THIS WEEK - 10-16 SEPTEMBER 2011
SATURDAY
Ready for lift-off
The British Science Festival opened in Bradford, bringing together more than 350 of the UK’s top scientists and commentators. Scientists unveiled a camera that detects lies, which could prove useful.
SUNDAY
A* or bust
Two-thirds of top universities will demand the A* grade from candidates from next year, according to The Sunday Times. The requirement could lead to independent schools tightening their grip on leading universities.
MONDAY
The facts of life
The Family Planning Association’s sexual health week began. Its theme this year is the facts of life, promoting the need for parents to talk to children about puberty, relationships and sex.
TUESDAY
Sizing up
The impact of smaller classes on results was questioned by an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report, which is a pity because the UK has spent millions reducing them.
WEDNESDAY
Prepare for action
The TUC annual congress held its public-sector pensions debate, with calls for industrial action if rights are diminished. The NASUWT and the NAHT said earlier this week that they would ballot for strike action.
THURSDAY
Best behaviour
Education secretary Michael Gove and behaviour tsar Charlie Taylor (left) hosted a round-table event with 30 headteachers. Impeccably behaved speakers discussed how schools could tackle indiscipline.
FRIDAY
A new dawn for TES
After 100 years of appearing as a paper, TES was relaunched as a magazine. A poll found that some parents favour a tough stance on classroom discipline, with nearly half wanting the return of the cane.
NEXT WEEK - 17-23 SEPTEMBER 2011
SATURDAY
Secularists march
The Secular Europe Campaign is holding a rally in central London. Marchers will protest, among other things, state-funded faith schools. Crowds are not expected to rival the numbers who greeted the Pope last year.
SUNDAY
Lib Dems in new policy push
After their success with the pupil premium, delegates at the Liberal Democrat conference will attempt to up the ante when they debate a new “education credit” for pupils from poor homes.
MONDAY
Travellers face eviction
The clearance of Dale Farm, the UK’s largest illegal traveller settlement, is due to begin. As previously reported in TES, local schools are likely to be affected, with many of their pupils living at the Essex site.
TUESDAY
Welsh recess over
Having returned from their summer holidays, Welsh Assembly members will get their first opportunity of the new term to question first minister Carwyn Jones. He is due to be quizzed on looked-after children.
WEDNESDAY
Fashion statement
London Fashion Week comes to an end, closing the biannual celebration of design talent. Try to maintain your poker face as “on trend” pupils do their best Lady Gaga impressions in the weeks to come.
THURSDAY
Silver lining for gamers
A cloud-based gaming service, which aims to do away with traditional consoles, is to be launched in the UK. The development makes games available over the internet. Expect absenteeism to rise.
FRIDAY
Teen to appear in court
Samuel Gayzer-Tomlinson is due in court charged with a knife attack. The 18-year-old, of Sedgley, West Midlands, is accused of attempting to murder Chloe West outside Ridgewood High School in Stourbridge.
