Class Divide is a powerful podcast series that exposes educational inequality in the UK. Through two years of documentary work, it sheds light on education in underprivileged areas such as East Brighton estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate. Shockingly, only 37% of young people in East Brighton achieved basic GCSE grades compared to 69% in the rest of the city in 2019.
The series follows the lives of a daughter and three sons from Whitehawk, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Along with families and teachers, education experts such as Professor Diane Reay and writer Fiona Millar will weigh in on the roots of the UK's educational segregation and attainment gap. The series also features guest appearances by renowned figures such as Darren McGarvey.
The series is written and presented by Curtis James. Curtis grew up in East Brighton and went to school in Whitehawk.
Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply injust educational attainment gap for young people from the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. The campaign is made up of parents, residents, experts and supporters who have experienced these problems or have expertise in education, and are funded where necessary by donations and independent of any political organisation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Class Divide is a powerful podcast series that exposes educational inequality in the UK. Through two years of documentary work, it sheds light on education in underprivileged areas such as East Brighton estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate. Shockingly, only 37% of young people in East Brighton achieved basic GCSE grades compared to 69% in the rest of the city in 2019.
The series follows the lives of a daughter and three sons from Whitehawk, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Along with families and teachers, education experts such as Professor Diane Reay and writer Fiona Millar will weigh in on the roots of the UK's educational segregation and attainment gap. The series also features guest appearances by renowned figures such as Darren McGarvey.
The series is written and presented by Curtis James. Curtis grew up in East Brighton and went to school in Whitehawk.
Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply injust educational attainment gap for young people from the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. The campaign is made up of parents, residents, experts and supporters who have experienced these problems or have expertise in education, and are funded where necessary by donations and independent of any political organisation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Brighton made history by giving children on free school meals priority access to secondary schools, it became the first city in England to take such a bold step towards educational equality. But was it enough? In this first episode of a special three-part series, Class Divide explores why true integration of our schools matters - not just for our poorest children, but for everyone.
From Longhill High School's fight against stigma to groundbreaking research on school segregation, we uncover how a city proud of its progressive values faces its biggest test yet.
Through conversations with teachers, researchers and families, we explore what happens when principles meet personal choices, and why creating truly mixed schools could be the key to Brighton's future.
As the city considers its next steps towards educational equality, we ask: can Brighton live up to its reputation as a haven of inclusivity when change affects our own children's education? Join us as we explore how building an education system that works for our poorest children first creates better schools for everyone.
Links & Resources:
Take part in the Council's consultation on school admissions (open until January 31st)
Organisations Mentioned:
Durham University Evidence Center for Education
Guests:
Rachelle Otulakowski - Headteacher, Longhill High School
Professor Stephen Gorard - Durham University
Sammy Wright - Headteacher and former Social Mobility Commissioner
Richard Kahlenberg - Education researcher
Charley O'Regan - Senior Schools Engagement Manager, Sutton Trust
Leslie Reeves - Social prescribing health worker and East Brighton Parent
Beth - Whitehawk parent
Dave - Whitehawk parent
Carlie Goldsmith - Class Divide co-founder
Jo Lyons - Assistant Director for Education and Skills, Brighton & Hove City Council
Councillor Jacob Taylor - Deputy Leader of the Council
Credits:
Curtis James - Writer and Producer
Eve Streeter - Executive Producer
Carlie Goldsmith - Editorial Guidance & Class Divide co-founder
Music Credits:
Music in this series was kindly donated by Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Salvatore Mercatante, Polypores, Minor Pieces, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Toydrum, The Official Body, Benjamin Harrison, Traams, and Clarice Jensen. Thanks to Alex at Fat Cat Records, and Colin at Castles in Space.
Further Reading:
How to connect with Class Divide
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.