Purim is a vibrant and joyous Jewish festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from the threat of extermination in ancient Persia. The story of Purim is recorded in the biblical Book of Esther, which recounts how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai thwarted the wicked plans of Haman, the prime minister of…
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This year we are bringing FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge to another new part of the North East. In the third in this three-part series, we meet our new partners, Aspire Technology Solutions, who are supporting our Gateshead event, as well as finding out what comes next for the teams that find success in the regional tournaments. I’ll…
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on the 8th of March as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. On this special day, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of women around the world. It is important to encourage young women into industries, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics…
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Learning sign language in schools offers many benefits encompassing communication, enhanced cognitive abilities, accessibility, empathy, inclusivity, and cultural identity. British Sign Language (BSL) was recognised in law as a language of Great Britain in the BSL Act (2022), and the new GCSE will be key to helping inclusivity within education. National BSL Day is celebrated on April 28th each year. Here…
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As teachers, we are responsible for creating inclusive learning environments where all learners feel valued and supported. With the month of Ramadan approaching, it’s essential to understand its significance and how it may impact Muslim children and young learners in our schools. By being informed and proactive, we can ensure these learners receive the necessary…
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a special time for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, bringing people together in faith and compassion. While the basic practices of Ramadan are the same everywhere, such as fasting from dawn to sunset, each culture adds its unique traditions. …
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In my first article in this series of three, I introduced you to FIRST® LEGO® League and our outstanding partnership with Sage. In this second part, we dive deeper into this year’s ‘Submerged’ competition theme and also meet the organisations that are helping us take FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge to a new audience on Teesside. Going…
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In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, it’s easy to feel that the language we speak at home may not be as “useful” or important as the dominant language in our community or workplace. But the benefits of maintaining proficiency in your home language reach far beyond mere communication. They touch upon identity, culture, cognitive growth,…
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International Mother Language is celebrated every year on February 21st to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage the preservation of mother languages around the world. This day is recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and emphasises the importance of languages in fostering inclusion, communication, and cultural heritage. The day…
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Record levels of young people are struggling with their mental health. Academic pressures, social media, bullying, poverty, inequality, and the lack of timely professional mental health support available are all contributing factors. The Youth MHFA course has been updated for 2025 with the latest knowledge and research to provide ongoing support to Mental Health First…
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