
Lessons from History
Thinking about education in the past can help us make sense of it in the present and the future. In this podcast Daisy and Elizabeth consider what lessons the history of education can teach us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Feb 23, 2024 • 44min
Pupil Rebellions (pt. 2)
In this, the second of a two part series on pupil rebellions in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Daisy and Elizabeth discuss how teachers, parents and the general public reacted to school boy riots, social contagion and what finally brought the phenomenon to a close. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2024 • 40min
Pupil Rebellions (pt. 1)
Daisy and Elizabeth discuss a spate of pupil rebellions which rocked elite public schools in the late 18th century. In this, the first of two parts, they discuss some of the more dramatic events involving home-made bombs, firearms, soldiers and the reading of the Riot Act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 2024 • 46min
The Butler Act (pt. 2)
The second part of Daisy and Elizabeth's interview with Sir Michael Barber considers the legacy of the Butler Act (1944), including its creation of a tripartite system of education and the passage of the legislation through Parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 12, 2024 • 44min
The Butler Act (pt. 1)
Daisy and Elizabeth talk to Michael Barber about the 1944 Education Act, commonly known as the Butler Act. Sir Michael Barber is a British former public servant and educationist, perhaps best known for serving as Head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit under Tony Blair’s government. His first book, The Making of the 1944 Education Act, was published in 1994 to mark its 50th anniversary. In this, the first of two episodes, Michael discusses the historical context for the Act and the key personalities involved: 'RAB' Butler and Winston Churchill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 2023 • 35min
A-Levels
In response to the Government plan to replace the A-Level with a new 'Advanced British Standard', Daisy and Elizabeth consider the origins of the A-Level. What has led to this qualification's success and longevity and will the 'ABS' really kill the A-Level off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2023 • 35min
The School Certificate
In Autumn 2023 the Government announced its intention to replace A-Levels with a new qualification, the Advanced British Standard. In this episode, Daisy and Elizabeth take a look at the precursor to the A-Levels - the Higher School Certificate and consider what lessons it might have for those developing the new 'ABS'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2023 • 57min
The State of Independence
Daisy and Elizabeth interview Patrick Derham OBE, former Head Master of three leading public schools, on the challenges facing independent schools and his efforts to widen access to education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 2023 • 44min
Absenteeism
Absenteeism has become a very real problem for schools in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, but pupils playing truant is nothing new. Daisy and Elizabeth consider school attendance in late nineteenth century England as schooling first became compulsory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2023 • 43min
John Stuart Mill
Explore the life and ideas of John Stuart Mill, the philosopher and politician. Learn about his unique homeschooling experience, his influence on utilitarianism, and his struggles with mental health. Delve into his thoughts on education, women's suffrage, and the balance between ease and capability. Discover the impact of his advocacy and the importance of high expectations for societal progress.

Oct 6, 2023 • 42min
Building Schools in the Past (pt. 2)
In this second episode on school buildings, Daisy and Elizabeth interview structural engineer, Fiona Cobb, about the challenges and opportunities presented by school buildings. You can find out more about Fiona here: https://www.ccoengineers.com/fiona-cobb-structural-engineer-about Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.