February 3

This conference at the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1, will explore global issues through children’s literature. Speakers include children’s author Beverley Naidoo on “Journeys across the borders of the mind” and there is a choice of workshops. Fee: pound;120.

Tel: 020 7612 6600

Email: cpd.inset@ioe.ac.uk

Leaders of DT

February 8-March 14

The Design and Technology Association is running conferences for new and experienced DT leaders, advisers and tutors. They will cover national curriculum strategies, the role of the subject leader, secondary Ofsted self-evaluation, primary activities and resources. Locations: Birmingham, February 8 (primary), February 9 (secondary); London, February 9 (primary), February 10 (secondary); Bristol, February 27 (primary), February 28 (secondary); Manchester, March 2 (primary), March 3 (secondary); Newcastle, March 13 (primary), March 14 (secondary).

www.data.org.uk

Design a Christmas card

Closes January 13

To encourage primary pupils to think about pets’ needs and why it is important not to give a pet as a Christmas present, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust are inviting Christmas card designs by January 13. The winning design will be made into a card for the winners’ school and may be used by the charities for fundraising. Prizes include Hodder children’s books.

Tel: 020 7833 7656

www.cats.org.uk www.learnwithdogs.co.uk

Cracker appeal

Christmas cracker packs containing posters, stories and fundraising ideas are being sent to schools to encourage them to organise a special Christmas cracker day and individual fundraising events. The school will then use money raised to buy an item, such as a goat for a family in one of the world’s poorest countries, from the charity’s alternative Christmas gift catalogue. Other catalogue ideas include paying pound;25 for a child to be immunised against diseases. The school will receive a certificate recording their achievement.

Tel: 08000 12 12 01 Email: cracker@worldvision.org.uk

Black history essays

The closing dates for the essay and book review competitions (see Bulletin, October 28) have been extended to January 27.

Tel: 020 8539 7913 www.blackscholar.net