16-22 August 2014
Saturday
Foul play
As the UK professional football season kicked off once more, Manchester United fans hoped their team weren’t starting as they meant to go on when Louis van Gaal’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat to Swansea.
Sunday
Passed with flying colours
Fourteen years ago today, Prince William got his A-level results and went on to study history of art at university. He’s now flying helicopters for the East Anglian Ambulance Service - how’s that for degree relevance?
Monday
With-profits scheme
Speaking at Microsoft’s UK headquarters, shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt seized the opportunity for a spot of electioneering. A vote for the Conservatives meant supporting for-profit schools, he said.
Tuesday
Voice coaching
More than 700,000 migrants are being “left voiceless” thanks to a lack of government strategy on teaching English to speakers of other languages, according to a report titled On Speaking Terms by thinktank Demos.
Wednesday
A second helping
As the end of summer looms, teachers in the US swallowed their back-to school blues for National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day. This obscure culinary festival was the sequel to plain old National Pecan Pie Day on 12 July.
Thursday
Stress test
It was GCSE results day in England and the teens picking up their results weren’t the only ones suffering: the Exam Officers’ Association said reforms were causing “burnout” and stress among school staff.
Friday
Outdoor learning
Reading Festival starts today, with muddy music fans churning up a field in Berkshire. Headline acts this year include Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg and Blink-182. Last year, more than 90,000 fans showed up.
23-29 August 2014
Saturday
Whovian dynasty
Get your best Dalek voices at the ready and take up position behind the sofa for the return of Doctor Who. Tonight’s episode will be the first full outing for Peter Capaldi, who is taking on the title role.
Sunday
On an odd note
It’s International Strange Music Day, which encourages people to listen to tunes they wouldn’t usually try. The “strange” can mean either weird or unfamiliar, so search music-streaming sites for something wacky.
Monday
C’est la guerre
The 70-year anniversary of the liberation of Paris will be marked. General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French forces, told the nation: “I wish simply from the bottom of my heart to say to you: vive Paris!”
Tuesday
Presidential pride
The US will be celebrating Women’s Equality Day, which will this year mark the 94th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Barack Obama is expected to publish the usual presidential proclamation.
Wednesday
Try not to fret
Embarrassing dads the world over will be heading for Finland as the Air Guitar World Championships kick off. Contestants have three minutes to showcase their skills. The only rule: no real guitars are allowed.
Thursday
The Mo vote
A line-up of sporting heroes will grace the Mo Farah Foundation Night of Champions. The star-studded event will raise money for education and health projects in the Horn of Africa and the UK.
Friday
A name in lights
Comedian Peter Kay will be doing the honours and switching on a million lights for the Blackpool Illuminations. This year’s event is set to last for three days, with the “switch-on” concert headlined by Little Mix.
