River of Knowledge
History and Geography – Year 4 Autumn term
This term, our History and Geography topics are The Romans and Volcanoes, combining exciting learning about ancient civilizations with the dynamic forces of the Earth.
Geography: Volcanoes
Deep beneath our feet, the Earth is alive with heat and movement. Sometimes, that energy bursts through the surface in a dramatic explosion—this is a volcano! Volcanoes can erupt hot lava, thick clouds of ash, and rocks that rain down like fiery hail. While they can be dangerous, volcanoes also create new land and help shape our planet over time.
To bring this topic to life:
Pupils will create volcano mosaics during Art sessions, linking creativity with scientific understanding
We will study the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii, connecting natural events to life in the Roman Empire
History: The Romans
In History, pupils will explore the rise and influence of the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain:
Understand how the Roman ruling system helped to build the empire and the significance of its size
Recap our learning about life in Iron Age Britain, including homes, clothing, food, and jobs
Explore how Celtic tribes fought and defended themselves
Understand why the Romans wanted to invade Britain and the events leading to the Roman conquest by Emperor Claudius in 43 CE
Learn about Julius Caesar’s earlier invasion attempt in 55 BCE
Examine evidence to understand what life was like for Celtic people under Roman rule
Investigate the benefits brought by the Romans after their invasion and the lasting impact on Britain, including roads such as the Fosse Way, which still influence today’s main road network
Study Boudicca’s rebellion, exploring her feelings of anger and injustice, the battles she fought, and the towns and cities that were captured and burned
This term offers an exciting combination of history and geography, helping pupils understand both the power of nature and the complexity of human societies, past and present.
Spring term
History – The Shang Dynasty
In Year 4 history, pupils travel back over 3,000 years to learn about the Shang Dynasty, one of the earliest civilizations in ancient China. Children discover when and where the Shang Dynasty ruled and why it is considered so important in world history.
Through stories, artefacts, and historical evidence, pupils learn about daily life in Shang times, including homes, food, clothing, and the role of the king. They explore the Shang social structure, the importance of warriors, and how bronze was used to make weapons, tools, and ceremonial objects. Children are also introduced to oracle bones, which help us understand how the Shang people communicated and what they believed about gods and the afterlife.
This unit develops pupils’ understanding of chronology, historical sources, and how we know about the past, while encouraging them to compare life in ancient times with life today.
Geography – Iceland
In geography, Year 4 pupils explore the unique and dramatic landscape of Iceland. They begin by locating Iceland on a map, identifying its position in relation to the United Kingdom and learning about its place in Europe.
Children study Iceland’s physical geography, including volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. They learn why Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” and how its location on tectonic plate boundaries shapes the landscape. Pupils also explore the climate of Iceland and compare it with the climate in the UK.
As part of this unit, children consider how people live in Iceland, looking at settlements, energy use, and how humans adapt to the natural environment. This topic builds strong map skills, geographical vocabulary, and a deeper understanding of how physical features influence human life.
Summer term
History – Ancient Greece
In Year 4 history, pupils journey back over 2,500 years to explore Ancient Greece, one of the most influential civilizations in the world. Children discover where the city-states of Athens, Sparta, and others were located and learn about daily life, including homes, food, clothing, and the roles of men, women, and children.
Pupils investigate the government systems of Ancient Greece, including the beginnings of democracy, and explore the culture, myths, and religion that shaped Greek society. They learn about the Olympic Games and their importance in Ancient Greece, comparing them with the modern Olympics. Through stories, artefacts, and historical sources, children develop their understanding of chronology and how we know about the past, while making connections between life in Ancient Greece and the world today.
Geography – Locating Countries, the UN, and the Modern Olympics
In geography, Year 4 pupils build their understanding of the world by learning to locate countries on a map, with a particular focus on Europe and the wider world. Children explore the United Nations and its role in global cooperation, considering why countries work together to solve problems.
Linking back to Ancient Greece, pupils examine the modern Olympic Games, learning where they are held and how athletes from around the world come together to compete. They explore the connection between physical geography and human activity, considering how location, climate, and environment influence where people live and how events like the Olympics are hosted. This unit strengthens map skills, geographical vocabulary, and an appreciation of how the past influences the present.