One of the problems caused by the COVID-19 lockdown is the homeschooling crisis. Since schools are now closed in the UK and a number of teachers and students have limited capacity for teaching and studies online, the British government, in collaboration with the BBC, has launched Bitesize Daily, a set of virtual classes for students of all ages in hopes of helping parents with homeschooling.
Among the incredible roster of teachers, it was announced that Sir David Attenborough will be joining this initiative, and many Brits are rejoicing.
BBC launched Bitesize Daily, a set of virtual lessons for kids of any age who are currently in lockdown
Image credits: Unknown
For those unaware of who he is, Sir David Attenborough is a British broadcaster and natural historian, considered a national treasure by many in the UK. He is the man behind many famous documentaries on our planet and all things natural, including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and the Life series. If that doesn't ring a bell, he's that amazing British voice in all of those nature documentaries. You know, that voice.
Sir Attenborough will be hosting a number of lessons, including those about our planet’s oceans, mapping the world, and why animals look the way they do.
They announced that natural historian Sir David Attenborough will be teaching on the show
Image credits: Gavin Thurston
Sir Attenborough is set to host a number of lessons, including those on the oceans, mapping, and animals
Image credits: BBC Earth
As mentioned previously, Bitesize Daily sets out to facilitate homeschooling with interesting content and activities aimed at schoolchildren of all ages. It was reported that the project collaborated with over 200 teachers to create 14 weeks of curriculum-based learning.
“We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time,” commented Alice Webb, Director of BBC Children and Education.
Other celebrities like Jodie Whittaker, Sergio Aguero, and Professor Brian Cox are also joining the show
Image credits: BBC Radio 1
People say that Sir Attenborough is the perfect teacher due to his vast track record of documentaries and shows
Image credits: BBC Earth
She continued: "We said the BBC would be there for people through this crisis, and we meant it. It’s vital that every child is able to continue learning—and the lessons we’re putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time."
Besides this, BBC Four is also dedicating time each weekday evening to programs supporting students studying for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level Qualifications (A-Levels.)
Besides this, BBC Four is also dedicating time each weekday evening to programs supporting students studying for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level Qualifications (A-Levels.)
Other celebrities are also joining Sir Attenborough as teachers on the show, including Professor Brian Cox, who will be teaching science topics such as force and gravity; Sergio Aguero, Manchester City Footballer who will teach kids Spanish; and Mabel and Liam Payne, who will teach music and reading, with Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker making guest appearances throughout the show.
He has written over 40 documentaries and shows, and was credited in another 210 video projects
Image credits: BBC Earth
Bitesize Daily is available on a number of channels: website, app, BBC iPlayer, the Red Button, BBC Four, and BBC Sounds
Image credits: Friends of Richmond Park
BBC has made sure that these lessons are made available over a number of channels. People will be able to join lessons through their website and app, as well as the BBC iPlayer, the Red Button, BBC Four, and BBC Sounds. All of this is offered to reduce the disruption to children’s education by both helping out parents with homeschooling and making sure their kids’ regular study routine is maintained during the lockdown.
Who are some people that you would like to see teach in BBC’s Bitesize Daily lessons? Let us know in the comments section below!
Watch a snippet of one of Attenborough's documentaries where he says "Boo" to a sloth
Image credits: BBC Earth
This is how people on the internet reacted to the news
