Reading for Battle
Battle Readings is a regularly updated compilation of articles, essays, and opinion pieces relevant to the themes of the Battle of Ideas.
Choose a theme from the listing on the left to narrow your search, or view all readings.
Education
Making of a maverick
A personal account of the English education system throught the eyes of a teacher with over 50 years experience in the sector
Dr Eric Macfarlane OBE, Pen Press, January 2007
Artificial Achievement: "Blair's School Legacy is a Sham"
The very political impetus which made Blair the redeemer of education, made him a deserter from the ranks of learning.
Anastasia de Waal and Nicholas Cowen, Civitas, 2006
The very political impetus which made Blair the redeemer of education, made him a deserter from the ranks of learning.
Anastasia de Waal and Nicholas Cowen, Civitas, 2006
Assessment in the future: Building the case for change
England's pupils are among the most tested in the world, but tests in themselves do not raise standards. Tests can depress pupils' motivation and increase anxiety.
Various, General Teaching Council for England, 2006
England's pupils are among the most tested in the world, but tests in themselves do not raise standards. Tests can depress pupils' motivation and increase anxiety.
Various, General Teaching Council for England, 2006
Overburdened schools
Once, life revolved around church and chapel. Now it is being organised around nursery and school
Ben Rogers, Prospect, December 2006
Once, life revolved around church and chapel. Now it is being organised around nursery and school
Ben Rogers, Prospect, December 2006
Creationism gains foothold in schools
When treated simply as an alternative belief system it becomes possible for a form of creationism to be taught in schools
Christopher Morgan and Abul Taher, The Times, 30 December 2006
When treated simply as an alternative belief system it becomes possible for a form of creationism to be taught in schools
Christopher Morgan and Abul Taher, The Times, 30 December 2006
Government’s response to Paul Robert’s report on nurturing creativity in young people
With the ‘creative industries’ deemed central to the UK economy, the government outlines how UK education can foster the ability ‘to think or behave imaginatively’
various, DCMS, 31 October 2006
With the ‘creative industries’ deemed central to the UK economy, the government outlines how UK education can foster the ability ‘to think or behave imaginatively’
various, DCMS, 31 October 2006
The parent trap
Who would dare to challenge the consensus that parental involvement in schools is a good thing? Parents as school sponsors, parents as co-educators, parents as "drivers for change" or as the recipients of contracts, orders and classes are now unassailable concepts in the education landscape.
Fiona Millar, The Guardian, 31 October 2006
Who would dare to challenge the consensus that parental involvement in schools is a good thing? Parents as school sponsors, parents as co-educators, parents as "drivers for change" or as the recipients of contracts, orders and classes are now unassailable concepts in the education landscape.
Fiona Millar, The Guardian, 31 October 2006
Who are you calling old?
A look at why creationism is on the rise at a time when one would expect it to have as many adherents as the flat earth society
Rob Blackhurst, Financial Times, 15 October 2006
A look at why creationism is on the rise at a time when one would expect it to have as many adherents as the flat earth society
Rob Blackhurst, Financial Times, 15 October 2006
Sending parents back to the classroom
Expanding the role of parents in education has become a key policy goal of recent governments. In fact, a profound change is taking place in the relationships between families, pupils and schools.
Kevin Rooney, The Battle for Ideas, 1 October 2006
Expanding the role of parents in education has become a key policy goal of recent governments. In fact, a profound change is taking place in the relationships between families, pupils and schools.
Kevin Rooney, The Battle for Ideas, 1 October 2006
Are the kids all right?
"The 2012 Battle of Ideas at the Barbican was the best ever. It was bustling with interesting people, punchy debates and new ideas. I can't wait for 2013's."
Philippe Legrain, adviser to José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
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