The London Symphony Orchestra is holding a free lunchtime concert exploring a well-known story with workshop leader Hannah Conway. Suitable for ages three to six, it will include original music and encourage children to sing along. Venue: Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street, London EC1, 1pm. On the following day, free improvisatory sessions will be held at the hall for ages 10-18. All instruments and singers are welcome.

Tel: 020 7382 2535; nina.swann@lso.co.uk

Easter dance courses April 18-22

Easter Organics, a programme of five-day intensive courses, ranging from beginners to advanced, is held at The Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, London WC1. It includes contemporary dance and ballet classes, plus classes in ashtanga yoga, Pilates and the graceful Brazilian art of capoeira. Classes start at pound;50 for the week (concessions available). There is a pound;5 discount on each additional class.

www.theplace.org.uk

Writing competition Closes April 10

The Writers of the Year competition has four categories: poems; extended sequences of poems; short stories; and writing for children (prose intended for ages 8-12). The prize pot is pound;2,500, and winners’ entries will be published in the Writers Inc Writers-of-the-Year Competition anthology.

Entry fees: pound;3-pound;8 poems; pound;3 per children’s story; pound;5 per short story; pound;12 for three stories.

www.writersinc-london.org.uk

Languages competition Closes April 5

The Free Spirit Poetry and Song Competition, run by the University of West England, invites pupils in UK schools, aged 10-18, to enter poems in French, German, Spanish and other languages. Shape poems, acrostics, Haiku, recipe poems, pop or rock songs and raps are welcome. Eight winners receive pound;50 each.

www.cilt.org.ukcomeniuswestmidlandsks3_ks4_post16.htm

German teacher award Closes May 1

Does your school have an outstanding teacher of German? Nominations are invited for this German Embassy award. Three winners receive pound;750 each.

www.goethe.deinsgblonlhrakten1143818.htm