THIS WEEK 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2013
SATURDAY
DOWN WITH HIM
The two biggest teaching unions, the NUT and the NASUWT, met for their annual conferences this weekend. The mood was, in a word, angry, with the NUT calling for the head of Ofsted boss Sir Michael Wilshaw.
SUNDAY
FANCY SOME CH-CH-CHOCOLATE?
Ah, the joys of spring. The Met Office said this Easter Sunday was the coldest on record. With the early Easter falling at the end of the coldest March since 1962, there was little option but to stay in and eat chocolate.
MONDAY
ON A ROLL
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll took place at Barack and Michelle’s place. Attended by 30,000 children, it supported the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative to encourage children to lead healthy lives.
TUESDAY
TRY YOUR HANS AT WRITING
The annual International Children’s Book Day is marked on or around the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, which is today. Happy birthday, Hans! Events included writing competitions and author talks.
WEDNESDAY
FURTHER INVESTMENT
College business managers everywhere were rapt: FE minister Matthew Hancock was due to set out plans for government investment in colleges across the country today. Dig deep, Matthew.
THURSDAY
A SPIRITUAL WINDFALL
The Templeton Prize for science and religion was announced. The winner of the #163;1.1 million prize for contributing to “affirming life’s spiritual dimension” will follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, the Dalai Lama.
FRIDAY
ALL THINGS ECONOMIC
Austerity and triple dips: the Economic History Society conference kicks off at the University of York, with talks on “education and the economy” to be chaired by the University of Cambridge’s Dr Amy Erickson.
NEXT WEEK 6-12 APRIL 2013
SATURDAY
WILL IT GO ON FURLONG?
Time to swot up on odds and prepare for staffroom sweepstakes. The starting gates at the Grand National are set to open at 4.15pm this afternoon. But the race is sure to spark more debate on animal welfare.
SUNDAY
THE ART OF WAR
The Stop the War Coalition will mark the 10-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq with a series of 10 performances, each 10 minutes long, at the Royal Court theatre in Sloane Square, London.
MONDAY
STUDENTS ASSEMBLE
The National Union of Students’ annual conference starts today and will include the election of the new NUS president. Expectation abounds that the job could go to an FE student, Toni Pearce, for the first time.
TUESDAY
MAKING HEARTS MELT
American ice cream company Ben amp; Jerry’s will be giving out free cones at selected stores today, encouraging participants to donate to the shop’s chosen charity. Fingers crossed for more suitable weather.
WEDNESDAY
THE FUTURE OF LEARNING?
The London School of Economics and Political Science is to host a talk by Salman Khan. The founder of the online Khan Academy will discuss his innovations and his view for future learning.
THURSDAY
BIGG UP FOR EQUALITY
Gay rights charity Stonewall is due to hold its annual equality dinner in the ballroom of The Dorchester hotel in London. Actor Christopher Biggins will host an auction of “money-can’t-buy” lots to raise funds.
FRIDAY
A WORLD OF WORDS
The 11th Cambridge Wordfest starts today. The biannual festival focuses on encouraging young people to be enthused by words and literature. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is due to appear.
