International grandmaster Jonathan Levitt, is organising this event on behalf of the British Chess Problem Society. Entry is free and all UK schools are eligible to enter. It consists of an initial postal round, closing date May 1, from which successful entries will compete in a grand final of more than 100 schools in London on September 28. The first prize is Pounds 250 worth of Batsford chess books. Details: Teresa Howes, 0171 486 8484, or from John Rice, 0181 399 6254

SCIENCE IN PRINT

The Institute of Physics and the National Physical Laboratory are inviting scientists and students who are not professional journalists or science writers to submit up to 1,200 words by May 3 explaining to a non-technical readership the importance of an area of physics to everyday life. Winners will see their articles in print and receive up to Pounds 2,000 in prize money. Details: Sue Osborne, NPL, Queen’s Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, or at: http:www.npl.co.uknplsip96.html

JUGENDBRUCKE IN BRITAIN 1996

British students aged 15-20 are invited to write a 1,000-1,200-word essay by May 13 on “My picture of Germany” for the chance of a trip to Germany from August 5-18. They are also required to submit 300 words about themselves in German. Accommodation is with German families and visits to Berlin and eastern Germany are included. Entrants should be studying GCSEA-level German, English, history and politics. The scheme is run by the British German Association, Wales, the Anglo-German Association and Deutsch-Englischer Gesellschaft. Details: 01495 312726 or 0171 629 4975.