Archive for December, 2009
The True Winner of the X-Factor
Posted by David Conway in Social Cohesion on 15/12/2009
Irrespective of whether it is utter bilge or compulsive viewing, the massive popularity of ‘the X Factor’ reveals in the country a deep need for which the just concluded weekly TV singing talent contest apparently is able to cater admirably.
Is the success of academies a sham?
Posted by James Gubb in Education on 14/12/2009
A new survey released today by Civitas has uncovered alarming evidence that deprived young people are being short-changed by Academies, with strong evidence students are being pushed into less challenging subjects and qualifications to drive up headline results.
The NHS: from good to great? Hmm…
Posted by James Gubb in Health on 10/12/2009
From good to great. The latest ‘vision’ for the NHS. But if it is one, it is wholly unclear. Rather, it is a typical mish-mash of government rhetoric, loud on promise, short on reality. Read the introduction and tell me what the vision is…
Friends of the Family?
Posted by David Conway in Family, Marriage and the Culture on 09/12/2009
Featured prominently in the media this past week have been the views of two influential figures within the world of family policy in recent years. Their reported views do much to explain the dire state to which that institution has been reduced during this time.
Engage now
Posted by Anastasia de Waal in Education on 04/12/2009
The United States is suffering from the same scenario we in the UK are: too few young people are going on to study science and maths, detrimental to the economy, and of course to horizons.
No apathy among medical students
Posted by James Gubb in Uncategorized on 03/12/2009
A criticism often laid at the medical profession is that they are quick to moan at the state of the NHS or the latest government initiative (and, on many counts, they may well be forgiven), but slow to engage in real debate and come up with meaningful alternatives. The status quo is much easier. Not so with medical students, it appears, where the desire to get involved in discussion about health policy and the future direction of the NHS appears insatiable. Last week, 220 turned up to learn more about the NHS, how it is structured, how it works, and debate the options. Read more here.