Just afore I go - a thought on education

****

I rather thought this quote summed up why the 'statist' critique of free schools is so bonkers:

But then I look at the kind of poison and stupidity and vileness Michael Gove and Toby Young and Katharine Birbalsingh have to put up with, and I do wonder. It was what struck me when watching Toby’s brilliant documentary series about his temerity in wanting to create a school offering a liberal arts education (specialising in the classics) gratis and for free to any child in the area, of however lowly a background, who might benefit from it.

What on earth is wrong with that? The opponents are purveyors of our current choiceless, failing system. The headteachers of the schools that think it fine to throw out semi-literate kids without much - if any - hope, the Unions that oppose any threat to their negotiated orthodoxy and the educationalists who refuse to admit that their theories and schemes have failed.

I am delighted that we have three proposals for free schools in Bradford (and not surprised by the rather contemptuous response from the LEA bureaucracy) because I know that what we're delivering now needs shaking up. And I hope that, when these schools succeed, we'll see a raft of other new schools delivering fine education - without concern to poverty or background - that can push aside the failing and coasting schools we have today.

....

Why I won't be going to Bradford Hospitals "AGM and Open Event 2009"

Not so long ago I wrote how Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spent over £2 million of your and my money on "corporate services" - some of it justifiable, some rather questionable - and over £800,000 on a couple of boards (a real and very expensive one and a playtime board called the "Foundation").

Today I was kindly sent an invitation - in full colour with a freepost response (money to burn these guys) - to the Trust's Annual General Meeting and Open Event. This show involves the AGM itself (no agenda so I don't know what's involved - bet we don't get to vote in the real board as would be the case with a private business) followed by an open event full of demonstrations, tours, presentations and showcases. In fact, everything but the bouncy castle!

Now I think these events are a really good idea - they may cost a few pounds to put on (why don't they get their very rich suppliers to sponsor or is that frowned upon these days?) but it provides a chance to let the public see behind the scenes a little.

Or does it? Look a little closer - the event runs from 1.00pm to 6.00pm on a Wednesday. Hardly accessible to the public! Shouldn't it run when people who have a full time job (like me) can attend? Such as an evening or better still a Saturday! As a result the event will not see any ordinary folk attending - just the usual collection of the great and good (plus hangers on and aspirant masters of the Bradford universe).

So Mr Richardson, with your £50 grand salary for a couple of days a week, I'm afraid I can't come to your shindig because you're holding it at a time when half of the people who might like to come can't make it. Try to get it right next year, please!