Standardised testing – as proposed by Nicola Sturgeon – is almost certain to undermine the goals of the Scottish Government’s flagship Curriculum for Excellence and increase inequality in attainment. There are other, much better solutions.
Archives for September 2015
ScotPound misses its targets
It’s the currency issue wot lost it for Yes a year ago, they say. So how about a Scottish currency to meet issues with Sterling – and boost equality and the economy? Our financial expert is unconvinced.
Who speaks up for the EU?
The Queen has been the sole Brit speaking up for the unity of Europe. What will Labour’s new leader say – and who will rarely campaign against a looming #Brexit?
Yes and Corbynmania: new face of British politics
Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership campaign has resembled and/or been inspired by Scotland’s Yes movement in its mass appeal. Other similar movements are emerging in the EU and US. The crusty old politics is breaking up…
An underwhelming programme for government
Nicola Sturgeon’s pre-election programme for government is, well, worthy but provides no evidence that the SNP in power at Holyrood for another five years can make its delivery match its rhetoric
Injustice: why social inequality still persists
Danny Dorling’s magisterial analysis (2009) of inequality has been republished in a revised edition and, as this review underlines, the gap between rich and poor has widened. What can we do? A lot..
Whispers behind the scenes at Edinburgh Festival
Freedom of expression is at the heart of culture but is increasingly coming under threat. This was explored on the Fringe at the recent festival in Edinburgh – and deserves to be examined in greater depth.
Culture, class and connections in Scotland
Darren McGarvey, aka ‘Loki’, a Glasgow-based hip hop singer/rapper, performer, community activist and writer discusses Scottish culture, how class manifests itself within it and what difference a Yes vote might (not) have made.
Scottish TV channel could be non-starter
Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a dedicated Scottish TV channel is a good idea and has been widely welcomed but there are plenty of obstacles in its way – such as who runs it and who pays for it?