Organised for a multi-disciplinary audience by National Children’s Bureau at Etc Ltd, Avonmouth House, London SE1, as part of a drive to tackle social exclusion of the most vulnerable children and their families. Speakers include: Tessa Jowell, minister of public health. Fee: Pounds 105.75 to Pounds 170. 38. Details: 0171 843 604241.

NOVEMBER 13 AND 19 SEX, PREGNANCY AND ABORTION UNDER 16

Organised by Melnick House Medical at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, and Baden Powell House, Kensington, London SW7, respectively. Dr Michael Collins, a specialist in women’s health, will cover legal, ethical and social issues and the changing medical perspective of problems of teenage pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and child abuse. Fee: Pounds 59. Details: 01344 628383.

NOVEMBER 14-15 EXPLORE ‘98

Organised by the Expedition Advisory Centre of the Royal Geographical Society at 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7. Talks and workshops will explore all aspects of putting together a student expedition, particularly those with a field research component. Sporting projects such as mountaineering, diving, cycling and caving will also be covered. Fee: Pounds 75 (student discounts available). Details: Louise Every, 0171 591 3030; e-mail: eac@rgs.org; web site: www.rgs.org NOVEMBER 20-21 ARTS AND MINDS

Organised by Birmingham Education Department at The Council House, Birmingham, for an international audience. Speakers include: Professor Tim Brighouse, chief education officer, Birmingham; Professor Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education (via video link); Professor John MacBeath, Strathclyde University; and Professor Caroline van Niekerk, Pretoria University, whose subject is “Arts education for new South African citizens in the new South Africa”. Presentations include: “The Very Young at Art” (on the work of 11 artists in nursery schools). Fee: Pounds 150. Details: 0121 428 1167.

NOVEMBER 23 LEADING AND MANAGING SCHOOLS

Organised by Careers Research and Advisory Centre at Hamilton House, London WC1. Headteachers, senior business leaders and managers are invited to share experiences and explore innovative methods of professional development. Fee: Pounds 130 plus VAT. Details: 01223 460277.

NOVEMBER 24

PARENTS IN EDUCATION: WHAT WORKS IN PRACTICE

Organised by Institute of Education at 20 Bedford Way, London WC1, for teachers, parents, governors, policy makers and researchers. Following up on a PERN initiative (Parents in Education Research Network), it will explore policy, good practice and research especially in areas such as literacy, numeracy, science and technology. Speakers include: Charles Clarke, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for schools, and TES editor, Caroline St John-Brooks. Fee: Pounds 75, Pounds 50 PERN members. Details: Paula Larkins, 0171 612 6403.

NOVEMBER 25

AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO DIFFICULT BEHAVIOUR

Organised by Centre for Studies in Inclusive Education at Kensington Town Hall, London W8, for heads, teachers, special educational needs professionals, teacher trainers and school governors. Speakers include: Professor Tim Brighouse, chief education officer, Birmingham. Fee: Pounds 70. Details: 0117 923 8450.