This week 24-30 September 2011SATURDAYLiterature snooze fest
The AQA exam board was criticised by Ofqual for making its A-level English course too easy. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Northern Lights are apparently no match for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Catch-22.
SUNDAYThe price is right?
Ed Miliband warmed up for conference on Andrew Marr’s sofa by announcing that Labour would cut the cap on tuition fees to pound;6,000. Having voted against any increase last year, Mili junior was accused of a U-turn.
MONDAYRural idyll, booze included
Families wanting to enjoy the good life should move to Winkleigh in Devon, after the village was rated the best in England to bring up children. It boasts good schools and, more importantly, two pubs.
TUESDAYStandards without targets
Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones set out his programme for the next five years, including the country’s first education bill. It will focus on school standards, but prompted criticism for not setting specific performance targets.
WEDNESDAYSqueals over weal
Just two days after 16-year-old Rory Weal’s impassioned speech to the Labour conference, the press took him down a peg or two. His crimes appear to be that his dad used to be rich and he goes to a grammar.
THURSDAYPension ballot raises stakes
Heads agitating for industrial action over pensions can make their voices heard from today with the opening of the NAHT ballot. A “yes” vote could see them join classroom unions in strike action in November.
FRIDAYSlimmed-down inspections
The new Ofsted framework is revealed today, slashing the number of areas that will come under scrutiny to just four. Inspectors will now be placing greater emphasis on teaching quality and pupil behaviour.
Next week 1-7 October 2011SATURDAYTime lord gloom warning
Tune into BBC3 at 8.35pm when the winning script from a primary-school writing competition will be aired in a three-minute episode of Doctor Who. The cheery name of the winning entry? Death is the Only Answer.
SUNDAYWhen battle commenced
The 10th anniversary of Nato’s backing for military action in Afghanistan will be marked today. American and British forces began their campaign to oust the Taliban with a series of airstrikes five days later.
MONDAYFlushed with success
The General Teaching Council for Wales education lecture will be delivered by the country’s children’s commissioner, Keith Towler. He is known for being a blunt speaker, with a passion for improving school toilets.
TUESDAYEducation gets a blue rinse
Michael Gove will address the Conservative conference in Manchester. Expect rabble-rousing, tub-thumping and something considerably more right- wing than he usually delivers in speeches to headteachers.
WEDNESDAYFair play at the chalkface
Annual World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated, with the aim of generating support for classroom workers. Organised by Unesco, this year’s theme is equality for women teachers.
THURSDAYWho’s top dog in HE?
The world’s leading university rankings will be published by our sister publication Times Higher Education. Can Oxford and Cambridge improve on joint sixth place last year to topple Harvard?
FRIDAYThe usual suspect
The final day of their annual get-together for the HMC group of elite independent schools. Speakers include philosopher turned university entrepreneur AC Grayling and, inevitably, free-school pioneer Toby Young.
