Primary Education Programme 2024
Every summer term BLF’s Education Programme offers a week of eye-opening talks, workshops, and interactive experiences, free to all non-fee-paying schools. These events promote curiosity and support developing students into well-rounded and open-minded individuals. Designed to uplift and support the primary curriculum, from STEM to Shakespeare.
Our 2024 Education Programme is bigger and better than ever, offering an opportunity for students to engage with amazing, life-changing literature in all forms from poetry to big ideas.
Primary Education Programme Events 2024
Kashmir Uncovered
Monday 24 June, University of Bradford
Back by popular demand! Embark on an exploration into the picturesque region of Kashmir, nicknamed Switzerland of the East thanks to majestic mountains, serene lakes and lush valleys.
Learn about Kashmir’s history and cultural traditions such as houseboats and floating gardens; hear the story of the underwater city beneath Mirpur’s Mangla Dam; discover the origins of the paisley motif which has featured in Kashmiri handicrafts and textiles for centuries, and immerse yourself in the beats of traditional Kashmiri music and dance.
Curriculum links: KS2 History and Art
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Amazing Inventions that Shaped the World
Wednesday 26 June, University of Bradford
Travel through time, science and technology, to explore incredible inventions that shaped our world, through the ages and across continents. From ancient wonders like the awe-inspiring discovery of zero which transformed maths, to cutting-edge technology, we will meet experts, scientists and storytellers to hear fascinating tales about the ingenuity of inventors and unlock the secrets of their extraordinary inventions.
This is a voyage of discovery, designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds to explore, create and dream.
Curriculum Links: KS2 English, History, Science.
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You Are Stardust
Friday 28 June, University of Bradford
A cosmic celebration intertwining the marvels of space, stars, self-discovery and cosmic wonder. Are we really made of stardust? From the vastness of the universe to the depths of personal strengths, ‘You Are Stardust’ invites young minds to unlock the mysteries of the universe and ignite their inner galaxies.
Featuring captivating talks and stellar stories, join us for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and cosmic revelations as we embark on a journey through astronomy to unveil the hero within every shining star.
Curriculum Links: KS2 Science, PSHE.
Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales
Monday 1 July, University of Bradford
An enchanting journey through the timeless wonders of mythical stories, spellbinding legends and fairy tales, in a day featuring authors and stories originating from different traditions and historical periods.
Dive into the adventures of legendary heroes and villains, meet iconic gods and goddesses, encounter mythical beasts and magical creatures, travel to faraway lands and imagined realms, and learn about the cultural values of myths, legends and fairy tales. A brilliant opportunity to stimulate young imaginations and spark a love of reading.
Curriculum Links: KS2 Literacy, History.
Hieroglyphs and Ancient Egypt
Tuesday 2 July, University of Bradford
Delve into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt and unravel the mysteries of the language of the pharaohs. Curated to complement classroom work on this theme, join storytellers and experts on a journey, including the discovery of the Rosetta Stone which unlocked the secrets of an ancient civilisation.
Learn how the ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphs in their daily lives; decode their meaning, discover the fascinating stories they tell, and even learn to write your name in hieroglyphs!
Curriculum Links: KS2 History, Art.
Shakespeare Remixed
Wednesday 3 July, University of Bradford
An introduction to the world of Shakespeare. Regardless of whether they have some familiarity with his works or if they are experiencing Shakespeare for the first time, students will benefit from our taster day.
This is a chance to connect with Shakespeare’s stories of Scottish kings and weird witches through engaging talks, performances and workshops, and deepen students’ understanding of his literary canon and enduring legacy.
Curriculum Links: KS2 History, Drama, Literacy and Spoken Language.
Performance Poetry
Thursday 4 July, University of Bradford
Poetry comes alive through the power of words, rhyme and rhythm! BLF’s popular Performance Poetry day is back. Designed to expose young people to a variety of poetic styles and wordplay, the day features a line-up of internationally renowned and inspirational poets who transform their verses into vibrant performances.
There will be writing, speaking, listening, rhyming, stories and alliteration – an immersive and interactive experience to captivate young imaginations, spark creativity and ignite a love of words.
Curriculum Links: KS2 Literacy and Spoken Language.
Additional Information
Venue and Timings
The Primary Key Stage 2 events will take place at the University of Bradford. All events run from 10:00 – 14:15 (arrival from 09:30) and include a 45 minute lunch break.
Tickets
One Lead Teacher ticket is required per booking. This constitutes one staff ticket and provides us with your school’s details. Tickets for additional staff should be booked as Additional Staff tickets. There is no need to download tickets or QR codes since these are not required on the day. You will be asked for the name of school and the events you have booked on to on the day to access your event. If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].
Lunch
Students should bring a packed lunch as there are no facilities to buy lunch on site. Lunch breaks will take place in the outdoor spaces surrounding the venue including City Park and outside Bradford Crown Court, unless there is severe weather.
Accessibility
Please inform us if any of your students have specific access requirements, such as sensory processing needs, physical accommodations, visual or hearing impairment support or any other specific needs. This is to ensure we can provide appropriate assistance and resources. If you would like to have a conversation about access please contact [email protected].
Cancellation Policy
We are delighted to offer our events to schools and home educators across Yorkshire free of charge for non-fee-paying schools. However, Bradford Literature Festival incurs significant costs to organise and run these events. Therefore, if you need to amend or make a cancellation, please let us know as soon as possible. Any cancellations after 30 April 2024 will incur a cost of £10 per pupil per event. This is to ensure as many young people as possible are able to attend. We understand that there may be exceptional circumstances beyond your control, and are always happy to work with you to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs.
Further Information
Once your booking has been checked, you will be sent an attendance pack which outlines practical details of your visit such as parking, lunchtime arrangements and information for risk assessment. A detailed itinerary will be sent including details of the day’s events and the artists taking part closer to the date.
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