Rather surprised this morning to wake and find myself being likened to Kingsley Amis and being described as an educational reformer. Stuart Rose and I have penned an article for a forthcoming book on education, which also include contributions by AC Grayling and Niall Ferguson. Andrew Roberts predicts that the book will “set the education debate alight in a manner reminscent of the Black Papers, a series of polemical pamphlets on progressive education, first published in 1969 by a group of notable contributors including Kingsley Amis… When Gove is seen entering No 10 for the first cabinet meeting of the new Tory ministry with the book tucked firmly under his arm, remember you read about it here first.” Crikey.
Similar Posts
Never wear a wool suit when it’s hot
ByJohn MayAmongst my meetings today was with someone whose office has to have the best view in New York. Dick Parsons is the Chairman and CEO of Time Warner and he’s interested in supporting the Career Academy movement in the UK. This morning, immediately before my meeting, I read in the New York Times that he…
The future of Britain’s cats needs more than one simple answer.
ByJohn MayOver the last couple of days, my inbox has taken an interesting turn. I have received a growing number of emails asking Cats Protection to campaign for the mandatory neutering of owned pet cats. They come from different people and addresses, but the text is identical. This is clearly a coordinated campaign, although despite some…
Speaking about Kurt Hahn and the Award in Portugal
ByJohn MayOpening speech at the 10th Conference of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Regional Conference for Europe, the Mediterranean and Arab States – 11th September 2017, Hotel Pestana, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, members of the regional government of Madeira, distinguished guests, It is an absolute delight for us all to be…
So what should we be teaching the next generation?
ByJohn MayLast week I wrote about my friend Matt, the video games designer who, just leaving university, is preparing for a career that will include jobs that have not yet even been invented. A number of readers have asked what our schools should be teaching, if all knowledge is now just a click away on Google…
Teacups and Oblivion
ByJohn MayStaff awaydays don’t have to be spent in a stuffy hotel. We’ve just had a great day out at Alton Towers, where I’ve learned a great deal about myself, my team and our general ability to cope with stress and potential danger… Only three of us were brave enough to go on ‘Oblivion’, but we…
Getting 2017 into perspective.
ByJohn MayLooking at the news, I think it could safely be said that 2017 has been a troubled year globally. Trump. Terrorist attacks. The global refugee crisis. Plans (or lack of them) for Brexit. The growth of violent extremism. The threat of the use of nuclear weapons. Yet, my Facebook feed throughout the year has been…
