THIS WEEK - 31 MARCH-6 APRIL 2012
SATURDAY
Exam boss bashes A levels
A levels are becoming “too predictable”, said Andrew Hall, chief executive of AQA, the UK’s biggest exam board. He told The Daily Telegraph that the curriculum should be broader and resits should be limited.
SUNDAY
Operation academies
Michael Gove has a map in which he sticks flags of schools that have become academies, The Sunday Times reported. Also on his office wall is a picture of the Normandy landings. He said his enemies are “well dug in”.
MONDAY
It’s a funny business
That rare thing - celebrity education news - emerged. Comedian Jack Whitehall (pictured) has written a sitcom for BBC Three in which he plays the worst teacher ever. The cast also includes Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne.
TUESDAY
Trouble at the top
Michael Gove said that he does not want the government to be involved in developing A levels, but wants universities to play a bigger role, with exam boards told to consult the Russell Group of elite institutions.
WEDNESDAY
Now that’s multitasking
Don’t know how to be in three places at once? Not a problem for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills and Kate to us), whose wax clones were unveiled at Madame Tussauds in London, New York and Amsterdam.
THURSDAY
Remembering the wars
A significant date in the history of two conflicts: 20 years since the four-year siege of Sarajevo began during the Bosnian War; 30 years since British forces set sail for the Falklands after the Argentine invasion.
FRIDAY
Talking shop or eating choc
It’s time for a get-together with your friends and families over the long Easter weekend. Alternatively, head off to Birmingham or Torquay for days and days of debate at the NASUWT or NUT conferences.
NEXT WEEK - 7-13 APRIL 2012
SATURDAY
A race on the river
Rah, rah, rah. It’s the Oxford v Cambridge boat race. The crews will row 6.8km along the Thames from the University Stone in Putney to Mortlake. Cambridge will be seeking revenge after losing last year.
SUNDAY
Don’t panic - no really, don’t
It’s the strike that never was. Oil tanker drivers had threatened industrial action starting today, prompting the government to cause needless panic by advising us to top up our tanks. Relax and enjoy your Easter eggs.
MONDAY
Thinking about thinking
If rambunctious teaching union conferences don’t interest you, there is a more peaceful-sounding gathering in Arizona, US. Toward a Science of Consciousness will examine the latest in neuroscience and psychology.
TUESDAY
A presidential diet
First Lady Michelle Obama’s cookbook goes on sale. Ms Obama is hoping to tackle obesity with her tome, American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.
WEDNESDAY
Teacher on trial
A man is set to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court over alleged child sex offences. Peter Merrick denies all 18 charges of offences during 1977-84, when he worked at William Henry Smith School in West Yorkshire.
THURSDAY
Where in the world?
No, they’re not Lib Dems, they’re geography teachers. And hundreds of them will be heading to Manchester for a gathering of the Geographical Association that includes a special lecture for trainees and NQTs.
FRIDAY
New year, new term
The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, which marks the Sikh New Year, will be celebrated. This is also the last day of your Easter holidays, so time to drag the lesson prep out and crack on ahead of Monday’s return to school.
