This week 28 Jan - 3 feb 2012
SATURDAY
Once upon a time...
The 12th National Storytelling Week was launched, with dozens of events and performances planned across the country in theatres, book shops, libraries and schools. Last year, more than 16,000 people took part.
SUNDAY
Atten-shun!
Figures revealed that more than 120 former soldiers have applied to become teachers from this September. The government plans to get more former military staff into the classroom in a bid to improve discipline.
MONDAY
Fees take the shine off
University applications have fallen by 8.7 per cent. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service revealed that the number of UK applicants dropped after top tuition fees trebled this autumn to #163;9,000.
TUESDAY
Are ministers horsing around?
Say goodbye to GCSE-equivalent courses in horse care. Ministers announced that just 125 vocational qualifications will continue to count towards a school’s performance in league tables - a cut of more than 3,000.
WEDNESDAY
First and foremost
US first lady Michelle Obama took a two-day trip to California. On Tuesday she appeared on television’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to promote her “Let’s Move!” initiative to combat childhood obesity.
THURSDAY
Anything but satisfactory
Sir Michael Wilshaw took part in a debate at the Royal Society of Arts on “the end of satisfactory schools”. The new Ofsted chief inspector also discussed the decision to scrap the “satisfactory” judgement.
FRIDAY
The ultimate test
It’s the last chance for England’s cricketers to salvage some pride. Today is the opening day of the final test against Pakistan in Dubai. England has suffered two defeats in the three-match series.
NEXT WEEK 4-10 FEBRUARY 2012
SATURDAY
Pack up prejudice
The Schools OUT annual conference will be held in London on the issue of homophobia and bias towards heterosexual relationships in education. It will also include resources and ideas for teachers.
SUNDAY
Say a little prayer for you
It is Education Sunday, an annual celebration held since 1878 in which churches mark the achievements of all those involved in education. All teachers will be prayed for, which should help with Year 9 on Monday.
MONDAY
This has a nice ring to it
The first day of Marriage Week, an event promoted by charities and individuals who believe marriage is a “brilliant institution”. It includes tips on how to turn a good marriage into a very good marriage.
TUESDAY
A tale of two centuries
Charles Dickens, the most popular author of the Victorian era for novels such as Great Expectations, was born 200 years ago today. Events include a celebration at Westminster Abbey, where Dickens is buried.
WEDNESDAY
Will they get a royal welcome?
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are due to visit Cambridge. Charles will meet headteachers at a Prince’s Teaching Institute event to commemorate the charity’s 10th anniversary.
THURSDAY
A golden opportunity
Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener will join PE teachers who have changed out of their tracksuits at the Youth Sport Trust conference in Telford. No doubt a certain 2012 sporting event will get a mention.
FRIDAY
The end is in sight
Well done, breathe deeply. The first half term of 2012 is over for most teachers and it’s time to put your feet up until the run-up to Easter begins on 20 February. You could even start stockpiling Easter eggs.
