Step 5 at Fern House School delivers an advanced and critical curriculum, challenging pupils to engage with complex global issues, historical crises, and diverse religious perspectives. Through inquiry-based learning, ethical discussions, and sophisticated digital projects, this phase aims to foster independent thinkers who can analyse information, develop strong moral frameworks, and prepare for future academic and social challenges.

Key Themes & Cross-Curricular Learning:

Step 5 is structured around five profound themes, each encouraging deep critical thinking and a broader worldview:

• Autumn 1: The 6 Major Religions / China - This dual theme explores the core religious values of Islam and Christianity, discussing the flexibility and inviolability of their rules and practices. Simultaneously, it investigates China's economic strength and its impact on global climate, prompting reflection on the consequences of its historical one-child policy and the discipline of its population.
• Autumn 2: World War II / Our Environment - This theme examines the impact of World War II on Londoners and explores its causes and effects. Concurrently, it delves into the effects of global warming and plastic pollution on the planet, particularly in Antarctica, and raises ethical questions about the legality of zoos, fostering empathy for those affected by conflict and environmental degradation.
• Spring 1: The Black Death / The 6 Major Religions - This dual theme investigates the devastating impact of the Black Death, including its causes and effects, and explores the role of science in historical understanding. It also revisits the 6 major religions, focusing on the charitable expectations of Christians and Muslims, and examining the meaning of belief, value, and commitment in the modern world.
• Spring 2: My Local Area - This geography theme delves into the history of the local area, tracing changes over time, and explores how its current characteristics compare to other areas. It encourages pupils to consider how the local area might change in the future and reflect on their personal connection to it.
• Summer 1: Healthy Eating / Human Body - This theme focuses on understanding a balanced diet, including daily intake of fruit and vegetables. It also delves into the human body, exploring the major organs, the five senses, and the requirements for a healthy life. It further considers the potential dangers to physical and mental health.
• Summer 2: Energy / Australia - This theme investigates sustainable and polluting energy sources, their origins, and methods to reduce one's carbon footprint. It also explores Australia's main ecosystems and the threats they face, raising questions about the future of species like polar bears in the Arctic.

Creative Arts & Practical Application:

Step 5 incorporates a vibrant arts curriculum, fostering advanced creativity and practical skills:

• Art: Pupils explore drawing techniques using various media, focusing on texture, line, and composition, particularly in the context of portraits. They also engage in printmaking, specifically designing and printing T-shirts related to deforestation, and designing posters for climate change.
• Design & Technology (D&T): The curriculum includes healthy eating projects, focusing on adapting recipes, designing a final food product, and investigating food packaging. 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 delves into "The Human Body" (Part 2), exploring the brain, the impact of technology on well-being, and strategies for managing stress. "Materials" investigates the properties of different materials and their uses, including exploring the reasons behind the strength of specific materials. "The Environment" covers topics such as global warming, plastic pollution, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
• Computing: Using the 'Kapow' scheme, pupils delve into "Code Breaking," including secret codes, brute force hacking, and the historical significance of Bletchley Park and computer heroes. They also explore the "History of Computers," through sound, radio plays, and the evolution of computing. "Design a Product" involves invention design, coding and debugging, computer-aided design, and creating product websites and video adverts. "Staying Safe Online" is an ongoing theme throughout the year.

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

PSHE/RSE in Step 5 focuses on personal development and social understanding, covering themes such as "Changing Me," "Relationships," "Being Me In My World," "Celebrating Differences," "Dreams and Goals," and "Healthy Me." These topics are designed to help pupils understand themselves, build healthy relationships, celebrate diversity, and explore different career paths.