Calendars and planners are indispensable tools that help students, teachers, and parents stay on top of the academic year and manage their time effectively.
When designed thoughtfully, school calendars can also be a fantastic marketing tool, enhancing your school’s profile and celebrating its achievements. Here are some practical tips to create school calendars and planners that maximise their impact and benefit the entire school community.
1. Understand your audience
Before designing your school calendar or planner, it’s essential to understand the specific needs of students, teachers, and parents. Take on board feedback from previous years, conduct surveys and talk with key sakeholders to gather insights on what features and layouts would be most useful. This feedback can guide the design process and ensure the final product meets everyone’s needs.
2. Include important dates and events
Ensure that the calendar includes important school dates such as holidays, exam periods, parent-teacher meetings, pupil-free days, sporting fixtures, and major school events. Highlighting these dates can help students and parents plan ahead and stay informed about school activities.
3. Incorporate school branding
Incorporate the school’s colours, logo, and mascot into the design to foster a sense of pride and unity. A branded calendar or planner not only looks professional but also reinforces school spirit and identity.
4. Make it functional and user-friendly
A functional easy-to-follow layout is crucial for the effectiveness of a calendar or planner. Ensure that the design is clean and easy to navigate. If required, leave ample space for writing notes. A clear structure for each day or week, and intuitive use of icons and colours will greatly enhance usability.
5. Add motivational quotes and tips
Consider including motivational quotes, study tips, and organisational advice to inspire and support students throughout the academic year. These elements can make the planner more engaging and helpful, promoting a positive mindset.
6. Use high-quality print materials
Durability is an important factor for school planners and calendars. Use high-quality paper and printing techniques to ensure the product can withstand daily use throughout the school year.
7. Encourage personalisation
Allowing students to personalise their planners can increase engagement and ownership. Provide spaces for personal notes, goals, and reflections. The ability to customise a planner can transform it in to a cherised keepsake and personal memento of their time at school.
Maximizing the impact of school calendars and planners involves understanding the needs of your audience, incorporating important dates, and enhancing the design with school branding and functionality. By making these tools user-friendly, motivational, and durable, you can create resources that significantly benefit students, teachers, and parents. At BrandEDU, we specialise in designing and printing high-quality school calendars and planners that meet these criteria. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create impactful organisational tools for your school.