Tag Archive for: boom ed

Celebrating World Religion Day

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World Religion Day will be observed this year on Sunday 18 January. It is a wonderful opportunity for schools across the country to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and encourage respect for different faiths and beliefs. In today’s multicultural society, helping children and young people appreciate the richness of world religions is an essential part of fostering empathy and inclusion.

 

What is World Religion Day?

World Religion Day was established in 1950 by the Bahá’í community to highlight the common values shared by all religions and to promote unity among people of different faiths. The day encourages dialogue and learning, reminding us that while beliefs may differ, principles such as kindness, compassion and respect are universal.

For schools, this day offers a chance to introduce pupils to the fascinating traditions, festivals, and practices of major world religions in an age-appropriate way. It’s not about teaching doctrine—it’s about nurturing curiosity and understanding.

 

Why is it important in education?

Children encounter diversity in their classrooms and communities every day. By learning about world religions, they can develop cultural awareness and tolerance—skills that will serve them throughout life. Discussing similarities and differences between faiths can also spark meaningful conversations about shared human values.

World Religion Day aligns perfectly with the RE curriculum and supports the broader goal of promoting British values such as mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

 

Student Planners: Helpful Resources

Boomerang’s Primary Planner includes a dedicated World Religions quick reference information page. This section provides concise summaries of the major faiths—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Judaism—along with key festivals and symbols.

Key dates for all the major faiths are included on the relevant diary pages in our Academic and Pocket Planners.

 

Final Thoughts

World Religion Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to celebrate unity in diversity. By incorporating activities and using resources like the Student Planners, pupils can develop understanding and respect for all faiths. Classrooms where curiosity thrives and every child feels valued.

 

Yearbooks

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Organise Your Leavers’ Yearbook

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Now it’s the beginning of a new year and the academic year is moving on, it’s time to start planning one of the most treasured keepsakes for students: the leavers’ yearbook. Whether you’re a head student or part of the school staff, organising a yearbook now ensures you have plenty of time to create something truly memorable.

 

Why Start Now?

Yearbooks take time to design, gather content for, and approve. Starting early means:

  • no last-minute stress: collecting photos, quotes and messages can be time-consuming. Beginning now gives everyone time to contribute.
  • better quality: early planning allows for thoughtful layouts, proofreading and professional printing.
  • inclusive contributions: students and staff can share their memories without feeling rushed, ensuring the yearbook reflects the whole school community.

 

What to Include in a Great Yearbook

A yearbook should capture the spirit of the year and celebrate achievements. Below are some suggested sections.

  • Class and Year Group Photos: these are the heart of any yearbook, giving everyone a place in history.
  • Personal Profiles: short bios or fun facts about each student make the book personal and engaging.
  • Messages from Staff and Head Students: inspirational words and farewell notes add warmth and meaning.
  • Highlights of the Year: include photos and write-ups of key events – sports days, school trips, performances and charity fundraisers.
  • Awards and Achievements: celebrate academic successes, sporting triumphs and unique talents.
  • Fun Extras: maybe include “Most Likely To…” awards, memorable quotes, and candid photos for a touch of humour.
  • Looking Ahead: a section for future aspirations or advice for the next year group can make the yearbook forward-looking and inspiring.

 

Make It Special

Consider adding interactive elements like QR codes linking to videos of school events or digital photo galleries to make the yearbook even more engaging.

 

Start planning today to ensure your leavers’ yearbook is a cherished keepsake for years to come. It’s more than just a book – it’s a celebration of friendships, achievements, and unforgettable moments

 

Yearbooks

Supporting Teen Mental Health During the Festive Season

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The Christmas period is often portrayed as a time of joy, family, and celebration. For many teenagers though, the festive season can bring unique challenges that impact their mental health. As teachers, understanding these pressures is key to supporting students during what can be an emotionally complex time.

 

Why Christmas Can Be Stressful for Teens

While younger children may see Christmas as magical, teenagers often experience heightened stress. Academic pressures, social expectations and family dynamics can all contribute to feelings of anxiety or low mood. For some, financial strain at home or complicated family relationships means the season is far from cheerful. Others may feel isolated if they don’t share the same traditions or if they are coping with loss.

Social media adds another layer of pressure. Teens are bombarded with images of ‘perfect’ celebrations, which can lead to comparison and feelings of inadequacy. This can intensify existing mental health challenges, such as anxiety or low self-esteem.

 

Common Mental Health Challenges at Christmas

  • Anxiety: the disruption of routine during the holidays can be unsettling. Teens who thrive on structure may feel anxious about changes in schedules, social gatherings, or expectations.
  • Low Mood: shorter days and less daylight can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), while loneliness or family tensions can deepen feelings of sadness.
  • Eating Concerns: festive meals and treats can trigger stress for those struggling with body image or eating disorders. Comments about food or appearance, even well-meaning ones, can be harmful.
  • Managing Mental Health: with school closed, access to regular support networks may be limited. Teens might feel unsure where to turn if they’re struggling.

How Teachers Can Help Before the Holidays

  1. Start Conversations Early: create space for open discussions about mental health in the classroom. Normalising these conversations helps students feel less alone.
  2. Signpost Resources: remind students about the mental well-being pages in their planners. These pages are designed to empower them with practical strategies they can use during the break.
  3. Encourage Routine: suggest that students maintain some structure during the holidays—whether through exercise, hobbies, or regular sleep patterns.
  4. Promote Kindness: encourage students to focus on meaningful connections rather than material expectations. Acts of kindness can boost mood and reduce stress.

 

A Positive Message for the Season

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By acknowledging the challenges and equipping teens with tools to manage their mental wellbeing, we can help them navigate the season with confidence and self-compassion.

As teachers, your role in supporting mental health is invaluable. A simple reminder to check their planner’s well-being pages or downloading an app before school breaks up, could make a big difference for a student who feels overwhelmed when they are alone.

As well as general information about managing mental health, the Mental Wellbeing pages included in Boomerang’s student planners cover worries about anxiety, low mood, eating, and self-harm. Each section gives warning signs to look out for, top tips which may help, and a web address for further advice.

 

Primary Planners

Academic Planners

Teacher Planners

 

Why Paper Teacher Planners Still Shine in a Digital World

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In today’s tech-driven classrooms, digital tools dominate lesson planning and scheduling. Yet, many educators still swear by the traditional paper planner—and for good reason. While apps and online calendars offer convenience, paper planners provide unique advantages that can’t be replicated on a screen.

 

  1. Tangible and Visual

There is something powerful about physically writing down your plans. Studies show that handwriting improves memory retention, helping teachers remember tasks and deadlines more effectively. A paper planner offers a clear, at-a-glance view of your week without the distractions of notifications or pop-ups.

 

  1. No Tech Hassles

Digital tools rely on batteries and Wi-Fi, and devices can fail at the worst times. A paper planner is always ready—no loading screens, no app crashes, and no need to worry about syncing across platforms. It’s dependable and stress-free.

 

  1. Encourages Mindful Planning

Writing by hand slows you down just enough to think through your day. This mindful approach helps teachers to prioritise tasks and reflect on what’s most important. Plus, they allow the creative freedom to doodle, colour-code, and personalise pages to make planning feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable routine.

 

  1. Reduces Screen Fatigue

Teachers spend hours in front of screens for grading, emails, and virtual lessons. A paper planner offers a refreshing break from digital overload. It’s a tactile experience that helps reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.

 

  1. Personalisation and Creativity

Unlike rigid digital templates, paper planners allow full customisation. Add sticky notes, highlight key dates, or decorate with washi tape—your planner becomes uniquely yours. This creative outlet can boost motivation and make organisation fun.

  1. Privacy and Security

No passwords, no data breaches—just your plans on paper. For teachers who value confidentiality, a physical planner offers peace of mind.

 

In short: A paper teacher planner isn’t just a nostalgic choice—it’s a practical, reliable and creative tool that supports focus and flexibility in a busy teaching environment.

 

Teacher Planners

 

International Volunteer Day 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Community and Kindness in Schools

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Every year on 5 December, the world comes together to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD)—a day dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions of volunteers and encouraging everyone to make a positive impact. For schools, this is a perfect opportunity to inspire students to embrace the values of kindness, community, and responsibility.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving time: it’s about building character and creating connections. When students volunteer—whether through charity events, peer mentoring, or environmental projects—they learn empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. These experiences shape confident, socially aware individuals ready to make a difference beyond the classroom.

 

Why Schools Should Celebrate IVD

International Volunteer Day offers schools a chance to showcase the amazing efforts of students and staff who go above and beyond. From organising food bank donations to supporting local causes, these acts of service deserve recognition. Celebrating IVD also encourages more students to get involved, fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration.

Ways to Mark the Day

  • Record your Work: use your student (and teacher) planners to track volunteer hours and achievements.
  • Yearbook Highlights: dedicate pages in your yearbook to feature inspiring stories of student volunteers and their impact.
  • Custom Hoodies for Helpers: order personalised hoodies for teams of volunteers, making them stand out even more in the community.
  • Organise a Celebration Assembly: this not only celebrates volunteers and their work but also makes them feel valued. Peers and colleagues can be motivated to follow their example.

The Lasting Impact

Volunteering teaches students that small actions can create big changes. By integrating volunteer recognition into school traditions—through planners, yearbooks, and hoodies—you reinforce the message that giving back is something to be proud of. It’s a simple yet powerful way to nurture a generation that cares.

This International Volunteer Day, celebrate the everyday heroes in your school and inspire future ones. Because when students learn the joy of helping others, they’re not just shaping their own future—they are shaping a better world.

 

Link to:

Primary Planner

Academic Planner

Yearbooks

Hoodies

Oodles

Tag Archive for: boom ed