THE 'ARTS IN SCHOOLS' TOOLKIT.... GET YOUR COPY!

The 'Arts in Schools' toolkit has been designed to inform, help and inspire us all to take action against the downward trend of the arts in schools and to make them an entitlement for all our children and young people. Get your copy at baccforthefuture.com/resources

Thursday, 17 October 2019

READING IS THE KEY TO LEARNING!



Research shows that it's the single most important thing you can do to help your child learn. 
So read little and often. Put aside some time for it every day. 
Think of ways to make reading fun.
Tips for helping your Some tips to get your child to enjoy books and reading:
  • Encourage your child to pretend to 'read' a book before he or she can read words.
  • Visit your local Explore library as often as possible - take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.
  • Schedule a regular time for reading - perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.
  • Borrow books and talk about books and stories and develop a love for them.
  • Look for books on topics that your child is interested in - maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport.
  • Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.

Saturday, 12 October 2019

PASSION, PERSISTENCE AND HARD WORK MATTER!

Interestingly, people who work hard, persevere and have passion are more likely to be successful than those with high IQ or those who are simply conscientious. These qualities need to lie at the heart of the curriculum we offer our children and young people... 

Thursday, 10 October 2019

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH!

I found this quote searching the internet... remember "most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures. A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear. A four-pound bass. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Cold beer. Don't fret about copping life's grand awards. Enjoy its tiny delights. There are plenty for all of us."
United Technologies Corporation slogan

So when the going gets tough.... congratulate a colleague, hug someone special, sit out and watch the stars, park the car and watch the sunset, drink red wine, strong coffee and eat great bread... smile, laugh and cry when things matter and simply remember that you are a unique, special and extraordinary human being and whatever you do don't feel that you are on your own and finally don't let the xxxxxxxxx get you down!!

Monday, 7 October 2019

IMPORTANT READING 'The Arts for Every Child: Why arts education is a social justice issue'

‘By identifying access to and participation in the arts, culture and heritage as an aspect of social justice itself and a powerful weapon against poverty, in all its manifest forms, the Welsh Government has made it clear that it understands the role played by culture in making us the sort of people we are and the people we want to be.’
Baroness Andrews (2014) Culture and Poverty a report for the Welsh Government

Make sure that read the new Cultural Learning Alliance Briefing: 'The Arts for Every Child: Why arts education is a social justice issue' with a foreword from Moira Sinclair, CEO of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Sunday, 6 October 2019

'50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE FIVE!'


St Edmund`s NSCC is a nursery school and children’s centre in Bradford, committed to providing an outstanding learning environment for young children under the age of 5. They launched the ’50 Things to do Before You’re Five’ initiative which focuses on the development of children’s speech, language and communication skills. Each one of the 50 things is a fun activity for the child to take part in with his or her carer, ranging from going to the seaside to making a snowman. You can have a look at their app on the Play Store and App Store.

Friday, 4 October 2019

INVICTUS!



Out of the night that covers me, 
Black as the pit from pole to pole, 
I thank whatever gods may be 
For my unconquerable soul. 

In the fell clutch of circumstance 
I have not winced nor cried aloud. 
Under the bludgeonings of chance 
My head is bloody, but unbowed. 

Beyond this place of wrath and tears 
Looms but the Horror of the shade, 
And yet the menace of the years 
Finds and shall find me unafraid. 

It matters not how strait the gate, 
How charged with punishments the scroll, 
I am the master of my fate, 
I am the captain of my soul. 

William Ernest Henley