This week - 12-18 november 2011
SATURDAY
Four-legged helpers
The Kennel Club launched its Bark and Read Foundation at Earls Court, London. It backs charities including Pets As Therapy, which enlists dogs as school reading companions to give children confidence in reading out loud.
SUNDAY
Woodhead on performance
Introducing the Sunday Times Schools Guide, former Ofsted chief inspector Chris Woodhead called for clearer information on school performance. London’s Henrietta Barnett School was top state secondary.
MONDAY
A long wait for the top job
Gordonstoun old boy Prince Charles turned 63. His mother, the Queen, acceded to the throne in 1952, which makes her son the longest-serving heir apparent, breaking the record set by Edward VII.
TUESDAY
Wales found wanting
A conference in Newport organised by the Bevan Foundation decided the Welsh education system “could do better” following last year’s Pisa report, which found Welsh schools were falling behind competitors.
WEDNESDAY
Support staff pension vote
The NUT’s ballot of support staff in schools and colleges closed today. Members were asked whether they backed the 30 November strike over proposed changes to their local government pension scheme.
THURSDAY
Kick-off for free school
Everton Football Club unveiled details of its free school, due to open in Liverpool next September. It will be open to 14 to 19-year-olds and will have an initial intake of 120 pupils.
FRIDAY
Jobs online
TES launches its updated jobs website. New features include employer videos, new job alerts and a map showing the location of vacancies. See the difference for yourself at www.tes.co.uk
Next week - 19-25 November 2011
SATURDAY
Where did she learn that?
When Harry Met Sally actress Meg Ryan, who shot to fame on the back of her faked orgasm in the 1989 hit romcom, turns 50 today. And her link to education? Her parents were both teachers.
SUNDAY
Global understanding
Today is the UN’s Universal Children’s Day, which dates from 1954. Its aim is to encourage understanding between children and promote children’s welfare across the globe.
MONDAY
Top independents gather
The annual conference of the Girls’ Schools Association begins. Among those attending the three-day event will be schools minister Nick Gibb and Independent Schools Inspectorate chief inspector Christine Ryan.
TUESDAY
A year in inspection
Try to keep your excitement to manageable levels: it’s publication day for Ofsted’s annual report. Read its findings and themes from inspections and regulatory visits over the last 12 months.
WEDNESDAY
Time lord debut
Children’s favourite Doctor Who was first broadcast on this day in 1963, with William Hartnell playing the iconic time-traveller. The programme has now racked up nearly 800 episodes.
THURSDAY
The past and its future
A high-profile launch for Professor David Cannadine’s new book on history teaching in state schools since the 1900s. Michael Gove and lords Adonis and Baker are expected to be in attendance.
FRIDAY
Ideas up for share
Pitch your idea for a web or mobile application with an education focus that could form the basis of a credible business at the inaugural Startup Weekend Education event in London.
