Britain is broken. The politicians tell us and so do some of the newspapers. I am not sure the statistics really show that to be the case. Bits of our society are broken for sure yet to malign the nation with this tag is very misleading. I’d much rather that we hear more about how to tackle the source of the problems rather than always looking at the end result or simply putting sticking plasters on gaping wounds. As a nation we have struggled with a turn towards a secular society and picking up the social pieces of a more liberal approach. It’s not to say the approach is wrong but that the void created hasn’t been filled effectively.
Do you think that giving the Famous Five is getting a modernisation makeover? You wouldn’t find that happening to Shakespeare would you? Oh well, we had a jolly old time with lashings of emails telling me what yr up to today.
We had a wide ranging discussion about whether, having tried all sorts, that there simply isn’t a replacement of stiff prison sentences for serious crime. There’s a gulf between public opinion, the politicians and the judiciary. I don’t know what the solution is but prison isn’t there just to rehabilitate but to punish and to keep the nation safe from those who are prepared to perpetrate crime.
And Ed Balls is up in arms that selective schools could make a return. From the man who attended the most selective institution in the country – selection can be a good thing. If handled and run properly. If open to abuse or cramming by wealthier parents? Then I agree, there’s a problem. Having said that mixed-ability is a lot of education hot air that leads to mediocrity. And that’s what we are seeing. Lowest common denominator defining our public services and education when in fact what we want to see is a range of environments that suit every type and background of pupil to enable them to get the best from themselves.
Oh. The coolest thing in the planet is the iphone4 and number 5? The Aston Martin DB9. Super. I didn’t manage to tell you what pingles at the dinner table means. It’s when you move food around your plate and not eat it!
I’m back tomorrow from 4pm