CLASSES > Class 4
Class 4
In class 4 the child turns 10 and usually goes through a critical period -the 9 1/2 year change. Through the awakening consciousness of the individuality, the child for the first time experiences the outer world as separate; they realize that their role models are not infallible. This transitional, developmental 'wilderness' demands a strength in the teacher to guide with an authority that increasingly can show flexibility as responsibilities are more and more handed over. Individually the children need to find a new relationship to the world.
As new confidence emerges, vigour and eagerness to look at and learn about the world arises; the children need to be challenged and stretched to channel their energy positively.
The teacher aims to meet, through imaginatively presented lessons, the growing interest of the children in more concrete areas of knowledge and to provide them opportunities for more independence in their work.
Ancient Egypt is the generative impulse in the year four class. Stories of the Gods, death and the after-life reflect the child's changing consciousness, moving from the imaginative to the reality of life quests. Stories of adventure allow the children to work through difficulties and find positive outcomes to all situations.
English
The children learn parts of speech, history of writing, spelling, dictionary studies, letter correspondence and reading.
Mathematics
Maths includes area measurement, history of numbers, fractions, geometric shapes and number systems.
Science
Science investigates sound, plant and earth stories, man and animal studies, fire qualities and safety.
HSIE
HSIE studies include Australian maritime discovery, buildings, Ancient Egypt and Norse myths.
ArtsThe arts include pencil shading, wet on wet painting, clay sculpture, making musical instruments, sewing simple toys, bags, felting, drama, singing, playing recorder and Eurythmy. |
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Sports
Sports lessons cover minor team games, swimming, athletics, throwing/ catching striking/ hitting, bushwalking and gymnastics.
Technical Studies
These include the making of writing instruments and constructing 3D models.
A Comparison of Key Learning Areas in Classes 3 and 4
English
Class 3 English includes spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, story writing, speech, reading, poetry and library studies.
Class 4 English includes parts of speech, history of writing, letter correspondence and reading, spelling and dictionary studies.
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Maths
Class 3 mathematics includes linear measurement, signs and symbols, place value, borrow and carry.
Class 4 mathematics includes area measurement, history of numbers, fractions, geometric shapes and number systems.
Science
Class 3 science includes light and colour, agricultural studies and the 12 senses.
Class 4 science includes sound, plant and earth stories, man and animal studies, fire qualities and safety.
HSIE
Class 3 HSIE includes zonal geography, Ancient Persia, Hebrew and creation stories.
Class 4 HSIE includes Australian maritime discovery, buildings, Ancient Egypt and Norse myths.
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ArtsThe arts for both class 3 and 4 includes pencil shading, wet on wet painting, clay sculpture, making musical instruments , sewing simple toys, bags, felting, drama, singing, playing recorder and Eurythmy. |
Sports
Sports for both class 3 and 4 includes lessons in minor team games, swimming, athletics, throwing/catching, striking/hitting, bushwalking and gymnastics.
Technical Studies
Technical studies for both class 3 and 4 teaches cubby building, model making, woodwork, making simple musical instruments and meal preparation.