A groundbreaking exhibition has opened today at Brunswick Art Gallery in central London, featuring films and piano tracks by composer Fabio D’Andrea in a unique showcase of a visual album.

Titled “24”, Fabio’s collection of 24 piano pieces represents each of the major and minor chromatic keys, making it the first of its kind in the 21st century. What sets this collection apart is that each piano piece is accompanied by its own music video, creating the world’s first classical video album. The films tackle contemporary issues and themes, including domestic abuse (featuring Mel B), disability (featuring Rose Leslie), and mental health (featuring Russell Tovey).

Fabio expresses his excitement about the exhibition, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled that Brunswick Art Gallery is showcasing ’24’ in this innovative way. It breaks new ground by merging the realms of art and music in an unexpected manner. I am eager to present the ‘big screen’ effect of my work to gallery visitors. I am truly passionate about reaching younger audiences and demonstrating that classical music can be enjoyed in various forms.”

Each music video features renowned actors and dancers who are passionate about contemporary music and the arts, allowing them to showcase their exceptional acting abilities through dance. The videos encompass a wide range of genres and feature dancers from prestigious companies such as The Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, and The London Contemporary Dance School, as well as leading commercial street-dance companies. The choreography is masterfully crafted by some of the UK’s top choreographers.

One of the early videos from the series, “The Sleeping Beauty,” directed by Fabio, has garnered recognition at numerous film festivals and has received over 20 international awards, including “Best Music Video” at the esteemed LA Short Fest. Another video, “Love Should Not Hurt,” featuring Spice Girl Mel B, has generated unprecedented global media coverage. Natalie Dormer and Ellie Bamber are among the other notable actors who have participated in Fabio’s videos.

Overall, “24” is a visually stunning collection of music videos accompanied by beautiful original piano music. Fabio hopes to inspire younger generations and foster a renewed appreciation for contemporary dance and music. The videos portray a diverse range of stories, covering social issues, cultural history, and visual celebrations of the natural world, making contemporary classical music accessible to a global audience.

Brunswick Art Gallery, located in Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AE, is open from 11am to 5:30pm (4:00pm on weekends).

Penstripe, a renowned provider of educational resources, is thrilled to introduce its brand new Lesson Planner range for 2023. This latest offering has been meticulously designed to cater to the ever-evolving needs of teachers and education professionals worldwide. With its innovative layouts, fresh designs, and user-friendly customisation options, the 2023 Lesson Planner collection sets out to become the ultimate planning tool for educators.

Drawing on extensive research and collaboration with teachers from around the world, Penstripe has created a range that caters to diverse teaching styles, curricula, and grade levels. This ensures that educators can discover the ideal planning tool that perfectly suits their unique requirements.

The new Penstripe Lesson Planner range boasts several key features, including:

1. Bespoke designs: Take your pick from a wide selection of cover styles, ranging from minimalist and modern to classic designs. Additionally, an array of colour options allows you to match your personal aesthetic or even incorporate your school’s branding. As a standard feature, each planner offers space for a school logo and details, but you also have the option to fully personalise it with a vibrant bespoke cover.
2. Tailored layouts: Choose from an extensive collection of pre-designed templates available in the Penstripe library. These include year and term planners, action planning templates, record of meetings templates, personal training templates, and more. With the flexibility to mix and match templates, you can create a truly personalised planning experience that aligns perfectly with your needs.

The 2023/24 Lesson Planner range is now ready for order through the Penstripe website. To find out more about this exciting new collection or to place a pre-order, please visit Penstripe’s website at www.penstripe.co.uk.

In spite of the rise of digital solutions in recent times, Penstripe has discovered that many teachers still hold a preference for the humble teacher planner. Ranging from simple notepads to intricate lesson plan templates, physical planners have remained an indispensable part of assisting teachers in organising their daily and weekly schedules while managing an ever-growing list of administrative tasks.

Amidst these technological advancements, physical teacher planners continue to play a vital role in the digital age owing to their multitude of benefits. One of the primary advantages is the tangible organisation they provide. The ease of use and quick access to information allow teachers to effortlessly flip through the pages and jot down notes without the need to navigate through various digital applications and interfaces. By utilising physical planners, teachers can reduce screen time, minimise distractions, and enhance their focus and concentration during the planning process.

Another benefit lies in the opportunity for creativity and personalisation that physical planners offer. Educators can customise their planners by selecting the layout, design, and organisational structure that best aligns with their individual needs. This sense of ownership can make the planning process more enjoyable and fulfilling. Customisation can be achieved either by purchasing a tailor-made teacher planner or by personalising one after purchase—or even by doing both.

Physical planners also provide a reliability that digital solutions cannot always guarantee. Free from reliance on technology or internet access, physical planners can be used anywhere and at any time. Additionally, they offer longevity and durability, with planners designed to last an entire academic year or even longer.

The Science Behind the Use of Physical Planners Research has indicated that handwriting offers cognitive benefits that typing on a digital device cannot replicate. Writing by hand improves memory retention and helps teachers gain a better understanding of and internalise the material they are planning. Furthermore, the psychological advantages of physical planning should not be overlooked. Engaging with a tangible planner can reduce stress, increase satisfaction, and boost motivation.

Ultimately, the choice between digital and physical planning depends on personal preference. Many individuals tend to lean towards what they were accustomed to while growing up, making physical planning the preferred option for a significant number of current teachers.

The Role of Physical Planners in a Digital World While physical planners possess numerous inherent benefits, they can also effectively complement digital tools. Many educators adopt a hybrid approach, integrating both physical and digital methods to support diverse learning environments and cater to individual needs.

Physical planners also accommodate various teaching styles, granting educators the autonomy to choose the method that works best for them. By providing a range of options, we can support teacher autonomy and foster a more collaborative, inclusive educational environment.

Lastly, physical planners help bridge the generational gap among educators. As some teachers may still favor traditional planning methods, offering a choice between physical and digital tools encourages collaboration and understanding among educators with different backgrounds and levels of experience.

Thus, in 2023, physical teacher planners continue to occupy a significant position in the realm of education. Their tangible nature, creative potential, and cognitive benefits make them invaluable tools for educators navigating an increasingly digital landscape. While digital solutions have their place, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing relevance of physical planners and encourage educators to select the tools that best align with their needs and preferences.

For more information on physical, customisable teacher planners, please contact Penstripe at: Olaf Surtees / [email protected] / 0113 231 099

In today’s fast-paced digital age, Penstripe highlights the enduring value of physical student planners in the academic landscape. While digital solutions have gained popularity, physical planners remain relevant and necessary for students in 2023 due to their numerous benefits, contributing to their continued relevance in the modern world.

Physical student planners offer tangible organisation, providing ease of use and quick access to information. Students can effortlessly flip through the pages to find important dates or assignments without worrying about technical knowledge or software updates. This tangibility promotes enhanced focus and concentration by reducing screen time and minimising distractions.

Moreover, physical planners allow for creativity and personalisation, enabling students to customise their organisation system using coloured pens, stickers, or washi tape. Designing and maintaining a physical planner fosters a sense of ownership and pride, increasing motivation and commitment to academic tasks. Teachers can also purchase bespoke customised physical student planners to add a personal touch.

Reliability is another key advantage of physical planners, as they do not depend on technology or internet access. They are not prone to crashes or data loss and can withstand everyday wear and tear, making them a dependable resource in any situation.

The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of physical planners is also growing. Handwriting has cognitive benefits, including improved memory retention and better understanding of material, as it engages multiple parts of the brain. The act of physically crossing off completed tasks in a planner contributes to psychological benefits such as stress reduction, increased satisfaction, and motivation.

Physical planners continue to play a vital role in the digital age by complementing and integrating with modern technologies. They can integrate with digital tools, supporting diverse learning environments and offering flexibility and adaptability. By accommodating individual preferences and emphasising student autonomy, physical planners empower students to take control of their academic lives. They also bridge generational gaps, catering to students who prefer traditional organisation methods and fostering collaboration between students, educators, and parents.

In 2023, physical student planners remain of great importance. Their cognitive and psychological benefits, combined with their ability to integrate with digital tools and support diverse learning styles, make them a valuable asset for students of all ages.

For more information about student planners, please contact Penstripe at: Olaf Surtees / [email protected] / 0113 231 0995