For her dissertation, trainee design and technology teacher, Christina Maylor, is researching what it is like to be a dyslexic at school, how the condition is diagnosed and whether dyslexics are bullied. Information welcome from dyslexics, teachers or anyone in contact with the condition. Address: 27 Highgate Road, Lydiate, Merseyside L31 ODA DOES OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM FAIL GIFTED CHILDREN?

Alec Weaver, third-year teacher trainee, would welcome comments from teachers for his dissertation. He has prepared a questionnaire available from: Flat 1, 7 Dudley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LE.

BOYS’ EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS

In New Zealand, boys’ educational and behavioural problems are causing concern, but are not highlighted, as in the UK, by the media, education research community or the Government. Maureen Rutledge, a special education expert, who has been investigating this subject since 1983, is pursuing her researches at Oxford University from July to October and is to present her findings to the New Zealand Ministry of Education on her return. She would like to meet or hear from key people in educational organisations and Government officials involved in improving boys’ education. Address: 31 Portland Road, Remuera, Auckland 5; e-mail: s.rutledge@auckland.ac.nz or (from July) co Peter Rutledge, Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford.

IN SEARCH OF MARIAN DUNLOP, 1880-1974

Jeremy Harvey is writing a biography of Marian Dunlop, teacher and founder of The Fellowship of Meditation. He wants to hear from anyone who knew her or was a pupil of hers at Putney High School, 1907-11; the Working Women’s College, Beckenham, 1919-20; or her private school, Apsley Guise, 1920-28. Address: Obridge HouseRoad, Taunton, Somerset TA2 7QA, tel: 01823 276421.

SPORTING CHANCE

A secondary school in Turkey would like to arrange June sports fixtures (excluding cricket) with a British school. These could be held in either Istanbul or the UK. Contact: Graham Burgess, principal, Isik Lisesi, Tesvikiye Caddesi 152, 80200, Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey; tel: 00 90 212 247 2096; e-mail: burgess@fmv.edu.tr CIRCLE TIME

A teacher who has introduced Circle Time into secondary schools wants to hear from others interested in or already doing similar work. Circle Time, a form of group work, has proved invaluable in tackling bullying in many primary schools. It raises self-esteem, develops emotional intelligence, improves listening and speaking skills and helps children to solve their own emotional problems. Write to: Mr MW Jackson, 90 Bishopsfield, Harlow, Essex CM18 6UN.