Step 2 is structured around five exciting themes, each fostering a deeper understanding of diverse topics:

• Autumn 1: Christianity / Volcanoes - This dual theme explores the natural world's power through volcanoes, focusing on their formation and destructive potential, whilst also examining the Christian celebration of Easter, its core beliefs, and its significance for hope and comfort. It encourages empathy for those affected by natural disasters and reflection on religious practices.
• Autumn 2: My Local Area / Vikings - This theme compares local environments like Enfield and Hatfield Heath, considering factors such as busyness and housing costs, while also delving into Viking history. Pupils investigate why Vikings left Scandinavia, their success as fighters, and the impact of longboats, fostering empathy for those affected by Viking raids.
• Spring 1: Space - This theme takes pupils on a journey through the solar system, exploring different planets and the concept of living on Mars. It encourages scientific inquiry into the causes of day and night and the requirements for space travel.
• Summer 1: Islam / Ancient Egypt - This dual theme explores Islamic practices like Ramadan and Eid, focusing on fasting and the importance of food in celebrations, and delves into Ancient Egyptian civilisation. Pupils investigate the significance of the River Nile, Egyptian gods, mummification, and pyramid building, fostering empathy for historical figures like slaves and explorers.
• Summer 2: Healthy Eating / British Songs and Sounds - This theme focuses on understanding a balanced diet, identifying fruits and vegetables, and creating simple food packages. It also explores British sounds through seaside, countryside, and city soundscapes, developing auditory skills and appreciation for local environments.

Creative Arts & Practical Application:

Step 2 incorporates a vibrant arts curriculum, fostering creativity and practical skills:

• Art: Pupils explore drawing techniques using charcoal, focusing on mark-making and simplifying objects into shapes. They also engage in painting, including an introduction to African folk stories and replicating Benin masks, before designing and making their own.
• Design & Technology (D&T): The curriculum includes healthy eating projects, such as smoothie tasting and creating food packaging. It also involves exploring fairground wheels and making rockets, encouraging hands-on design and construction.
• Music: Pupils create space soundtracks, listen to and compare sounds related to planets, and develop structured soundscapes. They also explore British songs and sounds, encompassing seaside, countryside, and city soundscapes.

Science & Digital Literacy:

• Science: This phase delves into "The Human Body," exploring major organs, the five senses, and what the body needs to stay healthy. "The Planets" theme covers the solar system, day and night, and the feasibility of living on other planets. "Solids, Liquids, Gases" introduces concepts of matter, breathing, and environmental concerns like methane, encouraging classification and understanding of material properties.
• Computing: Using the 'Kapow' scheme, pupils learn about "Emailing," including sending, adding attachments, and understanding online safety and cyberbullying. They also explore "Creating Media" through stop-motion animation, planning and creating their own animated projects. "Staying Safe Online" is an ongoing theme throughout the year.

Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE/RSE):

PSHE/RSE in Step 2 focuses on personal development and social understanding, covering themes such as "Changing Me," "Relationships," "Celebrating Differences," "Being Me In My World," "Healthy Me," and "Dreams and Goals". These topics are designed to help pupils understand themselves, build healthy relationships, celebrate diversity, and explore different career paths.