Looking Forward to Women’s History Month which Honours Inspirational Women and their Impact

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Every March across the world, Women’s History Month is celebrated as a dedicated time to recognise the achievements, struggles, and contributions of women throughout history. For educators, it presents a valuable opportunity to inspire pupils and spark important conversations about equality, representation and social progress.

 

What Is Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month is an annual, month‑long observance that highlights the role women have played in shaping society. Originating in the United States in the 1980s before being adopted internationally, it serves as an extension of International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March each year. In the UK, it offers schools a chance to explore women’s experiences across history, from political activism to scientific discovery, literature, the arts, and beyond.

The month is widely marked by educational events, themed assemblies, exhibitions, classroom projects, and community initiatives. It encourages pupils of all genders to learn about women who may have historically been overlooked or underrepresented.

 

Why Do We Celebrate It?

Women’s History Month exists to address a long‑standing imbalance in how history has been told. For centuries, the achievements of women were frequently overshadowed or omitted altogether. By spotlighting women’s stories, schools help pupils understand that progress—whether scientific, political, cultural, or social—is the result of many voices, not just the dominant ones recorded in traditional narratives.

 

Celebrating Women’s History Month helps:

  • Promote gender equality by giving visibility to women’s contributions.
  • Inspire pupils with diverse role models across disciplines.
  • Challenge stereotypes and broaden pupils’ understanding of what women have achieved—and can achieve.
  • Strengthen representation so that girls in particular see themselves reflected in positions of influence.
  • Encourage critical thinking about fairness, inclusion, and social progress.

For school staff, this is also a chance to embed equality and diversity into the curriculum in meaningful, sustainable ways.

 

Five Inspirational Women to Explore with Pupils

Below are five remarkable women whose stories can spark curiosity and discussion in both primary and secondary classrooms.

  1. Mary Seacole (1805–1881) – Nurse, Healer, and Humanitarian

Mary Seacole was a British‑Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Despite seemingly facing racial prejudice and rejection from the War Office, she funded her own travel and established the “British Hotel” to support soldiers. Her courage and compassion make her a powerful role model for resilience and determination.

  1. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928) – Leader of the Suffragette Movement

A central figure in securing women’s right to vote in the UK, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), known for its motto “Deeds, not words.” Her activism changed British democracy forever and helped lay the foundations for gender equality today.

  1. Malala Yousafzai (1997– ) – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate

Malala’s global campaign for girls’ education began in Pakistan, where she advocated for schooling at great personal risk. After surviving an attack by the Taliban, she continued her activism on the world stage. At 17, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner and remains a modern icon of courage and advocacy.

  1. Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) – Pioneer of Computer Science

Often described as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage on his early mechanical computer. She wrote what is considered the first algorithm and was visionary in seeing the potential of computing beyond mathematics. Her work inspires pupils interested in STEM subjects.

  1. Baroness Doreen Lawrence (1952– ) – Campaigner for Racial Justice

Following the tragic murder of her son Stephen, Doreen Lawrence became a powerful advocate for justice and equality. Her campaigning led to significant reforms in policing and public institutions, and she continues to champion community support, anti‑racism, and fairness.

 

Women’s History Month is a vibrant opportunity for UK schools to celebrate these stories and many more. By embedding women’s achievements into the curriculum—not just in March but throughout the year—schools help build a more inclusive, informed, and inspired generation of learners.

Secondary Planners

Primary Planners

Why Teaching Students About Money Matters More Than Ever

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In today’s fast-changing world, financial literacy is no longer a “nice-to-have” skill – it’s essential. For UK primary and secondary school students, understanding money isn’t just about pounds and pence: it’s about preparing for independence, making informed choices, and building resilience for the future.

Understanding the Basics

“64% [of students] say they can’t afford all the resources needed to revise, with 51% reporting financial stress impacts their ability to concentrate at school.” (the-educator.org)

With their mental wellbeing in mind, Boomerang’s 2025-26 primary and secondary student planners are themed around ‘Money Matters’, with a weekly explanation of things like the difference between debit and credit cards, what age you can get a part time job, or what cryptocurrency is.

The Current Landscape

Research shows that many young people leave school without the confidence to manage money effectively.

From September 2028, both primary and secondary schools in England will need to teach financial literacy through statutory ‘citizenship’ lessons, covering budgeting, mortgages, compound interest, money management, and spotting misinformation.

Future student planners could be customised to include useful pages suitable for your own school’s particular family demographics.

Why Financial Education Is Crucial

“Children and young people who receive a meaningful financial education are more likely to be active savers, have a bank account that they use, and be confident with money management.” (Parliament publication)

Real-Life Relevance: from managing pocket money to planning for university costs, students face financial decisions earlier than ever.
Combatting Debt Culture: with easy access to credit and online spending, young people need the tools to avoid falling into debt traps.
Empowering Future Choices: whether it’s saving for a first car, budgeting for rent, or understanding taxes, financial literacy underpins adult life.

The Bigger Picture

Teaching primary and secondary students smart money habits isn’t just about budgeting – it’s about building confidence and helping to manage mental wellbeing by reducing stress. By learning to plan, save, and spend wisely, they gain control over their finances and their future. Empower them today, so financial worries don’t overshadow tomorrow’s opportunities.

 

For more information:

Primary Planner

Academic Planner

The Importance of School Trips

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School trips are more than just a break from the classroom – they are powerful learning experiences that shape students academically, socially, and emotionally.

Beyond the Classroom: Why School Trips Matter
In an age where education is increasingly digital and test-driven, school trips offer a refreshing and essential balance. These excursions – whether to a local museum, a historical site, or even abroad – bring learning to life in ways that textbooks simply can’t match.

Deepening Academic Understanding
One of the most compelling benefits of school trips is their ability to enhance academic learning. When students experience a subject first-hand – like walking through a Roman ruin or observing marine life in a coastal tide pool – they gain a deeper, more memorable understanding of the material. Engaging with subjects in real-world settings can help students retain more information and apply it meaningfully.

Building Social and Emotional Skills
School trips also aid social development. Being outside the structured classroom environment encourages students to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve in new ways. Whether it’s navigating a new city or working together on a group activity, students build confidence, independence, and resilience.
From the first moment of the trip hoodies being distributed before leaving, these experiences also help students form stronger bonds with peers and teachers, creating a more cohesive and supportive classroom environment when they return.

Expanding Cultural Awareness
Trips that expose students to different cultures, communities, or ways of life, promote empathy and global awareness. Visiting a cultural centre, attending a play, or exploring a new country can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives – skills that are increasingly important in our interconnected world.

Encouraging Personal Growth
For many students, especially those on residential or international trips, these experiences are a first taste of independence. They learn to manage time, take responsibility for their belongings, and adapt to new environments. These challenges, though sometimes daunting, are important for personal development.

Making Learning Fun and Memorable
School trips are fun. And fun matters. When students associate learning with excitement and discovery, they are more likely to stay motivated and curious. These positive memories can spark lifelong interests and even influence career paths.

In short, school trips are not just an educational luxury – they can be seen as a necessity. They enrich the curriculum, nurture essential life skills, and create lasting memories that shape students far beyond the classroom walls.  Trip Books, full of photos, interesting facts and fun anecdotes, are a great way of keeping those memories and experiences alive in years to come too.

World Kindness Day

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World Kindness Day – Thursday 13 November
Every year on 13 November, people around the globe pause to celebrate World Kindness Day — a day dedicated to the simple yet powerful act of being kind. This day offers a unique opportunity to foster empathy, strengthen relationships, and build a culture where kindness is not just encouraged, but expected.

Why Kindness Matters

Kindness isn’t just about being nice — it’s about showing respect, understanding, and care for others.
In schools, encouraging kindness can lead to a safer, more supportive, and academically productive atmosphere. It reduces bullying, builds stronger relationships through empathy and respect, and improves students’ overall well-being and motivation.

Impact on the school climate

  • Reducing negative behaviours: kindness leads to a significant reduction in bullying and creates a safer, more inclusive environment where students feel valued.
  • Promoting positive relationships: it encourages empathy and respect among students, teachers, and staff, leading to a more connected and supportive community.
  • Improving students’ well-being: schools with a culture of kindness see a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression and an increase in feelings of positivity, happiness, and self-worth.
  • Increasing safety and engagement: a supportive environment fosters greater student engagement and motivation, making students more interested in learning and more likely to attend school.
  • Boosting academic performance: research shows a strong link between positive social behaviour like kindness and higher academic achievement.

Impact on individuals

  • Building emotional intelligence: kindness helps students understand different perspectives, develop self-acceptance, and build social and emotional skills.
  • Instilling responsibility: acts of kindness empower students to recognize that their actions can make a positive impact, encouraging them to be proactive contributors.
  • Enhancing self-esteem: when students are treated with kindness and encouraged to act kindly, their self-esteem and sense of self-worth increase.

Impact on the school as an institution

Attracting staff and families: a school known for its kind and nurturing environment can improve its reputation, potentially leading to higher enrolment and staff retention rates.
Creating a stronger community: it builds a more cohesive school community where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

Make Kindness Continuous

World Kindness Day is more than just a a date in your student or teacher planner — it’s a reminder that every day holds the potential for compassion and making school a positive place to be.

 

Photo by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash