities AI brings.

As we continue this unit, our Year 4 pupils will get hands-on experience with more AI tools, develop projects, and reflect on how AI can be a force for good in the world. Stay tuned for updates as our pupils dive deeper into the world of AI—they’re already buzzing with excitement!

#InspiredToLearn

Exciting times ahead (key upcoming events)

Hello everyone,

It's that time of year when the school entrance gets transformed into a winter wonderland. I was a parent before I was a teacher at POW and I still remember my first experience of the magic that is Christmas at POW. This year, our theme is the Jolly Christmas Postman. Year 4, like the other classes will take part in our inspired writing week. Year 4 will be writing letters with Ms Browne, Mrs March and the team from the Bank of Dreams and Nightmares. 

Tempest auditions

This week the children were given audition scripts ahead of their Tempest auditions next Friday. If your child's audition script didn't make it home the link can be found here.

Next week, the children will be asked to list up to 4 roles that they would like, although they will only be invited to audition for their 1st choice. 

Home learning

The children's home learning for this week is for the children to practice their lines for their audition. If they can learn them this really helps to free up their hands. Lauren from Razzmatazz gave the children some tips today such as line delivery and projecting their voice, using body language gestures and facial expressions. 

Spellings

The spellings for this week have been sent home and are available on spelling shed. For reference they are also here: 

Mrs Bernard's group:

RWI4

RWI5

Upcoming events

Monday 25th November - Inspired writing week launch

Tuesday 26th November - The bank of dreams and nightmare

Wednesday 27th November - Year 4 artwork display visit (see emailed letter)

Thursday 28th November - School disco

Friday 29th November - Christmas Craft day 

Friday 29th November - Tempest Auditions 

Odd Sock day tomorrow

 

It is Odd sock day tomorrow (Tuesday)

Apologies for the mistake 

Fire safety, Shakespeare, Home learning, Rugby and upcoming dates

 

Hello everyone,

Fire Safety

On Friday, the children watched a presentation from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service. 

The children should have come home with a handout about fire safety but the key messages were:

• Shut doors where possible (especially at night)
• Install fire alarms and check them weekly
• Discuss an escape plan
• Keep keys near doors and windows
• As a family decide on a meeting point - safe distance from the building. 
• If you find a fire - Get out, stay out and call 999

Shakespeare Play

This week the children learnt that our Shakespeare play this year will be The Tempest. In the next few weeks we will start getting the children more familiar with the play and will start auditions for the roles. 

The BBC has two great resources to introduce the Tempest to young audiences if would like to share these with your child at home. 

1) The Tempest in short

2) Cartoon adaptation of the Tempest (we have watched this is class). 

HomeLearning

Thank you to those parents that have helped their child log onto the Power Maths games. These games help to reinforce the learning we are doing in class and the children's feedback has been really positive which is great. If you need a reminder as to how to login, please check out the previous blog for details or click here. 

This week's home learning will be maths based and will help the children practice previous learning they have done on column addition ahead of the year 4 column addition learning. Children will be given paper copies of their home learning on Tuesday but online versions can be accessed here.  

New RWI spellings will be given out in week 3 but please encourage your child to practice their personal spellings this week. These are on spelling shed but paper lists are available on request. 

Thank you for those people that are working with your child to record their reading in reading records. Regular reading practice is such a valuable home learning activity and any reading and talking about books helps your child even once they are fluent readers. 

Rugby

Congratulation to the children that took part in the recent rugby festival. Not only did they learn team work and rugby skills they also did incredibly well. They won most of their games and didn't lose any of them!

Thank you so much to the parents that came to support the team. 

     

 

Upcoming dates and events in November

Monday 11th - 11am Whole school act of Remembrance

Tuesday 12th - Lion's Roar2024 presentations

Tuesday 12th - Opt in for Flu Immunisations deadline

Tuesday 12th - Odd Socks Day

Thursday 14th - Wear something blue for Diabetes day

Friday 15th - Children in need day. Non school uniform with spotty theme 

Friday 15th - Flu immunisations

Monday 25th - Inspired writing week

Friday 29th - Christmas Craft Day

As ever, please get in touch with a member of the year 4 team if you have any questions, comments or concerns. 

Kind regards,

The year 4 team

No swimming today

 Dear Parents and carers,

Due to the rugby festival, there is no swimming today. 

All children should be collected from school at 3.30pm (unless they have Rocket Club). 

Welcome Back

 

Hello everyone,

Welcome back to Year 4. We hope your child had a happy and enjoyable half term break and are ready for the second half of the Autumn term. 

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday 5th November - All children return

Thursday 7th November - Rugby festival. Children were given the opportunity to nominate if they would like to take part in this and those children chosen have been informed. Please note that there will be no swimming for those children remaining at school. 

Tuesday 12th November - Lion's Roar presentation to the rotary club and Mayor of Dorchester

Friday 15th November - Children in Need

Monday 25th November - Inspired writing week 

Friday 20th December - Last Day of term 

Shakespeare 

This week the children will learn what Shakespeare play we will be performing in February. From this term until the performance week, the children will have weekly drama sessions with Razzmatazz on Friday afternoons. We anticipate that Ellie from Razzmatazz and Ms Browne will be conducting auditions for the main roles of our play in the next 2 - 3 weeks, although we will share more information about what to expect shortly. 

Home Learning

We have been really impressed with the home learning that has been returned so far this year. Helping your child establish good home learning habits and routines really helps with the transition to middle school. In addition to the weekly home learning task, we strongly encourage your children to practice their spellings, times tables and to read (and record in reading records) regularly.      

To help reinforce the maths learning in class, year 4 will also start trialing Power maths maths games. On Thursday the children will practice logging on and will come home with their Power Maths games login details. For details about how to login please click here. The games this week will be based on rounding which is what the children are currently studying.

This week's home learning task is a grammar quiz. The children will come home with paper copies but and online version can be accessed here.   

The children in Ms Browne and Mrs Bernard's groups will also come home with spelling this week:      

Ms Browne's group 

Mrs Bernard's group

RWI spellings and personal spellings are also on spelling shed which we recommend as an interactive way for your child to learn spellings. 

Year 4 behaviour and communication

It was wonderful to meet with many of you during our parent evenings last term. Ten minutes can fly by, so if you'd like to arrange additional time to discuss your child's progress at any point throughout the year, please don't hesitate to reach out.

In Year 4 and across the school, we are focused on helping children learn how to communicate and conduct themselves with kindness and respect. We believe that these behaviours are essential to their personal and academic success and, as with any skill, they need guidance and practice—both at school and at home. Through our PSHE lessons and weekly assemblies, we work to develop the skills and character our children need for a positive future.

Our Relationships, Behaviour, Discipline, and Ethos Policy is designed to promote prosocial behaviours while addressing any challenges that may arise. We can only address less desirable behaviours if we're aware of them, so we encourage you to keep us informed. If your child shares any incidents or concerns with you, please feel free to email Ms. Browne, Mrs. March, or Mr. Spracklen. This will help us log and address issues in a timely manner.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to foster a safe and nurturing learning environment for your child.

Kind regards,

The Year 4 Team.