Scroll to view the complete collection of our teacher blog posts. You’ll find posts on a range of topics, from updates on the latest Boomerang products to Growth Mindset tips. Enjoy! Take a look at all of our blog posts here.

Celebrating World Religion Day

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

 

What is World Religion Day?

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

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

 

Why is it important in education?

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

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

 

Student Planners: Helpful Resources

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

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

 

Final Thoughts

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

 

Yearbooks

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

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

 

Why Start Now?

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

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

 

What to Include in a Great Yearbook

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

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

 

Make It Special

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

 

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

 

Yearbooks

Supporting Teen Mental Health During the Festive Season

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

 

Why Christmas Can Be Stressful for Teens

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

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

 

Common Mental Health Challenges at Christmas

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

How Teachers Can Help Before the Holidays

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

 

A Positive Message for the Season

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

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

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

 

Primary Planners

Academic Planners

Teacher Planners

 

Why Paper Teacher Planners Still Shine in a Digital World

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

 

  1. Tangible and Visual

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

 

  1. No Tech Hassles

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

 

  1. Encourages Mindful Planning

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

 

  1. Reduces Screen Fatigue

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

 

  1. Personalisation and Creativity

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

  1. Privacy and Security

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

 

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

 

Teacher Planners

 

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

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

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

 

Why Schools Should Celebrate IVD

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

Ways to Mark the Day

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

The Lasting Impact

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

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

 

Link to:

Primary Planner

Academic Planner

Yearbooks

Hoodies

Oodles

Why Teaching Students About Money Matters More Than Ever

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

Understanding the Basics

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

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

The Current Landscape

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

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

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

Why Financial Education Is Crucial

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

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

The Bigger Picture

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

 

For more information:

Primary Planner

Academic Planner

The Importance of School Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Kindness Day

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

Why Kindness Matters

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

Impact on the school climate

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

Impact on individuals

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

Impact on the school as an institution

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

Make Kindness Continuous

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

 

Photo by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle for students

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Our student planners contain a wealth of content to support a healthy lifestyle and mental wellbeing. We work to stimulate student interest and help to navigate them through their school year. We also assist in the meeting of Ofsted judgement criteria. Our student diary content is reviewed and refreshed each year to ensure it remains relevant and engaging for students.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle on physical and mental wellbeing are well known.

That’s why it’s vital to encourage students to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is something we cover in both our classic and secondary student planners – offering advice on eating well, exercise and healthy sleep.

How to eat well

In the ‘how to eat well’ section of the planners, we take a look at the types of food you should consume and in what balance.

A good balance is to aim for a 1/3 of your diet consisting of fruit and veg, preferably five portions a day. Another third can be made up of carbohydrates such as potatoes, pasta, rice and bread (wholegrain varieties of these, if possible). The remaining 1/3 should be made up of healthy fats (unsaturated oils and spreads), proteins (meat, eggs, beans, etc.), milk and dairy (cheese and yoghurt, etc.).

The planners also give advice on limiting consumption of food and drinks high in salt, sugar and fat. By explaining food labelling, students can more easily understand which foods are high in calories, saturated fats, salt and sugar and try to control their intake.

For example, the energy in a product is termed as ‘kJ’ and ‘kcal’ calories, while saturates is another word for saturated fat. Reference intakes (RI) are guidelines to show the amount of energy and nutrients needed for a healthy, balanced diet. The %RI will enable you to see how much of your daily healthy maximum is in a portion of that product.

The importance of regular exercise

Classic and secondary student planners also encourage students to include exercise throughout their week.

The planners recommend combining aerobic exercise with strength-building exercises. This is especially important for young adults as it helps to maintain a healthy heart rate and grow muscle and bone strength.

Moderate intensity exercises that raise your heart rate include activities such as cycling, walking, rollerblading, and skateboarding.

Strength-building exercises, including running, climbing, gymnastics, and team sports such as netball, football and rugby, can help to build strength. Playing tennis, squash and badminton are also good strength exercises.

Getting a good night’s sleep

A good sleep routine plays a vital role in a student’s mental wellbeing. When you’re studying, a lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your work.

It’s recommended that teenagers try to get a minimum of 8 to 9 hours sleep on a school night. To achieve this, try to avoid eating too much before bed. Caffeine can have a detrimental effect on sleep, and you should stop drinking coffee, tea and cola four hours before bed.

Taking regular exercise can aid your sleep pattern. Another tip is to avoid having electronic devices in the bedroom, as the light source from the screen can interfere with sleep. It also helps to try to have 30 minutes screen-free time before going to bed.

Support a healthy lifestyle for students with Boomerang Education student planners

If you’d like to know more about our planners, please get in touch on 01252 368 328

Or visit our website, where you can explore the diary content in digital format at https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/secondary-design-school-planners/

Let’s get reading! It’s World Book Day on 2nd March 2023

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World Book Day is an amazing initiative that aims to change lives through a love of books and reading.

This year, World Book Day is celebrated on 2 March 2023 and offers educators ideas and inspiration on how to encourage students to read for pleasure.

What is World Book Day?

World Book Day is designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. It’s marked in over 100 countries around the globe.

The purpose of the day is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. The World Book Day charity would like to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, form a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.

It’s been proved that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income – and brings improved life chances.

How to prepare for World Book Day

The World Book Day website provides everything needed to prepare for the day’s celebrations – in an educational setting and at home.

You can click here for packs aimed at nursery, primary and secondary educators, as well as family resources.

Fun resources include:

  • Activity sheets, lesson plans and discussion guides for nursery, primary and secondary educators.
  • Author and illustrator academy video lessons.
  • Free audiobooks.
  • Videos on YouTube, including stories for under 5s and masterclasses from authors and illustrators.
  • Reading recommendations for all ages.

This year’s World Book Day events include Early Years fun with BookTrust, sessions in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, participation in LIVE with BBC Teach, and holding the perfect assembly with World Book Day 2023 authors and illustrators.

Encouraging reading from a young age

Reading is a vital aspect of development, and we’ve used our student planners to help students broaden their mindset.

My Reading Records is a section in our primary student planner that encourages primary school students to make a note of the books they read. They can also rate them with our star system, awarding one to five stars.

The student planner is designed to guide students through the primary school year. It offers ideas for age-appropriate books to read. Selections from the recommended book list include A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll and Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild.

Spending just 10 minutes a day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their future success – and it’s fun for all involved.

Continuing the love of reading for pleasure

It’s essential that students don’t lose their love of reading when they make the transition from primary school to secondary school. While secondary students are encouraged to focus on academic studies, it’s important that they still make time to read for pleasure.

Our popular secondary student planner is a comprehensive resource that offers vibrant designs and stimulating content to promote and support learning throughout the academic year.

By being able to plan their time, students are more likely to incorporate reading for fun into their schedule.

Support reading and study with Boomerang Education student planners

Our student planners contain a wealth of content to support mental wellbeing and a growth mindset. We work to stimulate student interest and help to navigate them through their school year. We also assist in the meeting of Ofsted judgement criteria. Our student diary content is reviewed and refreshed each year to ensure it remains relevant and engaging for students.

If you’d like to know more about our student planners, please get in touch on 01252 368 328

Or visit our website, where you can explore the diary content in digital format at https://boomeranged.co.uk/portfolio/secondary-design-school-planners/