* China may be one of the biggest countries in the world, but it is strikingly absent from British classrooms. Teaching about China, a conference organised by the Geographical Association at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London WC1, on March 6, 1999 aims to remedy this. It will bring together academics, publishers, television producers and teachers. Details: Michael Storm, tel: 0118 9265415.
* The Geographical Association’s annual conference and resources exhibition, on the theme “Connecting Geography”, will be held on April 7-9, 1999, at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. For details contact: Paul McDermott, Nene University College, Northampton NN2 7AL, tel: 01604 735500 ext 2068.
COMPETITIONS
* The Youth Transport Competition offers students in age categories under 14, 14 to 16 and 16 to 18 (on September 1, 1998) the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip around some of the major transport sites in Europe. Run by The Chartered Institute of Transport, it requires students to submit an essay of up to 1,500 words on a transport topic by February 28. Research may be carried out as part of school coursework and entries are returnable. Each winner also receives a cash prize of Pounds 150, plus Pounds 400 for their school. Details: CIT, 80 Portland Place,London W1N 4DP, tel: 0171 467 9400; e-mail: citrans.org.uk FREE FOR ALL
* The Amazing Maize Munch pack from the Harvest Help charity contains cross-curricular activities and fund-raising ideas, including recipes, to help send children in Zambia to school. Aimed at children aged seven and over, it stars Mikey the Maize Cob. For copies, tel: 01952 260699.