Step 3 at Fern House School offers a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum, designed to challenge pupils with complex themes in geography, history, and religious education, alongside advanced applications in arts, science, and computing. This phase aims to develop critical thinking, a nuanced understanding of global issues, and sophisticated skills for academic and personal growth.

Key Themes & Cross-Curricular Learning:

Step 3 is structured around five thought-provoking themes, each fostering a deeper understanding of diverse topics:

• Autumn 1: Christianity / Rivers - This dual theme explores the journey of a river from source to sea, specifically referencing the River Thames, and its support for society through irrigation, travel, and trade. Concurrently, it delves into the Christian Ten Commandments, examining their relevance today and prompting reflection on forgiveness and personal commandments.
• Autumn 2: Henry VIII - This history theme investigates life at the court of Henry VIII, including his interests and the reasons behind his break from the Roman Catholic Church. It also encourages empathy by considering whether Henry VIII's children had happy childhoods, linking wealth to happiness.
• Spring 1: London - This geography theme explores why London is considered a global city, focusing on its major institutions, tourist appeal, and status as a transport hub. It prompts reflection on the reality of living in London for all its inhabitants.
• Summer 1: Islam - This RE theme focusses on the five pillars of Islam, their importance to Muslims, and the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage. It encourages pupils to reflect on the importance of family meals and food poverty in London.
• Summer 2: Mayans - This history theme investigates the construction of Mayan buildings, their beliefs, and the relevance of Mayan discoveries and inventions today. It encourages empathy by considering the best aspects of Mayan life.

Creative Arts & Practical Application:

Step 3 incorporates a vibrant arts curriculum, fostering advanced creativity and practical skills:

• Art: Pupils engage in continuous line drawing of sea creatures, experiment with wire techniques, and design their own sea creatures. They also explore collage, mixing paints to understand primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, and designing images using buildings and nature as influences.
• Design & Technology (D&T): The curriculum includes healthy eating projects, focusing on seasonal foods and making tarts. It also involves designing, manufacturing, and evaluating electrostatic games.
• Music: Pupils learn to tell stories through music, create soundscapes, and add rhythm, culminating in a musical mountain project. They also explore Viking music, including singing, notation, battle songs, and performance.

Science & Digital Literacy:

• Science: This phase covers "Risks to the Human Body," exploring how to live to 100 through balanced diets, sleep, exercise, and hygiene. "Sound" investigates vibrations, pitch, soundproofing, and the function of the ear. "Water Cycle" examines why it rains, the safety of tap water, and the disappearance of puddles.
• Computing: Using the 'Kapow' scheme, pupils learn about "Creating Media" through video trailers, including planning, filming, editing, and adding transitions and text. They also delve into "Website Design," focusing on Google Site skills and creating web pages for book reviews and personal websites. "Data Handling" involves investigating weather, using weather stations, and presenting information on extreme weather and forecasts using satellites. "Staying Safe Online" is an ongoing theme throughout the year.

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

PSHE/RSE in Step 3 focusses 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.