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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

 

 

How Students Can Help Stop Climate Change: 10 Actions That Make a Difference

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Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world, but it’s also one of the most important topics for young people to understand. Today’s pupils will grow up in a world where sustainability, environmental responsibility and climate awareness are increasingly important.

The good news is that students don’t have to wait until they’re adults to make a difference. Small actions, when taken by millions of people around the world, can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, protecting natural habitats and creating a more sustainable future.

That’s why ‘Help Stop Climate Change’ is the theme of our standard Academic Planners and Primary Planners this year. For primary and secondary schools, planners can be a valuable tool in encouraging environmental awareness and inspiring meaningful action beyond the classroom.

Here are ten simple but effective ways students can help tackle climate change:

 

  1. Walk, Cycle or Scoot to School

Transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school whenever possible helps reduce vehicle emissions while promoting healthier lifestyles.

Schools can support this through walk-to-school initiatives, cycle training programmes and reward schemes that encourage active travel.

If this isn’t possible, using public transport or sharing lifts with friends can help too.

  1. Turn Off Lights and Devices

Many students don’t realise how much energy is wasted through everyday habits. Turning off classroom lights, interactive screens, computers and chargers when they’re not being used can make a noticeable difference over time.

Creating “energy monitor” roles within classrooms can help pupils take ownership of this responsibility.

  1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution remains a significant environmental issue. Students can help by using reusable water bottles, lunch containers and shopping bags instead of disposable alternatives.

Many schools are already reducing plastic use across their sites, and pupils can play a key role in supporting these efforts.

  1. Recycle Correctly

Recycling only works effectively when items are sorted properly. Teaching children what can and cannot be recycled helps ensure materials are processed correctly rather than ending up in landfill.

Student-led recycling campaigns can be an excellent way to raise awareness throughout the school community.

  1. Eat less beef and beef products

Cattle produce high levels of greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide both during digestion and from manure.

Discussing alternative food choices can encourage young people to become more conscious consumers.

  1. Plant Trees and Support Green Spaces

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide habitats for wildlife. Whether it’s planting trees on school grounds, creating wildlife gardens or looking after local green spaces, students can contribute directly to improving the environment.

These projects also create excellent opportunities for outdoor learning.

  1. Help Reduce Deforestation

Deforestation is a significant contributor to global emissions. To reduce this it’s important to increase awareness that any wood and paper products should come from managed and sustainable sources.

Products using palm oil also drive deforestation so students can be encouraged to choose foods, cosmetics and toiletries with the official ‘Palm Oil Free’ label.

  1. Buy Less and Reuse More

Fast fashion and unnecessary consumption contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Students can be encouraged to repair, reuse and donate items rather than automatically buying new ones.

Activities such as pre-loved uniform sales or book swaps can help schools promote a culture of sustainability.

  1. Learn About Climate Change

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for tackling environmental challenges. The more students understand about climate change, the more informed their choices will be.

Schools have a vital role in helping young people develop critical thinking skills and understand both the challenges and solutions associated with climate change.

  1. Encourage Others to Get Involved

One of the most effective ways students can make a difference is by sharing what they have learned with friends and family. Positive conversations about sustainability often inspire others to adopt environmentally friendly habits too.

When entire school communities work together, small changes can quickly add up to something much bigger.

 

Why Climate Education Matters

Young people are often passionate about protecting the environment. By providing practical actions rather than focusing solely on environmental problems, schools can empower students to feel positive about the future and confident in their ability to make a difference.

Student planners offer an ideal platform for reinforcing these messages, backed up by action in school.

Looking to the Future

No single person can solve climate change alone, but every positive action contributes to a wider movement towards sustainability. Whether it’s switching off a light, recycling correctly or walking to school, students can play an important role in protecting the planet.

By encouraging environmentally responsible habits from an early age, primary and secondary schools are helping to create a generation that is informed, engaged and ready to build a greener future.

After all, today’s students aren’t just learning about climate change, they’re helping to shape the solution.

 

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

 

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

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

 

Blue Monday and the Winter Blues: Supporting Wellbeing in Your School Community

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Every January, the term “Blue Monday” circulates widely—often referred to as the “most depressing day of the year.” While the science behind Blue Monday is widely disputed, what is real is that many students and staff feel the impact of shorter days, colder weather, and the long stretch between winter and spring. For school communities already working hard to maintain motivation and connection after the Christmas break, this period can bring an added layer of challenge.

Rather than viewing Blue Monday as a single date, it can be more helpful to think about the winter blues as a seasonal dip in energy, mood, or engagement. Secondary schools are busy and demanding environments, and feeling a little flat at this time of year is both natural and common. Recognising the signs early—and putting supportive practices in place—can make a significant difference to the mental wellbeing of your staff and students.

 

Why Winter Affects Mood

During the winter months, reduced exposure to daylight can disrupt sleep cycles and lower serotonin levels—both of which play an important role in regulating mood and maintaining focus. Students may find it harder to get up in the morning, stay motivated, or feel enthusiastic about learning. Staff may experience their own dips in energy, making the school day feel heavier than usual.

These changes don’t necessarily indicate a serious mental health concern, but they do highlight the importance of nurturing wellbeing through small, consistent actions.

 

Creating a Supportive Environment in School

Schools already do so much to promote connection, routine, and a sense of belonging—key protective factors against low mood. During winter, even small adjustments can make a noticeable impact:

  • Encourage movement: whether it’s brief times to simply stretch, outdoor time when possible, or active learning tasks, movement boosts energy and improves concentration.
  • Create opportunities for connection: group tasks, peer support circles, and regular one-to-one check-ins help students feel seen and supported.
  • Promote good habits: hydration, balanced eating, and regular sleep patterns can easily slip during winter. Gentle reminders can make a big difference.
  • Normalise conversations about mood and stress: when students understand that feeling low sometimes is normal and not something to hide, they’re more likely to seek support early.

 

Using Our Planners to Support Student Wellbeing

Our Mental Wellbeing pages, included as standard in our Academic and Pocket student planners, include Top Tips on how to manage low mood and other worries, not just on Blue Monday but whenever students feel they need support during the year.

These pages include common worries such as:

  • Feeling anxious
  • Low Mood
  • Eating
  • Self-harm

As well as tips on self-help, all the pages include links for further help and advice too.

 

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Although winter can feel long, it’s also a season of reset. By acknowledging the winter blues and nurturing wellbeing across your school community, you help students develop healthy habits they can carry into spring and the rest of the year.

 

 

Academic Planners

Academic 16+ Planners

Pocket Planners

Pocket Planners 16+

 

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

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

Back to School: How to Stay Organised this Year

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With the start of term fast approaching, it’s so important that you stay organised if you want to minimise/manage your stress levels. Feeling stressed just thinking about it? Fear not! Here’s our guide to keeping on top of everything this year:

Write it down

write it down

As much as we like to think we can remember the important stuff, this just isn’t practical. We have so much going on in our

lives that trying to remember it all puts unnecessary strain on our brains and there’s nothing worse than getting a low grade because you’ve forgotten a homework deadline.

Write down everything you need to do for the day. If you’re super-organised, you’ll make a start on this the night before. You can then add to this list throughout the day, remembering to record the due date for homework tasks.

When we say write down everything, we do mean everything, including extra-curricular activities. Even if you know you won’t forget that you have tennis club after school on a Tuesday, it’s still worth recording this so that you can plan your homework around it. You won’t have as much time to work on days when you have after-school activities so by writing it all down, you’ll be able to see which days are best for you to complete certain tasks.

Prioritise

prioritise

http://www.corporategeek.info

So you’ve written down all your tasks for the day. Chances are, they’ll be in no particular order because you’ve written them down as you’ve gone along. We can’t stress enough how important it is to prioritise your homework tasks. So at the end of the school day, look through your school planner and number each task in order of importance.

When you’re numbering, think about both the deadline and the size of the task. So even though a history essay may not be due for a week, bear in mind that you’ll need to spend time researching, writing and proofing it so it will probably need to be quite high up on the priority list.

Always try to be one step ahead when possible. This means trying not to leave homework until the day before it’s due…

Be methodical

cross out nothing

One of the best parts about being organised with your homework, is being able to cross off tasks once you complete them. Not only is it incredibly satisfying but it also trains your brain to think methodically, steadily working through and crossing off your tasks until everything is done.

Don’t worry if you don’t manage to complete absolutely everything (it’s not realistic to expect to finish a week’s worth of homework in a day), just write it out again underneath the next day in your school planner.

Chill

relax

Take breaks in between homework tasks. Give yourself a little treat after you cross off a couple of items in your homework diary – you deserve it 🙂

What next?backpack

At the end of the week, look through your planner and give yourself a mini-review: did you manage to complete everything you set out to complete?

If you didn’t quite get there, what could you do differently next week to ensure you meet all of your deadlines?

Once you feel like you’re on top of your homework, you can make a start on sorting out that school bag because you don’t really need to be carrying around a week’s worth of subject books and folders every day of the week.

keep calm

Take this guide one step at a time. If you’ve made it to the end of this post, you’re already one step closer to a new, organised you!