This week, next week
14-20 February 2015
Saturday
In the naughty corner
A Pennsylvania school district admitted that five middle-school pupils had been mistakenly given word searches based on Fifty Shades of Grey. The puzzles included references to spanking and bondage.
Sunday
Sweeping the boards
Theatrical achievement was recognised at the annual WhatsOnStage Awards. Miss Saigon received a record nine gongs, while David Tennant and Billie Piper were named best actor and best actress.
Monday
Kate’s crusade
The first ever Place2Be Children’s Mental Health Week started today. Backed by the Duchess of Cambridge, the campaign promotes counselling and encourages children to talk openly about their feelings.
Tuesday
On the flip side
New year’s resolutions to join the gym finally paid off on Shrove Tuesday, when biceps were tested by enthusiastic tossers and pancake races took place all over the country.
Wednesday
Together against terror
The White House hosted a summit on countering violent extremism. It highlighted domestic and international efforts to prevent extremists and their supporters from radicalising and recruiting others.
Thursday
Small change
One for those who dream of moulding the youngest, most impressionable minds: the Department for Education held an online open day for anyone interested in training as an early years teacher.
Friday
Slave to the wave
Surfers are gathering for a predicted five-star Severn Bore. And, no, “bore” isn’t the collective noun for water sports enthusiasts. It’s a surge wave in the river’s estuary that can reach up to 2.8m.
21-27 February 2015
Saturday
Generation X
Malcolm X, the black nationalist leader who once called for a “blacks-only” state in the US, was assassinated 50 years ago today. The 39-year-old was shot as he spoke to followers near Harlem, in New York City.
Sunday
Movies and shakers
It’s Oscars night. Favourites for best picture at the 87th Academy Awards include Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, which tracks a six-year-old to adulthood, taking in family fissures and teen romance on the way.
Monday
Hello sunshine
The best age to start school and the disadvantages for summer-born pupils are to be considered by the Commons Education Select Committee. Today is the last chance to submit written evidence.
Tuesday
Maximum chillage
Looking forward to the joys of spring? Don’t get ahead of yourself. Sixty years ago today Britain was in the grip of a “big freeze” that led to 30ft snow drifts and the RAF being drafted in to drop emergency supplies.
Wednesday
Best of British
Another night of glamour and gongs, this time for music as the annual Brit Awards take place in London. Contenders for this year’s accolades include Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Damon Albarn and Alt-J.
Thursday
The only way is up
The Office for National Statistics will publish the latest figures on young people who are not in education, employment or training (known as Neets). Recent trends indicate that the number is falling.
Friday
Beside the seaside
Ukip begins its spring conference next to the golden sands of Margate, Kent. Education policies from the anti-EU party include allowing all secondaries to apply to become selective grammar schools.
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