Research indicates that children born between May and August tend to perform least well in school assessments, GCSE and A-level. The National Foundation for Educational Research is investigating the implications of this for school policy and practice and would like to hear from LEAs andor schools that have attempted to counteract this disadvantage with, say, school-entry policies, class-grouping policies, and the targeting of resources on the youngest in the age group. Please contact: Caroline Sharp, 01753 574123.

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCILS AND STUDENT DEMOCRACY

Dinah Pryor has undertaken a research project for Learning Through Landscapes on the feasibility of student councils taking an active role in developing their school grounds, and the support they would need. If anyone has done any work in this area please contact her at: 35 De Montfort Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1SP.

BAD BACKS

Primary school teachers who are back sufferers are requested to telephone 0181 777 9554 for research purposes.

WOMEN’S TEACHING CAREERSCAREER BREAKS

PhD student, Angela Coyle, would welcome letters from working and retired British women primary teachers describing their individual career patterns, how their personal lives fit around their professional lives, and whether their teaching careers have been affected by career breaks. She can be contacted co Dr D Black, School of Education, Bath University, 01225 333222.

CHILDREN AND SMALL ANIMAL CARE

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals plans to produce primary and secondary education packs on responsible pet care and ownership. It has compiled a questionnaire to find out what teachers would like the packs to contain, which is available from: Patricia Atkinson, 01952 290999.