As part of Black History Month, and with the aim of helping to raise academic attainment levels of African-Caribbean boys in London’s schools, the Mayor of London and global management company Accenture have launched a scholarship programme for young people aged 11-15. Entrants can either write a 500-1,000 word review of one of four books by November 12, write an essay of up to 1,500 words by October 31 on “Who was Mary Seacole and why was she voted the ‘Greatest Black Briton’ in 2005?”, or become a Black History quiz champion. The quiz involves in-school and local borough heats with the finals being held in February 2006. Prizes include scholarships of pound;1,500-pound;3,000, laptops and publication of winning entries.

Tel: 020 8539 7913 Email: info@blackscholar.net www.blackscholar.net

Making the grade November 9-10

Northern Grid for Learning’s annual conference at Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel, Newcastle, is aimed at teachers and local authority ICT leaders. It will include an overview by Russell Prue, chief product evangelist at RM, of the new five-year ICT policy document, Harnessing Technology. Other speakers include Sir Dexter Hutt, head of Ninestiles School, Birmingham.

Tel: 0191 461 1844 www.northerngrid.org.uk

“Hearts and Minds” November 16

Representatives from Antidote (Campaign for Emotional Literacy) and SAPERE (Philosophy for Children) will explore ways to develop emotional literacy, values education and thinking skills and to include children’s wellbeing in their learning. Venue: NUT, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1. Fee: pound;65; pound;30 concessions (includes lunch).

Participants can go on that evening and the following day to complete a Level 1 course on using Philosophy for Children to develop an emotionally literate learning community. Additional cost: pound;165.

Tel: 01865 488340 www.sapere.net

Breakfast Champions Closes November 11

To celebrate Farmhouse Breakfast Week (January 22-28) and encourage everyone to enjoy a healthy balanced breakfast using regional produce, the Home Grown Cereals Authority invites schools or individuals, from teachers and pupils to dinner ladies, to submit entries on what makes them a breakfast champion. Prizes include Premier Cutlery knives for adults and book tokens for children.

Tel: 020 7520 3971 www.hgca.combreakfast