11-17 July 2015
Saturday
Well served
It was game, set and match on the final weekend of Wimbledon as Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic netted the singles trophies. Williams has now won four majors in a row - dubbed the “Serena Slam”.
Sunday
Clash of kings
Teachers struggling with life after Game of Thrones should explore Britain’s past. On this day in 927, Anglo-Saxon King thelstan became the first undisputed lord of the north by taking control of Northumbria.
Monday
A sticky end
Could tuck shops be facing the chop? The British Medical Association suggested in a report that the government should introduce a tax on sugary soft drinks in order to curb obesity in young children.
Tuesday
Going ape
School can be a jungle at the end of term, but imagine what Jane Goodall faced when she arrived in Tanzania 55 years ago to study chimps in the wild. Her findings revealed that they use tools like humans.
Wednesday
Watch the birdie
The great and the good of golf converged on St Andrews this week to fight it out in the sport’s oldest championship. Last year’s winner Rory McIlroy is out of action with an injury, so the field has been left wide open.
Thursday
Shoot for the moon
On this day in 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins launched in Apollo 11, bound for the Moon. Four days later, Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the lunar surface.
Friday
Enchanted evenings
Get your geek on for the London Film and Comic Convention. Attendees are expected to include Hogwarts’ headteacher, also known as actor Michael Gambon, and Alien sci-fi legend Sigourney Weaver.
18-24 July 2015
Saturday
A man of his word
Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Today, International Mandela Day is marked on the birthday of the late South African hero.
Sunday
In deep water
Already thinking ahead to next year’s history classes? You could run a lesson on the Mary Rose, the Tudor warship that mysteriously sank on this day in 1545. The wreck was raised from the depths in 1982.
Monday
Stick your neck out
The annual census of swans on the River Thames, known as the “Swan Upping” ceremony, commences today. The monarch has held ownership of all swans on certain stretches of the river since the 12th century.
Tuesday
Bar and grill
Two weeks into their holidays, Belgian teachers will be celebrating their National Day by raising a glass and eating chocolate and waffles. Today marks the inauguration of the country’s first king, Leopold I.
Wednesday
Another slice of pi
Missed Pi Day in March, maths teachers? Fear not, for today is Pi Approximation Day which gives you a second chance to celebrate the magic number. Why now? Because 227 is roughly equivalent to pi.
Thursday
Wurst-case scenario
School’s out, so treat yourself to a lunch that Jamie Oliver would disapprove of: it’s National Hot Dog Day in the US. It’s run by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council - and yes, that is a real organisation.
Friday
Oceans of love
Young people in the Oceanic island nation of Vanuatu get half a day off school today, along with presents. It’s all for the nation’s Children’s Day, which is designed to encourage families to spend time together.
