Year 4 Maths Scheme of Work
In Year 4, a key milestone is the expectation that pupils achieve fluency in all multiplication tables up to 12 × 12 by the end of the year. This underpins work in multiplication, division, fractions and decimals throughout the curriculum. The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) at the end of Year 4 assesses this fluency.
Place value is extended to four-digit numbers. Fractions work includes equivalent fractions, addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator, and an introduction to decimals as fractions with denominator 10 or 100. Geometry introduces the properties of quadrilaterals and triangles, coordinates in the first quadrant, and a more formal approach to angles. Area and perimeter are explored alongside measurement.
Expected prior knowledge
- ✓Fluency in 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables
- ✓Ability to add and subtract three-digit numbers using column methods
- ✓Understanding of unit fractions and fractions on a number line
- ✓Ability to measure perimeter and work with length in metric units
Units across the year
Six half-term units covering all strands of the KS2 Maths programme of study.
Times Tables to 12
- –Recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 × 12
- –Use place value, known and derived facts to multiply and divide mentally
- –Systematic practice of remaining tables (6, 7, 9, 11, 12) using derived fact strategies
- –Rapid recall practice using Times Table Rockstars and other fluency activities
- –Applying times table knowledge to solve multiplication and division problems
- –Using times table facts to reason about divisibility
Area and Perimeter
- –Find the area of rectilinear shapes by counting squares
- –Measure and calculate the perimeter of a rectilinear figure (including squares)
- –Distinguishing between area and perimeter using practical activities
- –Counting squares to find the area of shapes on squared paper
- –Calculating the perimeter of rectilinear shapes using addition
- –Solving problems involving the relationship between area and perimeter
Equivalent Fractions
- –Recognise and show, using diagrams, families of common equivalent fractions
- –Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator
- –Using fraction walls to identify equivalent fractions visually
- –Generating equivalent fractions by multiplying numerator and denominator by the same number
- –Ordering fractions with the same and different denominators
- –Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator using diagrams and number lines
Decimals
- –Recognise and write decimal equivalents of any number of tenths or hundredths
- –Compare numbers with the same number of decimal places up to two decimal places
- –Representing tenths and hundredths using place value charts and Dienes
- –Connecting decimal notation to fraction notation for tenths and hundredths
- –Ordering and comparing decimals using a number line
- –Rounding decimals to the nearest whole number
Geometry: Properties of Shapes
- –Classify geometric shapes, including quadrilaterals and triangles, based on their properties
- –Identify acute and obtuse angles and compare and order angles up to two right angles by size
- –Classifying triangles as equilateral, isosceles and scalene using properties
- –Identifying and sorting quadrilaterals by their properties including parallel and perpendicular sides
- –Measuring angles using a protractor to determine acute, obtuse and right angles
- –Using knowledge of shape properties to solve reasoning problems
Statistics: Line Graphs and Time
- –Interpret and present discrete and continuous data using appropriate graphical methods, including bar charts and time graphs
- –Solve comparison, sum and difference problems using information presented in bar charts, pictograms, tables and other graphs
- –Reading and interpreting line graphs, focusing on change over time
- –Drawing line graphs from a given data set
- –Answering comparison and difference questions from a range of graphical representations
- –Deciding which type of graph is most appropriate for different data sets
Progression into Year 5
In Year 5, pupils will extend multiplication to long multiplication of four-digit numbers, develop a deep understanding of fractions and percentages, and explore geometry including properties of shapes and position.
Individual lesson plans
Full lesson frameworks — learning objectives, vocabulary, lesson structure, and common misconceptions — for each unit in this scheme.
View all Year 4 Maths lesson plans →