This is an educational slide-show presentation that covers the history and basics of both rugby and the rugby world cup. It also contains some simple maths questions before ending with 3 differentiated maths challenges based on point-scoring in rugby. Having the children working in pairs/groups to solve the problems over 1-2 classes is an idea. The questions allow for exploration and different perspectives. These slides can easily be shortened or adapted to suit different ages and abilities. The second slides contain some of the first games of the competition score breakdowns with the scores hidden. This is a great maths warmer activity (working out the scores). Following on from that a simple introduction to formula writing and algebra is included.

Powerpoint Presentation on the benefits of being vegetarian. This thorough account is a good way to show the class persuasive arguing/create debate and discussion, etc.

Two wonderful songs sang by Nina Simone - both related to black history month and issues of discrimination, racism and inequality. One song - Missisippi Goddam - was very controversial for the time. The lyrics express her anger, especially at recent atrocities committed against black people in some Southern states. at the time. To be free is a classic expressing the desire to have freedom and equality. Both songs allow for listening activities before a wider discussion. These songs and the themes raised in the lyrics are ideal for Black History Month discussions and music and history lessons.

An inquiry-based template. Using the kidshealth website and search function, students work individually or in pairs/threes to research the different food groups and fill in the necessary information in the table. A specially-made food label reading comprehension activity (can be completed as a whole class/in pairs or individually).

A great maths resource that includes 10 different challenges/lessons based on exploring our world. Students get to learn about our World while practicing maths skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, number, negative numbers, calculating averages and data handling. Special lessons/challenges include work on the continents of the World, famous explorers, the World’s highest mountains, the World’s largest lakes, the World’s longest rivers, the whales of Antarctica, Africa’s deadliest animals and even a lesson on the creature with the most painful sting - the bullet ant! The resource includes several videos to accompany some of the lessons.

This is a complete play/show I wrote from scratch that could be used for an assembly or end of year stage performance. It connects the themes of Earth and the Solar System/Space with the performing arts and includes an originally written song based on Nina Simone’s - Ain’t Got No. I have made a video with lyrics and the karaoke version of the song to make it easier for the children to learn. The moral of the play is about being ‘yourself’. It is therefore as much about social and emotional health as science. My children performed it last summer and it got rave reviews - to quote the head of school - “It was the best assembly I’ve seen in my decade as a school head”. The children made the roles their own and added a lot of the ideas during class discussions (e.g. using a hula hoop for Saturn, or doing a cartwheel for Uranus). For the song, the children also improvised the actions for the different lyrics - again this was a big part of the learning (we were doing a performing arts unit so working on improvising moves to words/choreography was part of this). While my students were Grade 3 (8-9), this play would definitely work with older children too. After all, the play is just the idea - it is the actors that bring it to life and make it their own!