BBC signs up Jodie Whittaker and Danny Dyer to teach children through homeschooling initiative

Danny Dyer will teach history to nation’s children while Sergio Aguero tackles Spanish and Sir David Attenborough takes geography in new BBC homeschooling lessons for coronavirus lockdown

Danny Dyer fans have vowed to enroll for extra tuition after the EastEnders star joined a huge host of stars from the world of TV, sport and music to become tutors for a new BBC homeschooling initiative.

Bitesize Daily will feature lessons from Danny, Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, One Direction’s Liam Payne and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero in order to help parents educate their children at home as the UK lockdown continues. 

And veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough will teach children geography topics including the oceans and mapping the world. 

Content will be available on TV and online today, when pupils would ordinarily return to classrooms after the Easter holidays, and will continue for 14 days.

Getting involved: Danny Dyer fans have vowed to enroll for extra tuition after the EastEnders star joined a huge host of stars to become tutors for a new BBC homeschooling initiative 

Sir David Attenborough will teach geography topics such as the oceans and mapping

Sir David Attenborough will teach geography topics such as the oceans and mapping

Soap star Danny, who is a direct descendant of King Edward III, will provide a history class for five to seven-year-olds on Henry VIII, the BBC said.

And many older fans admitted they would be happy to re-enroll for classes if it meant being tutored by the straight talking actor. 

Taking to Twitter, one wrote:  ‘I’m sorry, *Danny Dyer* is doing history? I’m enrolling back in school.’ 

While another added: ‘Would’ve been all over history in school if Danny Dyer was my teacher. Hearing about Henry 8th getting married to 6 proper naughty little sorts.’ 

A third joked: ‘Danny Dyer is going to teach Henry VIII to children between the ages of 5 and 7. Remarkable scenes.’ 

Can't wait: Many older fans admitted they would be happy to re-enroll for classes if it meant being tutored by the straight talking actor

Can’t wait: Many older fans admitted they would be happy to re-enroll for classes if it meant being tutored by the straight talking actor

New role: The BBC also confirmed that Jodie Whittaker, who plays Doctor Who will 'drop in' on its Bitesize Daily lessons

New role: The BBC also confirmed that Jodie Whittaker, who plays Doctor Who will ‘drop in’ on its Bitesize Daily lessons 

Talent: Singer Liam Payne will help children with their reading skills using his own lyrics as part of a Big Read event

Talent: Singer Liam Payne will help children with their reading skills using his own lyrics as part of a Big Read event

The BBC also confirmed that Whittaker, who plays Doctor Who will ‘drop in’ on its Bitesize Daily lessons. 

Meanwhile Argentine striker Sergio will swap sport for virtual Spanish lessons, while Liam will help children with their reading skills using his own lyrics as part of a Big Read event.

Professor Brian Cox will also contribute while BBC Radio 4 will be offering short history lessons with Horrible Histories’ Greg Jenner as well as introductions to key literary texts from the GCSE and A level syllabuses.  

Ageuro said of his new signing: ‘It’s a tough time for children at the moment, and also for parents trying to keep them focussed on their education from home.

‘The BBC are doing brilliant work to help and I’m honoured to be able to play a part.’ 

Rachel Riley will also be 'dropping in' to teach the nation's schoolchildren during the lockdown

Rachel Riley will also be ‘dropping in’ to teach the nation’s schoolchildren during the lockdown

Riley made the announcement on Twitter, before posting this picture of her, aged four

Riley made the announcement on Twitter, before posting this picture of her, aged four

Headed to the classroom: Bitesize Daily will feature Spanish lessons from Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero

Headed to the classroom: Bitesize Daily will feature Spanish lessons from Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero

Alice Webb, director for BBC Children’s, told The Telegraph: ‘We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people and partners to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time.

‘It’s vital that every child is able to continue learning, and the lessons we’ve created will make sure they have fun at the same time.’ 

A host of stars have already been helping parents with homeschooling over the past month.

Joe Wicks has scored thousands of viewers daily for his P.E Lessons – half hour workouts for the whole family which are streamed live on YouTube Monday to Friday.

Meanwhile singer and radio star Myleene Klass has put her musical background to good use, providing twice weekly music classes online as well as a lullaby session for babies.

Skills: Professor Brian Cox will also contribute while BBC Radio 4 will be offering short history lessons with Horrible Histories' Greg Jenner

Skills: Professor Brian Cox will also contribute while BBC Radio 4 will be offering short history lessons with Horrible Histories’ Greg Jenner

What’s On The Show Today? 

BBC iPlayer and the Red Button are hosting Bitesize Daily each weekday for learners aged five to 14, and for families throughout the UK.

Each show will include a combination of core subjects like English, maths, and science, as well as other subjects like history and geography.

Each show will also broadcast daily on Red Button at 9am and 10am. 

Age 5-7:

Counting with John Farnsworth; maths (What is a number line? What are odd and even numbers?); history (Who was Neil Armstrong?)

Age 7-9:

Rounding with Laura Bubble; maths (What is a place value? How to partition a number); history (How the Romans changed UK?) 

Age 9-11:

Maths (How to multiply and divide by 0, 1, 10, and 100. Ten times table); history (How to be a Historian)

Age 11-12:

English (How to think about your purpose for writing); maths (Positive and negative numbers. Eastern maths and the invention of zero and negative numbers); history (The Norman Conquest)

Age 12-13:

Maths (Eastern maths and the invention of zero and negative numbers); history (1066 – The Battle of Hastings)

Age 13-14:

Maths (Numbers: Negative Numbers); history (1066 – King William and the Domesday Book)