Treating 'populism' as the main threat is not a political response. Taking on the far-right requires a programme which offers an alternative to growing inequality, economic exclusion, division, xenophobia and racism. My letter in today's @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

My first Janaček opera and what an experience. A truly thrilling combination of big issues, emotional charge and gorgeous music - and such a fresh, lively production. More Janaček please! ://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-makropulos-case-katie-mitchell-details

On seeing the margins as spaces in which a majority can be mobilised. Brilliant piece from @nesrinemalik.bsky.social on Zohran Mamdani's campaign. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

A real joy to see my piece 'For a really useful education' in the latest issue of Forum. journals.lwbooks.co.uk/vol-67-issue...

An important and timely reminder from Zoe Williams in today's @theguardian.com that war is always "a portal from civilization to cruelty". www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Does class inequality still matter? Yes it does - more than ever! At @lseinequalities.bsky.social this evening with @faizashaheen.bsky.social @zarahsultana.bsky.social @mikesavagelse.bsky.social @claremacg.bsky.social & Aditya Chakraborty

Our new #ThinkFurther blog by @eddieplayfair.bsky.social, Senior Policy Manager at AoC, highlights the importance of teaching about the Holocaust and other genocides to help students understand history and combat discrimination. Read here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

"Teaching about past atrocities can help encourage students to challenge hatred, racism and discrimination in the here and now," says Eddie Playfair, Senior Policy Manager at AoC, in our new blog on #InternationalHolocaustRemembranceDay. Read more: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

A brilliant 'Vulture Capitalism' talk with @graceblakeley.bsky.social at @lseinequalities.bsky.social this evening. The Lucas Plan, workers' control and popular planning movements continue to inspire us to imagine a different economy organised around meeting social need rather capital accumulation.

Let's celebrate the record number of post-16 students achieving grade 4+ in GCSE English and/or maths in November. These are mostly college-based ‘retake’ students who hadn't achieved grade 4 in Year 11. See our AoC briefing on the November results: bit.ly/4jd2B6m

“Why is it that the rich must become immeasurably more rich before the poor can become even fractionally less poor?” We will miss Jeremy Seabrook's championing of greater equality. www.theguardian.com/books/2024/d...

I discussed maths qualification reform in this 'Right Angle' podcast: “We need a modular and progressive model with plenty of steps to give students credit for what they can do, so they experience success and build on it. That’s more motivating and would build students’ confidence” bit.ly/4iiBFSk

Our @AoC_info draft response to the Curriculum & Assessment Review has just gone live. We hope it will prompt discussion and that colleges will respond in large numbers. This is a great opportunity to help shape the system and benefit our students. d4hfzltwt4wv7.cloudfront.net/uploads/file...

Some reflections on skills, knowledge, policy, pedagogy and the role of colleges in supporting the government's missions. I think I managed to cover a lot in five minutes! youtu.be/aDhe8vltnUg

Hugely important message from @eddieplayfair.bsky.social at the #ETF / #FENews #FESkillsCollective 'Bridging Policy and Pedagogy' conference: #Skills are not 'delivered' but developed in a social context - we need a social cohesion, #socialpurpose-led skills strategy #loveFE #AmplifyFE #UKED #UKFE

Adult, Further and Higher education can change lives, build democracy and transform communities. I was delighted to contribute to 'Harnessing the power of post-compulsory education' co-written with Howard Stevenson & John Holford and published this week by @ucu.org.uk www.ucu.org.uk/article/1373...

Art which "erupts from outrage at the fact that the search for financial profit rules every nook and cranny of our society." Fantastic Peter Kennard exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery - so many classics! And the vision of a People's University of East London is one we need more than ever.

What is common knowledge in my field, but shocks outsiders? There are more 16-18 year olds in colleges than in school sixth forms.