Welcome to Red Deer Class

Red Deer Class is a Year 4 class which is taught by Mrs Dorothy Butler and Miss Ceri Cook. The class are supported by Mrs Chisling and Mrs Paige.

In Red Deer Class we provide an enabling environment with challenges and enriching experiences that relate to the needs of our children. It is important that the experiences we offer enable our children to achieve successes in all areas of our curriculum. Our aim is to develop children holistically, through doing our best to meet their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs.

We believe that all children have the ability to achieve their aspirations by developing a 'can do' attitude and a growth mind-set, through engaging in a stimulating and challenging learning environment.  We are proud of the enriching and diverse activities in which our children take part. Our aim within this is for the children to become confident, resilient and self-assured learners who are proud of theirs, and others' achievements.

Within the classroom we have Maths, English, science, topic and art working walls which are regularly updated to help scaffold the children's learning and to ensure that all learners are challenged to suit their individual needs. Our reading chart is updated weekly and recognises children who have read every day. Children in Red Deer build up to a prize when they have read everyday for four weeks to encourage reading for pleasure. 

Year 4 offers opportunities throughout the year for extra-curricular learning, including our annual three-day residential to Kilve Court, learning to play an instrument and participating in the Year 4 summer production.

Parents are truly valued as partners in their children’s learning and are invited to attend parents meetings.  

Yr.4 Interschool Debate - 20th November 2024
 

The Headteacher writes: Over the past few weeks Year Four have been working hard in preparation for an Interschool Debate with Old Cleeve First School, Minehead First School and St Peter’s First School. This is apt timing since the children have been learning about the language of Persuasion, so this was a great opportunity to put that new learning into practice. Debating in school is a highly respected activity since it develops a wide range of skills for children, including: Critical Thinking skills; developing self-expression; building confidence; increasing presentation skills; etc.

With this in mind, on Wed’ 20^th Nov’ we were delighted to welcome Old Cleeve’s Yr.4 pupils and staff into school to hold Round #1 of the Debate. The debate, which took place in our school hall, was heated and robust – and our team acquitted themselves with great skill. Round #2 took place (virtually) against St. Peter’s First School and again “fought” valiantly to uphold their side of the argument.

Harry in Yr4 writes: This morning Year Four had an amazing debate. Our first debate was about if we should wear school uniform. We were on the opposing side. Year four were up against Old Cleeve School. It was so cool standing up and arguing against Old Cleeve but we don’t yet know who won the battle. This debate took place in the school hall. For our second debate we were up against St Peter’s First School and the debate was about Television vs. Books. Our Year Four were on the “Television” Team. This debate was so good, it took place in the classroom and St Peter’s joined us through a video screen.

Maise in Yr.4) writes: We had a great time today with our Year 4 debate. We were arguing that it is better to wear School Uniform than normal clothes. This debate was with Old Cleeve School. We had lots of fun, especially with our video call debate against St Peter’s that watching TV is better than reading books.

The results were decided democratically through pupil-vote as follows:

• Round #1 - Uniform vs. Non-uniform: - Old Cleeve- 27 votes (WINNERS) / St. Michael’s – 23 votes

• Round #2 - Television vs. Books: St. Peter’s – 11 votes / St. Michael’s - 18 votes (WINNERS)

Congratulations to all the children who participated. We look forward to a rematch next year.

Expectations & Routines

• Reading: please read with your child for 10 minutes every day with an adult signing Reading Record Books.

• Times Table Rockstars: practise for 5 minutes daily via the link https://ttrockstars.com.

• PE: full PE kit (PE shirt, shorts and trainers) needs to be worn on Tuesday. 

• Swimming: full swimming kit (costume, towel, goggles, hat) to be in school on Thursday. 

• Brass Lessons: please remember to bring your brass instrument into school on Tuesday.

• 08.40-09:00 - Registration & Quiet Reading
• 09.00-09:15 - Mastering Number
• 09:15-10:15 - English
• 10:15-10:45 - Guided Reading
• 10:45-11:00 - Break
• 11:00-12:00 - Maths
• 12:00-13:00 - Lunch
• 13.00-13:10 - Handwriting & Times Tables
• 13:10-15:00 - Afternoon Lessons
• 15:00-15:20 - Collective worship or story

How can I help my child learn?

• Hear your child read daily.
• Support them with times table and division facts.
• Enable your child to have a go at new concepts and challenges.