This week - 10-16 DECEMBER 2011.
SATURDAY
Back to the drawing board
The Daily Telegraph finished a week of revelations about alleged dodgy exam board practices with a story that education secretary Michael Gove is considering allowing just one board per subject.
SUNDAY
The US enters the war
It was 70 years ago today that Germany and Italy declared they were at war with America. The announcement came three days after US President Franklin D Roosevelt declared war on Japan following the Pearl Harbor attack.
MONDAY
Mind your manners
A “master teacher” standard should be introduced, according to a review commissioned by the Government. But extensive subject knowledge will not be enough: teachers will also need to stimulate a culture of good manners to qualify.
TUESDAY
Everybody needs a Boson
Science teachers up and down the land got a bit excited by news that the Higgs Boson, the so-called “God particle”, may have been glimpsed in experiments near Geneva. But more work is needed to confirm its existence.
WEDNESDAY
The ladies doth protest
Girls are to be admitted to the school that educated William Shakespeare for the first time, it was announced today. Girls will be able to join the sixth-form at King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon, from 2013.
THURSDAY
Food for thought
The Government published the key stage 2 Sats results. They went into more detail this year, including information on how many free school meal pupils achieved expected levels in English and maths.
FRIDAY
Exit in an orderly fashion
Breathe deeply, teachers. The final day of term for most of you has arrived, excited pupils are leaving for the holidays, and it’s time for you to pack up your troubles for another year. Well done.
NEXT WEEK - 17-23 DECEMBER 2011
SATURDAY
an uprising begins
A year ago today, Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi set himself alight, prompting the protests that led to the collapse of President Ben Ali’s regime. It was followed by the Arab Spring across the region.
SUNDAY
I think, therefore I am
A chance to think more deeply over the festive season ... the 20th anniversary of Philosophy Now magazine will be marked with a celebration in London’s Conway Hall, including debates, talks and a prize-giving.
MONDAY
Canvas opinion
The case to evict the Occupy London protesters near St Paul’s Cathedral is due to start at the High Court. The City of London Corporation wants rid of the tents, but the eviction process will last into the New Year.
TUESDAY
Signed, sealed, delivered
Have you written all your Christmas cards? Better hurry, today is your last chance to get first-class mail in the postbox if you want a guaranteed delivery before Christmas Day.
WEDNESDAY
Teachers face sex charges
Two teachers are due to appear in court charged with sexual offences dating back to 1959. Roland Wright and Hugh Henry are accused of assaulting boys at Caldicott Preparatory School in Farnham Royal, Bucks.
THURSDAY
sports(man) of the year
Proud former PE teachers will be looking on as someone is named BBC sports personality of the year. This year’s award has garnered controversy due to an all-male shortlist, with cyclist Mark Cavendish the favourite.
FRIDAY
Above board?
Exam regulator Ofqual is due to report back to the education secretary on the allegations against exam boards made after undercover reporters filmed examiners boasting that their exams were easier than those of rivals.
