A new venue for us as ‘The Big Picture’ visits Westbourne Sports College, Ipswich, to work with 185 Year 11 students. A brilliant day was had by all, further encouraged by the following testimonial:-

‘Keith was inspirational. The year group were captivated for the whole 2 hours and even the problematic youngsters were actively engaged. Many have already said they have changed their view on what comes next’

The middle of the week sees us travelling to Epsom - to Blenheim High School where we had another great day, working with 240 Year 11 students.

We round the week off by travelling south. This time we’re working with 255 Year 11 students at Bradon Forest School, Swindon. This following testimonial is ‘priceless’:-

"Fantastic morning. It was great to see all the pupils engaged and interested in what was being said. Keith’s interaction with the pupils is very good. Remembering so many names and finding out about them really made it work. The presentation made the point and the pupils were interested in what was being said. No matter how silly some of the answers were, Keith made light of it and perused the answer or adapted it to work. A great morning’s presentation!"

Week beginning 4th January 2010

A new year - and a busy start! This week sees us start off at North Leamington School, Leamington Spa. A very busy day working with Year 9, 10 and 11 - a total of 550 students!! The day was a great success and we loved it!!

Further into the week the weather brings chaos and we’re busy re-scheduling some events for later in the month; weather permitting! It’s keeping us and the schools very busy!

Nonetheless, we’ve managed to travel to St Cecilia’s RC School in Preston, Lancashire to deliver ‘The Big Picture’ to their Year 11 students.

December 2009...

Week beginning 14th December 2009

A cracking start to the pre-Christmas holidays. We’re back in Stockport - recommended by schools in the area that have already experienced ‘The Big Picture’ - and today we’re at Harrytown School, working with their Year 11 students. It was another great day!

Week beginning 7th December 2009.
A new week and a new geographical area for ‘The Big Picture'. This time, Staffordshire, we’re working with 96 year 10 students. A brilliant day and this is what one of the teachers had to say..

"Year 10 students were engaged, positive and enthused by Keith’s presentation. Very interesting and enjoyable!"
Lyn Davidson; Sir Graham Balfour, Staffs

We also returned to Lincoln and Nottingham on the same day!

They loved us at Looe Community School, Cornwall, the Deputy Head, Mike Keveth, gave us this testimonial:.

"Year 11 students were challenged, inspired, motivated and engaged by Keith’s presentation. Students saw their future in a different light. We will be booking Keith again."
Mike Keveth Deputy Head, Looe Community School

Rounding the week off, we venture back to Bristol..a great end to a great week!

November 2009....

Week beginning 30th November 2009
A great start to the week sees ‘The Big Picture’ return to Downham Market School, Norfolk, working with 312 Year 11 students great to be back!

We return to the North working with 450 Year 10 students at two further schools in Sheffield and Leeds on the same day! They love us ‘up North’!

‘The Big Picture’ returns to London this time working with 100 Year 13 students

We’re receiving bookings on a daily basis and December is sold out! We have four dates available in January 2010 only!! This is a ‘great place to be for the New Year’!!!

Week beginning 23rd November
What a mega week!! ?The Big Picture' was signing t-shirts again! He had Year 10 and Year 11 students in a euphoric and inspired state by the end of the two hours. All of the students wanted stickers, badges and just the opportunity to chat to Keith - all this in one school, Reddish Vale, Stockport!

Week beginning 16th November
It seems as though as soon as one school finds out about us, that everybody wants 'The Big Picture'. We spent three days out of five in Harper Green and Marple Hall in Bolton and Stockport respectively, this week - we were recommended by local schools who like what 'The Big Picture' has done for their students.
The other two days were spent at an Education Conference meeting teachers who have an interest in PSHE.

Week beginning 9th November
We're 'on the go' again and this week we're back to Clacton (we're "very big in Clacton") as we have three-quarters of the schools in the area.
'The Big Picture' went to see some outstanding students at Tomlinscote School & Sixth Form College, Surrey. They currently are the third best in the county for their exam results. Their ambition and 'The Big Picture's' ambition is to get them to the 'number one' position! Jim Rutherford was over the moon...he said "even the students who assumed that nobody had anything new to say to them, were fired up"! He added..."undoubtedly, value for money".
Keith finished the week off with some life-changing stuff in Telford and Peterborough.

Week beginning 2nd November
A lot of travelling this week as we do two more events in Manchester and return to some of our favourite schools in Wiltshire and South Devon. We finish the week off at Carshalton High School for Girls with their Year 11. An inspirational bunch of students with some very kind hearts.

October 2009....

Half-term Monday 26th October - what a relief!
But even then, Keith is in Northumberland with 100 NEET students with Connexions.
Keith finished the rest of the week off editing 'The Big Picture' Trilogy!!

Week beginning 19th October 2009....
A big start to the week already as we go to Rotherham, Bolton, Lincoln and finally Milton Keynes.
The feedback on Facebook was fantastic and it's been another great week!

Week beginning 12th October 2009....
A massive week this week as Keith returned to The Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough, to work with 340 Year 11 students - he was signing 'autographs' at the end.
Carshalton Boys School, London.
We also returned to Hull Collegiate and Monks Dyke (Louth) on the same day!
Whether independent or comprehensive, students always respond to what 'The Big Picture' does.
At the end of an exhausting week Keith then went to The Voyager School, Peterborough, and did three sessions to totally WOW their Year 11 students!

Week beginning 5th October 2009....
A storming start to the month at Walker Technology College, Newcastle.
We worked with 250 very eager Year 10 students at North Kesteven School, Lincolnshire.
Blyth Community College welcomed back Keith! The Big Picture worked with 300 Year 10 students - a fantastic day. After recommendations from other existing clients, Keith worked with Year 11 students at Stockport Academy.

September 2009....

September 29, 2009
'The Big Picture' visits Marlwood School, Bristol, to work with 94 Year 13 students. The Head of Year, Patricia Rosevear, had this to say about the day:

"....Everything we wanted to hear and see. The students were enlightened with the session! Excellent affirmation for how hard they are going to work in the future".

This was 'seconded' by a comment from a fellow teacher:-

"The students had the right word....'legend'..."
- Dr Andrew Whitby

September 28, 2009
We visit another school in the south-east, this time Park High School, Stanmore, working with 200 students. A good day was had by all.

September 24, 2009
'The Big Picture' was delighted to visit Filsham Valley School, Hastings, to work with both Year 10 and Year 11 students - 300 in total. A great day was had by all....

September 23, 2009
An early start for the staff of 'The Big Picture'....we're up at the crack of dawn travelling to London to exhibit at The Secondary SEAL Conference at the Grange City Hotel! A very interesting day and a further chance to show delegates just exactly what we do!!!

September 17, 2009
Keith returns to the Thomas Deacon Academy to continue filming interactive lesson plans. The idea behind this is to make them available for teachers to use at school and continue 'The Big Picture' mission statement!!! The dvds will be issued later on in the year....we'll keep you up-to-date with this.

September 16, 2009
We're 'back up North' to a very friendly school....Pudsey Grangefields, Leeds. Good to be back in Yorkshire! We're working with 190 Year 11 students. The Director of Studies, Janet Armitage, had this to say about the session:-

"...A very inspirational speaker who uses his excellent interpersonal skills to engage and motivate the students he is working with".

September 15, 2009
A 'first' visit to Stockport School, Cheshire....the response from students and staff alike was overwhelming, as a result of which we've received a number of enquiries from other schools in the Stockport area! All great stuff!

September 11, 2009
'The Big Picture's' second visit to Fakenham School, Norfolk. This time we were working with 600 students including Years 7, 10 and 11.

Ruth King, Head of Year 10, said:

"Absolutely the very best guest presenter I have ever worked with!"

We just had to share that with you.....!

September 10, 2009
Busy working on website links and further resources for teachers. A lot of work goes into the preparation of our website, lesson plans and school assemblies to provide the very best for teachers; it's an ongoing challenge!

September 9, 2009
We visit the Nicholas Chamberlain Technology College, Warwickshire, to work with their sixth form students. The students and staff loved it....here's what one member of staff had to say about the day:

"Great fun, engaging for students and staff. Really got the young people thinking in a different way!"

September 8, 2009
We're in the London outskirts today, at Featherstone High School, Ealing. We're certainly covering some mileage this month!

September 2, 2009
'The Big Picture' is in discussions with an Editor from the local Newark Magazine, entitle "All about you"! We're busy writing an article for the next issue, due out late October/beginning of November. The idea is to raise our 'local' profile and, in-turn, work with more schools in the local area as well as nationwide!

August 27, 2009
We're invited back to Grantham Central Technology & Sports College...we've returned to be part of the 'Exams Results Day' for their final year group. We film the session and it's on 'You Tube' for those of you who may be interested.

July 16, 2009
'The Big Picture's' second visit to BBC Radio Nottingham this year. Discussing with Frances Finn students' attitude towards money and finances; how to make a £million and 'top tips' for listeners!!

July 13, 2009
'The Big Picture' is invited to Grantham Technology and Sports College to participate in their 'de-brief' day which is scheduled to follow the students second week of work experience.

The students speak about their experiences in their work placements for the two-week period; they express their concerns about the 'working world'; their likes; their dislikes; what they learned about themselves (both negative and positive); what they would have done differently, etc, all instigated by interaction with Keith!!

'The Big Picture' was dead chuffed to be asked to be a part of this day with the students!!

July 9, 2009
We meet with our website designer in Sheffield to discuss updating our site. We want to make our website more informative, easier to access and more interactive for teachers.

We also include the 'official launch' of our two further programmes entitled:-

• 'The Big Leap' (for year 7/8 students)
• 'The Bigger Picture' (for year 12/13 students)

This completes the 'trilogy' of our programmes!!

Facebook' link is also included for students to access along with 'Twitter' for teachers!!

July 6 - 10, 2009
A 'first' for 'The Big Picture' - we offer a week's work experience placement to a Year 10 student from Grantham Technology and Sports College.

We spend the week showing the student just what exactly goes on 'behind the scenes' of 'The Big Picture'; how much organising and time goes into preparing for a 'Big Picture' event; the strategics and the process from initial enquiry right through to the actual event!!

We also encourage her to work on one or two 'projects' for us....an incredibly useful insight from our viewpoint and, suffice to say, we both learnt a lot!

July 3, 2009
'The Big Picture's' second visit to Driffield School, East Yorkshire, where we returned to a very warm welcome from 200 Year 10 students.....an excellent day!!

June 30, 2009
Exmouth Community College's year 10s view 'The Big Picture Live' ...... the final event of the month. Elaine Ford, Head of Year 10, said: "Totally engaging and motivating."

June 26 2009
More filming occurring, but this time with the year 10s at Driffield School in East Yorkshire. This will be the third film on "The Big Picture' website...that should be well worth watching!

June 25, 2009
Downham Market High School in Norfolk get the opportunity to see the live, 2 hour presentation on "The Big Picture.'

Later that day Keith travels to Grantham to discuss De-brief day, which will be held on the 27th August 2009, with Pam Sharrock and Jo Winterbourne at Central Technology and Sports College. 'The Big Picture' has been busy!

June 11, 2009
Keith just can't get enough of The Thomas Deacon Academy ...... or visa versa!...... Another filming day.

June 10, 2009
'The Big Picture' (Keith and Julie) attend a PSHE conference at the British Library Conference Centre in London, publicising exactly what 'The Big Picture' do... motivate students...an eventful day!

June 8, 2009
The Thomas Deacon Academy is visited again by 'The Big Picture'... easy living for the teachers!

June 1, 2009
A blast from the past - almost! 'The Big Picture' makes another trip to The Thomas deacon Academy in Peterborough to do filming to make interactive PSHE lesson plans, available to teachers on DVD. So, this time the teachers benefit just as much as the students!

May 25-29 - Half Term.....
Taking advantage of the half-term break, this week sees us working hard on the following:-

• More Assembly Plans for Teachers
• More Lesson Plans for Teachers
• Updating our website
• Writing material for the PSHE National Association Conference on the 10th June (The British Library, London)
• Organising our first two Mega Events at The Guildhall, Grantham and The Playhouse Theatre, Bradford.....entitled 'The Big Picture Big Day Out' for students (see our section on 'I'm a student' for more information!

May 22, 2009
'The Big Picture' is invited back to The John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge, to work with their Year 10 and Year 11 students prior to the looming exams!!

May 21, 2009
We go back to Colbayns High School, Clacton-on-Sea; today Keith works with both Year 8 and Year 9 students....it was a great day; fantastic stuff!!

May 18, 2009
A new geographical area for 'The Big Picture Live'.......we travel to Fakenham High School & College, Norfolk, to work with Year 11 students...this is what the Deputy Headteacher had to say:-

"Keith came to us and we did not know what to expect. As a result of Keith coming in we will be re-booking him and discussing how he can work not nly with students but parents and staff. An excellent session. Thank you."
David Bishop, Deputy Head, Fakenham High School, Norfolk

May 15, 2009
We're finding that some schools have concentrated on extra curricular activities this week for their students prior to the half-term break. As a result, therefore, 'The Big Picture' has been invited to revisit schools and take part in their 'Revision Days'/'Shuffle Days', etc; today we're back at Thornton Grammar School, Bradford, with Year 10 and Year 11 students......and, as always, a very hospitable welcome from our friends 'up North'.

May 13, 2009
Grantham Central Technology & Sports College concentrate on their Year 11 students today and a pre-exam booster day includes the return of 'The Big Picture' .........an absolute hit with the students and a great morning!! We were also invited to stay for the Year 7 & 8 sports presentations....the enthusiasm from both staff and students towards those students who achieved the awards was amazing to see, and we were extremely chuffed to be able to witness this!

May 6, 2009
Impington College, Cambridge, is the destination for 'The Big Picture Live' today........working with Year 10 students......as always, a pleasure for Keith to return to Impington!!

April 30, 2009
A 'Big Day' for 'The Big Picture'.......we're invited back to Tuxford to be part of their Year 11 Celebration Day. Keith spent three and a half hours with these 200 students doing 'The Big Picture Live' and 'The Big Picture Part II'. It was a very personal thing and Keith felt very emotional to have spent that time with those students......it was a BIG thing!

April 29, 2009
A new destination for 'The Big Picture Live'....breaking into the West Midlands! Today sees us working with Year 10 and Year 11 students at Bristnall Hall Technology College, Oldbury.

Mrs Bethany Venross, Bristnall Hall Technology College, Oldbury had this to say about the day....."I really wondered what on earth Keith could do to keep our students (a whole year group) focused for two hours. They loved him! Students participated, even in front of the other students on stage, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I sincerely hope it really does change their lives".

April 22, 2009
Back on 'home ground' - almost! The Assistant Principal at Aldercar Community Language College, Derbyshire, had this to say....."to keep 150 Year 11 students focused, attentive and engaged is a fantastic achievement. Inspirational for staff and students, thank you."

April 21, 2009
'The Big Picture Live' makes another trip to London.....this time to Challoners Boy School, Tower Hamlets....widening our 'network' in London!!

April 16, 2009
A First for 'The Big Picture Live'........Keith is invited to discuss 'The Big Picture Live' for a one-hour session with Frances Finn on BBC Radio Nottingham!!! A great success!!! We're in the process of downloading the link to this radio clip.....but if you can't wait.....try linking into 'You Tube' in the meantime!

Easter Break.....
No, we didn't go on holiday! We have been busy taking advantage of the school break and working even harder......writing Assemblies and Lesson Plans that teachers have requested....and, as suggested by one teacher we met.......working on 'The Little Picture'....

......what is 'The Little Picture'?
We've also now developed 'The Little Picture', and this is for Year 7s and Year 8s and has been designed for them to learn some powerful techniques and build their awareness of who they are in readiness for 'The Big Picture'.

April 3, 2009
We're expanding in Peterborough....another school! This time 'The Big Picture' visits The Thomas Deacon Academy, working with 340 students - FANTASTIC STUFF! We've been invited back on the 1st May to discuss further 'work in progress' which would be both beneficial to them and 'The Big Picture'.

April 2, 2009
'The Big Picture' continues it's success 'up North'....this time visiting Beckfoot School, Bingley, and working with Year 11 students....this is what their Deputy Head had to say:-

"This was very powerful learning. Our students were enthused by Keith and found what he was saying sat very well with their view of the world. They have left today having been inspired to reach higher than they ever thought possible, thanks to Keith".
Simon Wade - Deputy Head - Beckfoot School, Bingley

April 1, 2009
A great start to the month.....two bookings in one day....the first at Oakgrove School, Milton Keynes for Year 11 students; the second at St Georges' College of Technology, Sleaford, for Year 12 students.

A great testimonial received from Melissa Gardner at Oakgrove School:-

"The day here at Oakgrove has been brilliant and Keith was the highlight of the day for all the Yr 11s! They were loving him; his energy, positivity and drive, and the constant re-affirmation of the bigger picture message was great. He also had a super manner and demeanor with the students, which he had to really use at the beginning, as they are a hard year group, who expect everything and he managed to break their mould! Good work Keith!!"

March 31 2009
A busy day for 'The Big Picture' as we travel to our furthest 'northern' point yet......to Walney School, Cumbria. A cracking day was had by both students and those teachers that attended......we have another enthusiastic client!!!

Enquiries coming in thick and first for the first few weeks in September; we've already taken our first booking for January 2010!

March 30 2009
'The Big Picture Live' is at a local school today....The Queen Elizabeth (1561) Endowed School, Mansfield....students loved it!!!

Having time to reflect on where do we go from here......we're looking into the possibility of working with junior school students (as suggested by some clients) and we've secured a 'slot' on BBC Radio Nottingham on the 16th April at 10.00am, where Keith will be speaking about 'The Big Picture'!! TUNE IN AND LISTEN!

March 27 2009
We return to Colbayns High School, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, for their second booking with us this month! GREAT STUFF!

March 26 2009
Charles Edward Brook School, Lambeth - "An enjoyable, motivational presentation....90% of students were engaged and inspired by the activities. A good time to do it halfway through Year 10, when they have got to grips with their options and GCSEs. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did my colleagues; good to have someone from outside", as said by Amanda Sitto (Year 10 Pastoral Leader).

March 25 2009
Another busy day.....two bookings in one day.....Morley High School, Leeds, working with Year 11 and Upper Sixth students......followed by a session at Notre Dame School, Liverpool (our first visit to Liverpool!) More great testimonials received......see our website for further details.

More enquiries via telephone and email resulting in April now fully booked!

March 20 2009
Back 'up North' today....Thornton Grammar School, Bradford, working with 490 students...the day was such a success....they've booked us a for a follow-up session later this year.

March 18 2009
Another visit to Essex....although our first of two to Colbayns High School, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, this month!

The Head of Year 11 (Shirley Young) said....."this morning you had the vast majority of 200 16-year old students hanging on your every word...they left believing! Thank you for all that you said"!!!

March 17 2009
A wonderful testimonial received from Bev Green (KS4 Intervention Manager) at The John of Gaunt School, Wiltshire....she said......"what can I say? You captured the students' attention from the start. I've never seen anything like it! Fantastic! Brilliant! The students loved it and they've gained a lot from this session. Just what we wanted! Many thanks".

March 16 2009 Having already taken 'The Big Picture Live' to Blyth Community College in the North East of England, we take another trip to the same area, but this time to Norham Community College, to work with their Year 11 students. Their Head of Year...Jenna Parry....had this to say....."the last two hours had the lot! We are a school in a deprived area with many students having no real drive or focus, but today there have been many of our students with 'lit up faces', positive thoughts and.....smiles"!

You can't get any better than that, really!!

March 13 2009
A 'first' for 'The Big Picture Live'......we were asked by The Nobel School, Herts, to deliver the session in 3 two-hour slots to their Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 students.....an extremely busy day! Here's what they had to say...."I haven't seen the 6th Form laugh and learn so much for a long time! An inspiring talk with a great message!! Thank you".

"An awe inspiring presentation. The whole content hit home big time. If this doesn't hit home and increase motivation - Nothing will...!!
Steve Morley, Assistant Head - The Nobel School, Hertfordshire

March 12 2009
'The Big Picture Live' was at Firth Park, Sheffield, working with 440 students. Bal Bhachu (Head of PSHE) said about the day..."truly inspirational, adding a whole new dimension to learning...with love and thanks for your hard work and stamina".

Our 'Facebook' link on 'The Big Picture' website is creating lots of interest amongst pupils.....lots of positive feedback for us...GREAT STUFF!!!!

March 9 2009
Our first visit to Milton Keynes.....to the Thomas More Roman Catholic School, working with Year 11 students.

The Head of Year 11 (Ilona Bond) said......"very inspirational for all the students; it challenged many to really think about themselves. Good fun, but also a very clear message".

March 5th, 2009
March bookings coming in thick and fast....the result of which we have just 'sold' our last available date for this month! GREAT stuff!

'The Big Picture' is back to Grantham Central Sports & Technology College to motivate their Year 10....their second booking for 'The Big Picture Live' this year! Great to have such enthusiastic teachers 'on board' with what we're trying to achieve.......

March 4th, 2009
"Engaged pupils, enthused staff, excellent day! Well worth the money - we took a risk and benefited!" We're doing well...testimonial from Paddy Keane, Head of Year 10, at St Patricks Roman Catholic School, Eccles, Manchester!

February 23rd, 2009
'The Big Picture' launches Podcasts and Facebook, making our website more interactive and user-friendly for both teachers and students!

A wonderful testimonial received from Janice Murfet (Head of Year 11) at Gravesend Grammar School for Girls, in Kent...she said..."entertaining, motivational, captivating, brilliant - just what the girls needed". A fantastic end to a fantastic day!

February 9th - 13th, 2009
A another busy week (geographically!) for 'The Big Picture'....continuing our success and seeing 'The Big Picture Live' at four schools in London, Essex and Cambridgeshire this week!

February 5th, 2009
The Big Picture continues its venture 'up North' to Fir Vale School, Sheffield. Adrian Anderson, the Director of Leaning KS4, said...."the stuff that you do is spot on".

February 3rd 2009
The Big Picture ventures to the North East of England; to Blyth Community College. Ian Herron, the Head of Year 11, said.."it was truly motivating for every student". The students said...."the best thing I've done at school"....."just the most fantastic event"....."totally cool".....and...."can we do it again?" Fantastic stuff!!

January 26th 2009
The first time this week that we had a teacher in tears at the event; we always know that this event has moved people and got people excited. The big difference though is that we never thought it would make such an impact upon teachers. We can't tell you the name, age, sex or indeed anything else about this person.......suffice to say, it was a great day!

January 19th 2009
We are now in discussions with Sky TV about 'The Big Picture' TV Show. The opportunities for schools in this country is massive and watch this space.........

January 12th 2009
The Big Picture launches 20 PHSE Plans on to the internet. All of these Plans comply with SEAL and Every Child Matters; they are "practical, simple to follow and in the words of 'Keith' they are cool".

January 5th 2009
The Big Picture has three dates in North London with schools......a great start to the year. Phil Bennett, Deputy Head at Twyford School in Acton, was totally thrilled and said "can you come back next week"?