27 December - 2 January 2015
Saturday
Keep the change
Christmas has emptied your wallet; it’s time to start counting the pennies. Consumer charity Which? urged the government to launch a national savings strategy after finding a quarter of people had no nest egg.
Sunday
A chill wind blows
Temperatures plunged, engines failed to start and slush froze solid. Twas a blessing it didn’t happen in term time, or we’d have suffered the inevitable “snow joke” headlines about school closures.
Monday
Know your rights
It was 40 years to the day since the law was changed to enshrine equal pay for women at work. The Sex Discrimination Act also banned discrimination against people based on their marital status.
Tuesday
Dear Sir.
Arise new knights and dames, your services have been recognised. Headteachers and other members of the great and good of education were named on the New Year’s Honours List.
Wednesday
Pride of Scotland
Gay and lesbian couples were able to tie the knot in Scotland for the first time today. The country has followed in the footsteps of England and Wales, where same-sex marriage became legal in March 2014.
Thursday
Brand new you
Hope you managed to shake off that Hogmanay-induced fuzzy head. The new year has dawned and it is incumbent on us all to resolve to be better people - or to at least renew the gym membership.
Friday
Sofa, so good
Rip the cellophane off those box sets and fire up the DVD player - it’s the last Friday before the start of term. Teachers around the UK will try to banish all thoughts of work, but will probably fail.
3-9 January 2015
Saturday
Giant killers
It’s the third round of the FA Cup, when the titans meet the minnows. This year, Conference side Gateshead will face the Premier League’s West Brom, and Blyth Spartans will take on Birmingham City.
Sunday
Back on the horse
After a few weeks of rest, recuperation and relaxation it’s time to gird your loins, crack open the planning folder and prepare for tomorrow, otherwise known as the first day of term. Sorry. But good luck!
Monday
Fun’s over, kids
According to the Church of England, today is Twelfth Night, the official end of Christmas. Some claim it falls on 6 January, but, in any event, get the tree, tinsel and baubles down to avoid bad luck.
Tuesday
Keeping it Catholic
Pope Francis is to hold a mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to mark the feast of the Epiphany. The Christian holiday celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Wise Men.
Wednesday
The science of school
Bunsen burners and lab coats at the ready: the Association of Science Education’s annual conference will kick off today in Reading. The largest science education exhibition in Europe runs until 10 January.
Thursday
All hail the King
It’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and go, cat, go.down to Graceland for Elvis’ birthday celebrations. Born on this day in 1935, the King would have been 80 today.
Friday
Silence is golden
Attention, drama teachers who like quiet: the 39th London International Mime Festival, the longest-running in the world, is on until the end of the month. Eighteen companies will perform a total of 64 shows.
