It’s been an inspiring week in Year 4 as we began a brand‑new project in art and continued our thoughtful discussions in religious education.

🖼️ Art – Exploring Design Through Matisse

We have started learning about design in art, focusing on the work of Henri Matisse. The children were fascinated to discover that Matisse began his career creating realistic paintings, but later in life developed a completely different style using bold collages, which he called cut‑outs.

This week, we explored:

  • Matisse’s early realism

  • How his style changed as he grew older

  • His famous cut‑out piece “The Fall of Icarus”

Because we had already read the story of Icarus during whole‑class reading, the children were able to make strong connections between the myth and Matisse’s artistic choices. They discussed colour, shape, and emotion, and how design can help tell a story without using words.

🌿 Religious Education – Spirituality and Nature

In RE, we have continued thinking about spirituality and what it means to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. This week’s focus was on how spending time in the natural world can support both our mental and physical health.

The children shared thoughtful ideas about:

  • How nature helps us feel calm and grounded

  • Why fresh air, green spaces, and quiet moments are important

  • Ways we can look after our wellbeing by connecting with the world around us

Their reflections showed real maturity and awareness of how to care for themselves and others.