Articles
Valuing home languages at school
A language learned in childhood at home is called home language, also referred to as mother tongue, first language or native language. Home language plays a significant role in learning and acquiring a second language. English should not replace the home language; it should develop alongside it. There are many reasons to maintain the home…
Read MoreReflecting on an effective writing curriculum
The focus on the teaching of reading in schools for the last few years has been high following DfE guidance about teaching phonics and the Reading Framework publication in 2021. This focus has led to greater consistency in the teaching of reading and closing gaps, with a clearer focus on the aspects of reading that…
Read MoreThe Big Maths Party
On March 21, 2025, North Tyneside witnessed an extraordinary celebration of mathematics as 8,000 children from 35 schools across the region participated in the first ever Big Maths Party. Organised by our expert advisors at Education North Tyneside, the event aimed to ignite a passion for mathematics among students by exploring its presence in everyday…
Read MoreEid ul-Fitr: Understanding the Joyous Festival of Breaking the Fast
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the joyous celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. This significant festival, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims. Understanding the traditions and customs associated with Eid ul-Fitr enriches our appreciation of this special…
Read MoreNowruz: The Persian New Year
Nowruz, also called Norooz or Nawruz, is the Persian New Year celebrated by millions of people worldwide. This ancient festival marks the beginning of spring and is a time for renewal and joy. When is Nowruz Celebrated? Nowruz falls on the first spring day, around March 20th or 21st (March 20, 2025, at 5:24 p.m.…
Read MoreHoli-Festival of Colours
When and why is it celebrated? The festival of Holi is celebrated annually in March. It is the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s a two-day Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. On the first day, people gather around a bonfire and celebrate good triumphing over…
Read MorePurim: Jewish Festival of Deliverance
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…
Read MoreFIRST LEGO League – Gateshead and Grown-ups
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…
Read MoreInternational Women’s Day and STEM Careers
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…
Read MoreLearning British Sign Language in schools
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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