6-12 September 2014
Saturday
Order of service
Teacher-zealots congregated at the church of educational research, also known as London’s annual ResearchEd conference, to ask: “Where’s the evidence?” Speakers included our own Tom Bennett.
Sunday
Red river
The red flag was proudly waved from the banks of the River Mersey, as the workers united and then descended on the city of Liverpool for the Trades Union Congress’ four-day annual conference.
Monday
There’s Life in the old dog yet
Champions in the making! After a dreary 1-0 win against Norway at a half-empty Wembley Stadium, England kicked off its Euro 2016 campaign against Switzerland with a 2-0 victory.
Tuesday
Business as usual
Tristram Hunt, Labour’s education spokesman, outlined the latest instalment of his party’s policies at a CBI conference in central London. Teach First founder Brett Wigdortz also shared his wit and wisdom.
Wednesday
Winning words
He has made a living telling teachers they should Teach Like a Champion, but did bestselling motivational author Doug Lemov speak like one at thinktank Policy Exchange’s inaugural annual education lecture?
Thursday
Scientific enquiry
Ever wondered how to walk on custard? Or how the Milky Way is being mapped from space? These questions and more were answered at the six-day British Science Festival in Birmingham, which ended today.
Friday
The first step?
On this day in 1997, it was the moment of truth for Scotland, as it was revealed that the country had voted for devolved government. Tony Blair said the era of “big, centralised government” was at an end.
13-19 September 2014
Saturday
Pomp and circumstance
All together now: “Land of hope and glooooorry, la la la la la la.” It’s the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, so get your union flags out while you still can and give them a wave.
Sunday
God’s own game
It may be the quintessential English sport but it’s also got a following in Rome. The Vatican-based St Peter’s Cricket Club is due to begin its tour of England today, including a match against an Anglican XI.
Monday
Sweet charity
The Great British Bake Off has taken the UK by storm - good news for National Cupcake Week, which starts today. The event aims to raise money for cancer charity CLIC Sargent through the medium of sugar.
Tuesday
Plugging the gap
From next year, schools and nurseries in England will receive the early years pupil premium. A conference in Westminster today will consider how the extra money can be used to narrow the achievement gap.
Wednesday
Sold on gold
Ever wanted a near-life-sized, gold-plated model replica of James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 used in the film Goldfinger? Christie’s auction house is flogging just such an item today in support of the NSPCC.
Thursday
State of the union
It’s the big one. After an increasingly fractious campaign that has narrowed dramatically in its closing stages, Scots will take to the polls to decide if they want independence from the UK.
Friday
Please, no double denim
It’s Jeans for Genes Day, which raises funds and awareness for children around the world suffering from genetic disorders. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a non-uniform day at school.
