Prince’s Charity Arts & Business is asking businesses in the South West to put their young high fliers forward to join the boards of arts and culture organisations as part of their Young Professionals on Arts Boards programme.
The aim is to encourage a new generation of non-executive directors to share their skills and develop their own. The organisation’s regional manager Rachel Pyke said: ‘It is a very critical time for the arts, which are facing unprecedented challenges and we have a collective responsibility to ensure communities continue to have access to great art. For more details contact Rachel at Rachel.pyke@artsandbusiness.org.uk.

Ahh! Science! The natural bedfellow of the arts – honest! And here is a fine example for the younger, budding scientist. Laika the Spacedog is the award-winning opera from the English Touring Opera which makes its debut at the Science Museum later this month. With music by Russell Hepplewhite, it tells the story of Laika the Russian mongrel, who was discovered in Gorky Park in Moscow in 1957, and became the first animal sent into orbit. Laika died in space like so many other animals sent up by both the Soviet Union and the USA. The opera also touches on the lives of the scientists involved, the relationship between men and animals, and the ethics of science and discovery. Brilliant! There is a teachers’ pack and cartoon strips to support the project. ETO’s Education Associate and director Tim Yealland said: ‘We tell Laika’s story in multiple ways, with a thrilling new score. We hope that science and art combine to create a rich and stimulating experience.’ To find out more, including tour dates and venues, visit www.englishtouringopera.org.uk

Sometimes, you just need to go back to basics and maths is one of those subjects where this is particularly true. Carol Vorderman (as seen on TV) is releasing a series of books to help pupils improve and develop their skills. Called Maths Made Easy 10 Minutes A Day Maths Series, the books provide quick exercises for children aged 3-11 years, designed to support, reinforce and build on the skills and knowledge taught at school. The workbooks come with a 10 minute timer to allow children and parents to track the time it takes to do each exercise. This encourages children work fast, boosting mental maths agility. Published on January 17th by DK, each book costs £5.99.