Rethink

Amol Rajan and his guests look at Japan where almost a third of the population is aged 65 or over. What does that mean for Japan's economy, and its future? And what can other ageing countries learn from its experiences so far?GUESTSKathy Matsui, partner at venture capital fund MPowerCelia Hatton, Asia-Pacific Editor for the BBCBill Emmott, Chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, former Editor of the EconomistNoreena Hertz economist and author of 'The Lonely Century'Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Lucinda Borrell Editor: Kirsty Reid

In episode three of the series, Amol Rajan is joined by guests from Africa and the Middle East to look at the challenges and opportunities faced by countries with rapidly growing young populations. Will this mean demographic dividend or disaster for states like Nigeria? GUESTS Dr Wangui Kimari, Junior Research Fellow, Institute for Humanities in Africa at the University of Cape Town Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner at SBM Intelligence Meray Maddah, Research Assistant, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Dr. Paul Morland, Author of ‘The Human Tide: How Population Shaped the Modern World’ Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Ayeisha Thomas-Smith Editor: Kirsty Reid

Amol Rajan and guests look at why British birth rates have declined so much. Can we - should we - try to reverse this and how will we pay for the health and care needs of our growing elderly population? GUESTS Prof Sarah Harper, Director and Clore Professor of Gerontology, Oxford Institute of Population Ageing Miatta Fahnbulleh, CEO, New Economics Foundation Robert Colvile, Director, Centre for Policy Studies David Runciman - Professor of Politics, University of Cambridge Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Rob Walker Editor: Kirsty Reid

In a new five-part Rethink series, Amol Rajan and guests challenge some of our long-held assumptions about population change. Are there really too many people in the world - or will some countries actually end up with too few? GUESTS Rt Hon. Lord David Willets, President of the Advisory Council and Intergenerational Centre of the Resolution Foundation Professor Anna Rotkirch, Director, Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto, Finland Professor Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Rob Walker Editor: Kirsty Reid

During the pandemic many schools and universities relied on virtual lessons using video software. In the final programme of this Rethink on Education, we look to the future and ask what is the role of technology in education? Will students be taught virtually or will online resources only be used to enhance the classroom experience? Amol Rajan and guests discuss.GUESTS:Alex Beard, Author, Natural Born LearnersMatt Hood, Founder, Oak National AcademyDilshad Sheikh, Dean of the Business School, Arden UniversityDr. Elizabeth Gemmill, Department for Continuing Education, Oxford UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Universities receive double the amount of funding that Further Education colleges get, despite the fact they have twice the number of students, most of whom are in vocational training. If the country is to meet the requirements of new technology jobs, and skills, should we be investing more money in higher education that provides the skills we will need for the future economic prosperity of the country rather than a course in English Literature? Amol Rajan and guests discuss.GUESTS:Professor Dame Ann Dowling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Cambridge University, Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering David Goodhart, Author 'Head, Hand, Heart: The struggle for dignity and status in the 21st CenturyJude Kelly, Founder WoW FoundationProfessor Steven Spier, Vice-chancellor, Kingston UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Should we change the current system of examinations for our 16 and 18 year olds? During the past two years pupils across the UK have missed out on official exams like GCSEs, A Levels and Highers. So are official exams no longer needed? The current system was set up as a conduit for the now, 50 percent of students who go to university. But what about those who don't go on to higher education, are they being catered for? Is there a better way to assess what young people have learnt whilst at school that will help them get what they want out of life in the future? Amol Rajan and guests discuss. GUESTSLord Kenneth Baker, Baker Dearing Educational Trust, UTC'sLaura McInerney, Founder, TeacherTapp Dr. Kevin Stannard, Head of Innovation and Learning, Girls' Day Schools TrustAliyah Irabor-York, Student & Founder , Pupil PowerandKiran Gill, CEO and Founder, The Difference Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Today's Rethink is looking at early years and primary education. With cuts in child services, are primary schools and early years providers becoming ersatz parents as well as educators? Providing everything from meals to setting boundaries in a space where children can be their very best?Amol Rajan and guests discuss whether educators can really make up for what's missing in the home?GUESTSDr. Mary Bousted, Joint General-Secretary, National Education UnionNaomi Eisenstadt, Chair, Northamptonshire Integrated Care System and Honorary Fellow at the University of Oxford Dept of Education Zane Powles, MBE, Asst Deputy Headteacher, Western Primary School, Grimsby Shaddai Tembo, Lecturer, Early Years, University of Highlands and IslandsPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Rethinking Education. In a new five part Rethink series, Amol Rajan and guests discuss how we can re-think the Education system post pandemic. GUESTSKikelomo Agunbiade, Head of Education, IPPR Claire-Marie Cuthbert - Chief Executive, Evolve TrustDavid Perks, Principal and Founder, East London Science SchoolProfessor David Runciman, Professor of Politics and History, Cambridge UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Professor Jude Browne looks at how we tackle the concept of responsibility post-pandemic