22-28 November 2014
Saturday
Extreme measures
Newspapers reported the fallout from the latest Ofsted visits. Education secretary Nicky Morgan threatened to close six private Muslim schools in East London whose pupils were deemed “vulnerable to radicalisation”.
Sunday
Return of the lazy student?
Universities are dishing out degrees to students who have done very little work, a report from consumer group Which? shows. Just under half (49 per cent) of the students surveyed felt their workload was demanding.
Monday
Selective pressure
A right-wing campaign group put pressure on the Tories to make an election pledge to allow new grammar schools. Conservative Voice wants to ditch rules that prevent more of the institutions from being opened.
Tuesday
Smoke signals
This is no time for a crafty ciggie behind the bike sheds: the Office for National Statistics published figures on adult smoking habits including, for the first time, a survey of e-cigarette usage.
Wednesday
Jobs’ worth
The slippery issue of careers guidance and how to fund it was at the heart of a debate held by the ATL teaching union. Experts explained the best ways to enable young Nigel and Nigella to follow their dreams.
Thursday
Voodoo child
It was the birthday of legendary musician, singer and songwriter Jimi Hendrix. He died in 1970, aged just 27, but his music - including hits such as Foxy Lady and Purple Haze - lives on.
Friday
Royal touch
Holyport College, the new state boarding school in Berkshire sponsored by Eton College, got out its best china in preparation for its official opening by the Queen. Chocolate pud and custard, Your Majesty?
29 November - 5 December 2014
Saturday
It’s a small world
Doll’s house fanatics from across the world are expected at Kensington Town Hall in London to see a host of tiny exhibits. Some 170 craftspeople will show miniature chaises longues and microscopic milk bottles.
Sunday
Highland fling
It’s St Andrew’s Day, so down a dram to join in this celebration of Scottish culture, food and dance. The Apostle Andrew is a popular choice of patron saint - Scotland shares him with Romania, Russia and Greece.
Monday
Hot stuff
Break open a cardamom pod, it’s the British Curry Awards. The event celebrates the best of the industry, which is going strong despite increasing competition from other world cuisines. Make mine a vindaloo.
Tuesday
Newborn hope
The ethics of fertility treatment will be on the agenda of the Progress Educational Trust’s annual conference in London. Speakers will include science broadcaster Lord Winston.
Wednesday
Love-hate relationship
Smirks and sniggers will surely abound at the Literary Review Bad Sex in Fiction Award ceremony in London. The annual prize is given to the author responsible for the most cringeworthy piece of sexual description.
Thursday
Lost world
One to tell dinosaur-mad pupils about: a rare stegosaurus skeleton will go on display at the Natural History Museum in London. The fossilised remains, from Wyoming in the US, include more than 300 bones.
Friday
On the wagon
An orange juice for the road? Scotland will start a major clampdown on drink driving, cutting the legal blood alcohol limit from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml in a departure from the rules in England.
