Exhibitions, seminars and demonstrations at Strode College in Somerset. At a “Discovering Japan” exhibition, visitors can look at society (past and present), beliefs, language, art and design, have their fortunes told, try on a kimono, and design a miniature dry stone garden. Other events include: a bonsai exhibition and demonstration, a martial arts and natural health day, Japanese drumming, and exporting and trade opportunities. Details: Godfrey King, Strode College, Church Road, Street, Somerset BA16 OAB.

SEPTEMBER 11-12. SHARING THE VISION: PROMOTING ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND READING

Seminar and free roadshow at Mitchell Theatre and Moir Hall, Charing Cross, Glasgow, organised by Glasgow City Libraries, Strathclyde and Share the Vision to increase awareness of the problems of visually impaired people and show some of the solutions available to meet their information and reading needs. Librarians, teachers and social workers welcome. Seminar fee: Pounds 5 waged, Pounds 1 unwagedregistered disabled. Details: Margaret Wallace, 0141-305 2865.

SEPTEMBER 11-15. PLANTS AND PEOPLE WEEK

Activities for five to 14-year-olds in three age groups, supervised by experienced environmental education teachers, at Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3. They include: investigating artefacts made from plants around the world, creating sculptures and containers, storytelling and drama and complement areas of the geography, science and art curriculum. Details: Dawn Sanders, education officer, 0171-352 5646.

SEPTEMBER 11-15. GOING GOING - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PHILIP LARKIN

Summer school at the Wedgwood Memorial College, Barlaston, Staffordshire, which includes three full-day coach visits with up to five miles walking. The literary safari, with tutor Don Lee from the Workers’ Educational Association, will search out Philip Larkin’s haunts in Wellington, Shropshire, and assess how Leicester influenced him. Evening events include: poetry readings, Larkin’s recordings and a jazz record hop. Details: Don Lee, 0161-273 4995.

SEPTEMBER 11-14. BAYS HANDS-ON SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOLS AND SCIENCE CLUBS

Boa constrictors, day trips to Mars, and green slime are among the attractions organised by the British Association Youth Section at the BA’s Annual Festival of Science, Students’ Union Building, Newcastle University. Admission is free but schools must book in advance. There is a preview evening for attending schools on September 8 and a programme of free lectures for fifth and sixth-formers. Details: Jackie Zammit, 0171-973 3060.

SEPTEMBER 16. TEACHING WITH AUTHORITY

Is the voice of the primary teacher clear and authoritative and is it sufficiently heard? John Barratt, general adviser with West Sussex, is giving the 19th Christian Schiller memorial lecture at the Gulland Theatre, Goldsmith’s College, New Cross, London SE1, 11am (coffee at 10.30am), admission Pounds 2.

Reasonably priced accommodation and meals available in nearby Pentland House. Details: John Coe, the Schiller Group, National Association for Primary Education, 01865 890281.