What's that? Did anyone else hear clucking? Pay it no never mind, it's just the chickens coming home to roost. I've spoken a lot on this page about the danger of the 'university at any cost' thinking, as well as the risk posed to the devaluation of degrees because of this and the fallout from … Continue reading The relentless march towards faux social mobility is devoured by its own hubris. (Or why university is getting worse. Still.)
Bonjour, tout le monde!
It is a widely acknowledged fact that we Brits are bloody savages, an imperialist nation who many years after ransacking the world continue to believe that to make ourselves understood simply requires shouting, unconnected hand gestures and a pith helmet. If in doubt yell the same thing louder and slower. If someone was screaming in … Continue reading Bonjour, tout le monde!
World University Rankings released – why are we Brits so unambitious when it comes to university selection?
Finally some good news! Well, qualified good news. Well. Qualified good news that will have a small impact on a small minority of people. But good news nevertheless. The Times Higher Education rankings for 2017 (https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/world-reputation-rankings-2017-results-announced) have been released and the UK can proudly boast of its having 10 in the top 100 universities globally. … Continue reading World University Rankings released – why are we Brits so unambitious when it comes to university selection?
Apprenticeships Minister fired in an ironic title/TV programme co-incidence
I'm a little behind the pace but there are only so many hours in the day and posting multiple times a day is a little self indulgent. That said, what should probably have been my lead yesterday got shunted but here it is today instead, fashionably late. Robert Halfon, the apprenticeships and skills minister was … Continue reading Apprenticeships Minister fired in an ironic title/TV programme co-incidence
Upside down watches are the new black. (Or – why nursing may be the only career you’ll ever need and it’s both recession and future proof.)
Simply tick a magic box marked Brexit and all the ills, concerns and suspicions you have of the European project and that filthy Johnny Foreigner can forever be eradicated. Money will pour like manna from the heavens into an enormous ever full treasure chest, the NHS will operate like never before awash with cash and … Continue reading Upside down watches are the new black. (Or – why nursing may be the only career you’ll ever need and it’s both recession and future proof.)
Not with that nose mate.
2.00 am, April 15th, 1912. Captain Edward J. Smith stands on the bridge of The Titanic and watches in silent despair as the freezing waters consume 269 metres of unsinkable engineering ingenuity. In the grand maritime tradition he wordlessly goes down with his ship. That may very well be how many of us are feeling … Continue reading Not with that nose mate.
To BA or not to BA (Part 2) – don’t gamble with your happiness.
When it comes to university there's definitely a polarising barrier between the old school and the emerging new schools of thought regarding its benefits. I've frequently mouthed off and objected to the 'university regardless' approach that is still being peddled by so many schools up and down the country but a recently released survey, the … Continue reading To BA or not to BA (Part 2) – don’t gamble with your happiness.
No sex education please, we’re British.
It is my firmly believed assumption that anytime you find yourself on the other side of an argument that UKIP is espousing you are on very solid ground. However, even by their cave dwelling, prehistoric brand of pugnacious idiocy I was startled to see them railing against Sex and Relationship Education classes as being the … Continue reading No sex education please, we’re British.
Privileged elite seek to denigrate personal ambition as tacky(ish).
The Telegraph ran a piece today in their Education section about a group of 20 - 30 somethings preaching about the value of giving away their money to charities, 'earning to give' is how they phrase it. A noble ambition and certainly a number of careers can be both socially fulfilling and financially rewarding. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/0/dont-follow-passion-think-twice-medicine-new-rules-choosing/ … Continue reading Privileged elite seek to denigrate personal ambition as tacky(ish).
All in favour say Aye (think you’re all missing the point)
As the general election approaches there has been an enormous amount of promises, guarantees and quid pro quos offered, mooted and suggested. Indeed there have been any number of inducements offered up to the electorate gods to curry favour. A lot of talk has been about education, the funding crisis and so on - but … Continue reading All in favour say Aye (think you’re all missing the point)