Samba drums concert & other dates

 

Year 4 Samba Drumming Performance

We are excited to invite families to watch Year 4’s Samba drumming performance on Tuesday 15th July at 3:00pm. The children are eager to showcase the skills they have developed while learning these vibrant new instruments.

We hope you will be able to join us and celebrate their hard work. 🤞

Other Upcoming Dates

Tuesday 1st July - Year 4 transfer day (visit new middle schools)

Friday 4th July - Railways 200 day & Ms Aplin's last day with us

Saturday 5th July  - POWSA summer fair

Tuesday 8th July - KS2 Sports Day (am)

Thursday 10th July - KS2 Skateboard academy workshops

Friday 11th July - Dance Day 

Tuesday 15th July - Samba drums performance 3pm - school hall

Thursday 17th July - Year 4 last fun swim

Friday 18th July - Herd of elephants exhibition 

Tuesday 22nd July - Leavers assembly and last day

Wednesday 23rd July - INSET and start of the summer holidays 

Rock, Paper, Micro:Bit!

Today in Computing, our Year Four pupils coded their very own Rock, Paper, Scissors game using the BBC Micro:Bit – and it was brilliant fun!

Building on our growing coding knowledge, pupils learnt how to use the Micro:Bit’s accelerometer to trigger the game with a shake gesture. 

This meant that simply shaking the Micro:Bit would kick off a random selection – rock, paper or scissors – using clever logic, variables and random number generation.

Our pupils were so excited to test their creations and challenge each other – it was wonderful to see them debugging, improving and sharing ideas like real programmers!

👉 Don’t forget: 

Please return your child’s Micro:Bit pack every Monday, ready for our next Computing lesson.

We’d also love to hear how your child is getting on with their Micro:Bit at home! 

Any success stories or photos? 

Please email them to:
headteacher@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk

We’re incredibly proud of our young coders – keep it up, Year 4!

Home Learning and upcoming dates

 

Hello everyone,

We hope you and your child are enjoying this final term in Year 4 at the Prince of Wales School. It has certainly been a busy time, and there are still many exciting Inspired to Learn activities ahead. Upcoming dates are listed below. 

Mrs Ray from DMS and Mrs Hudson from St Osmund’s have now completed their visits to POW, and they are looking forward to welcoming your child on the transfer day next Tuesday. You should have already received information from your child’s new middle school about what to expect on the day. As a quick reminder, children should wear their Prince of Wales uniforms, but should be dropped off and collected from their new schools on Tuesday.

Home learning

With lots happening over the coming week, including transfer day, we would like this week’s home learning to focus on supporting the children’s emotional wellbeing. As we discussed earlier in the year, it is important to help children develop strategies to regulate their emotions, especially during times of change. To support this, I have shared some helpful videos and suggestions below which you may find useful to explore together at home.

Suggested activities and resources to support emotional regulation:

Square breathing – Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. You might like to follow along with a square-breathing video such as this one

Taking a pencil for a walk – Give your child a pencil and a blank page and let them draw a continuous wiggly line without taking the pencil off the page. Afterwards, they can colour in the shapes created, which is a calming and creative activity.

5-4-3-2-1 grounding – Encourage your child to notice:

• 5 things they can see

• 4 things they can touch

• 3 things they can hear

• 2 things they can smell

• 1 thing they can taste
  This is a simple but powerful grounding technique to calm busy minds.

Colouring – Using mindful colouring sheets or free drawing can help children focus and relax. There are many printable designs available online, or you could create your own.

Body scan – Encourage your child to lie down, close their eyes, and focus on each part of their body, noticing any tension and gently relaxing. Here’s a guided body scan for children  you might find helpful.

GoNoodle – If you’d like something more active, GoNoodle offers short, movement-based mindfulness activities, which many children enjoy.

Gratitude journaling – Take a moment together each day to write down or draw something they feel grateful for. This can help children shift focus to positive thoughts.

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

Kind regards,
Ms Browne & the wonderful Year 4 team.  

Upcoming Dates

Friday 27th June - Bikeathon

Friday 27th June - POWSA NON-SCHOOL UNIFORM DAY 

Monday 30th June - Inclusive Sports Fortnight begins

Tuesday 1st July - Year 4 transfer day (visit new middle schools)

Friday 4th July - Railways 200 day & Ms Aplin's last day with us

Saturday 5th July  - POWSA summer fair

Tuesday 8th July - KS2 Sports Day (am)

Thursday 10th July - KS2 Skateboard academy workshops

Friday 11th July - Dance Day 

This week's PSHE lesson

 

We had two PSHE lessons this week. 

My feelings are all over the place

Yesterday (Tuesday) we talked about emotions and how during puberty emotions and feelings can be heightened. 

The neuroscience behind brain development in adolescence is fascinating and  understanding the development of teenagers' brains can help us understand physically why they may have certain reactions. One part of the brain which can explain why teenagers can suddenly start interpreting hostility and conflict from events and spoken words (that adults may see as neutral and well intentioned) is the limbic system. The limbic system is responsible for processing emotions such as anger and sensitivity to danger and as this area develops teenagers and preteens can become very sensitive to perceived criticism and potential threats. Meanwhile the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for reasoning, thinking, logic, creativity and controlling one's behaviour, doesn't fully develop until the mid twenties. This is why teenagers and young adults can be ruled by their emotions and can have less regard for potential consequences. 

I thought it may be helpful for you as parents and carers to have an understanding of why your child might start acting differently in the future and to try to not take these behaviours personally. 

In class, will shared some role plays as either a teenager or parent to demonstrate the art of compromise exploring potential areas of conflict, using the below approach:

Listen. Share. Sort

I listen to you and understand your feelings and thoughts.

I share my feelings and thoughts

We sort this out together (finding a compromise) 

This is a method we will continue to try to model and use in class. It might also be something useful to use in school.

All Change

In today's (Wednesday) PSHE lesson we talked about the changes that children should expect as they start puberty and the proper names for male and female body parts. The children didn't seem to have many questions about what we covered but it may be the case that many of them would like to continue discussing puberty with you at home. In next week's PSHE lesson we will be discussing periods and wet dreams in more detail.

Lighting Up Our Learning!

Today in Year Four Computing, our pupils took their next big step into the world of digital technology with Lesson 2 of our BBC Micro:Bit project – and it was all about building a Night Light!

Using the BBC Micro:Bit built-in light sensor, the children learned how to code a light that automatically switches on when it gets dark – just like a real control system. This hands-on project helped them explore how inputs (like sensors), outputs (like the LED light), and computer code work together in smart devices.

We also introduced a key new concept: conditional logic (IF/ELSE statements). Pupils discovered how computers use logic to make decisions, depending on whether something is true or false – for example, “IF it’s dark, THEN turn on the light!”

Alongside this, we explored how infinite loops (REPEAT FOREVER) are used in programming to make systems respond continually to their environment – a great way to deepen our understanding of how computers interact with the real world.

Today’s success criteria:

I can code a Micro:Bit to make a light that switches on when it gets dark using sensors and logic.

I can explain that sensors are inputs that sense things in the real world.

I can explain how computers make decisions using true/false logic.

     

Our pupils are doing brilliantly with their coding adventures and showing real curiosity about how technology shapes the world around us.

👉 Don’t forget: please return your child’s full Micro:Bit Home Learning Pack every Monday, so we can continue building on this fantastic progress in class.

For any questions about the project or to find out more, feel free to contact Mr. Spracklen at:
📧 headteacher@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk

Keep coding, Year Four! 🚀

Class photos, French Food tasting and other upcoming dates

 

Hello everyone,

I hope you and your families are having a lovely weekend so far and that your Year 4 child isn’t too tired! What a wonderful evening we had on Friday night. The weather was perfect, and it’s always such a joy to spend time with the children at events like the roundhouse sleepover.

As you will no doubt be aware, your child came home with their leavers’ hoodies. They are very welcome to wear these to school instead of their school jumpers for the rest of the year.

Class Photos

On Tuesday, the children will have their past class photographs taken. On this day, please could your child bring both their blue Year 4 jumper or cardigan and their leavers’ hoodie. Thank you!

French Food tasting

On Thursday, I am planning a French food tasting session. Apologies for the delay in sending out consent letters for this—these will come home on Monday afternoon. I’ll print extra copies just in case, so if one doesn’t make it home, please feel free to ask for another. I would be grateful if letters could be returned by Wednesday so I can do the food shop on Wednesday evening.

Below are some upcoming dates. As ever, please get in touch if you have any questions, comments or concerns. 

Kind regards,

Ms Browne & the Year 4 team. xx

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday 24th June - Class Photographs

Thursday 26th June - Welcome Dorchester Middle school assembly (held at POW)

Friday 27th June - Bikeathon

Friday 27th June - POWSA NON-SCHOOL UNIFORM DAY 

Monday 30th June - Inclusive Sports Fortnight begins

Tuesday 1st July - Year 4 transfer day (visit new middle schools)

Saturday 5th July  - POWSA summer faye

Tuesday 8th July - KS2 Sports Day

Thursday 11th July - KS2 Skateboard academy workshops

Friday 12th July - Dance Day 

  

Hot weather, Home learning, Walking to school

 

Dear parents and carers,

Due to the very hot weather, it is advised that children do not come to school in their normal school uniform. A message has been sent on Arbor to parents, but children can wear lightweight, flowing clothing. Children have been sent home with their PE kits today which they are welcome wear or any other suitable light home clothes.

Leavers assembly

I spoke to the children today about the leavers assembly and what they should expect on the day. They wrote their awards speeches today and tomorrow they will be sent home with a song preference slip. This is a song of their choice that will be played whilst the video of their speech and time with us at POW is played. They can either return the slip to Year 4 staff of you can email me directly your child's name and their song choice and the artist / version of the song they would like. 

 

Home Learning

Children were sent home with their leavers speeches today and as part of their home learning we would like them to start practising these at home. They can read their speeches when Mr Spracklen films them, if they need to, but the speech recordings tend to flow better if children have practised them before. 

There will be no additional spelling tests. Children should continue practising last weeks spellings a well as their own personal lists / year 3/4 spellings.  

Walking Home

From the summer term 2 onwards, some parents in year 4 may chose to give permission for their child to walk to and from school (assuming they live a reasonable distance). This is to help prepare those children that will be walking to their new middle schools in September. If you would like your child to walk to and from school by themselves, please put this is writing and email either me (Ms Browne) or the school office. 

As ever please get in touch if you have any questions, comments or concerns. 

Kind regards,

Ms Browne & the year 4 team

BBC Micro:Bit

This half-term, our Year Four pupils are diving into the world of coding and digital technology as we launch our brand-new Computing unit using the BBC Micro:Bit!

The BBC Micro:Bit is a brilliant, pocket-sized programmable computer designed to introduce children to the world of computer science in a fun and engaging way. It features an LED display, buttons, sensors, and Bluetooth – giving children the tools to build games, create animations, measure data, and much more.

Each child has now received their very own BBC Micro:Bit Home Learning Pack, which includes:

🧠 BBC Micro:Bit (Version 2)
🔋 Battery Pack and 2 x AAA Batteries
🔌 USB Cable
📘 Safety Guide
📗 Getting Started Guide

We’re thrilled to be able to offer pupils the opportunity to explore them both in school and at home.

👉 Please make sure the full pack is returned to school every Monday for our Computing lessons. All packs will be collected at the end of this half-term so they can be used by other pupils across Key Stage 2.

In class this week, we watched a fantastic introduction video to the BBC Micro:Bit, which we’d also encourage families to watch together at home:

🎥 Watch the video here

This is a great chance for children to share what they’ve learned and get creative beyond the classroom!

If you have any questions about the Micro:Bit project or your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Spracklen directly via email at: headteacher@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk

Let the coding adventures begin! 💻✨

Year 4 activities and events

 

Hello everyone,

I hope you and your child have settled back into the final term of Year 4. It’s been a whirlwind start—with OFSTED in the first week and the children completing their Multiplication Tables Check this week. Understandably, it’s felt quite assessment-heavy. And while assessments certainly have their place, more than anything, I want the children in my care to have a positive sense of self-worth. I want them to know, deep down, that they are enough—just as they are.

Some children found the multiplication check challenging, and I reassured them as best I could. Knowing your times tables is undoubtedly useful, but it doesn’t make you a better or worse person. Our value isn’t measured by speed or scores.

At POW, our therapeutic thinking approach underpins everything we do. We are committed to nurturing intrinsic motivation in our children—a drive that comes from within, not from external praise or rewards. We want our learners to take joy in the process of learning, in giving things a go, and in meeting challenges head-on.

Of course, it feels amazing when we succeed at something, but just as importantly, we want our children to feel good about themselves for trying, for growing, and simply for being. That self-belief is something we hope will stay with them far beyond Year 4.

Leavers’ Speeches

Towards the end of next week, the children will begin drafting their individual speeches, which will be pre-recorded and shared as part of our Year 4 Leavers’ Assemblies. We’ll be encouraging them to reflect on their time at POW, celebrating their memories, friendships and achievements. Depending on how the writing progresses, we hope to send the speeches home for practice next weekend, ahead of the recording sessions with Mr Spracklen.

Consent Letters

Please could any outstanding consent forms for the Year 4 Special Activity and Leavers’ Assemblies be returned as soon as possible? This week, I’ll be speaking with the children to explain what to expect from both the assembly and the special activity. If you or your child have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email. Chances are, if you’re wondering something, other families may be too—and I’ll be happy to share the answers with the children when we speak.

This Week’s Home Learning

In preparation for our new science topic, the children have been asked to observe and make a note of any living things they spot from three of the five kingdoms: animals, fungi, and plants.

Below are the children's spellings for the week. In addition to these, I also encourage the children to either continue practising the year 3/4 words or their personal spelling lists on Spelling Shed. 

 

Reading Journals

Thank you to the children and families who are consistently returning reading journals each Friday. Regular reading is an effective way to support your child’s progress in reading, writing and spelling. Reading journals are also an expectation at middle school, so developing this habit now can really help ease the transition. As a current Year 5 parent myself, I’d highly recommend getting into the routine early—it’s one less thing to adjust to later on.

As ever, please get in touch if you have any questions, comments or concerns. 

Kind regards,

Ms Browne and the Year 4 Team

  

 

PE Kits

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you and your children had a great half term break. 

This term year 4 will have PE on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Could your child bring in their full PE Kits and water bottles tomorrow (Tuesday).

Thank you,

Ms Browne