1-7 August 2015
Saturday
If the cap fits
Flat caps abounded as England’s largest county celebrated itself on Yorkshire Day. It was the 40th anniversary of the campaign, which was founded in 1975 as a protest against the redrawing of the county’s borders.
Sunday
Lorra lorra love
The world bid a fond “ta-ra, chuck” to singer and television personality Cilla Black. The former cloakroom attendant at Liverpool’s Cavern Club had a string of hits before presenting Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.
Monday
The third degree
Accountancy firm Ernst and Young, one of the country’s largest graduate recruiters, dropped qualifications requirements from its entry criteria after finding that results were a “blunt” tool for assessing candidates.
Tuesday
Appliance of science
School may be out, but Google is fuelling a summer of learning for 13- to 18-year-olds. The 15 finalists in the global Online Google Science Fair were announced and the budding scientists were invited to Google HQ.
Wednesday
Play for keeps
It seems appropriate to have a day in the summer holidays dedicated to the right to play. About 100,000 children took part in Playday, which encourages play at home, in the street, at school and in the community.
Thursday
Stepping up to the crease
England’s cricketers took on Australia at Trent Bridge for the chance to win back the Ashes. England went into the fourth Test in the series 2-1 up after victories at Sophia Gardens and Edgbaston.
Friday
Embrace mother nature
Young people can use their holidays to connect with the natural world by taking part in the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout this weekend. The campaign encourages families to spend a night outdoors.
8-14 August 2015
Saturday
We’re Feline fine
Fans of cute furry creatures will be coming together to celebrate World Cat Day. If you don’t have a pet to spoil, mark the event by wearing kitten heels, making catty remarks or simply having a well-earned catnap.
Sunday
Expletive deleted
To prove to students that no one is above the law, you could do worse than relate the story of Richard Nixon, who resigned as US president on this day in 1974 for his part in the Watergate scandal.
Monday
Grow your own
If you’re loopy about lettuce or go crazy for courgettes, National Allotments Week is for you. So why not use it as an opportunity to make the case for setting up a garden at your school?
Tuesday
Ales pitch
Drinking? On a weekday? Make the most of your summer holiday by heading down to London for the Great British Beer Festival, where you’ll find more than 1,000 beers - and hopefully none of your students.
Wednesday
Hearts and minds
Mental health is the theme for this year’s International Youth Day. The UN campaign to raise awareness of the issues faced by young people will involve testimony from individuals with mental health problems.
Thursday
No one left behind
The stigma of being left-handed has faded and teachers no longer force children to switch hands, but living in a right-handed world can still pose challenges. So pause to celebrate difference this Left-Handers’ Day.
Friday
So fair and foul a day
Shakespeare took some artistic license with the history in Macbeth, but he was right about one thing: Macbeth killed King Duncan - not in his sleep, as the play contends, but in a battle on this day in 1040.
