Step 0 is structured around six stimulating themes, each designed to encourage curiosity and provide a rich learning experience:
- Autumn 1: Weather - Pupils explore the four seasons, the impact of weather on daily life, and develop empathy for those affected by extreme weather conditions. This theme integrates Geography by examining cause and effect, as well as promoting understanding of different environments.
- Autumn 2: The Creation - This RE-focused theme delves into the Creation story from Islamic, Christian, and Jewish perspectives, encouraging empathy and reflection on significant religious narratives.
- Spring 1: The History of Me - A History-based unit where pupils create a timeline of their own lives, explore personal changes, and reflect on how they have evolved since birth. This theme emphasises cause and effect and encourages self-awareness.
- Spring 2: My School - This Geography theme focuses on understanding the school environment, comparing it to other schools, and considering what makes a school special. It also prompts pupils to think about access to education globally and how to improve their own school environment.
- Summer 1: Islam - An RE topic that delves into the story of Noah, exploring concepts of faith, consequences, and empathy through this significant religious narrative.
- Summer 2: Medicine - This History unit introduces pupils to key figures like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, examining their impact on healthcare and how medical practices have evolved. It encourages pupils to think about future changes in healthcare.
Creative Arts & Practical Application:
Step 0 incorporates a vibrant arts curriculum to foster creativity and expression:
- Art: Pupils explore formal elements like shape, line, and colour, engaging in abstract compositions and collaborative art projects inspired by water. They also delve into sculpture, pop art, and drawing facial features through the topic of comic superheroes, drawing inspiration from artists like Roy Lichtenstein.
- Design & Technology (D&T): The curriculum includes making moving storybooks using sliders and constructing windmills, encouraging practical application of design principles and problem-solving.
- Music: Pupils explore vocal and body sounds, experiment with tempo and dynamics, and use instruments to tell stories and convey moods, fostering a lifelong appreciation for music.
Science & Digital Literacy:
- Science: This phase introduces fundamental scientific concepts, including human body parts, plant growth, classification of materials, and basic astronomy related to day and night. Pupils engage in practical explorations, such as building towers and investigating material properties. The curriculum aims to cultivate curiosity about the natural world and reinforce understanding of cause and effect.
- Computing: Utilising the 'Kapow' scheme, pupils learn essential computer skills, including using keyboards and mice, logging in and out, and understanding basic instructions. They are introduced to data handling, sorting, and categorising information, all while emphasising online safety. A dedicated Chromebook for every pupil ensures equitable access and diverse learning opportunities.
Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE/RSE):
PSHE/RSE in Step 0 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 and their place in the world, while exploring different career paths.