MORE than 1,000 school leaders from around the world will meet in Edinburgh this July for the sixth World Convention of Principals.

The convention is promoted by the International Confederation of Principals, and organised by the Secondary Heads Association and the National Association of Head Teachers. Sponsors include The TES, Unesco and the Department for Education and Skills. Tim Brighouse, John Macbeath, and Louise Stoll are among the speakers.

The confederation began in 1990 in the US with the secretariat transferring to the United Kingdom under the auspices of NAHT and SHA in 2001. There are currently 130,000 members from 35 organisations worldwide.

The convention will be held from July 13-16.

www.info@sha.org.uk

www.info@naht.org.uk

www.icponline.org

Leading the Christian way

THE Association of Christian Teachers is organising a conference, with the theme “Vocation, Vision and Values - The Essential Role of Christians in School Leadership”, at the King’s Park Conference Centre in Northampton, March 6-8. ACT: 01727 840298

Councils join university

FIVE more education authorities have joined the University of the First Age, which encourages out-of-school activities. Oldham, Bolton, Wigan, Warwickshire and Leicestershire bring the total of LEAs working with the education charity to 35. The university was founded in Birmingham by the city’s former chief education officer, Tim Brighouse.

Gateshead’s in tune

JAZZ singer Cleo Laine, newly appointed president of the National Music Council (NMC), announced the winners of the 2002 Local Education Authority Music Awards at a ceremony held at the Royal Society for the Arts last week.

Gateshead won the major award for its advice and support for other council music services; for its outstanding commitment to music education; and for a guide to music in the foundation stage with proceeds of sales used to fund new instruments and the youth orchestra’s annual tours.

The authority also made two key appointments: a music development leader to extend the range of creative opportunities for staff and students; and an early-years lead teacher to develop in-service training and co-ordinate curriculum support.

Barking and Dagenham, Caerphilly, Gwynedd and Ynys Mon, Hampshire, North Lanarkshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and Southampton won diplomas of merit.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the music awards and the 50th anniversary of the NMC.

www.musiced.org.uk

diane.spencer@tes.co.uk