Lessons from History

The podcast explores the establishment of board schools in London after the 1870 Education Act, highlighting their role in shaping the future of education. It discusses the architectural features of Victorian school buildings and the pedagogical innovations introduced in board schools. The chapter also explores the challenges faced during the interwar years and the post-war building boom. Discussion on the views of a board school student from the 1870s regarding modern schools, reflecting on advancements in health and safety and the need for faster refurbishment processes.

In this episode Daisy and Elizabeth discuss Miss Buss and Miss Beale, two pioneers of education for girls in Victorian England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of our two part special on exams, Daisy and Elizabeth address grade inflation and whether exams really are getting easier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1858 the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge set the first external school exams. They went on to form the template for today's GCSEs and A-Levels. In this episode, the first of a two part special on exams, Daisy and Elizabeth consider how similar those exams were to those which are sat today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1870 Elementary Education Act was a landmark piece of legislation, broadening access to primary education in England and Wales. Daisy and Elizabeth discuss the controversies caused by the Act's passage through Parliament and how it ignited a nineteenth century culture war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roald Dahl, famous children's book author, talks about his autobiography 'Boy' and its portrayal of British schooling. Topics include Dahl's storytelling abilities, his unique education in English schools, the history of Repton school, Dahl's mischievous pranks and corporal punishment, cultural elements and independence at the school, the impact of World War One on teachers and students, unfairness and solidarity among the boys, and the confusion surrounding beatings in Dahl's school.

From the printing press through to Chat GPT, educational innovation is a constant. We take a whirlwind tour through the history of new ideas about education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the fascination of autodidax and the desire for intellectual growth among working classes in early Victorian Britain. Discover the impact of gender on literacy and the inspiring story of Catherine Mullen. Delve into the educational value of didactic texts and the life of self-taught genius Michael Faraday. Reflect on the outcomes of autodidactism, including the dark side depicted in Jude the Obscure.

Daisy and Elizabeth discuss the history of English public schools. Never far from the news - how much has changed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.