Latest Learning 2025-2026!

12.06.26 - History!

In History, the children have started to compare Victorian housing with modern homes in our local area of Harehills. They explored what Victorian houses were like and thought carefully about the good and bad features of them. The children enjoyed asking lots of thoughtful questions, such as who lived there, how comfortable the homes were, and what has changed over time. They have been brilliant historians, noticing details and sharing ideas with enthusiasm. We are looking forward to seeing where their curiosity takes them next as they continue their learning.

 

15.05.26 - Literacy!

In literacy, the children have been using their persuasive writing skills to write a leaflet about the Mediterranean. They have worked hard to include alliteration, modal verbs, expanded noun phrases and conjunctions to make the Mediterranean even more appealing for a holiday. It has been wonderful to see their creativity shine through as they build exciting, informative writing with confidence.

01.05.26 - Reading Cafe!

This week, we hosted our Reading Café, where parents were warmly invited to visit our classroom. The children explored a variety of books, diving into new stories and genres. They also took the opportunity to write their own reviews, sharing their thoughts and recommendations with their classmates. It was a wonderful way to foster a love for reading and encourage discussions about literature. We really appreciate how many parents came along to celebrate our young readers’ achievements together!

 

 

24.04.26 - Computing!

We are excited to share an update from Year 4! In our Computing lessons, the children have been making great use of their morning soft starts to practice their TTrockstars work on the laptops. This engaging platform has really helped them enhance their multiplication skills. Additionally, we have conducted mock tests to prepare for the upcoming Multiplication Tables Check in Summer 2. It’s wonderful to see the children’s enthusiasm and progress in their learning. Thank you for your continued support!

 

27.03.26 - History!

This week, Year 4 had an exciting visit from Onedaycreative, who led a fantastic workshop focused on the Ancient Greeks as part of our History curriculum. The students delved into the fascinating world of Spartan life, exploring their daily routines and values. We also ventured into the bustling markets of ancient times and uncovered captivating myths and legends that have shaped Greek culture. The workshop was not only educational but also a lot of fun, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among the children!

06.03.26 - World Book Day!

As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we welcomed visitors from Leeds Playhouse, who discussed their new performance, Planet Omar. Our Reading Café allowed children to explore a variety of books, encouraging a love for reading. In addition, students had the chance to create their very own book token designs to celebrate this special day. To wrap up our festivities, we enjoyed a cosy bedtime story together!

 

05.02.26 - History!

We are excited to share that Year 4 have been showcasing their artistic talents through the creation of coil pots as part of their Ancient Greek History studies! The children have been exploring this fascinating period while developing their creativity and fine motor skills. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and dedication as they mould and shape their pots, learning about the significance of pottery in Ancient Greek culture. We encourage you to ask your child about their creations and the history behind them.

 

30.01.26 - French!

This term in French, Year 4 have been learning about traditional French stories. The children learnt the vocabulary, verbs and nouns for the story 'The Enormous Turnip'. They have rehearsed the story orally in French and have written the last paragraph of the story with their own illustrations.

16.01.26 - History!

Our young historians in Year 4 have explored Ancient Greece, focusing on the contrasting lives in Athens and Sparta. The children have enthusiastically examined the differences in daily life, governance, and culture between these influential city-states.

This week, we have delved into the rich religion of Ancient Greece, learning about the gods and goddesses central to their lives. Each child has created a Greek God Top Trump card game, fostering creativity while reinforcing their understanding of these mythical figures.

We are proud of the curiosity and creativity our Year 4 students are demonstrating!

 

 

09.01.26 - PSHE!

In our PSHE lessons this week, this week we have completed a thought-provoking mindmate lesson focused on discussing feelings associated with change. This topic is particularly important as we recognise that everyone responds to change differently. Some of our students find change easier to navigate than others, and it has been heartwarming to see such open discussions in class.

The children have been sharing their thoughts and feelings, relating personal examples to the topic. It has been a wonderful opportunity for them to express themselves and support one another.

12.12.25 - Art!

In Autumn term, the children are focusing on observational skills with a focus on architectural drawings of the local area. We are blessed to be surrounded by Victorian architecture, so there are many intricate facades, detailed brickwork and changing styles ranging from the late 1800’s to the present day for our children to observe. We have enjoyed observing the meaning behind the word ‘facade’ and spent a lot of time ‘looking up’ at the buildings around us. The skills of careful observation have been practised and there are many opportunities to see how to improve their skills. 

The work itself has been inspired by the artist Steven Wiltshire. He is a British architectural artist and savant known as the ‘human camera’ for his ability to recall entire city skylines after brief views, like in a helicopter ride, and recreate them with stunning accuracy and detail. Drawing has been his primary mode of expression and communication since childhood.

 

05.12.25 - Literacy!

Blue Base have completed their hot tasks this week, a newspaper report inspired by the incredible book, The Iron Man by Ted Hughes (the version we use is beautifully illustrated by Chris Mould). Blue Base have practised putting in strong foundations for their sentence work through oral rehearsal, colourful semantics practice and shared writing with expert teachers. As they learn to master all the grammatical expectations of their age-group, children are guided and teaching is adapted so that each child can be successful in every lesson, as well as challenging children who are ready for the next step. Being clear about expectations in writing, encouraging children to be independent and confident writers is supported by reading widely and exploring different texts together, through our end-of-day story that all year groups enjoy.

28.11.25 - Reading!

We are excited to share that our Year 4 classes have been diving into the enchanting world of The Iron Man by Ted Hughes during our reading comprehension lessons. This captivating story has provided a fantastic backdrop for us to explore various reading skills.

Throughout our lessons, students have been honing their abilities in visualisation, allowing them to picture the scenes and characters vividly in their minds. We’ve also been practising predicting what might happen next in the story, which encourages critical thinking. Additionally, asking questions about the text has sparked engaging discussions, and we’ve introduced the concept of VIP words—very important words that enhance understanding when summarising!

We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and progress in our students’ reading skills!

 

07.11.25 - PE!

Across Bankside, we are committed to giving our children the best possible opportunities to develop their co-ordination and physical skills. We do this through the Real PE programme, which is an inclusive and challenging curriculum delivered by teachers and specialised PE teachers across the school. We want all our children to realise the benefits of physical activity and learn co-operation and resilience along the way through team opportunities. In Autumn 2, Blue Base are focusing on travel and shape in the Real Gym section of the curriculum, increasing core-strength and balance. We hope to put strong foundations in place so that children can become healthy and active citizens.

 

24.10.25 - Geography!

Blue Base have been exploring globes, atlases and maps with a focus on map-reading this term, building on skills from years 1, 2 and 3. The children have been looking at political maps and identifying borders. Understanding how to use a compass and identifying north, south, east and west. 

The children have zoomed in the local area and looked at maps and identified symbols on a map as well as beginning to measure a map with a ruler and work out the real distance from a scaled map!

The children have looked at grid references as well as extending their knowledge from year 3 about identifying physical and human characteristics.

 

 

 

17.10.25 - PSHE

Year 4 have continued and furthered their understanding of democracy within the British system. They have discussed the importance of democracy within a society to give each person a fair and equal opportunity to live a good life. They have also been learning about how laws are made in Britain and how local councils influence decisions made at Westminster. Bankside is committed to helping our pupils understand how to influence and make changes to improve the lives of the people who live in the UK and abroad by being aware of political parties and also learning to question and think critically about what they read, hear and consume on social media. 

10.10.25 - Science!

In Blue Base this term, the children have been immersed in learning about the digestive system, starting with the function of the mouth and teeth and the whole process, including how food provides nutrition which is sent around the body and finally how food exits the body….

We also talk in detail about the importance of diet, healthy choices, what the body needs in order to function well. All children at Bankside clean their teeth every day as part of our classroom routine and our commitment to their health through good routines and habits. 

Then the children have begun further investigation into food chains. Their tasks are to construct and interpret food chains, focusing on identifying producers, predators, and prey within a given habitat – you can see below the children talking and enjoying discussions about this subject.

 

03.10.25 - English!

As we near our assessment week, the children are practising old skills and learning new ones. At Bankside, we have a writing toolkit, where these everyday non-negotiables raise the level of attainment and instill pride in the work the children produce; these include spellings and punctuation and an expectation that the children are self-editing and checking their own work. Scaffolding writing so that everyone has the tools to succeed is part of our everyday planning as teachers. We think about what the barriers may be for your child and ensure that they have a sense of success and challenge within the lesson. As you can see, colourful semantics plays a huge part in creating sentences that make sense and we teach them explicitly how to create sentences and how to improve them. 

In Blue Base the children will be writing for their assessed piece their own version of the much loved story The Black Dog by Levi Pinfold innovating and inventing new characters, new ‘monsters’ and a new setting - I hope that you enjoy reading your child’s version!

 

 

26.09.25 - Maths!

This week  in Blue Base maths, the children have been mastering how to compare numbers to 10,000. I wanted to share with you some of the methods we use to teach our pupils new concepts. Firstly, we start our lessons by retrieving learning from a previous lesson, this will be something from last week, last month, last term or even last year! We know from evidence that retaining information is best done by practising over time and making the learning STICK!

Secondly, in lessons we model clearly the skill we are learning using the I DO, WE DO ,YOU DO model. Teacher shows first, then followed by the whole class doing it altogether with guidance, then we ask the children to have a go independently. If we need to go back a step - no problem!

Finally, we have independent learning that takes place and gives your child the opportunity to quietly think through and practise what has been taught for themselves. 

 

If you wonder what you can do to help your child at home, it is to use Numbots and TTRS regularly to improve your child's mental maths skills as well as using other free maths websites such as Topmarks or Prodigy as well as completing homework.

 

19.09.25 - Reading!

This week in Blue Base, we have been putting down strong roots again in reading. We have worked hard so that each child receives a reading book that is appropriate to their level and we are working towards fluency in English. The children all have a reading record that they take home and we love to see parents' comments! We also enjoy going to the library once a week to choose a book purely for pleasure! In every classroom, there is a dedicated reading corner that has so much information on it: the current book your teacher is reading, a photo of our reading champions who look after our corner, a list of books we have read as a class, what book we are reading now and recommendations from the children. We want to instil in our pupils that reading is the foundation of all learning and every lesson is a reading lesson!

 

 

12.09.25 - Welcome Back to School!

 

 

A positive start to Year 4!

Year 4 has had a wonderful start to the new school year! We have welcomed back Ms.Jan who is teaching in Blue 1 this year and is supported by Ms. Webster and Mrs. Jahan. Blue 2 sees Mr Acton and Blue 3 Mr Lancaster both supported by Ms. Cordelle and Ms. Arif. 

We have begun our year with ‘strong roots’ and ensured the children feel happy and safe in school by following the school rules and being caring and consistent adults. We are ensuring that the children have plenty of opportunities to share their ideas and talents, as after-school activities start next week and swimming has already begun for Blue 3! 

Each week we will focus on a different cog and children who demonstrate this skill are chosen and celebrated at the Headteachers Award Ceremony. The first 3 weeks we are focusing on the PRIDE cog, ensuring we try our best in the presentation of our books, our uniform and our best selves!