[Malcolm Armsteen]

Is this an example of somebody attempting to establish some popular culture cred, on the basis on near-zero knowledge.

Yes. As always.

[kreuzberger]

I can't add very much, apart from brief mention of the fact that hateful, bullying cunts like this are the key reason why I have no eduction to speak of. I refused to buckle.

[Malcolm Armsteen]

Me too, but I went back to try to put it right.

[MisterMuncher]

Is this an example of somebody attempting to establish some popular culture cred, on the basis on near-zero knowledge.

Yes. As always.

It's always embarrassing to watch, no matter who's at it, but right-wingers in particular tend toward cultural blindspots that elevate it beyond the standard "youth preacher sits on a backwards chair" level.

To that end, I would not be remotely surprised if, say, La Birbs here had no idea who Ike Turner was. The cornered rat-like defence of her posting was way beyond what you'd give an honest mistake, more covering for her own ignorance

[Bones McCoy]

Is this an example of somebody attempting to establish some popular culture cred, on the basis on near-zero knowledge.

Yes. As always.

It's always embarrassing to watch, no matter who's at it, but right-wingers in particular tend toward cultural blindspots that elevate it beyond the standard "youth preacher sits on a backwards chair" level.

To that end, I would not be remotely surprised if, say, La Birbs here had no idea who Ike Turner was. The cornered rat-like defence of her posting was way beyond what you'd give an honest mistake, more covering for her own ignorance

You would hope an educationalist would understand "Dont't know everything, but know how to find out".

She would only need to read about 25% of the wikipedia page to learn the unpleasant truth.

But maybe KB is one of those rote learning teachers.
I can't think of a better way to alienate the bright kids than force them to memorize 20 things for every homework session.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Somebody on Twitter linked to the Michaela GCSE page, and mad the point that it looks very, well, limited.

There's one foreign language (French), although some very small numbers do other subjects (doubtless kids with parents who speak those languages). There's no music or drama GCSE, everyone does Religious Studies (why?), no computing, no business studies, no art, no design and technology. And everyone does the combined science 2GCSE.

Here's the school I used to live opposite in Tower Hamlets.

https://www.find-school-performance-dat ... ts-entered

Look at the difference. (Though in fairness they do only one language too). And you can do Additional Maths here, and not at Chateau Birbalbollocks.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Looking at the other schools in the area- Bethnal Green has lots of secondary schools, this school doesn't look untypical in offering considerably more variety than Michaela.

[MisterMuncher]

Amazing how they've managed to eliminate resource (and thus finance) intensive subjects entirely. I'm sure that's purely coincidental.

[Oboogie]

It's over 40 years since I read either, but even I remember that there's quite a difference between Lord Of The Rings and Lord Of The Flies.

[Watchman]

The cornered rat-like defence of her posting was way beyond what you'd give an honest mistake, more covering for her own ignorance

Which seems to happen on a regular basis, “I am never wrong”

[Youngian]

Is this Richard Littlejohn’s black friend?

In UK, everyone from the left to John Major have puzzled as to why the Tory immigrant vote isn’t higher. Go-getting economic Thatcherism should resonate with migrant cultures but the Tories gets up so many noses. Why?

[Abernathy]

Far from being "cowered"

?

More than one type of illiteracy on display here.

[Samanfur]

I teach business management (new job, folks!) at university. I can give you chapter and verse on theory and what works, but you wouldn't trust me with the proverbial whelk stall.

You may remember me having a manager some years ago who was fresh from finishing an MBA, and would have regular meltdowns at her staff when real life had the temerity to not work like her textbooks, because it was obviously her staff's fault.

[kreuzberger]

Far from being "cowered"

?

More than one type of illiteracy on display here.

Bibblebabble and her inability to punctuate, too.

[davidjay]

I'm starting to wonder about her mental state. At any normal school the governors would be having a word now.

[Andy McDandy]

When you've the likes of Braverman serving as governors, it's clear this isn't about the kids. This is a predetermined battlefield, as much as Orgreave was. The chaps vs the blob, spirited amateur vs dull professional bureaucracy. She can't be allowed to be seen to fail.

[Bones McCoy]

Somebody on Twitter linked to the Michaela GCSE page, and mad the point that it looks very, well, limited.

There's one foreign language (French), although some very small numbers do other subjects (doubtless kids with parents who speak those languages). There's no music or drama GCSE, everyone does Religious Studies (why?), no computing, no business studies, no art, no design and technology. And everyone does the combined science 2GCSE.

Here's the school I used to live opposite in Tower Hamlets.

https://www.find-school-performance-dat ... ts-entered

Look at the difference. (Though in fairness they do only one language too). And you can do Additional Maths here, and not at Chateau Birbalbollocks.

Additional Maths is harder.
It's an indicator of superior mathematical ability.
But its mission of "stretching the most able" sees otherwise straight A students getting Bs and Cs.

Some might argue this is good for the pupil, but bad for the school's image.
Which rather reflects on the school's ethos.
A place for development, or an exam factory?

[Bones McCoy]

It's over 40 years since I read either, but even I remember that there's quite a difference between Lord Of The Rings and Lord Of The Flies.

"Selection": I think she typed the bit we're supposed to remain quiet about.

[Bones McCoy]

Far from being "cowered"

?

More than one type of illiteracy on display here.

Bibblebabble and her inability to punctuate, too.

As Ronald Reagan said: If you're explaining, you're losing".

KB is doing a lot of explaining here.
However the charge of racism will have stuck in many minds.

You know, that hing that the Right always accuse the left of.

[Youngian]

I'm starting to wonder about her mental state. At any normal school the governors would be having a word now.

Farage and the likes of Brillo Neil are just as weird with this banking saga and so are right wing pundits refuting global warming on every cool summer day. They know the difference between climate and weather just as infants know Pingu doesn’t smell of poo. But if teacher told them he doesn’t, the kids will shout ‘Pingu smells of poo’ and giggle.