Composition contest

The composer of the soundtracks for the last five James Bond films, including the upcoming Quantum of Solace, has joined the judging panel for the best school-aged composer award. David Arnold will be among the judges for the Sibelius Student Composer of the Year competition, aimed at 10- to 18-year-olds. Pupils have until October 31 to submit compositions in one of three categories - film, jazz, classicalcontemporary - to accompany one-minute film clips provided by the British Film Institute. Other judges include Dario Marianelli, who won an Oscar for the Atonement soundtrack, and Simon Bates, the Classic FM presenter.

www.sibelius.comstudentcomposer

Drinks code

School drinks suppliers are being urged to sign up to a new code of practice from today. The voluntary code, which has been produced by the School Food Trust, proposes a ban on drinks containing added colours and artificial sweeteners, and puts tight restrictions on other additives. Dr Michael Nelson, director of research for the trust, said: “If we are to ensure that school children are getting access to a nutritionally balanced diet, it is vital that drinks, as well as food, comply with strict guidelines.”

Red Cross resources

The British Red Cross is promoting a series of resources to help schools teach International Humanitarian Law, which is now a part of the key stage 3 and 4 curriculums. October is the humanitarian organisation’s “citizens in conflict” month, when it highlights the plight of people living in conflict around the world.

www.redcross.org.ukeducation

Governors’ awards

New awards have been launched to recognise outstanding governing bodies. The National Governors’ Association is to award governors who have excelled in challenging circumstances, pioneered different ways of working or run exceptional projects. Winners will be announced on March 21 next year. Nomination forms for this and the clerk award, which continues, are available from the NGA website.

www.nga.org.uk.