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Island Academy Curriculum OverviewGrade 4

Page Number Content2 Language Arts/ English3 Mathematics4 Science5 Social Science6 Music7 Spanish8 PE9 Art10 Grade 4 National Assessment Guidelines

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)Since 2009, IA has been proud to be part of a family of over 3500 schools globally that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is a post-16 course, but the knowledge and skills required to become an IBDP student starts from a strong elementary education. The IB Learner Profile aims to develop internationally minded junior scholars, who recognize our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet from a young age. Teachers strive to plan lessons that incorporate the IB Learner Profile below:

Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators PrincipledOpen-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced Reflective

Curriculum PhilosophyAs an international school, with staff and students from all over the world, IA is proud to offer an academic programme that draws on aspects of IBO, European, North American and Caribbean Curriculums. Our aim is to create 21st century students who are able to adapt to any learning or employment institution they choose.

Knowledge and SkillsAt IA, we believe knowledge is power! A student feeling knowledgeable is key to building life-long self-esteem and confidence. However, in a 21st century world where knowledge can be just a click away, skills are imperative. At IA, we pride ourselves on teaching our young people how to solve real-life challenges. We encourage our students to analyze and evaluate information from different perspectives and reach objective conclusions.

Reading and Literacy LevelingIA follows the Jolly Phonics Programme. To track reading progress, the school will be using has used the tried and tested Oxford Reading Scheme and a second programme named ‘PM Benchmarks.’ This year we are also piloting an American Benchmark Assessment System from Fountas & Pinnell; this scheme is advantageous as it tracks student reading progress from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

Class TimeAt IA, we aim to plan our lessons backwards! Teachers plan learning activities based on the skills and knowledge the students should have acquired by the end of the class. Students are exposed to a wide variety of kinesthetic, visual and auditory activities. They have regular opportunities to work alone, in pairs and in groups. They are encouraged to present their work to their peers and to be proud of their achievements.

HomeworkAt elementary level, students are expected to read every day and complete all of the tasks recorded in their agendas. They will be set homework every week.

Island Academy Curriculum Overview Grade 4Subject: Reading/Language Arts Grade: 4Teacher: Georgia Derrick Email: [email protected]

Term 1: Topics and Skills OverviewThis term children will apply knowledge and skills by writing for a range of purposes including recounts, journal writing, stories, descriptive writing, letters, newspaper reports, persuasive writing, form filling, and poetry.Speaking and listening skills: standard English; social listening skills; verbal and non-verbal cues; dramatising familiar stories; pronunciation, fluency, expression, tone, voice control and pitch; literal and figurative language; questioning; identifying key information; summarizing information; sharing opinions in discussions; reciting and retelling stories; building vocabulary.Grammar, mechanics and spelling: nouns, verbs (regular and irregular), adverbs and adjectives; ordering adjectives; simple and continuous (progressive) verb tense; prepositions and prepositional phrases; sentence type and correct corresponding punctuation; sentence structure; subject and predicate; subject-verb agreement; relative clauses, pronouns, coordinating and subordinating conjunctions; capitalization; homonyms and homographs; suffixes and prefixes; root words; compound words.Writing style and skills: story plot development (clear beginning, middle and end); alliteration; similes and metaphors; synonyms and antonyms; genre specific features, structure and organisation of writing; paragraphs; reported and direct speech; formal and informal tone; planning writing, self and peer editing; using computers to access information and conduct searches; basic computing concepts.Reading: fluency; decoding unfamiliar multisyllabic words; using context to understand meaning; synonyms and antonyms; identifying key information and events; retrieval and inference; making predictions and conclusions; comparing and contrasting; summarising, paraphrasing and determining the theme/s; making personal evaluations and judgements on a text; checking understanding; identifying and explaining literary devices/text features relevant to genres listed above; identifying intended audience and speaker; using an index, a dictionary and a thesaurus, prefixes and suffixes.Term 2: Topics and Skills OverviewThis term children will apply knowledge and skills by writing for a range of purposes including recounts, journal writing, stories, descriptive writing, letters, non-chronological reports, instructions, lists and form filling.Speaking and listening: rehearsing skills from term 1; planned and impromptu talks and speeches; identifying speaker’s purpose; evaluating others views; making conclusions; literal and implied meanings; giving and following instructions; listening to, reciting and retelling a sequence of events.Grammar, mechanics and spelling: revising terminology from term 1; active and passive voice; imperative, transitive and intransitive verbs; perfect tense; subject and object pronouns; reflexive pronouns, abstract and concrete nouns; apostrophes; commas; prefixes and suffixes.Writing style and skills:); using a range of sentence structures; show don’t tell; genre specific features, structure and organisation of writing; creating and following plans; inverted commas; self and peer editing and evaluation.Reading: continuing to develop skills from term 1; identifying and explaining literary devices/text features relevant to genres listed above; determining and reporting fact and opinion; cause and effect relationships; ordering events; categorizing information; using book features to find information; mythological texts; texts from different cultures.Term 3: Topics and Skills OverviewThis term children will apply knowledge and skills by writing for a range of purposes including recounts, stories, letters, arguments, directions, newspaper reports, form filling and poetry.Speaking and listening: continuing to rehearse skills from term 1 and 2; poetry (identifying mood, theme); discussing presentations, book reports, using verbal and non-verbal information to determine emotional tone; bias; using words for their literal and connotative meanings.Grammar, mechanics and spelling: modular auxiliaries (can, may, must, etc.); negatives; prefix and suffix meanings, abbreviations; relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, etc.) and relative adverbs (where, when, why), revision for assessments.Writing style and skills: personification; idioms and adages; cohesive language; genre specific features, structure and organisation of writing; creating and following plans; self and peer editing and evaluation.Reading: continuing to develop skills from term 1 and 2; identifying and explaining literary devices/text features relevant to genres listed above; evaluating characters; poetry, historical texts.Assessment CriteriaWork will be assessed using, peer-assessment, self-assessment, and teacher–assessment. Students will be assessed on classwork and homework.Independent and Home LearningStudents will be assigned homework every week on a Friday. Work should be completed by the following Thursday. Students will be expected to read at home every day and practise their spelling words. There will be a spelling test every Friday. Language homework will also be assigned to reinforce the skills we are working on. You can find the homework assignment in your child’s agenda.

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Island Academy Curriculum Overview Grade 4

Subject: Math Grade: 4Teacher: Ms. Derrick Email: [email protected]

Term 1: Topics and Skills Overview

Numbers and place value (whole numbers)SequencesAddition using different strategies (mental and written)Subtraction using different strategies (mental and written)MultiplicationDivisionNumbers (including prime numbers, factors and multiplies)Measure (length)Calendar and timeProblem solving


FractionsAddition, subtraction, multiplication and division.Data Management (collecting , presenting and interpreting data)MoneyDecimals (converting fractions to decimals and comparing and adding and subtracting decimals)Measure (mass)TemperatureGeometry (2D shapes including area and perimeter and angles)Problem solving


Geometry (3D shapes)Measure (capacity)Problem solvingRevision

Assessment Criteria

Work will be assessed using, peer-assessment, self-assessment and teacher-assessment. Students will be assessed on classwork and homework.

Independent and Home Learning

Students will be assigned homework every week on a Friday. Work should be completed by the following Thursday. Students will be expected to practise their times tables briefly (5 minutes) every day. There will be a mental maths and times tables test every Friday. Maths homework will also be assigned to reinforce the skills we are working on. You can find the homework assignment in your child’s agenda.

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Subject: Science Grade: 4Teacher: Ms. Derrick Email: [email protected]


The scientific process (research, scientific questions, fair testing, recording methods, recording and presenting results, making conclusion, sharing knowledge)EnergyPlant growth and reproductionAnimal development and reproduction (growth and development through an animals life cycle)Breathing and the respiratory system (parts of the respiratory system and the importance of air to living things)Support and movement in animalsLocal ecosystems


The scientific process (research, scientific questions, fair testing, recording methods, recording and presenting results, making conclusion, sharing knowledge).Environmental destruction (what causes environmental destruction and how we can prevent it)Conservation (protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s environment)Rocks and soil (properties of soil and types of rock)Weather/Air (wind and movement of objects in the air)

Term 3: Topics and Skills OverviewThe scientific process (research, scientific questions, fair testing, recording methods, recording and presenting results, making conclusion, sharing knowledge).The solar system (moon cycles and the relationship between the sun, earth and moon)Matter and materials (forms and properties of matter)Forces, motion and structure (how force and motion affect structure)

Assessment Criteria

Work will be assessed using, peer-assessment, self-assessment and teacher-assessment. Students will be assessed on classwork and projects.


Children may occasionally be asked to research a selected topic or watch videos prior to a lesson at home. You can find the homework assignment in your child’s agenda.

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mailto:[email protected]

Island Academy Curriculum Overview Grade 4Subject: Social Studies Grade: 4Teacher: Ms. Derrick Email: [email protected]


The Caribbean region (location and characteristics of the Caribbean region)The Caribbean environment (natural landscape and climate)Preservation and sustainability (human impact, protection laws and caring for our environment)


Settlement and migration in Antigua (ethnic groups and cultural history)Caribbean industries (raw materials and products, impact/benefits of industries) including tourism (the importance of tourism to the Caribbean)

Term 3: Topics and Skills OverviewWork and occupationsRegional Leaders (Caribbean leaders, systems of government and local politics).Social skills and responsibility (understanding how we can have a positive impact on our local community)

Assessment Criteria

Work will be assessed using peer-assessment, self-assessment and teacher-assessment. Students will be assessed on classwork and projects.


Children may occasionally be asked to research a selected topic or watch videos prior to a lesson at home. You can find the homework assignment in your child’s agenda.

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Subject: Music Grade: 4Teacher: Mrs. Beldman Contact: [email protected]

Term 1: Topics and Skills OverviewMove, tap or play a steady beat. Distinguish between beat & rhythm. Read and perform the following

rhythm notations: , , , , , and .Sing songs with steady beat in 2/4, ¾, 4/4, 6/8. Identify repeat sign, accented notes, barlines, treble clef, staff. Develop singing voice. Match pitch while singing in a group, alone & in call and response. Sing high, low & middle sounds. Sing songs from a variety of cultures. Sing a simple song in a foreign language. Perform in front of peers and a large audience with confidence. Sing rounds/canons, echo & partner songs. Identify & perform dynamics (pp, p mp, mf, f, ff) Create sound effects & movements. Create rhythm patterns. Create new verses to songs. Listen to short orchestral excerpts. Create musical answers to musical questions. Identify verse & chorus. Sing songs with sections that are repeated (same) or different AB/ABA. Show phrases in music. Be able to identify and perform sol, la and mi solfege syllables.

Term 2: Topics and Skills OverviewFocus on marimba this term.Move, tap or play a steady beat. Distinguish between beat & rhythm. Experience subdivision of beat (

Perform in front of peers and a large audience with confidence. Identify the tempo of a piece (largo, andante, moderato, allegro, presto, prestissimo). Identify & perform dynamics using correct terms (pp, p, mp, f, ff crescendo, decrescendo) Perform articulation, (legato, staccato). Perform pieces with sections that are repeated (same) or different AB/ABA. Develop instrumental technique on marimba. Identify form. Create rhythm patterns. Use & identify repeat sign, AB/ABA forms, intro, 1st & 2nd endings, barlines, treble/bass clef, staff. Develop correct mallet technique and broaden repertoire.

Term 3: Topics and Skills OverviewBody: symmetry vs. asymmetry, organic vs. geometric shape, angular vs. curved shape, gesture, body zones (e.g., cross-lateral [left arm and right leg])Space: positive vs. negative space, pathways (e.g., in air, on floor).Time: tempo (e.g., increasing and decreasing speeds), rhythm (e.g., steady, irregular, erratic), pause, stillness, with music, without music, durationEnergy: effort, force, quality (e.g., punch, thrust, float, collapse, wiggle, explode, vibrate)Relationship: meet/part, follow/lead, groupings

Assessment Criteria

Ability to follow directions, work cooperatively, participate with energy, listen attentively, take risks.Pitch awareness understanding and awareness of metre, rhythm, beat, key words.Mallet technique, ability to play repertoire.Performance etiquette and posture.

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Subject: Spanish Grade: 4Teacher: Señorita Travers Contact: [email protected]


Numbers 0-31 (oral and written)

Calendar – days, months, seasons

Addition and Subtraction

Personal information – answer questions correctly-name, age, and grade

Greetings – hello, goodbye, etc.

Cultural awareness – Christmas in Spain and Mexico


Command and expressions – excuse me, sit down, etc.

Body parts

AnimalsWrite and read short paragraphs


Food and meals

Numbers 1-100

Family members

Household items

Assessment Criteria

Written quizzes at the end of each unit.Effort and participation are factored into the grade.

Subject: Physical Education Grade: 4

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Teacher: Mr. Mitchell Contact: [email protected]


Modified Games, Skill Development and Formal Sports:Football, Basketball, netball, floor Hockey, handball, Ultimate Frisbee, American Football, Capture the Flag, Skipping, Athletics, Fitness


Modified Games, Skill Development and Formal Sports:Cricket, Baseball, Kickball, Rounders, Skipping, Gymnastics, Athletics, Fitness


Modified Games, Skill Development and Formal Sports:Tennis, Volleyball, Sepaktakra, Dance, Skipping, Bocce, Athletics, Fitness

Assessment Criteria

Attendance – Uniform and Water BottleEffortListening SkillsFollowing InstructionsSportsmanship

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Island Academy Curriculum Overview Grade 4Subject: Art Grade: 4

Teacher: Georgia Derrick Contact: [email protected]


Natural FormsIntroduction of the formal elements in art including line, tone and colour.Students will study the artist Georgia O’keeffe and cover observational drawing, typeface design, learn how to develop ideas and make a connection with the artist’s style.


Art around the worldStudents will be introduced to technique, design, form and cultural influences form art around the world.With Grade 4 and 5 in particular we will focus on Japanese art and study the design of kimonos, printmaking and symbolic imagery. Students will be producing print work moving away from formal elements covered in term 1 and focus skills more on independent ideas and design process.


Self PortraitsStudents will look at the work of Chuck CloseProduce a self-portrait in the style of the artists having designed and developed ideas through a process of experimentation.

Assessment Criteria

Art Production: Teacher Observations/Skills Mastered/rubrics/Self-AssessmentArt History: Discussion/QuizzesArt Criticism: Discussion (analyzing qualities and features of art).Aesthetics: Artistic Expression (thinking about making judgements about art).


Research Images/Artists/CulturesCollect material/reusablesPractice skills and techniques

Grade 4 National Assessment Guidelinespg. 9



Annual Dates of Examinations:To be determined – Language ArtsTo be determined – Mathematics

What are the purposes of the examinations?

The Ministry of Education (MoE) set national assessments in grade 2, grade 4 and grade 6. The purpose of the exam is to set a national benchmark to assess the quality of teaching, learning and curriculum in all schools. As IA is a private international school with a bespoke programme we welcome the exam practice for our students be we do maintain our international Curriculum throughout the year.

Procedure:

Grade 2 & 4 teachers with classes to administer assessments. Grade2 teacher administers exam to grade 4 students. Grade 4 teacher administers exam to grade 2 students. Both Language Arts and math exam are no longer that 2.5 hours.

The skills tested are similar in grade 3 and 4 national assessments, however the content is more complex at grade 4 level

The exam results are released later in the summer and parents can contact the school to get them.

Language Arts –typically has 5 sections with a total of 100 possible points:Section 1: Recognition: Picture/Word recognition – students match vocabulary word with picture, Consonant BlendSection 2: Grammar & Mechanics: Noun Identification, Singular/Plural Noun Identification, Adjective identification, verb Conjugation, Past Tense Verb, Punctuation, Apostrophe, Opposite, HomophonesSection 3: Reading Comprehension: True/False, Multiple Choice, Short AnswerSection 4: Writing: Students have a choice between formal letter writing or composition writing. When writing a formal letter students are marked for correct format – address, date, greeting, closing and body contents. Composition must be written in paragraph format and are scored based on introduction, body and closing. It is imperative that students follow the writing prompt and stay on topic.Section 5: Form Filling: Students fill in a form with correct information that includes: first 7 last name, address, name of parent/guardian, school, school address, class teacher and ticking the correct gender and information.

Mathematics; typically has 3 sections with a total of 100 points:Concepts covered include:

One and two digit addition, one and two digit subtraction, multiplication, division Number recognition in number and word format, place value, ordering numbers, <, >, and = Skip counting and number sequencing, time, fractions, even and odd numbers 2D and 3D shapes, solving word problems measuring Money – computing and solving problems involving money Data – reading and understanding graphs (pictograph, bar graph, tally marks, etc.)

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