Rugby: a world-class game

September 2011 sees the start of the Rugby Union World Cup held in New Zealand. Rugby is one of New Zealand's favourite sports, so this month Spotlight tackles this fearsome game.

Databases: managing information

Computer databases hold large amounts of information in an organized way. Spotlight explores why they are useful and how they work.

Faraday: the laws of electromagnetic attraction

Michael Faraday was a bookbinder who became a world-renowned scientist. His work on electromagnetism is still valuable today. Spotlight discovers what led this man into science.

Empire building: Africa in the 19th century

Powerful nations have always wanted more land. Look at the vast Roman Empire or the Ottoman Empire, for example. Spotlight looks at the land Europe took in the 19th century, as Africa became another part of an empire.

A day in the life of an MP

Members of Parliament are elected by us, the people, to represent us in decision-making for our country. So how do they do this? What do they do with their time? Spotlights takes a day-in-the-life view of an MP.

Creation stories: how did the world begin?

How did the world begin? How did we get here? Science has more recently suggested how it began, but religions have been offering ideas for thousands of years!

Newspaper journalism: read all about it!

With 24-hour TV and the Internet, we live in a world of electronic communication, but the printed word is still influential. Spotlight looks at what it takes to be a newspaper journalist.

Designing: computer-aided graphics

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a big business. It is used in many areas, including architecture, engineering and electronics. Spotlight focuses on this graphic topic.

1960s: art goes pop

In the 1960s many artists were inspired by advertising and popular culture. The result was called ‘pop art’. What was it these pop artists did?

Oil: a necessary resource

Crude oil is a hugely important resource that is used in making petrol, plastics and many other things. Because oil is so important, companies spend vast amounts of money trying to find it. Spotlight looks into this increasingly rare and precious natural resource.

The orchestra: ensemble performance

An orchestra is an ensemble, or group, of many musicians. How do all these players work together? Spotlight follows an orchestral musician.

Gymnastics: balance and strength

Gymnastics is a wide-ranging sport that involves a number of different skills, such as flexibility and strength, as well as hard work and determination. Spotlight investigates what makes a good gymnast.

Genetics: cracking the code

What controls the way we look? This month Spotlight discovers the world of genes and DNA, and how they are passed down from our parents.

1066: the Norman Invasion

1066 is a landmark date in British history. This was the last time Britain was successfully invaded. Other countries have tried since, but failed. Spotlight investigates the Norman Conquest, and the changes it brought.

Exchange rates: a different currency

In the UK we are all comfortable using the pound sterling. But when we go abroad on holiday it can be troublesome working out how much things cost in different currencies. Spotlight investigates how exchange rates work.

Pythagoras: not just triangles

It is likely that anyone studying mathematics will have to cover Pythagoras’ theorem, to do with angles of triangles. But there’s more to the Ancient Greek Pythagoras than just triangles!

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

This year, Chinese New Year starts on 14 February. We investigate how and why Chinese people celebrate the New Year.

Sculpture: art in 3D

The term ‘sculpture’ may make you think of Greek marble statues or stacks of bricks on an empty floor. In fact, sculpture can include any artwork in three dimensions. We’ll be looking at exactly what ‘sculpture’ means.

Pantomime: Oh yes it is!

Winter sees the return of pantomime to our stages, an important part of Christmas festivities. English pantomime is specific to the UK, but it developed from other dramatic forms. We delve into its history and consider what makes pantomime so popular.

Prince Albert: innovator, patron and husband

Prince Albert married Queen Victoria in 1840. He was perhaps overshadowed by his wife, but made a distinct impact on Britain nonetheless. We investigate...

Eid-ul-Fitr: Ramadan ends

The month of Ramadan is very important for Muslims, as they fast during daylight hours for a whole month. Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration of Ramadan ending. How do Muslims celebrate, and what does it mean for them? We investigate.

Film Scores: music to watch films by

Have you ever noticed the sweeping violins at tragic events or the crash of drums during a battle on the big screen? We take a look at the processes of bringing a film to life through the film score.

The European Union: joined up government

With elections for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) coming up you may be wondering what they do. We explore the world of European politics...

Athletics: not just a race

Athletics is more than just running round and round a track. It covers events involving running, jumping and throwing. It may seem like individual events, but an athletics team is important. We find out why Gemma loves it so much.

Big bangs: chemical reactions

Our world contains hundreds of substances that react with each other. Some of these reactions can be quite dramatic! We investigate the whys and hows of chemical reactions…

Statistics: predicting the future

How can we predict the future? Statistics is the branch of mathematics that can look at past data and work out what's most likely to happen in the future. It has many uses. Let's look at how it's done...

Debating: the Power of Persuasion

Some people are naturally gifted in speaking in public, and convincing the audience of their viewpoint. Do you know someone like that? There are things we can do to sound more persuasive, and improve our debating skills. Find out how...

Bauhaus: beauty and functionality

We look at the work of the Bauhaus, the most influential design school of the 20th century. This German college influences designers, architects and artists today. What was so revolutionary about it?

Computers: what would we do without them?

Think beyond your school computer, laptop or games console. Computers are also in cars, washing machines, hospital machinery, and factories. They make a huge impact on our lives. Can you imagine our world without them?

Protect the human: working for human rights

‘Protect the Human week’ begins on October 11th. What is Amnesty International and why is it trying to protect humans? It’s all a matter of our basic human rights...

Fashion victims: globalisation

Are you saving for new clothes? Have you thought about their real cost? Our clothes don't magically appear in shops. A worldwide chain of people is often involved and not everyone is treated fairly. The pros and cons of globalisation...

Party time: Bastille Day

Britain might introduce a new holiday – British Day. Across the Channel, this is nothing new. Every 14th July France celebrates its national day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille. Who stormed the Bastille, and what for?

Indian music: heavenly songs

Songs have been used in worship for thousands of years. We take a trip to northern India and look at Hindu worship songs and Sufi songs of devotion...

Rainbow warrior: Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton being hit on the head with an apple is a well known story. What else did he do? Playing around with prisms he made a surprising discovery, a scientific first. We shed some light on it...

Growing up: Bar Mitzvah day

What makes you feel grown up? For Jewish boys, thirteen is a special birthday. A Bar Mitzvah is held to welcome them as full members of the faith. We find out about Joshua's Bar Mitzvah. Did it change him?

Martin Luther King: I have a dream

It's 40 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King. Through his life and work, he led the way to a brighter future. We look at the American Civil Rights movement and ask: who was this man with a dream?

Animation nation: Nick Park

Animated movies have become a bit of a craze in recent years. A-list actors have lent their voices to all kinds of curious characters. Do you wish your doodles could walk and talk? We draw some inspiration from an award-winning animator.

Burns Night: Scotland's top poet

January 25th is Burns Night, a celebration of Scotland's most famous poet Robert Burns. Burns Night suppers are held all over the world. Why is Burns so beloved?

Christmas crackers: designing a dessert

We all know the traditional Christmas desserts: mince pies, Christmas pudding, and Christmas cake. How could old favourites like these be updated for the 21st century? We meet a chef on a mission to do just that.

Logging on: web pages

You're navigating one right now, maybe you even have your own. Websites are part of our lives. How are web pages different from the paper page? How can you tell a well-designed website?

Downpour: record-breaking floods

It hasn't just rained this year, it has poured. When swollen rivers burst their banks, it caused havoc around the UK. Were you affected? Is your school in a high flood-risk area? How do people cope in a flood?

Recycling: waste not, want not

With a landfill problem that won't solve itself, it's about time we sorted out our throw-away culture. Do you think before you throw something in the bin? How green is your home or school? How can we protect our environment?

Quantum leap: meet Niels Bohr

Danish physicist Niels Bohr took the scientific world by storm with his theory of the atom. We find out more about a man who pushed himself to the max in the lab... and on the football pitch.

Extreme: a summer of sport

The sun has got his hat on and school sports days are fast approaching. What's your fitness favourite? It's time we got some fresh air...

Stage-struck: bringing the bard to life

Shakespeare knew how to write a gripping tale. His plays pulled in the crowds in his lifetime and they still do today. We go behind the scenes at a Stratford theatre to see what the fuss is about. Does he live up to the hype, or is it all much ado about nothing?

Chocolate-free zone: living Easter

What do you think of when you think of Easter? Lots of Easter eggs? Cute little chicks? The first Easter was very different. We meet church youth leaders Duncan and Emma to find out what Easter means to them today.

Open access: behind the scenes at a museum

Over 40 million visits were paid to UK museums last year. The exhibits may not come alive like in the film Night at the Museum, but a good exhibition can bring art and artefacts to life in a different way...

Antarctica: make a difference!

Antarctica has a special place in our imagination. Look at the success of films like The March of the Penguins and Happy Feet. How do our own polluting habits threaten it? Will global warming leave the penguins unhappy and homeless?

In hiding: Anne Frank and her diary

Anne Frank is one of the most famous victims of the Holocaust. Millions have read her diary, which was first published 60 years ago. Who was she? Why do so many people want to read her story?

Number-crunching: everyday maths

If you're working out your budget for buying Christmas presents, you're using maths without thinking about it. Even cutting a cake involves fractions! We see how all good parties are made of mathematical stuff with party planner, Keira.

Healthy and happy: a balanced diet

Top athletes must have the best health and fitness. As well as training, they have to eat the right foods. To stay healthy, we need to eat the right foods too. But how? What tips can a sports dietician give us?

Democracy: stand up and be counted

Autumn is party conference season. Do you know your Labour from your Lib Dem? What are your views on important issues like crime or the environment? You're never too young to have an opinion!

Feasts and fiestas: a taste of Spain

If you've ever been to Spain, you'll know just how good the meals are. The Mediterranean diet is delicious but healthy. Spanish food is fresh, with each region taking pride in their produce and traditional recipes. Whatever you like to munch on, Spain has something to offer!

Making a splash: sport for all

Summer is here. What better way to cool off than to go for a swim? Public pools offer people of all ages and abilities a chance to get wet and get fit. Learning to swim also opens up the world of water sports. Don't forget your towel – we're going for a dip!

World Cup fever: a whistle-stop tour of Germany

The World Cup comes to Germany this year. Millions of fans will be glued to their televisions. Lucky ticket holders don't have to rely on pictures beamed from Germany. They'll be in the stadiums dotted around Deutschland. Tie your laces: it's time for a tour!

Lions and princesses: behind the gurdwara doors

Sikhism in the fifth largest world religion and Britain has a thriving Sikh community. Sikh temples (gurdwaras) around the country are the focus for religious and community life. Why do they all have a kitchen?

Earthquakes and volcanoes: revenge of the earth?

The Star Wars planet of Mustafar would be a volcanologist's dream: a planet made of volcanoes. Earthquakes are so strong they can tear buildings apart. Who makes sure that buildings will be safe if an earthquake strikes? Let's find out more about people whose job it is to deal with these destructive forces of nature.

Mystery and Mughals: early modern India

Mughal India was an enchanting place with more riches than you can ever imagine! This successful empire was founded on hard-fought battles, but it couldn't last forever. Find out what it was like to be an emperor in these exciting times...

Brilliant Brazil: dreams and realities

Which country has a population of 175 million and takes up almost half of South America? Brazil! This big country with even bigger dreams attracts both visitors and immigrants, eager to share its magic. Do you know where it is and where it's going? Does modernisation come at a price?

Français today: a global journey

What in cyberspace is an internaute? What's the English for déjà vu? Learning French isn't just about ordering a croissant in a Paris café! French is a world language. How could you confuse a gunpowder factory with a blizzard? Do you ever 'giraffe' at school?

Art attack: Picasso breaks the rules!

He left school because he couldn't say the alphabet, held his first exhibition in an umbrella shop, and married a Russian ballerina. One of the world's most famous artists, Pablo Picasso definitely dared to be different. How did one man's passion for paint change the history of art forever?

Grieg: A minor success

Mozart started scribbling them at the age of five. Vivaldi wrote hundreds of them. Many of them are used in film music and TV commercials. The word concerto was originally just the Italian for concert, but see how it's changed over the years...

Evolution: Darwin monkeys around!

Many of the world's most impressive people showed signs of their genius from birth. From the three-year-old Mozart picking out tunes on the clavier to the infant Picasso making his first bright brush strokes, they seemed destined for great things from the start. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Charles Darwin.

Buddhism: how did it all begin?

In the year 563 BC, a rather unusual baby was born. Tradition says that he immediately walked seven steps, with one finger pointing to the sky and the other to earth, and announced 'I am chief in this world.' Who did this baby become?