How London can spark cross-curricular learning in KS2

At KS2, students are already beginning to connect the dots. 

They’re identifying patterns and getting curious about the bigger picture that underpins individual subjects.

Cross-curricular themes or projects are a fantastic way to support them in this crucial next stage in their learning. 

Rather than draw hard boundaries between core subjects like Maths, English, Geography and History, a cross-curricular approach actively encourages students to see the links instead. It sparks curiosity, creativity and encourages critical thinking. 

And what better subject matter for a cross-curricular theme than an historic, diverse and dynamic city like London?

Even without stepping foot in the UK capital, London looms large in the minds of children, after all. 

Its landmarks and famous skyline will have appeared in the books they’ve read and the films they’ve watched since they were small. It’s the backdrop to historic events they’ll likely already be familiar with, from the Great Fire of London to the Guy Fawkes plot. And, of course, they’re almost certain to have a caught a passing glimpse of MPs debating in the House of Commons or international leaders being welcomed to Buckingham Palace as parents and guardians catch-up on current affairs.   

This familiarity makes it the perfect option for cross-curricular projects in KS2, both for those who live close to the city itself, as well as those based many miles away, for whom London can provide the inspiration for cross-curricular connections they can apply to their own local communities or neighbourhoods.  

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Of course, it’s one thing choosing London as your cross-curricular theme, it’s quite another whittling down how you want to go about it and planning lesson plans that meet your objectives.   

After all, London is not only home to myriad historic landmarks, but also more than nine million people, from a melting pot of different backgrounds, cultures and religions. 

So, where should you begin? 

It might be worth starting with a concept map. 

It’s a tool you’ve probably put to use with your students, but it’s also a great visual aid for teachers looking to map out the connections they want to explore across multiple subject areas and topics. 

For example, if your core objective is to help students write persuasively then put that in the centre and brainstorm all the cross-curriculum connections that a London theme could present. That might be researching and writing about a real event (History); surveying fellow students for their views on who or what was responsible and mapping out the results (Maths); or creating visual displays to support their findings (Art). 

Alternatively, pick a London landmark or event and use that as your starting point. 

The great thing about this route is that we’ve already done some of the hard work for you. 

To mark 25 years since the London Eye was first erected on the banks of the River Thames, we created a cross-curricular mini-project suitable for KS2 that you can download here. It challenges students to learn about a series of cultural events and celebrations, all which have taken place since the London Eye was built. This creates a London-themed launchpad for activities that span creative writing, drama, art and design, to name but a few. 

They’ll join forces to create a visual freeze-frame of an event they’ve chosen to focus on, create colourful collages combining newspaper-style headlines, photos and thought bubbles, and map out the geographic locations of where different events occurred.  

Even if you don’t stick rigidly to our plan, use it as a source of inspiration for your own ideas. 

When you’re planning content, the secret is to think diversely across both mediums as well as topics to keep students engaged. Could you invite an expert speaker to join you and your class for a special assembly? Could you create a teacher display that helps students visualise how all their different pieces of work connect to one another? And how can you be just as creative with plenary ideas too? For example, in our anniversary London Eye project we encourage students to compose texts or social posts to friends to tell them everything they’ve learned.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. 

London is brimming over with history, culture and current affairs – it can cater to almost anything you have in mind. 

BRINGING LONDON TO LIFE

Once you’ve decided on your London-themed cross-curricular project, there are a bunch of additional free resources for teachers available for download on The London Classroom too.

Think of it as a one-stop-shop of resources for London, from worksheets to KS2 assembly ideas to detailed guidance for teachers on how to effectively embed the materials in lesson planning. 

Our London Detective activity, for example, encourages students to sketch the city’s landmarks before evaluating them by historical significance, sustainability and tourist appeal, ticking off History, Geography and Art in a single worksheet. 

The London Travel Brochure template, meanwhile, gives students a framework for researching and developing their understanding of the city, its proximity to other UK locations and what might attract visitors. 

Though by no means a dealbreaker, where possible, a London trip can also be a fantastic culmination to any cross-curricular project. 

Research shows this type of immersive experience can really cement what’s been learned in the classroom. It increase engagement and excitement around a topic, and helps students make those cross-curricular connections themselves. 

Climbing aboard the London Eye, for example, to catch a 360-degree view of the famous landmarks in London, watching from a 135m height as boats sail down the River Thames, busy crowds traverse Westminster Bridge and office workers spill out of local buildings, really brings all those connections students have learned in the classroom to life. 

Make sure you really optimise your 30-minute flight aboard for students too by using one of our pod plans. Our KS2 plan includes everything you need: including London Eye fact file, activities inspired by that famous London skyline and plenary ideas incorporating London’s architecture and landmarks.  

Whether you make it to London or not, and however you choose to incorporate the city into your own classroom style, it can be an unparalleled source of inspiration when it comes to cross-curricular learning for KS2.