MAY 3. CULTURE, COMMERCE AND THE CURRICULUM. A TES conference organised by National Foundation for Arts Education at Central Hall, Westminster, London SW1. Speakers include: Sir John Harvey Jones, Sir David Puttnam and Professor Ken Robinson, the NFAE chairman. Topics: roles of the arts in the new education agenda; the qualities and abilities schools should promote in the interests of young people and the economy; and the implications of the new media and information technologies. Fee: Pounds 35. Details: NFAE, 01865 247644

MAY 13

CATHOLIC WOMEN IN EDUCATION: THE NEED TO EMPOWER

Organised by Roehampton Institute at Digby Stuart College, London SW15. Speakers include: Anthea Millett, director of the Teacher Training Agency; Clare Short MP; and Sister Bernadette Porter and Professor Kathryn Riley of Roehampton Institute. Fee: Pounds 20, Pounds 10 concessions. Details: Sister Bernadette Porter, pro-rector, Roehampton Institute, 0181-392 3211.

MAY 13

OCTOBER 20-22

READING BETWEEN THE LINES: THE CHILD’S FEAR OF MEANING

LEARNING AND COMMUNICATION

Two conferences organised by Forum for the Advancement of Educational Therapy and Therapeutic Teaching. The first is at St Alban’s Centre, Baldwin’s Gardens, London EC1 for all interested in special educational needs. Speakers include Mia Beaumont of the Hornsey Rise Child and Family Therapy Service. Fee: Pounds 8.50, Pounds 3 members.

The second conference is on international educational therapy and is to be held at the University of Athens, Greece. Details: Heather Geddes, 01404 850329.

JUNE 28

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Organised by Trafford LEA at Sale West Development Centre, 1 pm, to promote A Gift to the Child, a new approach to religious produced by teachers in the West Midlands. Presenter: Professor John Hull, Birmingham University. Extensive resource exhibition. Fee: Pounds 35. Details: Elaine McNicholas, 0161-875 0897.

JULY 3-4

TAKING MUSIC EDUCATION FORWARD

Organised by Music for Youth and Music Education Council in association with The TES at Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London SE1 for heads, education officers, governors, parents, teachers, advisers and heads of music services. Speakers include: Eric Forth MP, Minister of State at the Department for Education, Peter Kilfoyle MP, an opposition spokesperson on education, Professor Ted Wragg, director of the school of education, Exeter University, and Bengt Olsson, University of Goteborg, Sweden. Fee: Pounds 65. Details: MFY, 0181-870 9624.