This week24-30 MARCH 2012
SATURDAY
Are you man enough for gove?
Education secretary Michael Gove had some undiplomatic words for heads concerned about the pace of change. They should “man up”, he said at an Association of School and College Leaders conference.
SUNDAY
I’ll skip pudding, ta
Bad news for the prime minister as The Sunday Times revealed footage of then Tory treasurer Peter Cruddas suggesting that dinner in the Downing Street flat would be on offer for a mere #163;250,000 donation.
MONDAY
Deep, deep down
Another Cameron - this time film director James - plumbed the depths by journeying to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in a submarine. In a thrilling development for biology teachers, he captured it all on film.
TUESDAY
How calculating
Basic literacy and numeracy standards must improve! For years it’s been a mantra of governments relating to pupils, but now teachers are under scrutiny. Tests taken by trainees are to be beefed up, ministers said.
WEDNESDAY
Wellington in academies push
Dr Anthony Seldon, master of independent Wellington College, announced that his school will establish a chain of academies. It already has one, but wants to compete with the likes of Ark and the Harris Federation.
THURSDAY
Strike over five-term plan
Teachers in Nottingham were due to go on strike over plans to change the school year to five terms rather than three. The NUT said it would walk out after the council threatened to sack those who don’t sign up.
FRIDAY
Enjoy a well-earned break
You’ve been stuck at school during this glorious sunshine, but after today you’re free for two whole weeks. The second holiday of 2012 and it’s not even April ... not that there’s any bitterness here at TES.
NEXT WEEK 31 MARCH - 6 APRIL 2012
SATURDAY
A broom with a view
Stars of the Harry Potter films will attend the official opening of the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour of the boy wizard phenomenon in London. The “Making of Harry Potter” tour covers sets, costumes and props.
SUNDAY
Excuse me while my sides split
A good day not to be at school, it is the highlight of the year for pranksters, japesters and jokers. Look out for some “hilarious” fake newspaper stories to mark April Fool’s Day.
MONDAY
Braziers on hold
Following hot on the heels of the ASCL conference, education union the ATL will gather its members in Manchester. Motions will include one that will make it harder to call teachers out on strike action.
TUESDAY
Cone with the wind
If you like ice cream and you live within licking distance of a Ben amp; Jerry’s store, you can visit today and claim a free scoop. Apparently, they’ve been dishing out the free stuff once a year since the 1970s.
WEDNESDAY
If your name’s not on the list ...
With just a few months to go until some universities ramp up annual tuition fees to #163;9,000, admissions officers will be gathering to discuss the issue at a three-day Ucas get-together in Birmingham.
THURSDAY
Brouhaha and brews
Thousands will pack their bags for a weekend of tub-thumping, fringe meetings and refreshment. The NUT and NASUWT union conferences both kick off tomorrow. It wouldn’t be Easter weekend without them.
FRIDAY
A less gruesome good friday
It’s one of the most important religious holidays of the year. In the Philippines, thousands will mark Good Friday by taking part in an annual ritual of whipping themselves and re-enacting crucifixions.
