'WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HATE JEWS?'
GCSE Exam Question Sparks Controversy

Scott Bryan, 22/05/12

TV Critic

I'm dyslexic. That's right. Richard Branson, Albert Einstein, Henry Winkler and Orlando Bloom and I can all officially high-five each other. Now dyslexia affects people in different ways. It can be a major block to getting through school and getting through work. However, dyslexia isn't all that bad. In fact I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVE IT. Here's why...

Wendy Jones, 24/05/12

Trustee of National Numeracy and a former BBC education correspondent

Too much teaching is seen as getting students through tests rather than giving them a real understanding of what maths is about and so preparing them for the next stage of education, work and life. Teachers have become more aware of the need to improve students' problem-solving and investigative skills, but rarely integrate that into the way children learn.

John Walmsley, 23/05/12

Principle of UWC Atlantic College

Ever since the riots blazed across UK streets and TV sets worldwide last year, debate has raged on the catalyst that sparked an estimated 15,000 individuals to become one angry mob. Around 70% of the London 2011 rioters were under the age of 24 so identifying a root cause could well help stop these scenes happening again.

B.J. Epstein, 23/05/12

Lecturer in literature and translation, University of East Anglia

But many view children's literature as beneath them. If it's not for 'grownups', it's not worthwhile. But, wait, here's a sneaky little problem: what about all the 'grownups' who read and enjoy Rowling's work and other children's books? Shouldn't we explore why these works appeals to adults who are apparently supposed to know better?

Zain Sardar, 18/05/12

Member Support Officer of the Young Greens of England and Wales

While inequality in parts of private sector are associated with a breakdown of social ties, bonds, alienation and the soulless insouciance of high financiers and captains of enterprise we need to put our foot down and say this is not the vision we want for higher education.

Stephanie Allen, 18/05/12

Literature Student and wannabe columnist

Believe it or not, some people go to university because they want to study a subject just so that they can learn more about it. Not everyone goes to university with a chosen career path in mind, and many of those students also just simply like their degree matter.

Raconteur Media, 20/05/12

Premium publisher of special-interest content to the world's leading media brands

Multi-millionaire entrepreneur Peter Jones tells Liz Lightfoot how he wants to boost business with new-style apprenticeships.

Rod Bristow, 17/05/12

President, Pearson UK

The debate about standards in the UK examination system turns heads because the importance of education is more vivid now than it has ever been. If we're not getting it right, that's a big problem - nationally and for individuals.

Martin Davidson, 17/05/12

Chief Executive, British Council

For 25 years, UK university students have had access to a scheme that offers life-changing opportunities. It can boost their employability, increase their knowledge, skills, and personal experience, and save them money - particularly welcome as tuition fees rise up to £9,000 a year. Yet despite all of this, relatively few sign up.

Andy Burrows, 14/05/12

Editor at ForeignStudents.com

Last year Theresa May announced that 260,000 fewer student visas will be given out over the next five years, through harsher restrictions on fake colleges and bogus students. Whilst it is clear that preventing fake students from illegally gaining visas is a positive thing, I believe the problem has been hugely overblown, and the solution poorly managed and badly miscommunicated.

Michael Morpurgo, 17/05/12

Author and storyteller

Well, the film of War Horse came and went, much loved by many, less loved by others. I thought it was a wonderful adaptation of the story, as the play is too. I love the thought of people all over the world reading about Joey and Iddesleigh and Albert. But there is, I am discovering, a life after War Horse and it's time to get my feet back on the ground. I am judging and championing the Wicked Young Writers' Award for a third time this year, and very much looking forward to reading this year's crop of entries. Every year I am struck by the honesty and fresh approach to the writing by young people of all ages.

Sarah Slater, 19/05/12

Senior Consultant, Oxbridge Applications

Students all over the world are facing the music with school exams in full swing at the moment - not to mention finals for those already at university. And with students being tested on more information across a wide range of subjects, remembering what you've been taught is vital.

Eleanor Davis, 17/05/12

Online media coordinator, campaigner and writer

"I didn't know anything about sex, contraception or relationships when I left school, there was never anyone to ask who could explain properly to me in sign language. I didn't know how many sexual partners were 'normal'. When I left school and left home, I was raped by a man."

Alice Barnard, 15/05/12

Chief executive of the Peter Jones Foundation

Traditionally, apprenticeships were the main route into business. Some of the country's best-known entrepreneurs mastered their skills this way: Michel Roux, restaurateur and Masterchef judge, British fashion designer Karen Millen, and hair-product entrepreneur John Frieda all learned their crafts via apprenticeship schemes.