During the early 1970s, I was a teacher at Holland Park school, one of the first built-for-purpose comprehensive schools in London that opened its doors in 1958. Dr Derek Rushworth, who was new to the headship, dared to introduce innovative …
Writing Wrongs
Back in the 1950s, explosions caused a wave of panic in New York City, and the public became concerned about a mysterious individual known as the Mad Bomber. After the Mad Bomber sent a letter to a newspaper expressing his …
Can’t Choose Between Two Courses? Think About A Joint Honours
If selecting three A-level choices proved to be a challenge, then deciding on a single subject to pursue at university can be quite daunting, especially if you feel uncertain about your plans after graduation. However, don’t let this deter you. …
‘The Hypocrisy Is Nauseating’: Wes Streeting On State School Arts Cuts
John Boyega, a Hollywood actor, is the most famous alumnus of Wes Streeting’s former inner-city school. However, both Boyega and Streeting hail from council estates and attended Westminster City School. Though the school was in special measures during Streeting’s tenure, …
New University Job Cuts Fuel Rising Outrage On Campuses
An open letter signed by thousands of academics from both the UK and overseas has appealed to Goldsmiths, University of London, urging the university to halt the decimation of its English and History departments. As a response to significant financial …
Dolf Polak Obituary
Dolf Polak, my father, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy as a distinguished professor of renal medicine and a devoted music aficionado. He was originally from The Hague in the Netherlands but relocated to London …
UK Government Suspends Engagement With NUS Over Antisemitism Allegations
The National Union of Students (NUS) has been banned from official Government contact due to ongoing allegations of antisemitism within the organisation. Despite the NUS’s commitment to collaborating with Jewish students, ministers have acted on concerns raised by groups such …
Court Battle Looms Over Priests’ Right To Pick Pupils For Catholic Schools
The Catholic Church is taking the government’s schools admissions watchdog to court to defend the right of priests to determine whether pupils are eligible for a place based on faith. The move follows a ruling earlier this month by the …
Teachers To Be Given Protection Against Pupils’ False Allegations
The government has issued guidance in England that permits headteachers to press criminal charges against students who make false allegations against teachers. To enforce discipline in schools, Education Secretary Michael Gove has introduced a range of measures, including allowing schools …
What Does Your Name Mean?
Do you go by Longnose or Sheepshanks, Vuggles or Halfknight? Even if you’re a Smith or Jones, there’s likely a curiosity brewing inside of you about the origin and evolution of your surname. My surname, Tickle, hails from the town …