The Phoenix Curriculum
At Nurturing Phoenix, we use a thematic approach that sparks curiosity and creativity. Each theme acts as an umbrella, linking related topics and providing meaningful context for students’ learning. This approach helps children make connections across subjects and deepens their understanding of the world around them.
Through this engaging method, we inspire active learning and ensure each child feels connected to the material, encouraging them to explore and discover in a way that’s both innovative and relevant.
The Phoenix Termly Overview
Each half-term of learning revolves around a different country, with topics thoughtfully linked to encourage students to draw connections and explore the world around them. Children will study using a variety of methods, including stories, creative tasks, and research, ensuring the learning is both engaging and meaningful.
Topics are designed to give students the flexibility to follow all sessions or dive deep into a single unit, allowing them to tailor their learning based on their interests and needs.
Year 1
In September 2025, we will begin the first year of the three-year rolling program of study.
Autumn 1
15th September 2025 – 24th October 2025
6 Weeks
Theme: Greece
History: Ancient Greece (Philosophy, Democracy)
Geography: Greece
Science: Earth and Space (Ancient Greek Astronomy, Constellations)
Be Creative: Greek Pottery, Mosaics, Greek Temples & Theatres & Greek Cuisine
Autumn 2
3rd November 2025 – 12th December 2025
6 Weeks
Theme: Egypt
History: Ancient Egypt (Daily Life & Beliefs)
Geography: Africa (Climate, Biomes, River Nile, Economy)
Science: The Human Body: Skeleton & Muscles
Be Creative: Hieroglyphics, Papyrus Painting, King Tut Death Mask, Canopic Jars, Pyramid Pulley System & Egyptian Cuisine
Spring 1
5th January 2026 – 13th February 2026
5 Weeks
Theme: Mexico
History: The Mayans (Society & Culture)
Geography: Mexico
Science: Sound (Mayan musical instruments, how sound travels)
Be Creative: Mayan Masks, Mayan Calendar, Pyramids & Mexican Cuisine
Spring 2
23rd February 2026 – 27th March 2026
5 Weeks
Theme: China
History: The Shang Dynasty
Geography: Asia (Mountains, Earthquakes)
Science: Teeth & Digestion
Be Creative: Calligraphy, Chinese Dragon Sculpture, Paper Automata & Chinese Cuisine
Summer 1
13th April 2026 – 22nd May 2026
6 Weeks
Theme: India
History: The Indus Valley
Geography: River Ganges, Urban vs Rural
Science: Electricity (Circuits & Conductors)
Be Creative: Block Printing, Rangoli, Taj Mahal Models, Elephant Sculptures, Paper Lanterns, Indian Street Food
Summer 2
1st June 2026 – 10th June 2026
6 Weeks
Theme: Japan
History: Feudal Japan (Samurai & Shoguns)
Geography: Japan (Earthquakes, Tsunamis)
Science: Materials, Properties & Changes
Be Creative: Anime, Origami, Armour & Masks, Earthquake-Resistant Structures & Japanese Cuisine
Year 2
In September 2026, we will begin the second year of the three-year rolling program of study.
Autumn 1
14th September 2026 – 23rd October 2026
6 Weeks
Theme: Benin
History: The Kingdom of Benin
Geography: Benin (Coastal Plains, Savanna, Lake Nokoué, and Climate Zones)
Science: Ecosystems (Tropical Rainforest, Wildlife, Adaptations)
Be Creative: Benin Bronzes, Traditional Masks, Build a Model of a Benin Palace
Autumn 2
2nd November 2026 – 11th December 2026
6 Weeks
Theme: Iran
History: The Persian Empire
Geography: Iran (Deserts, Rivers, Cities)
Science: The Human Body: Circulation
Be Creative: Persian Miniatures & Geometric Art, Wind Towers & Ancient Water Systems & Persian Cuisine
Spring 1
4th January 2027 – 12th February 2027
5 Weeks
Theme: Australia
History: Indigenous Australian Cultures
Geography: Oceania (Great Barrier Reef, Outback)
Science: Evolution and Adaptation (Animals and Their Habitats)
Be Creative: Aboriginal Dot Painting, Boomerangs & Shelter Design & Australian Cuisine
Spring 2
22nd February 2027 – 25th March 2027
6 Weeks
Theme: Iraq
History: The Rise of Sumer (City-States, Writing, Ziggurats, Inventions)
Geography: Mesopotamia (Tigris & Euphrates Rivers, Fertile Crescent, Geography of Ancient Iraq)
Science: Plants & Irrigation (Farming Techniques, Crop Growth, Water Management)
Be Creative: Cuneiform Writing, Ziggurat Models, Sumerian Art & Pottery
Summer 1
12th April 2027 – 21st May 2027
6 Weeks
Theme: Canada
History: Indigenous Peoples & European Settlements
Geography: Climate Zones, Rockies, Lakes
Science: Light (Reflection, Refraction, Shadows)
Be Creative: Totem Poles, Snowshoes, Sleds & Canadian Cuisine
Summer 2
7th June 2027 – 16th July 2027
6 Weeks
Theme: The United Kingdom
History: Stone Age to Iron Age
Geography: UK Physical & Human Geography. Map Reading & Grid References.
Science: Rocks and Fossils (including Stone Age tools)
Be Creative: Cave Drawings, Roundhouse, Stonehenge Models, Tools and Weapons, Healthy Eating & Traditional British
Year 3
In September 2027, we will begin the third year of the three-year rolling program of study.
Each term will focus on a period of British history but through the lens of another country’s influence or interaction with Britain.
Autumn 1
Date
Weeks
Theme: Italy
Focus: Roman Britain (Italy & Britain)
History: Roman invasion of Britain, everyday life, Boudicca’s rebellion, Hadrian’s Wall.
Geography: Comparing Italy and Britain, mapping Roman roads and trade routes.
Science: Working Scientifically – Fun Experiments
Be Creative: Roman mosaic, designing a Roman villa, & Roman-inspired dishes (honey cakes, bread, Roman-style stew).
Autumn 2
Date
Weeks
Theme: Scandinavia
Focus: Anglo-Saxons and Vikings (Scandinavia & Britain)
History: Viking raids, settlements, King Alfred, Danelaw.
Geography: Scandinavia, Viking homelands, Scandinavian climate, longship trade routes.
Science: States of Matter
Be Creative: Viking brooches, illuminated manuscripts, build a Viking longhouse, anglo-Saxon bread & honey-based drinks.
Spring 1
Date
Weeks
Theme: France
Focus: Medieval Britain (France & Britain)
History: 1066 Battle of Hastings, castles, feudal system, Black Death.
Geography: Normandy & its role in British history, medieval maps.
Science: Healthy Lifestyles: Nutrition & Hygiene
Be Creative: Stained glass designs, castle models. Medieval pottage, trenchers (bread bowls), spiced drinks.
Spring 2
Date
Weeks
Theme: Spain
Focus: Tudor and Stuart Britain (Spain & Britain)
History: Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Spanish Armada, Tudor exploration (Sir Francis Drake).
Geography: Spain, British and Spanish naval power, early global trade.
Science: Working Scientifically – Fun Experiments
Be Creative: Tudor portraits, designing ruffs and galleons. Tudor banquet dishes, sugar & spice imports.
Summer 1
Date
Weeks
Theme: India
Focus: The Industrial Revolution (India & Britain)
History: British factories, child labour, steam engines, British Raj.
Geography: British Empire trade routes, key industrial cities.
Science: Dangers in the Environment: Steam power, pollution, textile production.
Be Creative: Victorian factory models, traditional Indian textile block printing. British-Indian fusion (curry, tea, sugar trade impact).
Summer 2
Date
Weeks
Theme: USA
Focus: World Wars & 20th Century Britain (USA & Britain). USA (Alliances in World War & Post-War Britain)
History: WWI & WWII, D-Day, rationing, rebuilding Britain.
Geography: Mapping war zones, evacuation routes, American support.
Science: STEM: Aircraft development, code-breaking (Enigma, Alan Turing).
Art & DT: Propaganda posters, poppy crafts, Anderson shelter models. Rationing recipes, wartime biscuits, Spam hash.
