A FORMIDABLE PAIR
Teaching Unions Threaten 'Historic' Strikes

Bansi Kara, 05/25/12

A Head of English in Hackney who believes in the possibility of change in education

How many English teachers have sat at their desks knowing that a child is incredibly bright and articulate, either verbally, or with longer stretches of time to construct an argument, and known that 45 minutes will not ever reveal the real extent of their skill?

Stephen Carrick-Davies, 05/24/12

Independent social entrepreneur and writer and youth Advocate

What did we do before Facebook and Twitter? Were we more tolerant and polite or perhaps just more repressed? Yes these platforms have made it easier and quicker to settle scores, but do these new online tools actually fuel people's thirst for revenge?

Mike Hill, 05/24/12

CEO, Higher Education Careers Services Unit and Graduate Prospects

Study abroad is becoming a popular destination for UK students, and while there has been lots of debate around whether it's the increase in tuition fees that is driving people to consider alternatives overseas, the reality is that the reasons are far more habitual.

Scott Bryan, 05/21/12

TV Critic

I'm dyslexic. That's right. Richard Branson, Albert Einstein, Henry Winkler and Orlando Bloom and I can all officially high-five each other. Now dyslexia affects people in different ways. It can be a major block to getting through school and getting through work. However, dyslexia isn't all that bad. In fact I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVE IT. Here's why...

Wendy Jones, 05/23/12

Trustee of National Numeracy and a former BBC education correspondent

Too much teaching is seen as getting students through tests rather than giving them a real understanding of what maths is about and so preparing them for the next stage of education, work and life. Teachers have become more aware of the need to improve students' problem-solving and investigative skills, but rarely integrate that into the way children learn.

John Walmsley, 05/22/12

Principle of UWC Atlantic College

Ever since the riots blazed across UK streets and TV sets worldwide last year, debate has raged on the catalyst that sparked an estimated 15,000 individuals to become one angry mob. Around 70% of the London 2011 rioters were under the age of 24 so identifying a root cause could well help stop these scenes happening again.

B.J. Epstein, 05/22/12

Lecturer in literature and translation, University of East Anglia

But many view children's literature as beneath them. If it's not for 'grownups', it's not worthwhile. But, wait, here's a sneaky little problem: what about all the 'grownups' who read and enjoy Rowling's work and other children's books? Shouldn't we explore why these works appeals to adults who are apparently supposed to know better?

Zain Sardar, 05/17/12

Member Support Officer of the Young Greens of England and Wales

While inequality in parts of private sector are associated with a breakdown of social ties, bonds, alienation and the soulless insouciance of high financiers and captains of enterprise we need to put our foot down and say this is not the vision we want for higher education.

Stephanie Allen, 05/18/12

Literature Student and wannabe columnist

Believe it or not, some people go to university because they want to study a subject just so that they can learn more about it. Not everyone goes to university with a chosen career path in mind, and many of those students also just simply like their degree matter.

Raconteur Media, 05/20/12

Premium publisher of special-interest content to the world's leading media brands

Multi-millionaire entrepreneur Peter Jones tells Liz Lightfoot how he wants to boost business with new-style apprenticeships.

Rod Bristow, 05/16/12

President, Pearson UK

The debate about standards in the UK examination system turns heads because the importance of education is more vivid now than it has ever been. If we're not getting it right, that's a big problem - nationally and for individuals.

Martin Davidson, 05/17/12

Chief Executive, British Council

For 25 years, UK university students have had access to a scheme that offers life-changing opportunities. It can boost their employability, increase their knowledge, skills, and personal experience, and save them money - particularly welcome as tuition fees rise up to £9,000 a year. Yet despite all of this, relatively few sign up.

Andy Burrows, 05/13/12

Editor at ForeignStudents.com

Last year Theresa May announced that 260,000 fewer student visas will be given out over the next five years, through harsher restrictions on fake colleges and bogus students. Whilst it is clear that preventing fake students from illegally gaining visas is a positive thing, I believe the problem has been hugely overblown, and the solution poorly managed and badly miscommunicated.

Michael Morpurgo, 05/16/12

Author and storyteller

Well, the film of War Horse came and went, much loved by many, less loved by others. I thought it was a wonderful adaptation of the story, as the play is too. I love the thought of people all over the world reading about Joey and Iddesleigh and Albert. But there is, I am discovering, a life after War Horse and it's time to get my feet back on the ground. I am judging and championing the Wicked Young Writers' Award for a third time this year, and very much looking forward to reading this year's crop of entries. Every year I am struck by the honesty and fresh approach to the writing by young people of all ages.