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We’ve all had those students who seem completely checked out during English class. It’s not that they can’t do the work, they just don’t see why it matters. But what if we could change that by connecting English to the stuff they actually care about? Cross-curricular learning lets us do just that. By linking English skills to other subjects they enjoy, we can make learning feel more fun, and relevant to the students in front of us.
English doesn’t have to live in its own little bubble. Pairing it with other subjects shows students that reading, writing, and speaking aren’t just for school, they’re life skills. When they see how English connects to their passions, they’re more likely to care. I’ve collaborated with teachers from various subjects, including Maths for a combined Statistics and English unit, Religious Education, Biology, Media Studies, and History.
Cross-Curricular Ideas
Sport and English
Have students write match reviews, create sports blogs, or even record game commentary. Use action-packed writing and persuasive arguments in their sports content.
Art & English
Let students create comic strips or visual poems about something important to them (or a text they've been learning about in English). Create a class gallery where students explain the story behind their work.
Science & English
Assign science-based projects like a mini-documentary or a research article. Students can explore topics like climate change, tech trends, or space exploration.
Music and English
Students can write their own song lyrics inspired by personal stories or class novels. Analyse their favourite songs to see how storytelling works in music.
IT & English
Students can create blogs, podcasts, or video reviews about (and using) tech they love. Teach them persuasive writing through product reviews or tech guides.
Teacher Tips
Survey students about their interests, e.g. sports, gaming, music, etc.
Work with teachers from other subjects to create joint lessons.
Plan projects that blend skills from different classes.
Give assignments that solve real-world problems or replicate tasks from real jobs.
Start with one cross-curricular project to test the waters.
Celebrate student work through school newsletters or events.
Why it Works
When students work on projects they enjoy, they put in more effort.
They see how writing and communication fit into real-world jobs and hobbies.
Combining subjects helps students understand concepts from different angles.
Cross-curricular projects aren’t just about ticking boxes, they’re about making learning meaningful. When students see how English skills fit into something they already enjoy, they’re way more likely to engage. Start small, try a project or two, and watch your students realise that English isn’t just something they have to learn. It's a powerful tool they can apply in their everyday lives.
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