Topic (History and Geography)

Topic

At OLSJ, we strive to provide a rich, immersive and inspiring curriculum that develops the whole child academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally.

Through meaningful learning experiences, immersive topics, educational visits and our wider Cultural Calendar, we aim to enhance children’s personal development and foster a lifelong love of learning.

We want our children to become:

• Curious and enthusiastic learners
• Respectful and compassionate individuals
• Confident communicators
• Critical thinkers and problem solvers
• Reflective and resilient learners
• Active members of their community

Our curriculum encourages children to explore the world around them, appreciate diversity and understand their responsibilities within society whilst living out our Gospel Values in everything they do.

At OLSJ, History and Geography are taught through exciting and immersive topic-based learning experiences. Each topic begins with an engaging Immersion Day designed to fully immerse children in their new learning through practical, creative and memorable experiences.

Our Immersion Days provide children with opportunities to explore their topic through a wide range of activities that encourage curiosity, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. These experiences help children develop a deeper understanding of key historical and geographical concepts whilst building important skills across the wider curriculum.

Rather than teaching History and Geography as isolated weekly lessons, topics are carefully woven throughout other curriculum areas so that learning feels purposeful, connected and meaningful.

Where appropriate, topics are closely linked to:

• Shared reading books
• Writing units
• Art
• Design and Technology
• Music
• Computing
• PSHCE

This cross-curricular approach allows children to become fully immersed in their learning whilst helping them make strong connections between different subjects.

Vocabulary and Knowledge Development

Throughout each topic, children are introduced to ambitious Tier 3 vocabulary linked specifically to their area of study. Developing subject-specific language helps children access more advanced concepts and communicate their understanding with confidence and precision.

For example, children may explore vocabulary linked to:

• Historical periods and chronology
• Maps and fieldwork
• Civilisations and societies
• Environmental and geographical processes

Through discussion, investigation, reading and practical activities, children deepen both their knowledge and their ability to apply learning across the curriculum.

Immersive Learning Experiences

At OLSJ, we believe children learn best when learning is engaging, practical and memorable.

Our Immersion Days may include:

• Hands-on investigations
• Drama and role play
• Workshops
• Educational visits
• Outdoor learning
• Creative projects
• Guest speakers
• Collaborative challenges

These experiences bring learning to life and help children develop a genuine enthusiasm for History and Geography.

We place great emphasis on providing real-life, hands-on experiences through carefully planned school trips that are closely linked to each topic. These educational visits allow children to experience learning beyond the classroom and deepen their understanding through first-hand experiences.

Adaptive Teaching and Inclusion in History and Geography

At OLSJ, we are committed to ensuring that all children can fully access, engage with and succeed within our History and Geography curriculum. Through high-quality adaptive teaching, we carefully plan learning experiences that provide both support and challenge so every child can achieve success and develop confidence as learners.

Our immersive approach to topic learning allows children to experience concepts in a range of practical, creative and meaningful ways. Teachers carefully adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners whilst maintaining high expectations for every child.

Adaptive teaching within History and Geography may include:

• Carefully adapted questioning
• Visual supports and modelling
• Pre-teaching and revisiting Tier 3 vocabulary
• Scaffolded activities and practical resources
• Hands-on learning experiences
• Flexible grouping and collaborative learning
• Additional adult support where appropriate
• Opportunities for deeper thinking and challenge

We recognise that some children may need additional preparation and support when experiencing changes to routine, immersive learning experiences or educational visits. To help all learners feel confident and prepared, we use whole-class social stories before immersion days, themed events and school trips.

Where needed, individual social stories are also created to support specific children and help reduce anxiety around change or unfamiliar experiences. These social stories are shared with parents and carers so that children can revisit and prepare for the experience at home as well as in school.

This supportive approach helps children:

• Feel safe and confident
• Understand expectations
• Prepare for new experiences
• Develop independence and resilience
• Fully participate in all aspects of the curriculum

By creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, we ensure that every child can flourish, access enriching experiences and develop a love of learning through our History and Geography curriculum.

Cultural Calendar

Our curriculum is further enriched through our Cultural Calendar, which has been carefully designed to enhance children’s personal development, cultural understanding and awareness of the wider world.

Throughout the year, children participate in a wide range of themed events, celebrations and experiences that promote respect, inclusion, diversity and community. These opportunities help children develop confidence, empathy, resilience and a deeper understanding of different cultures, beliefs and traditions.

Our Cultural Calendar includes events such as:

• International Day
• E-Safety Day
• Anti-Bullying Week
• Mental Health and Wellbeing events
• Aspirational Careers and Jobs Week
• Black History Month
• St David’s Day
• Eid celebrations
• Remembrance events
• Environmental awareness projects
• Religious and cultural celebrations throughout the year

These experiences help children understand the importance of equality, dignity and respect whilst preparing them to become active, responsible citizens in modern Britain and the wider global community.

https://www.olsj.towerhamlets.sch.uk/learning/cultural-calendar

Pupil Voice and Reflection

At OLSJ, we value pupil voice and believe children should play an active role in shaping their learning experiences.

At the end of each topic, children complete feedback questionnaires where they can:

• Reflect on their learning
• Share what they enjoyed
• Suggest areas they would like to explore further
• Help teachers improve future topics

This encourages children to become reflective, independent and engaged learners.

Celebrating Learning

At the end of the academic year, each child completes a special two-page topic spread which celebrates and showcases their learning journey throughout the year. These final pieces allow children to reflect on the knowledge, experiences and skills they have developed across their topics.

We are proud of the rich, immersive curriculum we provide at OLSJ and the opportunities it gives our children to become curious, knowledgeable and enthusiastic learners who are prepared for the wider world.

Topic Day