Step 4 at Fern House School provides a challenging and enriching curriculum, designed to deepen pupils' understanding of global issues, historical turning points, and cultural diversity. Through a combination of inquiry-based learning, practical activities, and digital literacy, this phase aims to develop critical thinkers who are aware of their impact on the world and capable of navigating complex information.

Key Themes & Cross-Curricular Learning:

Step 4 is structured around six impactful themes, each encouraging in-depth exploration and critical thought:

• Autumn 1: Our Environment - This geography theme delves into the effects of global warming and plastic pollution on the planet, particularly sea life. It encourages pupils to consider ethical questions like whether zoos should be illegal, fostering empathy for environmental issues and wildlife.
• Autumn 2: Christianity - This religious education theme explores significant Christian practices such as baptism, marriage, and burial ceremonies in church. It prompts reflection on the evolving definition of marriage and the personal reasons behind church attendance.
• Spring 1: The Great Fire - A history theme that examines the causes and effects of the Great Fire of London, considering its impact on the city's development and exploring primary sources like Samuel Pepys' diary. It encourages empathy for those affected by the disaster.
• Spring 2: Brazil - This geography theme compares England to Brazil, focusing on aspects like climate, housing, transport, and leisure activities. It encourages pupils to consider the similarities and differences in daily life and express their preferences for living in either country.
• Summer 1: Islam - This religious education theme explores practices within Islam, including the importance of prayer, the role of imams, and the concept of forgiveness. It also investigates Islamic festivals like Eid al-Adha and the significance of sacrifice.
• Summer 2: Martin Luther King - A history theme that examines the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his role in changing lives for Black Americans in the 1960s. It encourages pupils to reflect on the nature of peaceful protest and the meaning of freedom and happiness.

Creative Arts & Practical Application:

Step 4 incorporates a vibrant arts curriculum, fostering advanced creativity and practical skills:

• Art: Pupils explore various drawing techniques, including impressionism, Zentangle patterns, and charcoal work to depict London's architecture. They also engage in printmaking, specifically designing and printing T-shirts related to deforestation.
• Design & Technology (D&T): The curriculum includes healthy eating projects, focusing on adapting recipes and designing final food products. It also involves designing and making sustainable housing, considering materials and cost, and creating structures for a London skyline or landmarks.
• Music: Pupils compose music using Scratch, creating soundtracks and battle songs. They also explore Brazilian music, focusing on samba, and create pieces inspired by the Great Fire of London, incorporating different sound effects.

Science & Digital Literacy:

• Science: This phase covers "Electricity," exploring light sources, power sources in homes and communities, and how batteries power lightbulbs. "Chemical Changes" (Part 2) investigates heat transfer, dissolving, evaporation, and ways to keep drinks warm, encouraging an understanding of material properties and energy.
• Computing: Using the 'Kapow' scheme, pupils delve into "Programming Music," including using Scratch to create soundtracks and participate in "Battle of the Bands." They explore "Data Mars Rover," learning about binary code, computer architecture, and using binary numbers for text. "Search Engines" introduces pupils to search basics, identifying inaccurate information, web quests, information posters, and web crawlers. "Staying Safe Online" is an ongoing theme throughout the year.

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

PSHE in Step 4 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.