Programme of Inquiry

Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures
Key Concepts Perspective

Change 

Related concepts Communities

Communicators

Values

Central Idea Changes happen as we live and grow. 
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into similarities and differences around me.

An inquiry into families and groups or people working together.

An inquiry into growth and changes in myself and others. 

Term covered 1
Duration 7 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Homes and journeys

6. The relationships between and the interconnections of individuals and civilisations

Key Concepts Function
Connection
Change
Related concepts Networks

Journeys

Central Idea All living things need shelter.
Lines of Inquiry Living things need different homes. 

People need to work together to create a community. 

Term covered 3
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. Into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values

3. Our appreciation of the aesthetic

Key Concepts Perspective 

Form 

Connection

Related concepts Expression

Imagination

Media

Central Idea Storytelling can connect us with others.  
Lines of Inquiry People communicate in different ways. 

People celebrate their cultures in different ways. 

Relationships help us express ourselves.

Term covered 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1.  The natural world and its laws
Key Concepts Function

Causation

Related concepts Climate

Seasons 

Classification

Central Idea Living things are constantly changing.
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into where light comes from. 

An inquiry into the importance of light in our daily lives.

Term covered 2
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment
Key Concepts Form 

Function

Responsibility

Related concepts Employment

Authority

Education

Central Idea Food comes from many sources and is processed and transported in different ways.

Responsibility

Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

● Sources of our food

● The processes food goes through before we eat it ● How food gets to us.

Food from around the world.

Fair Trade? Sustainability?

Local farming?

Term covered 5
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 2. The structure and function of organisations 

3. Societal decision-making

Key Concepts Form 

Function

Responsibility

Related concepts Employment

Authority

Education

Central Idea We all have a role to play.
Lines of Inquiry Working together creates unity. 

We are responsible for our environment. 

Being organised leads to independence. 

Term covered 4
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. Rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things
Key Concepts Causation

Connection

Responsibility

Related concepts Plants 

Habitat

Central Idea Plants are a resource
Lines of Inquiry Human action impacts on our world. 

Plants and animals rely on systems to survive. 

What we do affects our world.

Term covered 6
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures
Key Concepts Perspective

Change 

Related concepts Communities

Communicators

Values

Central Idea People learn from others in their community.
Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

● The different ways we learn.

● The people in our community.

● How and what we learn from others.

Term covered 1
Duration 7 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Homes and journeys
Key Concepts Function

Connection

Change

Related concepts Networks

Journeys

Central Idea Documenting personal histories allows us to find out about and celebrate who we are and where we’ve come from.
Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

● Ways of documenting personal history

● Personal change from birth to present

● Reflecting on past experience

● Significant people and places in my life

Term covered 4
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.

*Our appreciation of the aesthetic

Key Concepts Perspective 

Form 

Connection

Related concepts Expression

Imagination

Media

Central Idea Celebrations cause happiness

Celebrations play an important role in people’s lives

Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

● The events people celebrate and why.

● The different ways people celebrate important events

● The similarities and differences between the celebrations of different cultures

● The role of the Arts in celebrations

Term covered 2
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor The natural world and its laws
Key Concepts Function

Causation

Related concepts Climate

Seasons 

Classification

Central Idea The world is made up of natural forces 

We connect and understand our world through patterns

Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

Weather and nature

Seasons

Climate change

Environmental factors

Myths

Legends

Traditional tales told

Term covered 3
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Communities and the relationships within and between them
Key Concepts Causation

Connection

Responsibility

Related concepts Plants 

Habitat

Central Idea Mini-beasts are an important part of life in the habitat in which they live

All elements of a habitat play an important role in cycle of life

Lines of Inquiry Lines of Inquiry:

● Woodland habitats

● The needs, characteristics and behaviours of mini-beasts

● Life cycles of mini-beasts

● Human impact on animal habitats

Term covered 5
Duration 6 weeks 
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Human relationships T1

The nature of self-belief and values T6

Key Concepts Form

Causation

Perspectives 

Change 

Connection

Related concepts Communities

Messages

Growth

Endurance 

Development

Central Idea People grow and change through the way they communicate 
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into communications 

An inquiry into global communities

Term covered 1/6
Duration 12 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Personal histories
Key Concepts Change

Perspective

Responsibility

Related concepts Tradition

Diversity

Central Idea Traditions encompass our lives 

Traditions of others

Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into traditions

An inquiry Into social interactions during traditions 

An inquiry into global traditions

Term covered 3
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor The ways in which we reflect, extend and enjoy our creativity
Key Concepts Function 

Connection

Related concepts Expression 

Imagination

Central Idea Imagination influences expression
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into various forms of creativity.

An inquiry into the purposes of creativity.

Term covered 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor The rights and responsibilities to share finite resources with other people and other living things.
Key Concepts Responsibility

Causation

Related concepts Interdependence 

Systems

Central Idea Systems rely on a variety of influences.

Do they rely on eco-systems? 

Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into food chains

An inquiry into resources

An Inquiry into eco-systems

Term covered 4/5
Duration 12 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 2. Personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health
Key Concepts Form

Change

Perspective

Related concepts Relationships

Identity

Central Idea Relationships shape Identity
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into how people are different and how they connect. 

An inquiry into what makes someone unique.

An inquiry into how behaviours and relationships impact on who a person is.

Term covered Term 1
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 5.  Explorations of humankind
Key Concepts Responsibility

Causation

Related concepts Discovery

Location

History

Central Idea Discovery shapes our world
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into the discovery of new places.

The impact of how discovery leads to change. 

A study of significant people and events. 

Term covered Neil Armstrong – Moon

Columbus – America

Geography focus

Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Our appreciation of the aesthetic
Key Concepts Perspective

Form

Related concepts Expression

Creativity 

Imagination

Central Idea Imagination drives Creativity.
Lines of Inquiry An exploration of Creative Arts and Music. 

A study of how designers use their imagination to create their work. 

An inquiry into the role of illustrators to bring a story to life.

Term covered Year 2 Collaborative Work – empire writes, jazzy illustrates and rpt
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. The natural world and its laws

2. The interaction between the natural world and human societies

Key Concepts Function

Form

Related concepts Adaptation 

Survival

Central Idea Adaptation leads to survival
Lines of Inquiry An investigation into how animals adapt to survive.

A study of living and non-living organisms.

The impact of human behaviours on ecosystems.

Term covered
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Societal decision-making
Key Concepts Responsibility

Change

Causation

Related concepts Sustainability

Governance 

Consequences

Central Idea Governance impacts the progress of:

Sustainability 

Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into law-making and how it impacts sustainability.

The role of an individual’s responsibility to sustainability

An exploration of how climate change affects our lives today and tomorrow. 

Term covered Debates
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Access to equal opportunities
Key Concepts Causation

Connection

Related concepts Equity

Rights

Central Idea With equal rights comes equity.
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into significant women who have changed history. Rosa Parks

A study of children’s rights?

Rosa Parks and her impact on others.

A study of how human rights have changed over time. 

Term covered Suffragette movement, slave trade, Victorians, laws of children and work.
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor The nature of self beliefs and values
Key Concepts Form, perspectives change
Related concepts Communication

Interpretation

Central Idea Communication is open to interpretation
Lines of Inquiry An exploration of how we communicate.

An inquiry into why we communicate?

Term covered Term 1
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor The relationships between and the interconnections of individuals and civilisations
Key Concepts Connection 

Causation 

Responsibility

Related concepts Transformation

Lifestyle 

Sustainability

Central Idea Transformations can occur through lifestyles
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into the life of  the Egyptians.

An inquiry into the Stone Age.

Term covered Term 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.
Key Concepts Perspective

Change 

Causation

Related concepts Perception

Attitudes

Identity

Central Idea An inquiry into how people celebrate.

An exploration of different celebrations:

Easter/Sikhism/Map Work

Term covered Term 4
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Natural world and its laws
Key Concepts Function 

Change 

Form

Related concepts Process

Forces

Movement

Central Idea Forces or movement can cause a process

Cause and effect

Lines of Inquiry An exploration of how natural disasters affect our lives.

An inquiry into how forces cause and effect.

An inquiry into rocks and fossils.

Volcanoes/earthquakes

Forces/magnets

Term covered Term 3
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Access to equal opportunities
Key Concepts Perspective

Responsibility

Function

Related concepts Technology 

Conflict 

Progress

Central Idea Technology impacts our way of life
Lines of Inquiry Is technology an unnecessary evil?

How has technology changed over time?

Term covered Term 6
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Access to equal opportunities

1. The interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities

Key Concepts Causation

Responsibility

Connection

Related concepts Survival

Growth

Central Idea An exploration of animal structure and survival.

An inquiry into how plants survive and grow.

Animal, plants, life cycles

Term covered Term 5
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures
Key Concepts Form

Perspective

Change

Related concepts Culture

Communities

Traditions

Central Idea Perspectives develop through understanding.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An exploration of different cultures.
  2. An inquiry into our perspectives of other cultures.
  3. An inquiry into the connections between local and wider communities.
Term covered Term 1
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. Orientation in place and time

3. Homes and journeys

Key Concepts Connection 

Causation

Related concepts Settlements

Location

Central Idea Settlers rely on suitable locations.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An investigation of settlers through time.
  2. An inquiry into how settlers choose locations.
  3. The implications of settlers’ choices on modern settlements.
Term covered Term 5
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Our appreciation of the aesthetic
Key Concepts Form

Reflection

Related concepts Expression

Inspiration

Creation

Meaning

Central Idea Inspiration leads to creation.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. A study of creators, their inspiration and work. 
  2. A comparisons of creators’ expression.
  3. The impact of creators’ work on the wider world.
Term Covered Term 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. The impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Key Concepts Function

Responsibility

Related concepts Interventions

Progress

Central Idea Inventions influence the progress made by humans.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An investigation into the impact of inventions.
  2. An inquiry into the extent of progress made for the modern world.
  3. A study of modern inventions.
Term covered Term 3
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. Economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment
Key Concepts Function
Related concepts Movement 

Networks

Progress

Central Idea Routes are formed to meet growing needs.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An exploration of networks we know. 
  2. An investigation into the importance of networks in the local community.
  3. The role of networks in the wider world. 

States of matter

Term covered Term 4
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. Peace and conflict resolution
Key Concepts Responsibility

Connection

Related concepts Conflict

Resolution

Governance

Central Idea With great power comes great responsibility.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. A study of figures in governance.
  2. The impact of rule on peace and conflict.
  3. The individual’s responsibility to themselves and others.
Term Covered Term 6
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor Rights and responsibilities
Key Concepts Perspective

Form

Change

Related concepts Rights

Responsibilities

Conflict

Central Idea Perspectives and views change and develop over time.
Lines of Inquiry The development of rights and responsibilities.

An inquiry into justice.

What makes a person a famous figure?

Term covered Term 1
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. Orientation in place and time

3. Homes and journeys

Key Concepts Connection 

Causation

Related concepts Settlements

Location

Central Idea Settlers rely on suitable locations.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An investigation of settlers through time.
  2. An inquiry into how settlers’ choose locations.
  3. The implications of settlers’ choices on modern settlements.
Term covered Term 5
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Our appreciation of the aesthetic
Key Concepts Form

Reflection

Related concepts Expression

Inspiration

Creation

Meaning

Central Idea Inspiration leads to creation.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. A study of creators, their inspiration and work. 
  2. A comparison of creators’ expression.
  3. The impact of creators’ work on the wider world.
Term Covered Term 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. The impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Key Concepts Function

Responsibility

Related concepts Interventions

Progress

Central Idea Inventions influence the progress made by humans.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An investigation into the impact of inventions.
  2. An inquiry into the extent of progress made for the modern world.
  3. A study of modern inventions.
Term covered Term 3
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. Economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment
Key Concepts Function
Related concepts Movement 

Networks

Progress

Central Idea Routes are formed to meet growing needs.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. An exploration of networks we know. 
  2. An investigation into the importance of networks in the local community.
  3. The role of networks in the wider world. 

States of matter

Term covered Term 4
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. Peace and conflict resolution
Key Concepts Responsibility

Connection

Related concepts Conflict

Resolution

Governance

Central Idea With great power comes great responsibility.
Lines of Inquiry
  1. A study of figures in governance.
  2. The impact of rule on peace and conflict.
  3. The individual’s responsibility to themselves and others. 
Term Covered Term 6
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 5. What it means to be human.
Key Concepts Form

Causation

Related concepts Organic/Living

Adaptation

Equality

Central Idea Mistakes can lead to development.
Lines of Inquiry An exploration into the human struggle to learn more about the body. 

An inquiry into the effects of punishment.   

A comparison of women’s rights in the past to today.

Term covered Term 3
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 5. Explorations and migrations of humankind
Key Concepts Form

Perspective

Change

Related concepts Diversity

Culture

Representation

Central Idea Events influence people’s perspectives and views.
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into the effects of War at home

An inquiry into the War abroad

An inquiry into the effects of War on a generation.

Term covered Term 1
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 3. Our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Key Concepts Reflection

Change

Related concepts Appreciation 

Expression

Central Idea Popular culture impacts expression.
Lines of Inquiry An exploration of popular music.

An exploration of popular literature.

The impact of current popular movements on the wider world.

Term Covered Term 6
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. The impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Key Concepts Responsibility 

Function

Related concepts History

Purpose

Central Idea Inventions promote discovery and creation.
Lines of Inquiry A comparison of discovery and creation (looking at inventions, optical instruments).

An understanding of light.

An investigation into Invention, creation, demonstration and reflection (own invention).

Term covered Term 4
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 1. The interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities.
Key Concepts Causation

Connection

Related concepts Pattern

Identity

Central Idea Numbers and Science make relationships.
Lines of Inquiry An understanding of genes.

An inquiry into similarities and differences in genetics.

An exploration of adaptation to survive and efficiency.

Term covered Term 2
Duration 6 weeks
Transdisciplinary Theme descriptor 4. Peace and conflict resolution
Key Concepts Function

Reflection

Related concepts Relationship

Critique

Central Idea Developments progress and regress Planet Earth.
Lines of Inquiry An inquiry into human geography.

An inquiry into physical geography.

(SATS TERM)

Term Covered Term 5
Duration 6 weeks