Tag Archive for: yearbook tips

Why Schools Come Back to Us for Their Yearbooks Every Year

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Every year we ask our schools a simple question: why do you choose to create your yearbook with us?

Reading through the feedback is always one of the highlights of our year. Teachers are incredibly busy people, so knowing they trust us with something as special as their school yearbook really means a lot.

Looking through last year’s responses, a few themes kept appearing again and again. Here are some of the reasons schools tell us they keep coming back.

It’s the Support That Makes the Difference

One of the things schools mention most often is the support they receive from our team.

We know teachers are organising yearbooks on top of their normal workload, so we always try to make sure there’s someone available to help whenever it’s needed.

  • “The Yearbook team have been amazing – super quick at responding to any of my questions and always there to lend a helping hand.”
  • “Amazing support throughout the process.”
  • “…super helpful and answered all my questions by email and phone, right up to the last minute!”

Another school told us:

  • “Boomerang were great to work with, always available for help and support via email or phone call.”

For us, it’s simple — if a school needs help, we’re there. Whether it’s answering a quick question or helping solve a last-minute problem, our team genuinely enjoys helping bring each yearbook together.

We Try to Keep the Process Simple

Teachers also told us they appreciate how straightforward the whole process is.

We know how busy school life can be, so we aim to keep everything as simple and manageable as possible — from designing pages to placing the final order.

As one teacher explained:

  • “…very helpful and made this whole process very easy.”
  • “The book is fab, thank you for your support and making it so easy for us to put this together”

 

Making the process easy means teachers can focus on the fun part — capturing memories from the school year.

Many Schools Turn It Into a Tradition

One of the nicest things we noticed in the feedback was how many schools said they’ve been creating yearbooks with us for several years in a row.

For lots of schools, the yearbook has become a real tradition — something students look forward to as they approach the end of the year.

One teacher told us:

  • “I have used Boomerang for several years now and it is really straightforward to design an impressive book. Pupils can use the portal easily and I can edit it as they work on it.”
  • “Thank you for all your support over the last couple of years.”

Hearing that schools come back to us year after year is something we’re incredibly grateful for.

The Finished Books Make Students Smile

At the end of the day, the most important thing is the finished yearbook itself.

Teachers told us how much students enjoy looking back through the memories, collecting messages from friends and celebrating everything they’ve experienced during the year.

One school shared this lovely feedback:

  • “We are thrilled with our Class of 2025 yearbooks. The quality of the books for the price is outstanding.”

Another simply told us:

  • “Our students loved their yearbooks!”

Those moments when the books arrive and students start flipping through the pages together are exactly why yearbooks are so special.

  • “The yearbooks are of a very good quality and students and families are pleased with the finished product.”

We Love Being Part of It

Reading through the feedback, there were lots of kind words about individual members of the team and the service we provide.

One school summed it up perfectly:

  • “I have always found everyone at Boomerang very helpful and their products are of very good quality.”

And another said:

  • “Fantastic service and extremely helpful”

Comments like these genuinely mean a lot to our team, because we care deeply about helping schools create something that students will treasure long after they’ve left school.

Yearbooks capture moments that might otherwise be forgotten — friendships, school trips, inside jokes and all the little things that make a school year memorable.

And being part of that is something we never take for granted.

If your school is thinking about creating a yearbook this year, we’d love to help you bring it to life.

 

Boomerang Yearbooks

 

 

Celebrating Commonwealth Day in Schools: A Chance to Connect, Explore, and Inspire

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Every March, Commonwealth Day offers UK secondary schools a unique opportunity to celebrate global citizenship, explore cultural diversity, and encourage young people to reflect on their place in a fast‑changing world. With 56 member countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, and the Pacific, the Commonwealth represents a remarkable mosaic of cultures, histories, and perspectives. For educators, it is a day rich with possibilities—cross‑curricular learning, assemblies, global awareness activities, and even international school trips.

 

Why Commonwealth Day Matters

Commonwealth Day is centred around values such as cooperation, sustainability, peace, and mutual respect. These themes align naturally with many areas of the secondary curriculum, from Citizenship and Geography to English, History, and the Arts. It’s a perfect chance to help students think critically about the world around them, understand global interdependence, and consider how their actions can contribute to a more connected and compassionate international community.

Many schools choose to mark the day through themed lessons, project‑based learning, or charity initiatives linked to Commonwealth causes. Whether exploring climate change in Fiji, creative industries in Nigeria, or wildlife conservation in India, teachers can use this moment to broaden students’ horizons and foster curiosity about countries beyond the UK.

 

Bringing the Commonwealth to Life in the Classroom

One of the strengths of Commonwealth Day is its flexibility. Schools can tailor activities to suit different year groups and subjects:

  • KS3 Geography: compare the physical landscapes of Commonwealth nations or explore global inequality and development.
  • English and Literature: study poetry, stories, and speeches from Commonwealth authors.
  • History: examine the shared historical ties that shaped the modern Commonwealth.
  • Performing Arts: explore music, dance, and drama traditions from across the member countries.
  • Tutor Time or Assemblies: reflect on the year’s Commonwealth theme and encourage student voice through discussion or debate.

By weaving these elements through the school day—or even dedicating a whole week to international learning—teachers can create impactful and memorable experiences that resonate beyond the classroom.

 

The Value of School Trips to Commonwealth Countries

For some schools, Commonwealth Day also sparks interest in international trips, exchanges, or cultural partnerships. Travel to countries such as Canada, Australia, India, or Malta can deepen students’ understanding in transformative ways. Experiencing new environments and cultures first-hand builds resilience, independence, and confidence—all essential attributes for future study and employment.

When planning such trips, many schools prioritise safety, cohesion, and team spirit. One simple but highly effective addition is personalised school hoodies. Not only do they help students feel part of a unified group, but they also make it easier for staff to identify their cohort quickly when travelling through airports, busy city centres, or large attractions. Personalised hoodies also become treasured keepsakes—reminders of shared learning, friendships, and unforgettable experiences abroad.

 

Personalised Hoodies: Practical, Popular, and Perfect for School Adventures

Custom hoodies for international trips offer both functional and emotional value. They keep students warm on long flights, help promote school identity, and ensure everyone can be spotted instantly. Names or initials can be added for clarity, and colour‑coding by class or group can support smoother organisation during multi‑group tours.

Many schools now order hoodies not just for overseas visits but also for domestic fieldwork, enrichment weeks, sports tours, and residentials. As Commonwealth Day encourages young people to think globally, these garments help build the sense of unity and pride that makes these experiences so powerful.

 

Boomerang Hoodies

Trips Books

 

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

7 Marketing Strategies To Sell Your Yearbook – LOCKDOWN SPECIAL

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Now that you’ve spent time putting together the most awesome yearbook ever, it’s time to actually sell it!

Perhaps you’d normally gather your yearbook team in your office and enthusiastically throw around some marketing strategies as your team slowly back out of your office with a little whistle or a sudden much longed for class to attend?

Or you’d simply pop up a poster announcing the yearbooks are ready, cross your fingers and wait for sales with a slight feeling of desperation?

But not this time!

Lockdown yearbook marketing will be digital, clever and water tight, not letting any sales slip away. 


Telling students to buy a yearbook needs more thought, more emotion and more messaging coming from many different angles. We can’t just pull out our inner Yoda and tell parents what to do.

We’ve put together 7 clear actionable marketing steps to work through, to make sure you sell more yearbooks than ever this year. Carve out one week and work through one strategy each day.

In no particular order…

1] Big, bold and free advertising on Facebook 

Most of the school’s we have daily contact with have rather an active Facebook page. When it’s time to start marketing your yearbook, why not refresh your cover photo – the top banner image that sits behind your profile picture.

It can be tricky popping an image directly on here because of the custom dimension constraints but the simplest way to do this is to design the banner in Canva. Sign up for a free account and simply hit ‘Create Design’ and choose ‘Facebook Cover’. Pick a design template from the left or use a blank canvas and create your own. 

This isn’t just an announcement though, make sure you include a clear CTA (Call to action). What do you want your parents or students to do in order to buy the yearbook? Do you want them to pre-order by leaving their name and details or are you ready to sell? There should be simple clear instructions on the banner with exactly what they need to do next.

2] The Sneaky Peek

Pick out some tantalisers and show them off in a Facebook photo album or simply drip feed them through your social media channels. Use captions to tempt parents to purchase. 

>> ‘The coach ride to the best school trip of the year!’ – for all pics of the outing, order your yearbook here

>> ‘The moment before the whole class ended up in the sea’ – to see more of these, order your yearbook here

>> ‘Polly Temple being awarded Kent School’s Athletic Champion’ – for more awards from our talented sports pupils, order your yearbook here

3] Run a Competition

Now this strategy gives you a triple whammy win. 

Create a competition where the winner receives a free yearbook. Use our idea or just the framework for your own idea.

  1. Create a Photo Caption contest
  2. Announce the contest in the newsletter, in the parent email, on social media or if not in lockdown, on flyers and posters around the school.
  3. Contest: Send in any photo and write a caption. A free school yearbook will be awarded to the best entry. The rest will be shown in the yearbook, after being vetted by the yearbook team 😉
  4. Get the students to share their entries on social media using a specific hashtag #farnhamschoolyearbookcontest

Win #1 – You receive some great content for the yearbook

Win #2 – You create a buzz! Students will be sharing the funniest photos and captions with each other and they’ll be desperate to buy the yearbook whether they win or not, just to see all the funny entries.

Win #3 – Using the hashtag will generate a little hub of images on social media all grouped together. Every student will be desperate to see if they have been included in a funny photo caption! This in turn creates more buzz around the yearbook and more buzz equals more sales!

4] Plan a Sequence of Email Messages Leading To Purchase

Particularly since school closures in lockdown, the email newsletter has become the primary link between schools and parents. If your school sends out an email every Friday, make sure you write a carefully crafted email for 3 or 4 weeks as follows:

Week 1 – It’s time to pre-order the yearbook. Click here to pre-order yours now.

Week 2 – Exciting news! The yearbook has gone to print. It includes some amazing school memories that we know your children will treasure forever. Each and everyone of them is included. Have you ordered your copy yet? Click here to Buy Now.

Week 3 – And the winner of the Photo Caption is Bertie Smith with this photo and caption. Congratulations Bertie! You have won a free yearbook. See all the other hilarious entries in the yearbook. Time is running out, make sure you get your order in!

Week 4 – Last call, the deadline to purchase your yearbook is Monday, don’t miss out. 

5] Refresh The School Website

Use the messages from the sequence above to refresh your website. Include a banner at the top of your website with a clear call to action and align the messaging with the messages going out in the parent email or newsletter. You’ll be amazed at how the ‘Last Call’ email and messaging drives those final sales.

6] Create FOMO

‘Fear Of Missing Out’ is a thing. Use this proven marketing strategy well.

Drip feed tit bits across your school’s social media.

Advertise how many people have pre-ordered the yearbook with posts such as ‘297 students have ordered the 2020 yearbook’ This means that 297 will get to treasure moments like this (include a funny photo with caption). It’s not too late to order yours! Click here to Buy Now.


7] You’re on Page 5!

This particular strategy works well for smaller primary schools where the staff know every single student. It takes time but it works!

The most important part of this strategy is that every single student is included in the yearbook.

Cross check each pupil and mark down each page number in the yearbook where that pupil is featured. Then send out an email to each parent telling them that the yearbook is in print and their child is featured on pages 3 and 5. 

What parent will be able to resist?!

If you haven’t ordered your yearbook yet, there is still time! Use our resources to help you. First of all, get some ideas on how to put together the most awesome yearbook ever and then simply use our online yearbook editor to build yours right now. Get in touch with our team now for a free 10 minute demo.

School Yearbook Tips: Ideas for Your Yearbook Awards Page (Pt 1)

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Yearbook awards pages are a great way to get everyone involved and talking about your leavers yearbook. They are also a great way to showcase the wide range of talented students in your year group. You can choose awards for almost anything: funny, serious or a mixture of both.

There are all sorts of ways to approach the awards page for your yearbook, which is why this blog is going to be a three-parter. Part one is dedicated to the ‘best…worst’ awards – recognising student ‘achievements’. Next week we’ll be bringing you ‘most likely to…’ awards ideas.

So without further ado, here are some of our favourite awards for your school yearbook:

The ‘Best’ Yearbook Awards…

yearbook-awards-hair-flip

  • Best Hair
  • Best Couple
  • Best Smile
  • Best Laugh
  • Best Dressed (Male & Female)
  • Best FIFA player
  • Best Sense of Humour
  • Best Singer
  • Best Dancer
  • Best Newcomer
  • Best Celebrity Impression
  • Best Excuse for Being Late

yearbook-awards-obsessedThe ‘Biggest’ Yearbook Awards…

  • Biggest Poser
  • Biggest Gossip
  • Biggest Drama Queen
  • Biggest Party Animal
  • Biggest Ego

 

 

yearbook-awards-highlightersThe ‘Most’ Yearbook Awards…

  • Most Gullible
  • Most Competitive
  • Most Organised
  • Most Stubborn
  • Most Annoying
  • Most Hardworking
  • Most Sarcastic

 

 

yearbook-awards-bad-drivingThe ‘Worst’ and ‘Least’ Yearbook Awards…

  • Worst Attendance
  • Worst Driver
  • Worst Dressed
  • Worst Dancer
  • Worst Hair
  • Worst Singer
  • Worst at Sport
  • Worst Laugh
  • Least Hardworking
  • Least Organised

Let us know if we’ve missed any important awards off this list and stay tuned for part 2 next week!

Boomerang Team

School Yearbook Tips: Recruiting Your Team

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Approach your school yearbook project as if it were an actual business (looks great on a CV too). This means you’ll need to assign specific job roles to give everyone their own area of responsibility. Feel the power!

Where to begin we hear you ask? Well we’ve put together a list of school yearbook tips for the types of job roles you could consider:

school-yearbook-tips-staff-repThe Staff Rep

 

  • Decides who will have access to edit the yearbook.
  • In charge of signing off the completed yearbook.
  • Generally oversees students.
  • Pays the final yearbook bill to Boomerang Ed.

 

school-yearbook-tips-editor-roleThe Editor

 

  • Decides on the content that will be included in the leavers book.
  • Coordinates each member of the team.
  • Ensures that all deadlines are met.

 

 

school-yearbook-tips-art-directorThe Art Director

 

  • Oversees the page designs.
  • Decides on the order of yearbook pages.
  • Coordinate which students works on which page.

 

 

school-yearbook-tips-copy-editorThe Copy Editor

 

  • Gathers, writes or delegates all copy (text) for the yearbook.
  • Makes sure all copy has been proof-read.
  • Ensures that all copy is supplied on time by other students and staff.

 

 

school-yearbook-tips-photo-editorThe Photo Editor

 

  • Takes photos at school events.
  • Collects photos from other students who want to contribute to yearbook pages.
  • Checks through all of the photos before adding them into the yearbook.

 

 

school-yearbook-tips-sales-marketingSales & Marketing

 

  • Sells the yearbook concept to other students.
  • Comes up with ways to advertise the yearbook.
  • Keeps everyone updated with the yearbook process.

 

 

school-yearbook-tips-financierThe Financier

 

  • Collects payments from students.
  • Collects payments from possible sponsors.
  • Keeps accurate records of finances.

 

We hope you found these school yearbook tips on recruiting a team useful. Head on over to our school yearbook page for more information on our leavers yearbooks.

Happy recruiting!

Boomerang Team