Brandon Learning Centre: British Education - process, preparation and practicalities

Where the River runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari is a fantastic read... the first chapter didn't grab me but, oh my goodness, the second did. Humans have destroyed the natural world and climate disasters have done the rest, leaving food shortages and searing temperatures  Society is fragmented, with the fortunate few living a disposable lifestyle and the remainder working to indulge them... Does this sound familiar? Shifa, the heroine, and her brother Themba are sent to a 'pollination camp' where children slave in polytunnels, replacing extinct bees (if you think this could never happen, read this:   The vanishing bee explained . Relationships, bullying and loss are all examined as the action moves at breakneck speed. An uplifting and challenging book. If your child: Wants to be challenged Was a fan of Louis Sacher's 'Holes' Enjoys dystopian fiction Cares about climate change I highly recommend this book to them. Buy it at an independent books

Beginning in the run-up to the First World War, The Skylarks' War by Hilary McKay is an incredible (and very moving) read. Winner of the 2018  Costa Children's Book Awards, the story is a worthy addition to the canon of children's books set during WWII and WWI which includes Carrie's War, the Silver Sword, Goodnight Mister Tom and Charlotte Sometimes. I particularly like the way that McKay explores gender stereotypes (the heroine, Clarry, is always battling against the 'girls don't do that' sentiment of the times)  and the gaps between public behaviour and private fears. You engage with the characters almost immediately. Their behaviour is never cliched and you find yourself warming to people you expected to loathe. Look out for lots of plot twists and some deeply emotional moments) I strongly recommend this to our students! Read more about the book here

Our churches are closed and not being able to attend mass is awful, a feeling that I know is shared by many of my friends.  Here are ideas for online resources which will help make Lent brighter for you:  Superb videos for Bible studies The Apostolate of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter have an incredible link to four churches so you can pray the mass from home.  Latin mass online! Includes a link to the missal so you can follow the service We pray for strength during this time. 

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34)

How can you set up a successful online 'classroom' at home? Try these... Before you do anything; create a big timetable so everyone in the house can see when lessons are taking place. Set up your workspace... 1: Humans love to fiddle... dig out an old stress ball or something your child can play with as they listen. Go for something soft... avoid fidgetspinners or other noise-making gadgets which will be picked up by the microphone. 2: Try to set up the workstation so it doesn't need adjusting. If you are using an Ipad, get a stand. Why? This removes the need to constantly move the screen. Set up the chair and desk so that the monitor is at a comfortable height and distance. 3: Use headphones if you can but be aware that the microphone can pick up surround sounds so show your child how to use the 'mute' option. 4: Look what is behind your child; there may personal items, doorways into bathrooms, a passageway with constant traffic. Rig up a screen i

Anna's animal magazine includes articles, illustrations and even a competition! We love projects! Managing your own learning; carrying out research; deciding how to present findings; every step of the way takes students further on the road to becoming independent learners. Take advantage of the school shut-down and work on a  project at home. Start with a big question: 'why does ... , 'what happens when...', 'could we...'  or 'how could we solve or improve....' Brainstorm ideas and try to narrow down the research topic; be targeted but wide enough to be interesting! It could cover design, sport, art, dance, drama, history, science, maths, the Greek myths, dinosaurs, cars... anything your child finds of interest. Once you have a question, work together to develop a research plan. Use books, online resources, observation, family archives... What form will the end product make? The report can be written, illustrated, created using software

 How many parents look back and wish they had spent more time with their children? Now you can! Take advantage and work on a family project together. How about... - A family history book - children interview parents, family members and grandparents and create a book of family memories. Suggest a few key areas; family traditions, recipes, houses, holidays, stories which have been passed on. The results can be handwritten, printed, or even stored on index cards to share at family gatherings. - A family portrait. Can't draw? Try a collage. - A family tree - challenge yourselves to see how many generations back you can go. You could add in world events to give context. Some families move around a lot and you could incorporate key events in new countries.  - A family map. Draw or print a world map and chart the movement of your family.  A thought: we are all under immense stress; be kind, patient, and this too will pass. Be calm... we may not be able to change events but