FROM SEPTEMBER 18. The Commonwealth Institute has organised eight student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings at which sixth formers will enact the roles of Presidents and Prime Ministers debating international issues - the environment, development and human rights, for example - to be raised at the real CHOGM in Auckland, November 10-13. Venues include: Kendal (September 18), London and Bristol (October 11) and Carmarthen (October 16).
Two winners of an essay competition organised in conjunction with these CHOGMs will attend the real summit in New Zealand. Details: Fenella White, 0171 603 4535.
SEPTEMBER 26. CORE SKILLS: A NATIONAL STANDARD FOR CAPABILITY?
Organised by Royal Society of Arts Examinations Board at Barbican Conference Centre, Silk Street, London EC2. Speakers include: John Hillier, chief executive, National Council for Vocational Qualifications; Ursula Russell, director of educational services, RSA Examinations Board; and Malcolm Deere, Universities and Colleges Admission Service. Fees per organisation: Pounds 100 first delegate, Pounds 75 second delegate, Pounds 50 any other delegates (plus VAT). Details: Caroline Geraghty, 01203 470033.
SEPTEMBER 30. “WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE . . .”
Organised by Forum for the Advancement of Educational Therapy and Therapeutic Teaching at the Sacred Heart School, 211 Hammersmith Road, London W6, for all interested in special needs. Presenters include: Gill Morton, educational therapist, Tavistock Mulberry Bush Day Centre. Fee: Pounds 8.50, Pounds 3 members. Details: FAETT honorary secretary, 0181 998 4224 (evenings).
OCTOBER 6-7. LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER: SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND IMPROVEMENT Organised by and held at Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1. Participants include: Sir Tim Lankester, permanent secretary, Department for Education and Employment; Professor Andy Hargreaves, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education; Professor Kathryn Riley, Roehampton Institute of Education; and Professors Peter Mortimore, Michael Barber and Harvey Goldstein of the Institute. Fee: Pounds 150, Pounds 80 one day. Details: Cathy Bird, 0171 612 6017.
OCTOBER 10. THE NATIONAL RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT: PROMOTING AND SUSTAINING QUALITY Organised by Careers Research and Advisory Centre at New Connaught Rooms, London WC2. Conference leader is Malcolm Brigg, national education adviser, Department for Education and Employment, and speakers include: David Tomley, senior lecturer in education, Leicester University, and Val Fallon, assistant director of operations, North Lincolnshire College. Fee: Pounds 135.13. Details: 01223 460277.
