The General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers has defended possible strike action by her members against Government education policies.
At a rally in Newcastle Christine Blower said parents understood that teachers would only take action if all other avenues had been exhausted.
Teachers at two Tyneside schools where the children speak almost fifty different languages have been given an award for outstanding achievement.
Staff and pupils say that cultural diversity is what makes the schools so special, as Derek Proud reports.
You can watch his full report below.
A muticultural school on Tyneside where the children speak more than forty different languages has won a 'top teachers' award.
The leadership team at the Arthur's Hill Primary Schools Federation in Newcastle was selected from more than 24,000 nominations.
The award was presented at a special assembly which included a performance of Thai dancing by children at the school.
A Newcastle school has won the Pearson Teaching Award for Outstanding School Team of the Year in the North of England.
The judges said it was "a privilege" to visit the Federation of Arthur's Hill Primary School, led by "outstanding head" June Foster OBE.
– Judges' comments"Whilst the schools are based in an inner city area which faces its share of challenges, aspirations are high and the schools buzz with positive energy.
"The schools are endlessly creative, providing opportunities for new and exciting projects.
"These include the opportunity to learn Latin and a drama production which will enable some pupils to visit Singapore for the production! We were delighted to see that the schools are going from strength to strength."
Selected from more than 24,000 nominations received by the Pearson Teaching Awards in 2013, 62 celebrations are being held in schools around England, Northern Ireland and Wales on May 17 to present prestigious Regional Teaching Awards to outstanding local heroes of education.
The awards, which annually celebrate exceptional teachers and teaching, aim to recognise the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of their young pupils.
– Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK"We want to recognise and support inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation. It's really important that we create opportunities to say thank you."
Middlesbrough born comedian Patrick Monahan was a special guest teacher yesterday at a school in Darlington.
The stand-up comic stopped by The Darlington School of Maths and Science to teach a one off class in English and story telling.
The exercise was part of a nationwide campaign called Every Child Can, run by Teach First.
It aims to inspire young people to be successful through guest lecturers.
Rising numbers of pupils are being entered for a qualification viewed by some as a tougher alternative to GCSEs.
115,000 children from across the country - including pupils from 54 schools in the North East - have been entered for the international GCSE exams, which are known as IGCSEs.
That is twice as many as last year according to Cambridge International Examinations' latest statistics.
The exams are used in many private schools and have been for some years. After a 2010 decision by ministers to allow state schools to offer the qualifications, they are becoming more popular.
– CIE chief executive Michael O'Sullivan"Cambridge IGCSE has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. Schools recognise that its linear structure offers rigour and effective preparation for the next stage of their students' education.
"For sure, they are also mindful of planned educational reforms such as the recently proposed changes to GCSEs and A-levels."
IGCSE papers are usually taken at the end of a two-year course. Many GCSEs are modular, where students sit exams throughout the course.
Ministers and the exams regulator Ofqual are now making changes to bring final exams back to GCSEs.
We have been covering the remarkable story of the little village that got a visit from Royalty today, and just because they asked.
When volunteers were fixing up the garden at Langley Park Primary in County Durham, they decided to aim high in trying to get someone to officially open it - and it worked.
You can watch the full report from Gregg Easteal below.
The Duke of Edinburgh declared himself to be "the world's most experienced plaque unveiler" as he officially opened a school garden in County Durham.
Prince Philip made the trip to Langley Park Primary School in County Durham by helicopter and was greeted by cheering children and parents.
The Duke came to open the school's Royal Garden, which has been completed by pupils and volunteers.
After being given a tour he was asked to unveil a plaque, and turned to the children and said:
– HRH The Duke of Edinburgh"Pay attention, you are about to see the world's most experienced plaque unveiler."
He was also presented with a book compiled by the children as well as a lamp, which he said would be useful to him in the dark.
The visit was arranged after a teacher at the school wrote to the Duke and asked if he would visit.
– Mark Lambert, Prince's Trust,"It's a huge thing for the local area and the school to get someone from the royal family up here.
"The kids loved to see him and locals have come out to show their support so it's been fantastic."
The Duke of Edinburgh has arrived in Langley Park for a royal visit to a local primary school.
The Duke of Edinburgh is visiting the North East to open a new 'Royal Garden' at a primary school in Langley Park.
He has been invited to Langley Park Primary School to open the garden, which has been built by volunteers, and to meet children from the school.
