We’ve had an incredible Autumn term, packed with impactful programmes, exciting new launches and plenty of festive magic to round off the year!
Powerful Choices in Yorkshire
The term kicked off with the Yorkshire leg of our Powerful Choices programme, designed to educate children about the dangers of knife crime. This important work saw us visiting schools across the region, sparking vital conversations, and empowering young people with practical strategies to stay safe.
“Interactive and engaging workshop around a topic that is crucial children are educated about.” – Y6 teacher at Hatfield Academy
“The assembly was fantastic! Really engaging, the children loved the spoken word element and the phone calls from the future. Lots of opportunities for children to engage and share their responses too.” – Assistant Head at Bowker Vale Primary School
Worry Wizard Training
Following a successful Summer recruitment, we are proud to have our newest Bigfooters trained up to be Worry Wizards! Charlie, Frankie, Sophie, Izzy, Richard and Lydia spent the day understanding the therapeutic techniques developed by The Worry Wizard, with our creative approach sprinkled on top.
Hidden Figures for Black History Month
For Black History Month, we proudly launched a new programme for us in the North: Hidden Figures. This assembly and workshop programme brought to light the often-overlooked contributions of Black British individuals in shaping our history. Delivered by our talented facilitator Papi, Hidden Figures captivated students and staff alike, leaving everyone inspired to learn more about these remarkable stories.
“The children loved the music and helped with engagement. The children loved being involved in parts and acting. As a career lead, I particularly liked the links to careers.” – Deputy Head at East Boldon Junior School
“Interactive, age appropriate and engaging!” – Assistant Head at St John Vianney Catholic Primary
Anti-Bullying Week
During Anti-Bullying Week, we continued our much-loved workshops while also launching a brand-new programme: Diversity and Me. This innovative workshop encouraged students to reflect on their identity, celebrate differences, and foster inclusion. Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re thrilled to see the programme’s impact already taking root.
“Engaging for all age groups. Opened up lots of discussion.” – Class Teacher at Beeford CE (VE) Primary
Street Art in HMP Holme House: ‘The bad times don’t last forever’
It was a real honour to deliver a bespoke street art residency on the PIPE Unit at HMP Holme House. These units are specifically designed to support prisoners with complex needs; recognising the importance and quality of relationships and interactions.
Bigfooter Chris delivered 7 graffiti sessions with the men where they developed their drawing skills, discussed ideas and planned a mural to decorate two depressing breeze block walls. They came up with the wonderfully positive slogan ‘the bad times don’t last forever.’
This was a really new way of working for us and we would be lying if we said we didn’t have some concerns about how the residents might respond. However, we were overwhelmed by how well the men approached the sessions, with warmth, creativity and humour.
The clinical lead summarised ‘The men really enjoyed the sessions, and it was great to see them getting creative, working together and learning something new. The finished pieces now mean the spaces look so much better!’
Festive Fun with Dip and Dab & The Greediest Elf
As the term came to a close, our Christmas shows took centre stage! Both Dip and Dab’s Dazzling Christmas Play and The Greediest Elf are bringing joy and laughter to children across the North. These magical performances proved once again that there’s nothing quite like theatre to spread festive cheer in our schools.
Here’s to a fantastic term, and we can’t wait to see what the Spring holds for Bigfoot North!