How do you adapt themes for your local area?

You adapt themes for your local area by keeping the core teaching sequence the same (so progression and coverage stay intact), while swapping in local examples, experiences and resources that make the learning feel real for your pupils.

Practical ways to contextualise a theme

• Local geography: use local maps, landmarks, rivers/coastlines, land use, and settlement patterns as case studies.
• Local history and heritage: link to local historical events, industries, buildings, museums or archives.
• Community links: invite local visitors (artists, engineers, conservation workers, faith/community leaders) or use parent expertise.
• Local environment and conservation: use nearby habitats, parks, farms, or environmental issues as real-world contexts.
• Local culture: include local traditions, languages/dialects, festivals, food, music, and stories where appropriate.
• Trips and fieldwork: swap generic trip ideas for what’s accessible locally (walks, galleries, places of worship, civic buildings).
• Current local issues: sensitively connect learning to relevant local news or community priorities.

A simple rule of thumb (so you don’t break progression): Adapt the examples, not the learning journey. Keep the intended learning, vocabulary and sequence, and change the “wrapper” (texts, images, case studies, visitors, places) to reflect context.