EXTRA CURRICULUM

Drug advice

Confusion and panic are parents' most common reactions when they discover their children have taken illegal drugs, according to advisers.

Half the calls received by the Release Drugs in School line, set up in October 1994, have been from parents and eight out of 10 of those relate to cannabis. Now the helpline has launched two leaflets to help parents, pupils and teachers. The first is about drug-related exclusions from school and the second is about drug testing, which is becoming more common in independent schools.

For further details contact Sally Taylorson, Drugs in Schools adviser, on 01345 366666 or Alasdair Cant on 0171 729-5255.

Girls prefer the arts

Girls are more likely than boys to get involved in the arts, according to a new study by the National Foundation for Educational Research. The survey of 700 14- to 24-year-olds revealed that girls were more likely to be interested in expressive arts such as drama and dance, while boys took more easily to visual arts such as painting, drawing and design. Girls' favourite leisure activity was attending arts events, while boys most enjoyed sport.

`Arts in Their View: A Study of Youth Participation in the Arts' is available priced £10 from NFER, The Mere, Upton Park, Slough, Berkshire SL1 2DQ.

Teacher analysis

Gallup, the polling organisation, has analysed how successful teachers talk about their work to find the innate qualities which make up a good teacher.

It says they share a belief that theirs is the most important job and that their personal contribution is vital. The best headteachers have an ability to give purpose, direction and vision to a school as well as to develop support systems that allow others to work effectively.

Now Gallup has devised a structured interview to help schools to select the best staff.

For further information contact Gallup Selection Research at Park House, Monument Hill, Weybridge, KT13 8RT.

Fran Abrams