Letters Einstein received from children, as intrigued by his unruly hairstyle as they were about the universe, are included in an exhibition at the Jewish Museum, Albert Street, London NW1. It marks the centenary of Einstein’s annus mirabilis, when he published three papers which revolutionised our understanding of the cosmos. It also reveals his troubled personal life and political and religious views. Exhibits include facsimiles of seminal scientific papers, including the E=mc2 document and correspondence with President Roosevelt discussing the feasibility of nuclear weapons. The education programme includes workshops for children.

Tel: 020 7284 1997 www.jewishmuseum.org.uk

Orchestra auditions October 2-November 4

Children aged seven to 14 are invited to audition for the National Children’s Orchestra which has a schedule of concerts and courses including Christmas performances at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. The 20 most talented children are admitted free thanks to funding from the Leverhulme Trust, and bursaries are available to others. Audition venues include Cardiff, Stratford-upon-Avon, Caerphilly, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Leeds, Twickenham, Wells and Weston-super-Mare.

www.nco.org.uk

Garden workshops From October 4

Workshops at Growing Schools Garden in London SE9 include arts in the natural environment, renewable energy in a garden project, using the outdoor classroom every day, developing a gardening club, gardening for busy teachers, using school grounds for wildlife, making science come alive outdoors, and ecological fieldwork for secondary teachers. Fee: pound;115 per course.

Tel: 020 8294 5864 www.teachernet.gov.ukgrowingschools News competitions February 9, March 23

Entries are invited for the National Political Journalism and National Youth Parliament competitions, closing dates February 9 and March 23 respectively. Teams or individuals aged 11 to 16 can tackle smoking in public, ID cards, top-up fees and voting at 16. The first competition challenges students to create news pieces in print, TV or radio, while the second offers the opportunity to understand democracy and make a video of their own parliamentary debate. Prizes include digital video cameras and recording equipment. www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk