OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Year 4 – Every Day is a New Adventure!

Writing

In Year 4, Literacy takes many shapes and forms. Twice weekly, students work in Writing Groups with peers of similar ability, emphasising the VCOP principles: improving writing through powerful punctuation, using descriptive vocabulary, interesting openers, and a variety of connectives. Writing is also a significant classroom focus, with an emphasis on the mechanics of handwriting as well as learning the tools of sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. Throughout Year 4, students are exposed to writing a variety of text types, including narratives, poetry, persuasive texts, explanations, information reports, recounts, and procedures. Pen Licences are eagerly awaited rewards for students who display neat and organised bookwork and an even and neat cursive handwriting style.

Reading

In Reading groups, students refine their comprehension strategies by reading texts that target specific skills and cater to their individual levels of understanding. Class Literacy occurs daily and is supported by the Accelerated Reading Program. At Oakleigh South, daily reading is an expectation. Students borrow books at their individual levels from the library, read them, and take quizzes to assess their comprehension. Each student works towards earning points to reach their personal reading goal. The MyOn online book reading program provides access to up to 5000 books, ensuring that every student can find something of interest.

Spelling

At Oakleigh South Primary School, we use the SMART Spelling program to ensure our Year 4 students develop strong spelling skills. This program provides a structured and multi-sensory method to spelling instruction that is both engaging and effective. Each week, our students focus on a specific spelling pattern or rule, breaking down words into syllables, sounds, and letter patterns. This systematic approach helps students understand the structure and spelling of words. Our teaching methods include explicit instruction, interactive activities, and regular practice through dictation, word sorts, and sentence writing. The program also emphasises vocabulary development by teaching the meanings of words before breaking them into their components.

Speaking and Listening

Speaking and Listening helps students become confident and effective communicators. Through a variety of fun and interactive activities, students learn to express their ideas clearly and listen attentively to others. They practice using the right words for different situations and audiences, enhancing their ability to share thoughts, ask questions, and give feedback. Whether it’s through group work, presentations, or class discussions, our aim is to build their confidence and skills in speaking and listening, setting them up for success in all areas of life.

Mathematics

In Year 4, we provide a comprehensive and engaging approach to Mathematics that students experience daily. Our curriculum covers three key areas: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. We tailor our lessons to meet individual needs, helping students progress from concrete, hands-on learning to developing the ability to think more abstractly and solve problems mentally.

To support this growth, we use exciting tools like Mathletics, Essential Assessment and Maths Invaders, which involve daily computer-based activities that make learning maths fun and interactive. Additionally, we hold twice-weekly Maths Groups, where students work in ability groups across the Year 4 classes. These sessions offer targeted teaching and allow for more personalised instruction, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to excel in Mathematics.

Production

The music teachers and Year 4 Team combine forces to produce a yearly Grade 4 Production. In 2023, our students performed in ‘Splash,’ and in 2024 they performed ‘Gladis Baker Gladiator.’ The production is a major focus during Term Two. Parent support is terrific, with a group of volunteers creating amazing costumes and makeup for the night. The productions are a popular night out for the school community, and the quality of the performance is extraordinary for students of this age. We have so much fun!

Buddies

Each Year 4 student is paired with a Prep child to help them transition smoothly into school life. Once the Prep children have settled into their new surroundings, they are introduced to their Year 4 Buddies. This pairing allows the Year 4 students to step into the role of older ‘siblings,’ providing guidance and companionship to their younger peers.

The Buddies program is filled with fun and engaging activities that both age groups look forward to. They participate in classroom activities together, share lunch, and enjoy each other’s company during various school events. One of the most exciting projects is when the Year 4 students create personalised picture storybooks for their Prep Buddies, which are always a big hit!

These interactions foster a sense of community and build lasting friendships. The students love spending time together, and the memories they create are cherished by both the older and younger children. The Buddies program is a highlight of the school year, filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun.

Integrated Studies

Geography: ‘Australia and Its Neighbours’

Students explore the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of contemporary Australia. They learn about the country’s representation as states and territories and as Countries/Places of First Nations Australians prior to colonisation. This unit also covers the geographic locations of Australia’s neighbouring regions and countries, fostering a broader understanding of our place in the world.

Students explore the similarities and differences between various places in Australia and its neighbouring countries, examining their natural, managed, and constructed features. This comparative study helps students appreciate the unique characteristics and shared aspects of different environments.

A highlight of this unit is our exciting excursion to the MCG and Eureka Tower. This trip provides students with a firsthand experience of significant landmarks, enhancing their understanding of Australia’s geography and its cultural and historical context.

History: ‘First Nations People’

Students delve into the rich diversity and heritage of Australia’s first peoples. They explore the enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to their Country/Place, encompassing the land, sea, waterways, and skies. Through this unit, students gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural and spiritual significance of these connections.

Students also examine the historical interactions between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other groups, such as the Macassans and Europeans. They study the nature of these contacts and their profound effects on families, communities, and the environment. This exploration helps students understand the complex and often challenging history of these interactions, fostering a greater respect for the resilience and strength of First Nations cultures.

Physical Sciences: ‘Adventures in Motion’

Students explore the fascinating world of forces and motion. They learn how forces can be exerted by one object on another and investigate the effects of frictional, gravitational, and magnetic forces on the movement of objects. This hands-on approach helps students grasp the fundamental principles of physics in an engaging and practical manner.

A highlight of this unit is our Craft Power incursion, where students have the exciting opportunity to design and create their own Formula One car. This activity not only reinforces their understanding of forces and motion but also fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Through building and testing their cars, students apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world context, making the learning experience both fun and memorable.