25-31 July 2015
Saturday
Check mates
Teachers are the kings and queens of their classrooms. So it would be no surprise if a few educators turned up at the British Chess Championships at the University of Warwick this week.
Sunday
Wheely well done
Determination, grit and a penchant for pain - no, not requirements for a career in schools but the virtues embodied by cyclist Chris Froome as he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France twice.
Monday
Parks and recreation
It’s National Parks Week, so, if you’re not heading abroad this summer, why not visit one of Britain’s 15 national parks? A dose of fresh air is sure to banish all memories of claustrophobic classrooms.
Tuesday
Be prepared
Britain’s most sensible young leaders - and their woggles - are in attendance at this week’s World Scout Jamboree in Yamaguchi City, Japan. Next year’s head boy and girl may even be among them.
Wednesday
Find your sea legs
Have a hankering for the seaside? Then go exploring this National Marine Week. The campaign from Britain’s Wildlife Trusts raises awareness of vulnerable species and this year celebrates dolphins.
Thursday
That’s moor like it
Wuthering Heights author Emily Bront, a teacher before the workload turned her against the profession, was born 197 years ago today (see our pull-out on the 100 books every secondary student should read).
Friday
Retreating from the world
Theravada Buddhists in Thailand begin their annual retreat with a procession of candles to temples. Monks and other devotees will spend three months in peace and quiet. Sound tempting?
1-7 August 2015
Saturday
Have a Wales of a time
Schoolchildren will wear traditional Welsh dress as they take to the stage for the National Eisteddfod (ice-teth-vod). With origins dating back to 1176, it’s one of the oldest cultural celebrations in the world.
Sunday
Works like a charm
Underage magic may be a crime, but it’s sometimes necessary. On this day in 1995, Harry Potter fought off a mob of soul-sucking Dementors with a Patronus charm. Well worth a slap on the wrist, we say.
Monday
Counters at the ready.
Devotees of Travel Scrabble and maths teachers who love trouncing family members at Battleships are sure to enjoy the World Boardgaming Championships in Pennsylvania, US.
Tuesday
Happy birthday, Mr president
Barack Obama will turn 54. During his seven years in office, he and his wife Michelle have worked to raise global standards of education by backing campaigns to get more children into school.
Wednesday
Get in on the act
Drama may be squeezed at schools, but children can watch top London shows for free this Kids Week. The annual month-long campaign is designed to inspire a new generation of thespians.
Thursday
Full of hot air
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the largest hot-air-balloon festivals in the world. Some of the balloons have a capacity of 2,500m3 - roughly the same volume as an Olympic-sized pool.
Friday
It’s the way they tell ‘em
Comedians will vie for the “funniest joke” award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Last year, Tim Vine won with this zinger: “I’ve decided to sell my Hoover.well, it was just collecting dust.”
