Urbis, a new museum that uses up-to-date technology to dramatise urbanisation, opens in Manchester’s new Millennium Quarter with four floors of hands-on exhibitions. Urbis aims to provide a comprehensive education programme for pupils from key stages 2 to 4 with links to a range of subjects. The education programme, to be officially launched in September, will include workshops, tours and teachers’ packs. School parties will be admitted free. To speak to the education team ring: 0161 907 9077 or visit: www.urbis.org.uk.

June 5-7 National Association of Head Teachers annual conference

To be held at the Torquay Riviera Centre. For information tel: 01444 472472 or visit www.naht.org.uk.

June 10-14 School Grounds Week

A chance to celebrate the importance of school grounds. Free downloadable resources available from Learning ThroughLandscapes: www.ltl.org.uk.

June 15-22 The Big Arts Week

This week aims to encourage the nation’s best artists to work with pupils in schools on creative projects. Every primary school in England is being asked to join the scheme, as are artists of every kind. To register go to: www.bigartsweek.comsignup.htm.

June 17-23 National Refugee Week

Provides an opportunity to celebrate sanctuary and the contribution of refugees to UK life. For a wealth of useful stuff, including an events list, activities, assembly ideas, background data, a children’s magazine and ideas on how to introduce awareness of refugees into citizenship go to: www.refugeeweek.org.uk.

June 21 The Longest Day

Offers an opportunity to introduce aspects of astronomy and geography, and to discuss the importance of the summer solstice in different religions and communities.