SET WEEK

Professor Stephen Hawking, author of A Brief History of Time, is to open Cambridge University’s programme of events for the annual national week of science, engineering and technology, with his theories on how these subjects will develop over the next 1,000 years. Other highlights include talks on life in space by cosmonaut Colonel Alexander Volkov and space scientist, Dr Alexander Martynov, who has spent time on the MIR space station; a lesson in boomerang throwing and physics; demonstrations of rocket science using pop bottles; and exploding custard (part of an FBI investigation into extraordinary chemistry). Details of events up and down the country from hotline, 01223 332300.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1

A RESPECTABLE TRADE? BRISTOL AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

This exhibition at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery will explore Bristol’s web of influence and profit behind the slave trade; enslaved Africans fighting back; and individual stories from the millions sold into slavery. Free admission. Details: 0117 922 3623.

MARCH 17

MUSIC CONCERT

Following a residency with the English Chamber Orchestra, pupils from Bristol schools will join ECO members for a performance of The Toy Symphony and extracts from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at Bristol Cathedral, 1.30pm. It will involve the Hartcliffe School and Bristol Cathedral School Orchestra and whole class groups of “toys” from five primary schools. Details: Vic Ecclestone, 0117 9147745.

MARCH 17-OCTOBER 9

RSC SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON

The Royal Shakespeare Company is staging 10 new productions in Stratford-upon-Avon. These include: the first main stage production of Timon of Athens since 1965; Othello with Ray Fearon in the title role; Antony and Cleopatra starring Alan Bates and Frances de la Tour; A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Josette Simon as Titania; Ben Jonson’s Volpone; the world premiere of Ted Hughes’s Tales from Ovid; and T S Eliot’s The Family Reunion.

The RSC touring company is visiting 11 towns in the UK with Troilus and Cressida and Turgenev’s A Month in the Country and an extensive education programme. Details: 01789 295623 or Web site: www.rsc.org.uk

MARCH 20

NUMERACY INTO LITERACY WON’T GO!

Annual general meeting of the National Association for Primary Education at St Ebbe’s School, Oxford, from 10am. Speakers: Gunther Kress, professor of English and education, London Institute of Education; and Sue Hatton, National Numeracy Project. Fee: pound;24, pound;18 members; concessions pound;16, pound;12 members (deduct pound;6.50 if not having lunch). Details: Joan Keevil, 01604 636328.

MARCH 24

THIS IS THE BEGINNING Dissemination event about sharing good practice at the Conference Centre, Askham Bryan College, York. It will examine a North Yorkshire Widening Participation Partnership project, which aimed to increase participation in education and training in the county’s mainly rural catchment area, through taster courses, seminars and workshops on such topics as information technology, job search techniques and study skills. Free admission. Reservations: 01904 772225.

MARCH 24,31 AND APRIL 23

PROMOTING WORK-RELATED LEARNING

Countec education business partnership has organised dissemination events for the South-east region in Slough, Maidstone and Andover respectively. Delegates from local education authorities, training and enterprise councils, schools, colleges, careers services and training providers among others will share good practice and explore projects being undertaken in the region. Details: Karen Bek, 01908 660005.