Kids with imaginary guns are learning real safety lessons at kindergartens and early childcare centres around the country.

I have to go to a barbecue this week. This, in itself, isn't exactly newsworthy - even though it may very well be one of the last barbecues of the summer, which is always a poignant little mini-event worth noting.

Sure, books are one of life's pleasures, but who said every kid has to love reading?

Recent debate supports the call to have the national standards reviewed, New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF) president Peter Simpson says.

The difficulty is that most university lecturers aren't trained teachers but have generally "picked it up on the job".

Education Minister Anne Tolley is backing Auckland Grammar's headmaster - despite his NCEA rebellion.

Auckland Grammar met with officials today following the school's decision to offer Cambridge examinations instead of the national NCEA qualification this year.

Ministry of Education officials and Auckland Grammar will today discuss the school's decision to offer Cambridge examinations instead of the national qualification, NCEA, this year.

Auckland Grammar is defying the Government by becoming the first state school to dump NCEA at the Year 11 level. Other schools may follow suit if the move goes smoothly.