Sunday Life

Shorefields Technology College in Liverpool is the city's most multicultural school. The children are from such a mix of backgrounds that 26% of them have English as a second language. In spite of this, OFSTED inspectors have given the school glowing reports. Shorefields is strongly committed to racial integration and a respect for diversity, so much so that while the capital of culture's strap line is 'The World in One City', Shorefield's strap line is 'The World in One Class'.

This week we meet the staff, children and parents at this thriving example of how multiculturalism can be achieved and instigated at a young age.

Useful Links:

• Shorefields Technology College

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, a brain disorder that triggers a loss of brain function. It is a progressive condition for which there is no cure. It's estimated that there are 700,000 people with dementia in the UK. Living with the condition is extremely traumatic for the sufferer and their family.

This Sunday is World Alzheimer's Day so we'll be talking to people who's lives are affected by the disorder. We meet Alan Brevbrook whose wife Jen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago. Jen was only 55 at the time of diagnosis which added to the shock and distress. We'll find out how they cope with this degenerative disease and what effect it has on their lives.

Useful Links:

• Alzheimer's Society

As National Children's Book Week approaches (6th October 2008) we look into why children are reading less than ever before. According to research carried out by the Book Trust children spend twice as much time watching television than reading with parents or carers. We'll find out the best ways to encourage your kids to switch off the TV and pick up their books and look at the importance of reading to your children.

Useful Links:

• The book trust

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy is campaigning for clarification on the laws relating to assisted suicide. Under the Suicide Act 1961, aiding or abetting a suicide is a crime punishable by up to fourteen years imprisonment. Mrs Purdy would like to know whether or not her husband would be prosecuted if he travelled with her to a country where assisted suicide is legal in order to die, should she decide to do so. Currently the Director of Public Prosecutions is providing no guidance on the subject which Mrs Purdy's lawyers claim is illegal.

On this week's programme we look into the ethics of assisted suicide and ask whether clarification on this law is necessary.

Useful Links:

• BBC Religion and Ethics article