JUVENILE FRENZY: GREAT MIGRATION PROJECT

Newly-hatched turtles make a mad dash for the sea and swim frantically for 24 hours to escape from predators close to the shore. The Marine Conservation Society has adopted the name for this phenomenon - Juvenile Frenzy - for its annual fundraising event for endangered marine turtles. UK schoolchildren are invited to match the 11,000 kilometre distance covered by leatherback turtles migrating from Caribbean nesting beaches and raise sponsorship. The challenge can be completed through running, walking, swimming, riding a bike or even doing an egg and spoon race. Participants receive a certificate and a Celebrate the Sea poetry book. Contact Sue Ranger Tel: 01989 566017 for a sponsorship pack Email: turtle@mcsuk.org

www.mcsuk.org

NOVEMBER

ENVIRONMENTAL ONLINE DEBATES

Primary pupils will be able to explore and discuss the causes and effects of the oil spill near the Galapagos Islands in 2001 while secondary students investigate the effects of hazardous chemicals on wildlife and people in online debates at www.wwflearning.co.uk organised by WWF-UK, the global environment network. Guest experts are also invited to participate.

Previous guests have included John Prescott, deputy prime minister, and Michael Meacher, environment minister.

STORY CATCHER CHILD AUTHOR SCHEME

Primary schools across London are invited to register online for this scheme held every January-April and September-December. Free materials guide each pupil through writing a short story, which is then posted on the website to be voted on by other participants. Winners are published in an illustrated book. The first two, Spooky and Spooky 2, are available from www.storycatcher.co.uk or from Gardners BooksTel: 01323 521555

HARRODS YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Visitors to the piano department at Harrods Knightsbridge store are being treated to a series of competitive performances. Two pupils from each of nine invited schools have been entered into one of these categories: wind and brass, strings, piano, vocal, and ensemble. The two best performers in each category will return for the final on November 14. The overall winner’s school will receive the pound;2,000 music prize and silver music cup to display for a year. Tel: Cora Kemp, 020 7225 6884