Exploring 2Logo

Today, our Year 4 pupils embarked on an exciting journey into the world of programming with 2Logo!

The lesson focused on understanding the structure of the language and learning how to input simple instructions to create shapes.

Learning Objectives:

• To learn the structure of the language of 2Logo.

• To input simple instructions in 2Logo.

Success Criteria:

• Pupils can identify common 2Logo commands and understand their functions.

• Pupils can follow simple 2Logo instructions to create shapes on paper.

• Pupils can use 2Logo commands to generate shapes digitally.

To kick off the lesson, we introduced the basic commands of 2Logo, such as FD (forward), BK (backward), RT (right turn), and LT (left turn). Pupils explored how these commands could be combined to create different shapes and patterns.

Next, we engaged in a practical, hands-on activity where pupils followed a set of Logo commands on paper to draw simple shapes. This step helped them visualise the connection between instructions and output, reinforcing their understanding before moving to the computers.

Finally, the pupils applied their knowledge by using 2Logo on-screen, inputting commands to create digital shapes. They experimented with different sequences, refining their skills in problem-solving and logical thinking.

The pupils were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the lesson, demonstrating fantastic perseverance and curiosity. We look forward to building on these skills in future lessons as we continue our programming journey!

Understanding Malware and Computer Viruses

In today’s Year Four Computing lesson, Mr. Spracklen guided the class through an important topic in the world of technology: the risks and benefits of installing software, including apps. Our young learners were introduced to the concepts of malware and computer viruses and explored how they can protect themselves online.

What We Learned

We started with an engaging discussion about malware, which refers to software designed to harm, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system. The class then focused on understanding what a computer virus is: a type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to other software, causing damage or disruption to the system.

Students were particularly fascinated by the fact that a computer virus can replicate itself and spread without the user’s knowledge. They also learned how important it is to stay cautious when downloading software, especially from untrusted or unfamiliar sources.

E-Safety Posters: Putting Knowledge into Action

To wrap up the lesson, the class put their new knowledge into practice by creating e-safety posters using Google Slides. The students worked hard to design vibrant and informative posters to raise awareness about the risks of installing malicious software and how to stay safe online.

Each student had their own creative take on the topic, combining bright visuals and key messages. Some of the posters featured helpful reminders like “Think before you click” and “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is!”—perfect advice for keeping devices safe from harm.

Success Achieved

By the end of the lesson, our Year Four pupils had successfully met the Success Criteria:

• They could identify the risks of installing both free and paid-for software.
• They learned that malware is harmful software designed to cause damage or steal information.
• They understood what a computer virus is and how it spreads.

This lesson was an excellent opportunity for students to apply their e-safety knowledge in a fun and creative way, while also learning vital skills to help protect themselves in the digital world.

Home learning and Diary dates

Hello everyone,

The children had a fabulous time on our DT trip to Wagamamas on Tuesday. They  did a great job making their own food, using chopsticks and trying new foods. This week's home learning is food technology inspired. We would like the children to either make or prepare some food at home or to think about all the jobs and careers that are involved in us being able to eat a meal in a restaurant. Paper copies will be given on Friday but an electronic copy can be found here. 

World Book Day 

It is world book day tomorrow (Thursday) where children are invited to come in dressed as a character from a book. 

Thank you so much to those parents and grandparents that have volunteered to be a mystery reader - it has been such a shame that there has been a clash of days when people are available. If you are keen to come at another time please email me and I can try to arrange it another time.  

Spellings

I am trying to ensure that home learning and spellings tests are due every Friday together with completed reading records in an attempt to give the children just one day to remember to bring everything in. Hard copied will be sent home this Friday but the spellings are copied at the end of this blog.   

    

Upcoming dates 

THURSDAY - (06/03/25) - WORLD BOOK DAY 2025

FRIDAY - (14/03/25) - POWSA Non-School Uniform Day (Easter Bingo Donations)

MONDAY - (17/03/25) - 18:00 - Y4 Singing Concert at The Thomas Hardye School

FRIDAY - (21/03/25) - RED NOSE DAY 2025

FRIDAY - (21/03/25) - 15:00 - Year Four Class Assembly

SATURDAY - (22/03/25) - POWSA EASTER BINGO

WEDNESDAY - (2/04/25) - Year 4 farm trip

FRIDAY - (4/04/25) - Last day of term

Unit 4.2 - Online Safety

 

Today, in Year Four Computing we learnt about online safety and how to avoid identity theft. We discussed digital footprints and what kind of information is safe to share online.

We also learnt about phishing and how to identify spam emails. We talked about the SMART rules and how they can help us stay safe online.

We reviewed what a digital footprint is and whether it is good or bad.

What's happening in Year 4 this term

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you had a wonderful half-term break following the incredible success of your child’s Shakespeare performance!

This half-term is set to be another exciting and engaging few weeks, filled with learning and activities.

Design Technology Field Trip – Tuesday, 4th March

You should have received both an email and a paper letter regarding this trip. If you haven’t yet done so, please return your consent form to a member of the team. Additionally, please inform Ms. Browne whether your child will need staff transport or if you will be meeting us at the destination.

For children travelling with staff, please ensure they arrive at the front of the school by 8:30 am sharp for departure.

World Book Day – Thursday, 6th March

Children are invited to dress up as their favourite book character to celebrate World Book Day. Throughout the week, we will also be welcoming mystery readers to share a story with the class. Thank you to those who have already volunteered—we still have a few slots available if anyone else would like to take part!

Wessex Singing Schools Concert – Sunday, 17th March, 6:00 pm

A letter detailing this concert was emailed to families at the beginning of February. As part of their music curriculum, the children have been learning a selection of songs with specialist teaching from Mrs. Trevorrow. We look forward to seeing you at the concert—please refer to the letter for full details.

Year 4 Assembly – Friday, 21st March, 3:00 pm

Our class assembly will take place on Friday, 21st March at 3:00 pm. Details of roles and lines will be sent home in due course.

Home Learning

Home learning will now be sent home each Friday and should be returned the following Friday. On this day, children should also bring in their reading records.

In addition to their weekly home learning, children should continue practising their times tables, spellings, and regular reading, recording their progress in their reading journals. An electronic version of the home learning is available here should paper copies not make it home. 

Spellings have already been sent home—please find screenshots copied below.

Thank you for your continued support. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.  

Upcoming Dates

Friday 28th Feb - Break the rules days 

Tuesday 4th March - Design Technology field trip 

Thursday 6th March - World Book Day

Monday 17th March - Singing Concert

Friday 21st March - Year 4 Class assembly

Wednesday 2nd April - Last Year 4 farm trip

Friday 4th April - Last day of term

Year 4 Shakespeare Superstars

 

Hello everyone,

One of the biggest week's in the year 4 calendar is now upon us - The Year 4 performance of Shakespeare's the Tempest. We are all so incredibly proud of all the hard work the children have put into this performance and we also thank you for your help and support behind the scenes. 

The children did their dress rehearsal today with an audience from years 1 , 2 and 3 and it was a roaring success, they should be very proud of themselves. 

If you are unsure of what to expect on the night, the Shakespeare Performance letter emailed to families on 24th January has all the important information you will need. 

Key pieces of information include:

• Details regarding the school start time on Wednesday 12th. 
• Children to come to school in (name labelled) school uniform. 
• Lunch will run as normal with hot or packed lunch provision
• Ensure children have a water bottle. 
• Provide children with an additional evening snack.
• Doors will open for ticket holders at 17:45. Curtain up at around 18:30. 
• We anticipate the event will finish between 20:30 and 20:45. Children to be collected by families after the performance. 

We can't wait for you to see the performance.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.   

Year Four's Google Docs Fix-It Challenge!

 

Today in Year Four, we had a fun and productive session working with Google Docs. 

The goal was to learn how to format and edit a document, making it look neat and professional. We began by making a copy of a document and then followed step-by-step instructions to fix it up. Each pupil had to change the font to one of their choice, adjust the text size to 16, and remove any large spaces in the text. We also worked on formatting the text by removing any underlined, italicised, or bolded words and made sure the text was all black and easy to read.

One of the fun parts of the task was creating new paragraphs where it told us to and removing any highlighting. The pupils really enjoyed giving the document their personal touch!

To finish off the task, each pupil added an image to their document, bringing a little extra flair to their work. After completing all the steps, pupils shared their finished documents with me, ready to be turned in.

It was a great opportunity for the pupils to practise their computer skills while also having fun with a creative task. 

I’m proud of all the hard work they put in and I can’t wait to see what they do next!