Posts by Diane Embley
Midsummer: Threads of Courage
On 20th June, a truly inspiring event at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art brought together families, friends and community members to celebrate Refugee Week through creativity, culture and connection. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable midsummer evening featuring food, creative workshops, henna, flower garland making, sewing and embroidery activities, storytelling and music. Midsummer: Threads of Courage was created through a remarkable collaboration between Northeast organisations and together, these…
Read MoreNo Place Like Home – Art and Poetry Competition for Schools
No Place Like Home is more than an art and poetry competition; it is a celebration of pupil voice and the power of young people sharing their stories through creativity. By encouraging children to explore what “home” means to them, whether through culture, memories, identity, or belonging, the initiative creates meaningful opportunities for pupils to…
Read MoreA Sense of Belonging
Creating a sense of belonging for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners is about making sure they feel safe, seen, valued and connected in school, socially, emotionally, culturally, and academically. So what does “belonging” look like for EAL learners in schools? Seeing their Identity Reflected and Valued A sense of belonging grows when EAL…
Read MoreTogether We Fly
Together We Fly is one of five creative, multilingual projects offered to schools and community groups as part of the Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2026. The project invited children and young people to express themselves in any language, their home languages, languages they are learning, or languages they are curious about, while celebrating culture, friendship and unity. Sharing feelings Participants were…
Read MoreReasonable Adjustments & How They Relate to EAL Learners in School
“Reasonable adjustments” come from the Equality Act 2010, which requires schools to remove barriers so pupils with disabilities (including many SEND profiles) can access learning. EAL status alone is not a disability, so the duty to make reasonable adjustments does not apply because a child is EAL. However, many practices that are good for EAL learners overlap with reasonable adjustments, and…
Read MoreThe Significance of Easter Weekend for Christians
Easter Weekend is the most significant Christian celebration, marking Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is central to their faith and practice and is a foundation for the church’s mission and community life. Christ’s act of washing His disciples’ feet and sharing the Last Supper with them, commemorated on Maundy Thursday, highlights the values of kindness, love,…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Maintaining Your Home Language
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,…
Read MoreRace Equality Week 2026
Celebrating Diversity and Unity: Race Equality Week In a world often divided by differences, celebrating unity in diversity is a beacon of hope and progress. Race Equality Week 2026 (2nd – 8th February) is a significant annual event that encapsulates this spirit by fostering understanding, challenging prejudices, and promoting inclusivity. This week serves as a…
Read MoreHanukkah: Finding Light, Joy, and Connection in the Festival of Lights
As winter settles in and the nights grow long, Hanukkah arrives like a gentle glow, eight days of warmth, celebration, and a reminder that even the smallest spark can brighten the darkest season. Whether you grew up celebrating or are discovering the holiday for the first time, Hanukkah offers something beautifully universal: a story of…
Read MoreChristmas Around The World
Christmas is celebrated worldwide in various unique and culturally specific ways. While the central theme of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, remains the same, traditions vary across countries and regions. Here’s a look at how different parts of the world celebrate Christmas. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Season: Celebrated during summer. Traditions:…
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