Tenterfields Primary Academy, Tenterfields, Halesowen, B63 3LH
Part of Windsor Academy Trust
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Tenterfields Primary Academy

Year 4 Blog Post- 06.02.2026

6th February 2026

This week, Year 4 became historians to solve a mystery: How do we know about the Anglo-Saxons if they left few written records? The answer lies in archaeology! We explored the incredible 1939 discovery at Sutton Hoo by archaeologist Basil Brown. The children were fascinated to learn about the massive ship burial, which we believe belonged to a great King or warrior.

By examining "clues" like the iconic helmet, silver bowls, and ornate swords, the class drew brilliant conclusions:

  • Wealth & Power: The intricate gold and gems prove the owner was important.

  • Global Trade: Items from across the world show the Anglo-Saxons were connected far beyond England.

Year 4 also learned about the career of an archaeologist—from excavating sites to using carbon-dating and computer simulations. Ask your child what they would choose to be buried with to tell future historians about their life!

In English, we have transformed into investigative journalists, reporting on a mysterious creature washed up on a Cornish beach. Through this poignant scenario, we explored the devastating reality that plastic pollution caused this tragedy.

To deepen our writing, we used immersive ‘Performing Pedagogy.’ Students set the scene with props, improvised their character's actions prior to the discovery, and really tapped into their inner thoughts and emotions. This preparation allowed us to collaboratively draft a powerful witness statement. The result is impressive, demonstrating how well the children can translate dramatic empathy into high-quality writing.

I feel devastated. Why would this happen?The gleaming sea washed up this creature.I couldn’t let it die without helping it. Its dead? Compromised beyond repair? It was heartbreaking to see this poor creature laid to rest. I was there when he  took his last breath.The sadness came out of the our eyes. Officially dead. Unbelievable. We tried our best. The children kept it wet. We pulled out a lot of rubbish. Murdered and suffocated by our plastic pollution. Disappointed.