Calendar for May 2012

Monday 30 Tuesday 01 Wednesday 02 Thursday 03 Friday 04 Saturday 05 Sunday 06
RSPCA Week

RSPCA Week

Get involved with this week (until 6 May) by downloading a pack from www.rspcaweek.org. uk/schools

May Day

May Day

This date is traditionally celebrated with festivities including maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen. Discover more about May Day with our online resources

David Beckham's Birthday

David Beckham's Birthday

Famous football player born on this day in 1975. On-line resources

Festival of Britain

Festival of Britain

This day in 1951 was the official opening of the Festival of Britain, marking the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition. The festival also aimed to give a sense of recovery and progress to the country after WWII.

Greenpeace launched (1971)

Greenpeace launched (1971)

Founded in Canada in 1971 as the ‘Don’t Make A Wave’ committee, the environmental group officially changed its name to ‘Greenpeace Foundation’. Find resources on an environment theme here

Local  and Community History Month

Local and Community History Month

Find out more about your local area’s history this month. Visit The Historical Association website for more information.

Four Minute Mile Broken

Four Minute Mile Broken

On this day in 1954, Roger Bannister ran a mile in 3 mins 59.4 seconds

Monday 07 Tuesday 08 Wednesday 09 Thursday 10 Friday 11 Saturday 12 Sunday 13
Smoking ban rejected

Smoking ban rejected

On this day in 1956, the British health minister – RH Turton – rejected a call for a ban on smoking. For a thinking-skills focus, pose your class the question: Should the Government ban smoking today?

VE Day (1945)

VE Day (1945)

Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked the end of the Second World War. We have resources about both World Wars.

Europe Day

Europe Day

On this date in 1950, French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, proposed the creation of an organised Europe.

Nelson Mandela Became Prime Minister

Nelson Mandela Became Prime Minister

On this day in 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black Prime Minister. Take a look at our activities and resources linked to South Africa.

National Share a Story Month

National Share a Story Month

Use our storytelling resources to inspire children’s imaginations and champion reading. Visit the National Share a Story Month website for more information.

Birth of Florence Nightingale

Birth of Florence Nightingale

The ‘Lady of the Lamp’, famous for her nursing work during the Crimean War, was born on this date in 1820.

Alison Hargreaves conquers Everest

Alison Hargreaves conquers Everest

On this day in 1995, Alison Hargreaves became the first woman to reach Everest’s peak unaided. Download a poster of Alison Hargreaves.

Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 17 Friday 18 Saturday 19 Sunday 20
Share a Story Month

Share a Story Month

Throughout May promote books and stories to your children with this year’s events. More details at www.fcbg.org.uk

Day of Families

Day of Families

Today is the UN’s International Day of Families. Invite your children to think about and discuss their family and friends. Find great activities and resources about families on our website.

First Academy Awards ceremony

First Academy Awards ceremony

On this date in 1929 the first Academy Awards, or ‘Oscars’, were handed out in Hollywood, California.

National Smile Month

National Smile Month

Annually, between May and June, the BDHF organises this campaign. Find out more at www.national smilemonth.org

Fruity Friday

Fruity Friday

Get healthy with a fruit-themed event today! Find out about what’s happening in your area at www.wcrf-uk.org

Start of Olympic torch relay

Start of Olympic torch relay

The London 2012 Olympic Games build up begins today as the flame starts its journey from Land’s End.

The Sun

The Sun

The Sun newspaper was published for the first time on this day in 1964. Talk to the children about issues involved in newspaper journalism, such as bias. Should they believe everything they read?

Monday 21 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 Thursday 24 Friday 25 Saturday 26 Sunday 27
World Day for Cultural Diversity

World Day for Cultural Diversity

Proclaimed by the UN in 2001, this event is the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of respecting all cultures. Visit the UN website for more information. Plus, check out our activities and resources linked to promoting cultural diversity.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The world famous flower show begins today at the Royal Hospital in London and ends on 26 May.

World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day

This awareness day aims to raise the profile of the endangered turtle. Use our resources to discuss the plight of endangered animals with your class, and what we can do to help protect them.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge

On this day in 1883, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic. Take a virtual tour of New York.

_Star Wars_ released

_Star Wars_ released

On this date in 1977, the first feature film in the series, Star Wars: A New Hope, received its release in the US. Check out our space-themed activities and resources.

UK Fuel Rations End

UK Fuel Rations End

On this day in 1950, the petrol rationing of World War II came to an end.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge

On this day in 1937, San Francisco’s famous bridge opened.

Monday 28 Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 Thursday 31 Friday 01 Saturday 02 Sunday 03
Sir Francis Chichester Arrives Home

Sir Francis Chichester Arrives Home

On this day in 1967, Sir Francis Chichester became the first man to sail single-handedly around the world. On-line resources

Everest Conquered

Everest Conquered

On this day in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men to climb Mount Everest. Check out our mountains-themed activities and resources.

Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens

The Flemish Baroque painter died on this date in 1640, aged 62. He was renowned for his portraits and history paintings that were popular throughout Europe.

Big Ben

Big Ben

London’s famous clock rang out for the first time on this day in 1859.

Walk to School

Walk to School

Time to order your 2012/2013 Walk to School resources today from www.walktoschool. org.uk. org.uk

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Celebrations begin to mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with an extended weekend until 5 June. Find great resources at education. scholastic.co.uk

Marriage of abdicated King Edward VIII

Marriage of abdicated King Edward VIII

On this day in 1937, the Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII) married Wallis Simpson, the divorcee who he abdicated the throne to marry.

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