CarnivalinBrazilbeganafterthePortuguesearrivedinthe1500s.Theybroughtacelebration called “Entrudo”, a noisy festival where people played jokes, threw water, flour, and food at each other before Lent (a Christian period of fasting). This idea of celebrating before restraintbecamethebaseofCarnival
AfricanInfluence
As millions of enslaved Africans were brought to Brazil, they introduced rhythms, dances, drums, and religious traditions. These influences were especially strong in music and movement,shapingwhatwouldlaterbecomesamba.AfricanculturetransformedCarnival fromaEuropean-styleeventintosomethinguniquelyBrazilian.
TheRiseofSamba(19th–early20thcentury)
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, samba emerged in Rio de Janeiro, especially in AfroBrazilian communities Samba quickly became the heart of Carnival Samba schools were formed not actual schools, but community groups that prepared all year to parade with music,costumes,andstorytelling.
ModernCarnival(20thcentury–today)
By the 1930s, Carnival had become a national symbol of Brazil The famous Rio Carnival parade takes place in the Sambadrome, where samba schoolscompetewithelaboratefloats,costumes, andchoreography.
Othercitiescelebratedifferently:
MeaningToday
BrazilianCarnivalrepresentsjoy,freedom,cultural identity, and resistance. It’s a time when social barriers fade, creativity shines, and Brazil celebratesitsdiverserootsthroughmusic,dance, andcolor
New Orleans
Carnival in New Orleans begins in early January and ends on Mardi Gras Day During this time, there are many parades organized by krewes (social organisations) People wear costumes and masks, and parade members throw beads and gifts to the crowd Music, dancing, and traditional food like king cake are very important Carnival is an important tradition that shows the culture and history of New Orleans
The Bolivia Carnival is an important celebratio especially in the city of Oruro It combines religious traditions with indigenous culture The carnival is famousforitscolourfulparades,traditionaldances, and elaborate costumes. One of the most importantdancesistheDiablada,whichrepresents thefightbetweengoodandevil Music,dance,and devotion are central to the celebration. The Bolivia Carnivalisamajorculturaleventandisrecognised byUNESCOasanimportantculturalheritage
Venice
The Venice Carnival is famous for its beautiful masks and elegant costumes The celebration began many centuries ago and allowed people to hide their identity and enjoy freedom and equality During Carnival, there are parades, balls, street performances, and music in the city’s squares. The Venice Carnival is known for its rich history, art, and unique atmosphere, attracting visitors from all over theworld
Bolivia
7. Build confidence by being kind to yourself
It is common for teens to talk to themselves more critically than to anyone else Having positive thinking is achieved through self-kindness If you fail or make some kind of error, you shouldn’t insult yourself Every person develops in their own way Letting go or struggling doesn’t result in failing Forgive and appreciate your strengths to instill confidence
Conclusion
A sound mindset is created by making a few small decisions on a daily basis Controlling one’s thoughts, using social media appropriately, taking care of one’s body, learning how to ask for help, focusing on achievable objectives, and finding time to have fun can help teens protect their mental state and feel more confident about their future. In the year 2026 and onwards, one must maintain their mindset in the same manner as one maintains their grades.
·Many children and teenagers feel under constant pressure, especially around school and expectations. Wanting to do well is normal, but fear of disappointing others or yourself can make everyday work feel overwhelming. Perfectionism can add to this, turning small mistakes into big worries.
·Long-term stress can lead to burnout. This might look like constant tiredness, lack of motivation, irritability, or feeling emotionally flat. Stress often shows up in the body too, through headaches, stomach aches, poor sleep, or changes in behaviour. These are signs that something needs attention.
·Rest is not something that has to be earned Breaks, sleep, and time away from work help students think more clearly and cope better. Asking for adjustments or support at school is not a failure. It is a sensible response when things become too much
Mental health difficulties can look different for different people. Anxiety, depression, and panic do not always appear obvious or dramatic, and someone can seem fine on the outside while struggling inside.
Knowing when to talk to a trusted adult is important. Support might include school-based help, therapy, or helplines. Getting support is about being listened to and helped, not about being “fixed”.
·Seeking help should be normal Struggling in silence is not a requirement for coping, and no one has to manage everything on their own.
Mental Health Awareness
Identity, change, and growing up
Growing up involves constant change, and it is normal to feel unsure about who you are or where you fit Interests, values, and friendships can shift over time, and that does not mean you are doing anything wrong
You do not need to have everything worked out Comparing yourself to others often adds pressure rather than clarity. Having space to explore who you are, at your own pace, supports confidence and wellbeing.
Coping skills and emotional resilience
Coping skills are about knowing what helps when things feel difficult, not about avoiding struggle altogether
This might include talking to someone you trust, taking breaks, moving your body, or using creative ways to express emotions. Different strategies work for different people, and that is normal.
Resilience does not mean handling everything alone. It means recognising when you need support and taking steps to look after yourself.
Child Friendly 2026-7 Movies
Older Ages 2026-7 movies
What Each Animal Signifies:
Rat: Symbolises cleverness, resourcefulness, and adaptability. The Rat was the first to finish the Great Race by cleverly riding on the Ox's back and jumping off at the finish line.
Ox: Signifies patience, discipline, and reliability. It represents people who may not be flashy, but succeed because they’re consistent, strong-minded, and determined.
Tiger: Signifies bold leadership and bravery. Tigers are seen as natural rulers, fearless, intense, and willing to challenge authority. It also symbolises protection against evil in traditional Chinese belief.
Rabbit: Signifies gentleness, calmness, and diplomacy. Rabbits avoid conflict, so they represent people who are tactful, emotionally intelligent, and value harmony. They’re also linked with luck and prosperity.
The dragon is the most powerful symbol: it signifies luck, authority, ambition, and greatness. Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons are positive; they bring rain and prosperity. Many families hope for dragon-year children because it symbolises future success.
Snake: signifies deep thinking, mystery, and intelligence.
Snakes don’t rush; they observe and calculate. That’s why Snake years symbolise wisdom and careful decisionmaking.
Pig: Signifies wealth, satisfaction, and kindness. Pigs were historically a sign of a wealthy household (having livestock = prosperity). It represents people who enjoy life, but also share and care for others.
Horse: Signifies energy, independence, and passion. Horses are always moving forward, so they represent ambitious individuals who dislike being confined or controlled.
Monkey: Signifies cleverness, creativity, and adaptability, but in a bold way: monkeys are playful and unpredictable. They’re associated with individuals who solve problems quickly and think creatively.
Rooster: Signifies confidence and being open/direct. Roosters stand tall, so they symbolise people who are hardworking, well-organised, and want to look their best. They also represent punctuality because roosters “announce”the morning.
Dog: Signifies faithfulness, honesty, and moral courage. Dogs protect the family, so they’re linked to defending others and standing up for what’s right.
Eating Disorders
BSB Futures CAREERSWEEK
BSB FUTURES CAREERS WEEK AIMS TO INSPIRE STUDENTS TO THINKBOLDLYAND REALISTICALLYABOUTTHEIRFUTURES.
THE DURATION IS FROM MARCH 2-6, OFFERING STUDENTS THE PROSPECT TO EXPLORE MANY VARIED CAREERS VIA TALKS, WORKSHOPS, COMPETITIONS, AND INTERACTIONS WITH PROFESSIONALS, GRADUATES, AND ORGANISATIONS FROM NUMEROUSFIELDS.
WHILE ITS INTENTIONS ARE FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREERS,THE WEEK IS SET UP NOT ONLY TO INFORM STUDENTS, BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, HELP STUDENTS DISCOVER THEIR OWN ASPIRATIONS, STRENGTH, DRIVE, AND SKILLS THAT WILL BE KEY ELEMENTS NEEDED WITHIN A CONSTANTLY ADVANCINGWORKFORCE.
EVERYONE HAS WORKED TOGETHER TO DESIGN AN ENGAGING CAREER-BASED STUDENT EXPERIENCE THAT IS BOTHMEANINGFULANDRELEVANT,THATCATERSTOTHE NEEDS OF STUDENTS BOTH ACADEMICALLY, PERSONALLY, ANDPRACTICALLY.
THE COMMITTEE HAS THE OBJECTIVE OF MAKING SURE THE SCHOOL’S STUDENTS FEEL MOTIVATED, MAKING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE LEARNING IN SCHOOL, AS WELLASLEARNINGOUTSIDETHESCHOOL.
SPEAKERSOF THEWEEK
Monday-Friday
Monday 2 March
SimonThomas PrimaryTeacher, Ex-Firefighter
Tuesday 3 March
ShelleyWalls -Physiotherapist
Lawrence Gibbs
Founder @ Scranage | Premium Belgian Beer Business Developer (HK) Business & Hispanic Studies Student at the University of Liverpool
Wednesday 4 March
Johan Decock Gymnastics coach andTopsport youth co-ördinator boys gymnastics federation
Cesar Alonso Iriarte
Staying Safe in a SearchableWorld:ProtectingYour Privacy in the Age of AI
Thursday 5 March
Chris Holland Munition Safety Information Analysist at NATO HQ
Friday 6 March
Caco Ruggiero
Stoa- a sustainable clothing brand
Monday2March
Simon Thomas brings over two decades of distinguished service in the London Fire Brigade, offering students a unique insight into leadership, teamwork, and crisis management under pressure. Beginning his career as a Firefighter in Fulham and Knightsbridge, he progressed to Leading Firefighter at Southall and then Sub Officer in Command Support, developing expertise in coordination and incident response. He later served as Watch Manager in both the Special Operations Group and Operational Tactics USAR, before taking on responsibilities for Testing & Exercising during the 2012 Olympics. Simon then moved into senior roles as Station Officer, first in Testing & Exercising for the Olympic programme and later overseeing Operational Procedures (Rescue. His extensive operational background, specialist training, and leadership experience across major London stations make him an inspiring and authoritative guest speaker.
At: 8.45
Where: Brel Theatre
Year 7
No sign-up required
Tuesday3March
Especially for Year 8, BSB Futures is pleased to welcome Shelley Walls, an experienced physiotherapist. Physiotherapy focuses on helping people move well, recover from injury, and improve their overall physical health. It combines science, problem solving, and one to one patient care, making it an excellent career for those interested in sport, health, and rehabilitation. Shelley brings deep knowledge from working with a wide range of patients and rehabilitation needs. She will share insights into the profession, what physiotherapists do day to day, and the skills needed to succeed in this meaningful and rewarding field.
At: 8.45
Where: Brel Theatre
Year 8
No sign-up required
Tuesday3March
BSB Futures is proud to have alumnus, Lawrence Gibbs, speak to you. He is a student of the University of Liverpool in Business Management & Hispanic Studies. Currently, Lawrence is building Scranage, an early‑stage food‑tech venture creating smart vending solutions for hot, nutritious meals in high‑traffic locations. With a passion for scalable business models and fast‑paced environments, Lawrence offers us an inspiring look at turning global experience, creativity, and analytical thinking into real‑world impact and demonstrate how his learning is impacting his entrepreneurial spirit.
At: 8.45
Where: Rubens Hall
Year 13
No sign-up required
Wednesday4March
Johan is a pioneer of the Belgian High Performance school of gymnastics for boys and coach of a large number of high-level gymnasts. He is also the youth coordinator Topsport of the Flemish Gymnastics Federation. Teacher and mentor for A level coaches. Johan also coaches high potentials at Exentra and coaches our very own gymnasts. He is responsible for the development of the high performance pathways for boys gymnastics in Belgium and in the Netherlands. We are incredibly luck to have Johan as one of our coaches and Year 9, you get the privilege of hearing all about his career to-date. This is an amazing opportunity for you all to discover the incredible array of sports related work professions.
At: 8.45
Where: Brel Theatre
Year 9
No sign-up required
Wednesday4March
BSB Futures is lucky to have Cesar Alonso Iriarte, who has nearly three decades of experience at the heart of the European Commission come and speak to us. He brings unparalleled expertise in privacy, data protection, cybercrime, and safety online. Currently serving as Principal Legal Officer at the EU Joint Research Centre, he works at the intersection of international research collaboration, nuclear law, data protection, and scientific research. With deep experience balancing privacy, safety, and technology, Cesar is uniquely qualified to help us understand how our data is used, what risks we face online, and how we can protect ourselves in a rapidly changing digital world. This talk will help us understand how we present ourselves online, may impact our job possibilities!
At: 12.05
Where: Brel Theatre Year 12
No sign-up required
Wednesday4March
�� BSB Futures Networking Event – Shape Your Future!
The BSB Futures Networking Event is your chance to meet inspiring professionals from a wide range of industries and discover the many pathways open to you after school. Whether you're in Year 10, Year 11, or Post‑16, this event will help you build confidence, explore career options, and develop the skills to make informed choices about your future. Students who attend will gain:
•First hand insights into different careers and study routes
•Opportunities to ask questions and learn from industry experts
•A head start in building a professional network
•Motivation and ideas to shape your own next steps
Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with canapés and drinks as you connect with speakers, alumni, and organisations ready to share their experiences and advice
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what your future could look like, sign up now and take your first step toward tomorrow!
At: 17:00-19:00
Where: Rubens Hall
Sign-up required
Thursday5March
Chris Holland is a UK national with a background in Chemistry, having completed his A‑levels and university studies in the UK before beginning his career in Research and Development for a paint company. He later joined the UK Ministry of Defence as a civil servant, completing a Graduate Development Programme and spending more than 13 years in a specialist team providing scientific and engineering expertise on the safety testing of military weapons. In 2020, Chris moved to Belgium to join the Munition Safety Information Analysis Centre at NATO Headquarters, where he now leads the team. Chris has delivered numerous presentations on his career journey, the technical challenges he has faced, and the lessons learned along the way, and is an inspirational speaker for you all.
At: 8.45
Where: Brel Theatre Year 10 No sign-up required
Friday6March
Caco Ruggiero, an 18‑year‑old student and founder of the sustainable streetwear brand “Stoa,” turned a school project into a real business in 2025. Originally from Venezuela, raised in Panama, and now based in Belgium, he channels his passion for art and action sports into designing every detail of his clothing pieces himself. Inspired by the Ancient Greek “stoa” a place for community—his brand aims to bring people together while following Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) sustainability practices. Balancing school with sourcing, manufacturing, and marketing, Caco shows what’s possible when you start building your vision early.
At: 8.45
Where: Brel Theatre Year 11
No sign-up required
28th December 2025: Iranian authorities were deployed to the streets to crackdown on protests across the country, beginning in the capital, Tehran.
Reasons for Protests:
Shopkeepers + bazaar merchants in Tehran striking as Iranian currency value plummeted after mass inflation (1 tray of eggs = 500,000 rials = £9) - long standing economic crisis
The Iranian protesters wanted to break away from an unstable, theocratic regime that terrorised its citizens.
Now, protests have expanded to wider political issues, with protests being heard chanting anti-govt. statements such as ‘Rest is peace Reza Shah’ (reference to the founder of the royal dynasty who was ousted in the 1979 Islamic revolution.)
Iranian authorities commiting acts against humanity:
Iranian authorities have been enabled to repeatedly commit crimes under international law such as murder, rape, torture, public executions and enforced disappearances.
Iranian authorities have been targeting hospitals, deterring injured protesters to seek medical attention, raising the death rate
An example of this would be Mohsen Armak who died in a livestock farm. This was due to him not wanting to seek medical attention at hospitals for fear of capture after he was wounded by a metal pellet. He died 3 January. rd
Speak up and liberate the Iranian people from this authoritarian regime, and fight for their human rights.
