4-10 July 2015
Saturday
Born as the USA
It was the annual reminder that Independence Day isn’t just a great film starring Jeff Goldblum - it’s a US holiday celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain. Stars and stripes all round!
Sunday
Still going strong
The UK wished a happy 67th birthday to the NHS. In 1948, the government implemented free “health and rehabilitation services for prevention and cure of disease” - and the service is looking after us to this day.
Monday
Spine tingling
People got more bang for their book as Children’s Book Week began. State schools and libraries around the country were given book-related activities to encourage children to read for leisure.
Tuesday
Seeing Red
Adrenaline junkies came out to participate in the Pamplona Bull Run in Spain, as they have done since the 13th century. Runners set out on a cordoned-off route through the city with raging bulls in pursuit.
Wednesday
Console yourself
People pulled out their PlayStations, XBoxes, Sony Mega Drives and Nintendo 64s to celebrate Video Games Day. Hopefully, teachers didn’t get so lost in Sonic the Hedgehog that they forgot to go to school.
Thursday
Lift-off Down Under
The Commonwealth of Australia came into being on this day in 1900 when Queen Victoria signed it into law. Britain’s former colony has done a lot of growing up since then - as UK cricket fans will ruefully agree.
Friday
Current concerns
Electrify your students with some sensational science to mark Tesla Day. The event, in honour of engineer and scientist Nikola Tesla, is celebrated around the globe to mark his contribution to humanity.
11-17 July 2015
Saturday
Court appearance
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships reaches its final weekend as the women’s singles title is decided on Centre Court. Reigning champion Petra Kvitov is out - who will replace her?
Sunday
Live and learn
Malala Day will be promoting the rights of girls to access education around the world. The event marks the birthday of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban for her activism.
Monday
Pop against poverty
Live Aid is 30 years old today. The international concert was organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Ultravox frontman Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian people suffering from famine.
Tuesday
Prison break
Vive la revolution! As any French teacher knows, France comes together on this date each year for Bastille Day, remembering the storming of the Bastille prison: the symbolic start of the French Revolution.
Wednesday
How bizarre
Chaos may be anathema to teachers, but embrace absurdity for a moment and celebrate International Dadaism Month - or at least one day of it. The event takes place on random dates over the year.
Thursday
Timeless teen angst
Looking for a poster child for youthful rebellion? That’ll be The Catcher in the Rye’s Holden Caulfield. J D Salinger’s coming-of-age novel was introduced to the public on this day in 1951.
Friday
Musical youth
If classical tunes are music to your ears, make sure you catch the First Night of the Proms. The season includes several school-centred concerts, including events celebrating the BBC’s Ten Pieces initiative.
