BRITISH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

A packed programme at Leeds University includes a family fun day, September 7, which allows a glimpse of the university’s achievements in science and technology. Pupils aged five to 16 from local schools will participate in interactive workshops and theatre productions and there will be more than 60 talks for fifth and sixth-formers and a Visions for the Future youth technology project for 16 to 25-year-olds. Fee: Pounds 12-Pounds 50. Details: Sheila Schoffield, 0113 233 4177; www.britassoc.org.uk.

SEPTEMBER 10-14

TRIBE OF DORIS

“Everyone can make music - including your Aunt Doris” is the philosophy of Tribe of Doris, a group of Bristol women drummers, dancers and singers. They have organised an international celebration at Lambert’s Hill Farm, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, featuring 25 teachers from Africa, South America and India, who will run workshops in drumming, percussion, dancing and singing. Drums can be hired on site, camping is free or you can come for the day. Fee: Pounds 70 (five days), Pounds 50 (three days), Pounds 12.50 (day), children under 12 free. Concessions available. Details: 0117 9540297.

SEPTEMBER 12-25

ELSTREE CALLING! 70 YEARS OF ELSTREE STUDIOS

Film season about the “British Hollywood” at Barbican Cinema, Silk Street, London EC2. The programme includes: the first British “talkie” (Hitchcock’s Blackmail, 1929); classic crime thriller Hell is a City, with Stanley Baker, Donald Pleasence and Billie Whitelaw; The Dam Busters; and cult TV series The Avengers. Details: 0171 382 7000.

SEPTEMBER 13

VSO OPEN DAY

Teachers interested in stretching their skills in some of the world’s most challenging classrooms are invited to a Voluntary Service Overseas open day at the Capital Conference Centre, 7-9 William Road, London NW1, 10am-4pm. The programme includes presentations, a video of teachers working overseas and opportunities to talk with former volunteers. Details: Kate Purins, 0181 780 7529.

SEPTEMBER 13 AND 14

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Nearly 2,000 UK properties normally closed to the public will be throwing open their doors absolutely free. These include the magnificent marble halls of Surrey House, Norwich, Clevedon Pier, Somerset, the Malt Cross Music Hall, Nottingham, and Snailbeach Mine, Telford. To mark India and Pakistan’s 50th anniversary of Independence, properties with Asian influences are included, such as the Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking, and Clive House Museum, Shrewsbury. Directory and details from: 0891 800603.

SEPTEMBER 30

1996 A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY APPEAL

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

STARTING SEPTEMBER 15

WORKING WITH DRAMA IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Arts on the Move, Manchester, offers drama training seminars for nursery and primary teachers as a whole-school Inset session, or as a separate course in Cheshire on November 8. No previous drama experience required. Topics include: drama games, examining drama methods, using stimuli in drama and planning a lesson. Fee: Pounds 250 whole-school Inset (for up to 24 participants); Pounds 50 Cheshire course. Details: Alison Chaplin, 0161 860 6797.

SEPTEMBER 20

MENTAL MATHEMATICS AND DEVELOPING AS TEACHERS

Discussion day organised by Association of Teachers of Mathematics and sponsored by London Mathematical Society at Northampton Professional Development Centre, Barry Road. Session leaders include: Stephen Harrison, Teacher Training Agency, and Angela Walsh, School Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Fee: Pounds 10 including lunch. Details: Karen Moran, 01332 346599.