Notes on a Scandal
The film Notes on A Scandal is released this week, Set at a comprehensive school in London, the film, based on Zoe Heller’s book of the same title, is about two women – Barbara Covett, a domineering , elderly solitary teacher who rules with an iron fist over her classroom and Sheba Hart, the new idealistic beautiful art teacher who soon embarks on an affair with a fifteen year old pupil. Libby Purves discusses the film and the issues it raises with Guy Maidment, teacher of history and politics at a secondary school in Chiswick and John Bailey, an ex-teacher and now a behaviour consultant who goes round the country training teachers.
Britishness – How History & Citizenship Lessons Shape National Identity
Last week the findings of The Diversity and Citizenship Curriculum Review - an independent review by Sir Keith Ajegbo - were released. The review of how schools teach citizenship and diversity found there was not enough emphasis on British identity and history, and ‘core British values’ should be taught alongside cultural diversity. It also revealed that more needs to be done to engage white, particularly working-class, pupils with the issue of diversity.
Libby Purves is joined by Dr Andrew Mycock, a Researcher at the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures, The University of Manchester. He has recently completed a study of over 700 undergraduates in the north-west of England concerning the impact of history and citizenship lessons on their identity.
Lawrence House Astronomy and Space Science Centre
Lawrence House Astronomy and Space Science Centre is the only one of its kind in the UK, being the only centre dedicated to teaching only astronomy. It houses a classroom, a tiered lecture theatre, a restored Victorian telescope housed in its own observatory, and a planetarium. The centre is attached to Rossall School, but also runs a range of courses for the public and for both state and private schools, with the aim of providing everyone with the chance of an introduction to astronomy. Reporter Judy Merry went along to the centre where she met the resident astronomer, Dr. Nick Lister.
Universities Police Science Institute
The UK’s first University institution dedicated to the most difficult practical questions facing modern police forces is to be created in Cardiff. In a unique collaboration, South Wales Police, Cardiff University and the University of Glamorgan are setting up the Universities Police Science Institute, with the aim of increasing professionalism in the police service. Libby Purves discusses the plans with Professor Jonathan Shepherd of Cardiff University. |
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