This week
16-22 MARCH 2013
SATURDAY
An unbridled disaster
Parents will say “neigh” to school dinners after the horsemeat scandal, an academic said. The University of Leeds’ Dr Charlotte Evans said the detection of horse in canteen food could increase packed lunches by 10 per cent.
SUNDAY
The x-rated factor
A group of teachers expressed their outrage at young people’s unfettered access to online pornography. They raised their concern that it was warping children’s minds and called for new guidelines.
MONDAY
Putting faith in assistants
What would the new pope say? The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Religious Education said too many RE lessons are taught by teaching assistants. They want more resources to be invested in the subject.
TUESDAY
And our survey says...
A survey found that teaching is still the top job of choice for teenagers. But the Education and Employers Taskforce said that too many children wanted to be footballers and TV presenters.
WEDNESDAY
Striking a chord
Do re mi fa so la ti do! Batons a-waving, music teachers from across the land descended upon the Barbican in London for the inaugural Music Education Expo. Ed Vaizey, culture minister, was due to speak.
THURSDAY
The pen is mightier
Poetical types in paisley scarves were set to flock to the York Literature Festival today.
Word wizards Carol Ann Duffy and Simon Armitage were among the main draws at the literati-packed shindig.
FRIDAY
Below the surface
To Leeds for the annual conference of the Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Association. The theme is “Looking Behind the Behaviour: developing the mental health and emotional well-being of our children”.
NEXT WEEK
23-29 MARCH 2013
SATURDAY
The world’s a stage
Calm down luvvies, it’s only the National Student Drama Festival. The event in Scarborough showcases productions by 16- to 25-year-olds. Workshops will be staged in all things theatrical.
SUNDAY
Limber up for pooh sticks
A. A. Milne-loving teachers never need an excuse to read aloud from Winnie-the-Pooh, but the 30th World Pooh Sticks Championships at Little Wittenham in Oxfordshire are surely a good opportunity.
MONDAY
What do we want?
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers will kick off union conference season with its annual gathering in Liverpool. Moderate members are not expected to strike but there will be plenty of heated exchanges.
TUESDAY
Exterminate the gas bill
Oh dear, will Royal Mail feel the wrath of the Daleks for only putting them on a second-class stamp? The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who will be celebrated with the launch of 11 stamps.
WEDNESDAY
Star turn
Its alumni include Adele, Rizzle Kicks and Jessie J so a royal visit was surely due. The Duchess of Cornwall was scheduled to visit the Brit School in London today. Jazz hands, Your Royal Highness?
THURSDAY
Happy birthday, dear gaga
It’s Lady Gaga’s birthday today. The controversial singer - and anti-bullying campaigner - could well be celebrating with a new dress, a cake, or possibly a cake worn as a dress.
FRIDAY
Some eggcellent news
At last, it’s Good Friday. An extra day to relax with your feet up, spend some money you don’t have, stuff your face with chocolate or perhaps even go to church. The holidays start here. Oh yes, they do.
