Teachers interested in stretching their skills in some of the world’s most challenging classrooms are invited to Voluntary Service Overseas’ open days. The first, on VSO’s English language programme in China, will be held at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square, London WC1, and will include a photographic exhibition, “China Through Women’s Eyes”. The other two, at SOAS and Leeds University respectively, will cover wider teaching opportunities. Free admission. Details: 0181 780 7500.

FEBRUARY 4 1996 GCSE ACCOUNTING APPEAL

FEBRUARY 26 1997 A-LEVEL CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

The Independent Appeals Authority for School Examinations will hear these appeals at 10am, at the Kennedy Hotel, Cardington Street, London NW1, and Newcombe House, 45 Notting Hill Gate, W11, respectively. Open to the public. Details: 0171 243 9245.

STARTING FEBRUARY 4 THE CENTRE FOR THE BOOK

This British Library department is hosting talks at 96 Euston Road, London NW1, 6.15pm. At the first John Burnside, Times Literary Supplement fellow, poet and novelist, will give readings from his work.

The second, to be given by Roy Foster, professor of Irish history, Oxford University, on February 19 is entitled “W B Yeats and the fin de si cle”. Third and fourth in the series are Norman Davies, author of Europe: a History, on Europe’s changing identity, and Professor Linda Colley, Yale University, on “Going native, telling tales: captives and turncoats in the eighteenth century”. Tickets: Pounds 4, Pounds 2.50 concessions. Details: 0171 412 7222.

FEBRUARY 6 (2-9pm) AND 7 (9am-noon) THE GREAT VICTORIAN EXHIBITION

The bicentenary of the opening of Joseph Lancaster’s first monitorial school in Southwark 1798 is marked in this exhibition of Victorian life and industry put together by North Hertfordshire Schools at Hitchin Town Hall. Lancaster introduced teacher training, brought reading and writing together as curriculum subjects and showed that education for all was possible. It has been organised by The British Schools Education Group. Details: 01462 452697.

FEBRUARY 7 TRAILING CLOUDS OF GLORY

Parents’ workshop on the development and education of the child from birth to seven years at the Steiner Theatre and Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1, 6-9pm. Led by Sandra Czemmel and Glen Rawlinson, both teachers with over ten years’ experience in state and Waldorf (Steiner) schools, it will explore the inborn forces of imitation and the importance of rhythm in child development. Fee: Pounds 7, Pounds 5 concessions. Details: 0171 7223 4400.

UNTIL APRIL BIRD’S EYE VIEWS

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has organised a countrywide programme of events. These include: Exe Avocet birdwatching cruises along the Exmouth estuary (details: 01392 253215); guided walks around nature reserves; high tide and spring tide spectaculars, Merseyside and Norfolk; and educational fun activities (in March holidays) at Ribble Estuary Discovery Centre, Lancashire. Details: 01767 680551.