THIS WEEK
5-11 MAY 2012
SATURDAY
Something to smile about
In a rare move, Michael Gove said something that was welcomed by headteachers. Speaking at the NAHT annual conference, Mr Gove signalled a U-turn on no-notice inspections. Some good news at last.
SUNDAY
Schools in brain boost shocker
It’s official: staying on at school is good for you. Researchers said that an extra year of education gives a boost to adults’ mental ability, even in old age. But the bad news is that being smarter doesn’t make you happier.
MONDAY
Raining on your parade
The May Day bank holiday. One of just two standard bank holidays that fall in term time, this annual festival of relaxation was blighted by rain. As usual. We’re still in drought, by the way.
TUESDAY
Academy conversion ballot
While the Royal Society of Arts launched an inquiry into the value of the academies programme, teaching union NASUWT announced it would ballot members in 13 Birmingham primaries over forced conversion.
WEDNESDAY
One will be heard
The Queen’s speech was somewhat overshadowed by the state of the coalition and the state of the economy. She mentioned the complete overhaul of the SEN system, in case you missed it.
THURSDAY
Plan a unavailable
From real royalty to pop princes and princesses. It was announced that Plan B and Leona Lewis would support the Radio 1 and 1Extra Academy, which opens on 1 June ahead of Radio 1‘s Hackney Weekend festival.
FRIDAY
Get your golden ticket
Teachers - and pupils, for that matter - are likely to be found hitting the refresh button on their computers as they attempt to obtain one of a further 900,000 tickets for the London 2012 Olympics. Best of luck.
NEXT WEEK
12-18 MAY 2012
SATURDAY
A tents situation develops
Occupy London is due to take to the streets to show its anger over austerity in Spain and Greece. And its rage over home education, of course. Because the Occupy movement hates the home ed lobby.
SUNDAY
Trumpeting their talent
The final of BBC Young Musician 2012 takes place at The Sage in Gateshead, illustrating the strength of England’s music education sector. Shame the government plans to cut funding in this very area.
MONDAY
Time for the grown-ups
Adult Learners’ Week continues. Among the themes of this year’s festival are Learning through Art and Culture, Learning with your Family and Learning for Health. Expect your local FE college to be decked in bunting.
TUESDAY
Show your displeasure
In exciting news, FTSE 100 company Serco will be holding its annual general meeting. Why exciting for citizens of Edu-land? This is one of three companies that provides outsourced inspectors to Ofsted. Prepare the picket!
WEDNESDAY
Royals meet aspiring students
Preparations for the Diamond Jubilee will be in full flow at the University of Central Lancashire’s Junior University, a local participation-widening initiative that will be launched by Her Maj and Prince Phil.
THURSDAY
Paved by pythagoras
In “X and the City: The Mathematics of Urban Life” at the Royal Society of Arts, mathematician John A. Adam will discuss the role maths plays in the metropolitan landscape and shaping modern city-dwelling.
FRIDAY
Pyjamas and slippers time
Work Wise UK will hold National Work from Home Day. Imagine the reaction if you phoned the head’s office with the news that you were “working from home”. Scrap that. Imagine the reaction in Year 9 maths.
