Tag Archive for: child development

United Nations Day: Inspiring Global Citizens in Primary and Secondary Schools

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This year, in the week approaching Saturday 24 October, schools around the world will mark United Nations Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force in 1945 and the official creation of the United Nations (UN). The day provides an opportunity for pupils to learn about global cooperation, peace, human rights and the challenges facing our world today. According to the United Nations, United Nations Day commemorates the moment when the organisation formally came into being following the ratification of the UN Charter.

For primary and secondary schools, United Nations Day is much more than a date on the calendar. It encourages pupils to think beyond their local communities and understand how countries work together to solve problems that affect people across the globe.

 

Why Was the United Nations Created?

To understand the importance of United Nations Day, it is helpful to look at the events that led to the organisation’s creation.

The United Nations was established in the aftermath of the Second World War, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Following years of destruction and loss of life, world leaders wanted to create an international organisation that would help prevent future wars and encourage countries to resolve disputes through discussion rather than conflict. Representatives from 50 nations met in San Francisco in 1945 to draft the UN Charter, which set out the aims and principles of the new organisation. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945 when the Charter was ratified by the required number of signatory countries.

At its heart, the UN was created to promote peace, protect human rights, encourage international cooperation and improve living standards for people around the world. Those goals remain central to its work today.

 

Which Countries Are Part of the United Nations?

Today, the United Nations has 193 member states, making it one of the most representative international organisations in the world. Countries from every continent belong to the organisation, from the United Kingdom and France to Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Africa and India.

Membership gives countries a platform to discuss global issues, share ideas and work together on challenges that no single nation can solve alone. While member states may have different cultures, political systems and priorities, they come together through the UN to seek common solutions.

This diversity makes United Nations Day a fantastic opportunity for schools to celebrate different cultures, languages and traditions. It can help pupils appreciate both the differences and similarities between people around the world.

What Does the United Nations Do Today?

Many pupils may have heard of the United Nations but are unsure what it actually does.

The organisation works in a wide range of areas, including:

  • Promoting peace and conflict resolution
  • Supporting human rights
  • Improving access to healthcare
  • Supporting education initiatives
  • Coordinating humanitarian aid during crises
  • Encouraging sustainable development and environmental protection

The UN also plays a key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of global targets designed to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change and access to quality education. The organisation describes itself as working to promote peace, human rights and social progress while helping improve living standards worldwide.

Although the work of the United Nations may seem distant from everyday school life, many of the issues it addresses directly affect young people, making United Nations Day highly relevant for the classroom.

 

Celebrating United Nations Day in Primary Schools

For younger pupils, United Nations Day offers exciting opportunities to learn about the wider world.

Classes might explore countries from different continents, create cultural displays, learn greetings in different languages or sample traditional music from around the globe. Mapping activities can help children understand where countries are located and how connected our world has become.

Storybooks featuring children from different cultures can encourage empathy and understanding, while collaborative art projects focused on peace and friendship help reinforce the day’s key messages.

 

Celebrating United Nations Day in Secondary Schools

Older students can engage with more detailed discussions about global challenges and international cooperation.

Many schools organise debates, assemblies or model United Nations activities, where students represent different countries and discuss real-world issues. These exercises develop research, communication and critical thinking skills while helping students understand different perspectives.

Topics could include climate change, human rights, access to education, global health or sustainable development. These discussions encourage students to think critically about current events and consider how international organisations contribute to solving complex problems.

 

Building Global Awareness All Year Round

United Nations Day provides an excellent starting point for promoting global citizenship throughout the academic year. Schools can use the occasion to launch charity projects, sustainability initiatives, cultural celebrations or pupil-led campaigns that connect local action with global issues.

Student planners can support these activities by highlighting awareness days, encouraging reflection and helping pupils set personal goals linked to citizenship, sustainability and community engagement.

Don’t forget to take plenty of photos of your activities to create a page in your leavers’ yearbooks!

As schools prepare young people for life in an increasingly interconnected world, United Nations Day serves as an important reminder that cooperation, understanding and shared responsibility remain just as relevant today as they were in 1945. By exploring the history and ongoing work of the United Nations, schools can help pupils develop the knowledge, empathy and confidence needed to become informed and responsible global citizens.

 

https://www.un.org/en/observances/un-day

 

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/primary-school-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/academic-school-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/school-pocket-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/16-school-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/yearbooks/

 

 

Ada Lovelace Day: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

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Every October, schools across the UK have an opportunity to celebrate one of the most remarkable figures in the history of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM): Ada Lovelace. Often recognised as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada’s story continues to inspire young people more than 170 years after her groundbreaking work. Ada Lovelace Day is an annual international celebration that highlights the achievements of women in STEM and encourages future generations to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.

For both primary and secondary schools, Ada Lovelace Day provides a valuable opportunity to inspire pupils, challenge stereotypes, and promote a love of STEM subjects.

 

Who Was Ada Lovelace?

Born in London in 1815, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer who worked closely with inventor Charles Babbage on his plans for the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical computer. Although the machine was never built during her lifetime, Ada recognised something extraordinary about its potential. While many saw it as a calculation tool, she understood that such a machine could be programmed to perform a sequence of instructions and might one day be used for far more than mathematics.

Her notes on the Analytical Engine included what is widely regarded as the first computer algorithm, leading many historians to describe her as the world’s first computer programmer.

At a time when women were rarely encouraged to pursue science or mathematics, Ada’s achievements were truly pioneering.

 

What Is Ada Lovelace Day?

Ada Lovelace Day was founded in 2009 by science writer Suw Charman-Anderson. Held annually on the second Tuesday of October, the event aims to celebrate the achievements of women in STEM and raise awareness of their contributions, both past and present.

The day is celebrated around the world through talks, workshops, classroom activities, competitions, and projects that shine a spotlight on female scientists, engineers, mathematicians, inventors, and technologists.

The goal is simple but powerful: to provide positive role models and encourage more young people, particularly girls, to consider STEM-related interests, studies, and careers.

 

Why Ada Lovelace Day Matters in Schools

Despite significant progress, some STEM industries continue to face gender imbalance. Schools play a vital role in helping break down barriers by ensuring all pupils can see themselves represented in the subjects they study.

Ada Lovelace Day provides an excellent opportunity to:

  • Introduce pupils to inspiring historical and modern STEM role models.
  • Challenge outdated stereotypes about who can succeed in science and technology.
  • Encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
  • Highlight the wide range of careers available within STEM sectors.
  • Celebrate diversity and inclusion within learning.

By showcasing Ada Lovelace’s achievements, schools can help pupils understand that innovation comes from people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

 

Bringing Ada Lovelace Day into the Classroom

The beauty of Ada Lovelace Day is that it can be adapted for every age group.

In primary schools, pupils might explore Ada’s life through storytelling, biographies, creative writing, or simple coding activities. They could research female inventors, create posters about STEM careers, or discuss how technology helps people in everyday life.

Secondary schools can take a deeper approach by examining Ada’s contribution to computing, exploring coding projects, investigating women working in STEM today, or hosting talks and assemblies focused on future career opportunities.

Cross-curricular activities can also help bring the day to life. English lessons might explore Ada’s communication of complex ideas, maths classes could investigate patterns and algorithms, while design and technology projects can encourage practical problem-solving.

 

Creating Future Role Models

Perhaps the greatest legacy of Ada Lovelace Day is its ability to help pupils imagine future possibilities.

Many students may never have considered a career in engineering, software development, data science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, or research. Learning about people like Ada Lovelace helps make these careers feel accessible and achievable.

For schools, celebrating Ada Lovelace Day is about more than recognising one historical figure. It is about encouraging ambition, curiosity, and confidence in every pupil. By highlighting the contributions of women in STEM and promoting positive role models, schools can help inspire the next generation of innovators who will shape the future.

Just as Ada Lovelace imagined possibilities that others could not yet see, today’s pupils may become tomorrow’s inventors, engineers, scientists, and technology leaders. Ada Lovelace Day is the perfect opportunity to help them take that first step.

 

findingada.com

 

Planners:

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/primary-school-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/academic-school-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/school-pocket-planners/

https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/16-school-planners/

 

Black History Month in Schools: Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future

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Every October, schools across the UK come together to celebrate Black History Month, a valuable opportunity to recognise the achievements, contributions and histories of Black people in Britain and around the world. More than simply a date in the calendar, Black History Month encourages meaningful learning, promotes inclusion and helps pupils develop a broader understanding of the diverse society in which they live.

For educators, it provides an excellent opportunity to enrich the curriculum, spark important conversations and inspire young people through stories of resilience, innovation and achievement.

 

Why Black History Month Matters

Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 and has since become an important fixture in the educational calendar. While history lessons have traditionally focused on a limited range of perspectives, Black History Month shines a light on the individuals, communities and events that have helped shape Britain’s past and present.

From politics and science to literature, healthcare, sport and the arts, Black people have made significant contributions to every aspect of British life. Celebrating these achievements helps pupils gain a more complete understanding of history while encouraging respect, empathy and cultural awareness.

Importantly, Black History Month is not solely about looking back. It is also about recognising the achievements of Black people today and inspiring future generations to make their own positive contributions to society.

 

Creating Meaningful Learning Opportunities

Both primary and secondary schools can use Black History Month as a springboard for engaging and age-appropriate learning.

For younger pupils, stories are often the most powerful way to introduce historical figures and role models. Learning about individuals such as Mary Seacole, Walter Tull or Floella Benjamin can help children understand themes of courage, determination and equality. Classroom activities might include storytelling, creative writing, artwork or simple research projects.

Secondary students can explore more complex topics, such as the transatlantic slave trade, Black British civil rights movements, migration and the impact of influential figures in politics, literature, science and culture. These discussions encourage critical thinking and help students understand how historical events continue to shape society today.

The beauty of Black History Month is that it can be integrated across a wide range of subjects. History, English, Art, Music, Geography, Citizenship and PSHE all offer opportunities to celebrate Black voices and experiences.

 

Moving Beyond a Single Month

While October provides a valuable focus, many educational experts encourage schools to think about Black history throughout the entire year.

Rather than treating Black History Month as a standalone event, schools can use it as a starting point for more inclusive curriculum planning. This might involve diversifying reading lists, exploring the contributions of Black scientists and inventors in STEM subjects or including a wider range of perspectives when studying historical events.

When pupils regularly encounter diverse role models and stories, they develop a richer understanding of the world around them. It also helps all students feel represented and valued within their learning environment.

 

Ideas for Schools

If you’re looking to engage pupils during Black History Month, consider incorporating some of the following activities:

  • Hold a whole-school assembly celebrating influential Black Britons.
  • Create classroom displays showcasing historical and contemporary role models.
  • Organise book corners featuring works by Black authors and illustrators.
  • Explore Black musicians, artists and scientists within subject lessons.
  • Invite members of the local community to share their experiences and achievements.
  • Encourage pupil-led projects, presentations or creative competitions.
  • Highlight key moments in Black British history through form-time activities.
  • Use tutor sessions to discuss themes such as equality, identity and belonging.

Small activities can often have a significant impact when they encourage discussion and reflection.

 

Supporting Staff Through Planning

For busy teachers and school leaders, keeping track of important awareness events throughout the academic year can be challenging. Educational planners play an important role in helping schools stay organised while ensuring significant cultural and educational celebrations remain visible.

Including events such as Black History Month in school planners provides useful prompts for lesson planning, assemblies and wider school activities. It helps ensure that important opportunities for learning and reflection are not overlooked during a busy term.

Our primary and secondary planners list Black History Month alongside other key awareness dates, making it easier for schools to plan meaningful activities and enrich the curriculum throughout the year.

 

Looking Ahead

Black History Month offers schools an opportunity to celebrate achievements, explore important historical narratives and encourage greater understanding among pupils. By engaging with diverse stories and perspectives, schools can help develop informed, respectful and empathetic citizens.

Whether through an assembly, a classroom discussion, a creative project or a whole-school initiative, every school can play a role in ensuring that Black history is recognised, celebrated and understood. Most importantly, the conversations started in October can continue throughout the year, helping to create learning environments where every pupil feels seen, valued and inspired.

 

Primary Planners

Secondary Planners

 

 

Plastic Free July: Inspiring Sustainable Change in Schools

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July is a key moment in the environmental calendar for schools, with Plastic Free July running throughout the month and International Plastic Bag Free Day taking place on Friday 3 July. Together, these initiatives offer a valuable opportunity for teachers to engage pupils in meaningful discussions about sustainability, climate responsibility, and everyday choices.

As educators continue to embed environmental awareness across the curriculum, these awareness days provide a practical and inspiring starting point.

 

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their use of single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable habits. Since its launch in 2011, it has grown into a worldwide campaign involving millions of participants, helping to significantly reduce plastic waste and change long-term behaviours.

The impact is clear: over recent years, participants have collectively avoided billions of kilograms of plastic waste, while 87% of people report making at least one lasting change after taking part.

For schools, this is particularly powerful. Plastic Free July encourages small, manageable actions—such as switching to reusable bottles or reducing packaging—that can build into lifelong habits for pupils.

 

International Plastic Bag Free Day – Friday 3 July

Running alongside Plastic Free July, International Plastic Bag Free Day focuses specifically on one of the most common sources of pollution: single-use plastic bags.

Observed every year on 3 July, the day raises awareness of the environmental damage caused by plastic bags and promotes reusable alternatives.

The statistics are striking. Globally, around 5 trillion plastic bags are used each year, yet each is typically used for only a short time before being discarded and can take hundreds of years to decompose.

For teachers, this offers a simple but impactful classroom discussion point—how everyday items can have long-lasting environmental consequences.

 

Why This Matters in Schools

Schools across the UK are already leading the way in tackling plastic waste. Environmental initiatives such as Plastic Free Schools and Plastic Clever Schools show how engaged pupils and staff can make tangible changes within their communities.

  • Over 1,000 schools in the UK have taken part in plastic reduction programmes, empowering pupils to lead change.
  • These initiatives encourage students to audit waste, campaign for change, and replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives.
  • Importantly, 78% of UK parents believe children should learn more about plastic pollution in school, highlighting the growing importance of environmental education.

From primary eco-committees to secondary sustainability projects, students are increasingly becoming advocates for change—developing skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and citizenship along the way.

 

Supporting Sustainable Choices with Everyday Products

While awareness and behaviour change are key, the products schools choose can also make a difference.

Boomerang Ed’s PUR bound student planners are designed with sustainability in mind, without compromising on quality or durability.

The glue used in PUR binding is difficult to replace due to its strength, affordability, and versatility. It is only applied in small amounts and is considered a ‘less-bad’ plastic for a number of reasons: it is thermosetting so, unlike EVA glue, cannot be remelted. This makes the binding more easily filtered out from paper pulp, allowing it to be safely burnt (along with other recycling waste) to produce carbon-neutral power.

By choosing environmentally responsible products, schools can reinforce the messages they are teaching—demonstrating that sustainability is not just a topic for discussion, but a practical, everyday commitment.

 

A Lasting Impact Beyond July

Plastic Free July and International Plastic Bag Free Day are not just one-off events. They are catalysts for long-term change. By encouraging pupils to rethink their habits and understand their environmental impact, schools play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Whether it’s a simple swap like using reusable bags or a wider school initiative to reduce plastic use, every action counts—and, as many schools have already shown, even small changes can lead to significant results.

 

 

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/plastic-free-july-2026

https://plasticfreefoundation.net/

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-plastic-bag-free-day/

https://thrivingsustainably.com/international-plastic-bag-free-day/

https://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/plastic-clever-schools/

 

Planners

 

International Women in Engineering Day: Inspiring Future Pathways for Every Student

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Each year on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) gives schools across the UK a valuable opportunity to celebrate innovation, challenge stereotypes and, most importantly, open students’ minds to the exciting possibilities of engineering careers.

Founded in the UK and now recognised globally, INWED highlights the achievements of women engineers while encouraging more young people—particularly girls—to consider engineering as a future pathway.

For both primary and secondary settings, the day supports careers education by helping pupils broaden their aspirations and see how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities.

 

Why INWED Matters for Student Aspirations

Engineering and technology offer some of the most dynamic and impactful career paths available. However, women remain significantly under-represented, making up only around 16–17% of the UK engineering workforce.

This gap often begins early, with many girls feeling that engineering is “not for them” before they even reach GCSE choices.

INWED offers a chance to counter these perceptions. By presenting engineering as creative, collaborative and meaningful, schools can help students to:

  • Understand the breadth of engineering careers
  • Recognise how engineering impacts everyday life
  • Feel confident in exploring STEM pathways

Ultimately, it is about empowering every student to consider possibilities they may not have previously imagined.

 

Five Inspiring Female Engineers to Share with Students

Using relatable role models is one of the most effective ways to engage pupils and spark curiosity. Here are five inspiring women whose stories can bring engineering careers to life:

  1. Dame Caroline Haslett (Electrical Engineer)
    A pioneer for equality in engineering, Dame Caroline Haslett founded the Women’s Engineering Society and worked tirelessly to promote opportunities for women in technical careers. Her legacy underpins initiatives like INWED and shows students how engineering can drive societal change as well as innovation.
  2. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Space Scientist and Engineer)
    Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock has worked on satellite technology and now inspires millions through her science communication work. Her career demonstrates the exciting intersection of engineering and space exploration, helping students see STEM as creative, aspirational and accessible.
  3. Emily Warren Roebling (Civil Engineering Leader)
    Although not formally titled as an engineer, Emily Warren Roebling played a critical technical role in completing the Brooklyn Bridge. She studied engineering principles and oversaw construction when her husband became ill, demonstrating resilience, leadership and technical understanding. Her story highlights that determination and learning can overcome barriers—an important message for students.
  4. Dr Abbie Hutty (Aerospace Engineer)
    Dr Abbie Hutty, an Airbus engineer, has worked on major space programmes, including contributions to the ExoMars Rover project. Her work involves coordinating complex systems, showcasing teamwork, problem-solving and innovation in action.

Her career is an excellent example of how engineering leads to real-world achievements that extend far beyond the classroom.

  1. Roma Agrawal (Structural Engineer)
    Known for her work on The Shard in London, Roma Agrawal has become a prominent STEM ambassador, encouraging young people to explore engineering. Her work makes engineering highly visible and relatable, helping students connect the built environment around them to potential careers.

 

Creating Lasting Impact Beyond 23 June

International Women in Engineering Day is more than a single celebration—it is a chance to reshape how students view their future opportunities.

With engineering and technology sectors continuing to grow, the UK needs a more diverse workforce to meet future demand. By encouraging students early, schools play a vital role in addressing this challenge.

By promoting diverse role models, challenging stereotypes and highlighting exciting career pathways, educators can help ensure that every pupil—regardless of background or gender—can see engineering as a realistic and rewarding option.

In doing so, INWED becomes more than an event. It becomes a starting point for curiosity, confidence and ambition, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers.

 

engineeringuk.com

stem.org.uk

Planners

Hoodies

 

 

 

Celebrating Bike Week 2026 in Schools: Pedal Power for Health, Learning and Community

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From 8–14 June 2026, schools across the UK can get involved in Bike Week, an annual initiative organised by Cycling UK for over 100 years. As the country’s biggest celebration of cycling, Bike Week is designed to inspire people of all ages and abilities to experience the benefits of getting on two wheels.

For teachers, Bike Week offers an exciting opportunity to combine physical activity, environmental awareness, and community engagement—all within a fun, accessible framework for pupils.

 

Why Bike Week Matters for Pupils

Cycling is much more than a leisure activity—it plays a vital role in supporting young people’s physical and mental development.

Regular cycling contributes to:

  • Improved fitness and cardiovascular health
  • Enhanced mental wellbeing, helping to reduce stress and boost mood
  • Greater concentration and focus in the classroom

Encouraging active travel is particularly important, with research highlighting that many children are not achieving recommended levels of daily physical activity. Cycling provides an enjoyable and practical way to help meet the NHS guidance of at least 60 minutes of activity per day for young people.

Cycling also supports independence and confidence. Cycling UK notes that promoting cycling can help pupils develop self-worth, navigational skills, and road awareness, while also benefiting the wider community by reducing congestion and pollution.

 

Bringing Bike Week into the School Environment

Bike Week is intentionally flexible, making it easy for both primary and secondary schools to take part. Whether you organise a full programme or a few simple activities, the focus is on celebrating cycling in a way that works for your school.

  1. Encourage Active Travel

Promote cycling to school during the week:

  • Run a “cycle to school” challenge
  • Track participation by class or year group
  • Celebrate achievements in assemblies

Even small increases in cycling can contribute to healthier routines and reduced school-run traffic.

  1. Organise a School Ride or Event

Bike Week is a great time to bring your school community together:

  • Plan a supervised group ride or local route
  • Host a “Bike Week breakfast” or social event
  • Invite families to get involved

Cycling UK encourages informal, sociable events that make participation enjoyable and inclusive.

  1. Build Skills and Confidence

For many pupils, Bike Week is the perfect introduction to cycling:

  • Offer basic bike safety sessions
  • Link with Bikeability or local providers
  • Provide opportunities to practise riding in a safe space

Developing these skills early helps pupils feel confident cycling both in and beyond school.

  1. Link to Learning

Bike Week can easily support curriculum objectives:

  • Science: health, exercise, and the human body
  • Geography: sustainability and reducing carbon emissions
  • PSHE: personal responsibility and wellbeing
  • Maths: tracking distances, speed, or participation data

This cross-curricular approach helps reinforce learning in a meaningful, real-world context.

 

Supporting Healthier, Greener School Communities

Bike Week also aligns with broader school priorities around sustainability and wellbeing. Cycling is a low-carbon mode of transport that helps reduce air pollution and supports cleaner, safer communities.

For pupils, taking part fosters a sense of responsibility—both for their own health and for the environment. Schools that encourage cycling often find it strengthens relationships between staff, pupils and families, creating a shared goal and positive school culture.

 

Capture the Energy of Bike Week

Bike Week is full of memorable moments—from first rides to group challenges and shared achievements. Capturing these experiences is a valuable way to celebrate participation and inspire future cohorts.

Consider:

  • Taking photos during events and activities
  • Collecting pupil quotes and reflections
  • Creating displays around school

These snapshots not only showcase engagement but also reinforce the importance of active lifestyles.

 

Celebrate and Remember Your Bike Week

To make the most of your Bike Week celebrations:

  • Branded hoodies are a fantastic way to bring students and staff together, creating a sense of unity during rides, events, or challenges—while giving pupils a lasting keepsake.
  • Dedicated yearbook pages featuring photos of cycling activities, student achievements and highlights are a brilliant way to capture the energy of the week and look back on fun times in years to come.

 

cyclinguk.org

Hoodies

Yearbooks

Celebrating International Maths Day: making the most of Pi Day on 14 March 2026

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This year Pi Day falls on a Saturday but that’s no reason for it not to be celebrated in school, either the week before or week after!

International Maths Day—more commonly known as Pi Day—offers a brilliant opportunity for schools to celebrate the power, creativity, and everyday relevance of mathematics. For teachers and school staff, it’s the perfect moment to engage students in hands-on learning, spark problem‑solving conversations, and highlight how maths underpins so much of what they encounter both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Why Pi Day?

Pi Day falls on 14 March because the date, written numerically in the US as 3/14, reflects the first three digits of π (3.14), the famous mathematical constant, discovered in 250 BC by Archimedes, representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Whether students are just beginning to recognise shapes or tackling complex geometry, π provides a vital foundation for understanding the world in mathematical terms.

Beyond its numerical importance, Pi Day gives schools the chance to celebrate maths as a subject that encourages creativity, resilience, and curiosity—qualities that are essential not only academically but in lifelong learning.

 

Using School Planners to Explore π in the Classroom

Many students already carry a valuable maths resource with them every day—the reference pages in their school planners. These pages include essential formulas involving π, supporting learning across Key Stages.

The planner’s maths section includes clear, student‑friendly formulas for calculating:

  • Area of a Circle:
    A = πr², helping pupils explore curved shapes, scale and spatial reasoning.
  • Volume of a Cylinder:
    V = πr²h, showing how circles extend into 3D space—ideal for linking geometry to real‑world objects like cans, tubes and pipes.
  • Volume of a Cone:
    V = (1/3)πr²h, giving learners insight into how shapes change when tapering or narrowing, while strengthening formula‑substitution and problem‑solving skills.

Pi Day is a great opportunity to direct students to these planner pages, encouraging independent learning and helping them understand how mathematics is both accessible and relevant. These tools support learners in applying formulas, checking their understanding, and building confidence when working with π.

 

Creative Ways to Celebrate Pi Day in Your School

  1. Circle‑Themed Treasure Hunts
    Ask pupils to use the formulas from their planners to measure objects around the school. From circular tables to clock faces, learners can calculate circumference, area, or volume, turning the school grounds into a hands‑on geometry lab.
  2. Pi‑themed Assembly or Tutor Activities
    Share fascinating facts about π, its history, and its appearance in nature, architecture, design, and technology. Encourage students to bring examples from home or spot circular shapes in the school environment.
  3. Pi Recitation Challenge
    Invite learners to memorise and recite as many digits of π as they can—a fun, competitive activity that can energise the whole school community.
  4. Cross‑Curricular Opportunities
  • Art: Explore patterns made from circles, spirals, or rotations.
  • Design & Technology: Investigate cylinders and cones in product design.
  • Science: Connect circular motion, waves, or planetary orbits to π.
  1. Planner‑Based Worksheets
    Create quick starter tasks or extension activities directly referencing the maths formulas in the planners. This reinforces good study habits and helps students make the most of the learning tools they already have.

 

Celebrate the Beauty of Maths

International Maths Day is more than a date—it’s a celebration of problem‑solving, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery. By using the planner’s maths reference pages and engaging students in π‑focused activities, schools can turn 14 March 2026 into a time that strengthens confidence, curiosity, and connection across the curriculum.

 

Secondary Academic Planners

Primary Planners

Safer Internet Day 2026: Supporting Smart, Safe Choices in a Changing Digital World

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Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday 10 February. It is a chance to unite thousands of schools, organisations and educators across the UK in a shared mission to make the online world a safer and more empowering space for young people. This year’s theme — “Smart tech, safe choices: Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI” — reflects the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in students’ daily digital experiences. [saferinternet.org.uk]

As AI tools, smart devices, algorithms and chatbots increasingly become a part of everyday life, secondary schools have a vital role in helping to guide students in navigating these technologies with confidence and critical awareness. The UK Safer Internet Centre, which coordinates the national campaign, highlights the importance of helping young people understand not only how AI works, but how to recognise risks, question information and make informed decisions online.

 

Why AI Matters for Online Safety in 2026

AI now shapes everything from entertainment and social media feeds to study tools and home devices. While these technologies offer huge benefits — efficiency, creativity, personalised learning and accessibility — they also introduce new challenges. Content generated by AI may be inaccurate, biased or inappropriate for younger audiences, and students don’t always have the experience to judge its reliability. Schools are therefore encouraged to promote thoughtful use of smart technologies, helping students understand that while AI is a tool which can help, it is not an all‑knowing authority.

This year’s Safer Internet Day invites conversations around digital literacy, truthfulness of information, data privacy and responsible decision‑making — skills that are essential for young people’s wellbeing, resilience and long‑term digital citizenship.

 

Opportunities for Secondary Schools

For secondary school staff, Safer Internet Day provides a platform to:

  • Reinforce existing online safety messages, incorporating the role of AI into discussions about trust, scams, misinformation and digital wellbeing.
  • Encourage open, age‑appropriate conversations about how students might use AI in their own lives — perhaps as a homework support tool, during online gaming or in social media.
  • Promote critical thinking, especially around identifying when content may be AI‑generated, misleading or inaccurate.
  • Reiterate safeguarding responsibilities, reminding staff, parents and carers that online safety is an ongoing partnership between school and home.

Many schools will be marking the week with assemblies, tutor‑time activities, subject‑specific lessons, digital literacy challenges and whole‑school campaigns. Many organisations also offer free resources, including ready‑to‑use lesson materials, discussion prompts and videos tailored to different age groups.

 

A Shared Commitment to a Better Digital Future

Safer Internet Day is more than one day of activities — it’s a reminder of the collective responsibility educators, families and communities share in preparing young people for an increasingly AI‑driven world. By focusing on smart tech and safe choices, schools can empower students to use digital tools with curiosity, confidence and care.

 

Secondary Planners

Primary Planners

 

 

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

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Children’s Mental Health Week takes place this year from 9–15 February 2026, and it provides a valuable opportunity for schools across the UK to shine a light on the emotional wellbeing of their pupils. Organised annually by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the week aims to raise awareness and open up conversations around mental health among young people. [childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk]

 

This Year’s Theme: “This Is My Place”

The official theme for 2026, “This Is My Place”, focuses on the importance of belonging—helping children and young people feel valued, connected, and supported within their school community. Place2Be emphasises that a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s mental health, influencing their confidence, relationships, engagement and even academic outcomes. [childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk]

Belonging isn’t simply about fitting in: it’s about feeling safe enough to be yourself. Research in positive psychology highlights how connection, psychological safety, and supportive relationships, can act as protective factors for young people’s wellbeing, helping to buffer against stress and creating the conditions necessary for them to thrive. [worthit.org.uk]

 

Why Children’s Mental Health Week Matters in Schools

Schools sit at the heart of children’s lives, so the environments created in them truly matter. Children’s Mental Health Week encourages teachers and school leaders to consider how they can nurture inclusive, supportive spaces—both socially and emotionally. From class-based activities to whole-school discussions, the week provides rich opportunities for pupils to explore their emotions, reflect on relationships, and understand how to support their own wellbeing and that of others.

 

Using the Mental Wellbeing Pages in Our Student Planners

As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, the Mental Wellbeing pages included in our student planners can be an incredibly helpful tool. These sections are designed to support pupils if they are suffering from anxiety or low mood, or are worried about their eating or self-harm, both giving tips on how to self-help and suggesting when it’s time to ask for more support.

Teachers can use these pages during tutor time, PSHE lessons, or as reflection prompts throughout the week. Encouraging students to engage with the content helps them build practical skills they can continue using long after Mental Health Week has ended.

A Week That Lasts All Year

Children’s Mental Health Week serves as a reminder that wellbeing isn’t a one‑off topic: it’s an ongoing commitment.

Here are some simple ways pupils’ mental health can be supported in their classrooms every day:

  • Belonging Boards: younger pupils can contribute drawings, photos, or words that represent what belonging means to them.
  • Quiet Zones: a calm space where students can take a moment to reset—research shows these wellbeing-friendly environments can support psychological safety. [worthit.org.uk]
  • Student Voice Sessions: short group discussions where pupils can share what helps them feel included and supported at school.
  • Kindness Challenges: small acts of kindness which are shown to boost mood and reduce stress, can be encouraged and praised. [schoolofkindness.org]

 

By using resources available and embedding tools like the Mental Wellbeing planner pages into regular practice, you’ll help create a school culture where every child feels safe enough to be themselves.

 

Secondary Planners

Primary Planners