An excellent article exploring this issue & our desperate need for more intelligent debate.
Studies on insider-outsider group prejudices address an important element of racism. In white majority contexts, there's empirical evidence to support Abbot's comments.

Huge thanks to colleagues at Arad, who are leading the overarching formative evaluation of CfW research & supported the research, and all my colleagues at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The study highlights a number of dilemmas faced by policy makers and schools when attempting to support EI through more individualised approaches to curriculum design in systems with stretched resources and based on subsidiarity.

This was a relatively small-scale qualitative study based on semi-structured research conversations with members of SLT and practitioners in nine schools (primary & secondary) & one PRU drawn from across the nation. We are very grateful to all participants for their contribution.

Our findings related to five key themes: changes to learners’ experiences of education; how schools are reviewing learning experiences & progress; identifying learners' needs & providing support; system capacity challenges; variability in practice.

What this transformation of global politics entails is hard to imagine. A politically disengaged, under-educated population within a democracy is vulnerable to manipulation. Just read the ancient democratic critique in Aristophanes' play 'Knights'. Who will be the next Sausage Seller?

If Europe resists Trump’s deal, US retaliation is likely. A compromise may be attempted—but Trump doesn’t do diplomacy. He does business. Europe has potential trade leverage, but it's not united, especially with the UK chasing its own economic recovery. (9/10) #economy

Europe now faces a decision: accept Trump’s lie & pressure Ukraine into concessions, or bankroll Ukraine’s resistance— perhaps, securing a European-Ukraine mineral deal instead. Either way, the risk to Europe of further Russian aggression escalates. (8/10) #Ukrainewar #EuropeanUnion

The US has no interest in allowing Russia to seize Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This was a reality Trump and J.D. Vance sought to erase—hence their frustration when Zelensky refused to be manipulated. (7/10)
#Zelensky #OvalOffice

For Trump, Ukraine isn’t an ally—it’s a bargaining chip. Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia hinges on US military support, but their resistance should not be underestimated. However, even if they hold back Russian advances, their economic stability will be severely disrupted. (6/10)

This was clear in the Oval Office. Trump wasn’t acting as a diplomat but as a businessman. His goal? Access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, which will be critical in the next phase of AI-driven digitalisation. And likely, a side deal with Putin over fossil fuels. (5/10)

Both Putin and Trump use this method. Lies, contradictions, jingoism, and prejudice aren’t mistakes—they are tools. Putin has full state control. Trump, lacking that, builds alliances with social media, the capitalist elite, and his own self-belief as a dealmaker. (4/10)

Did this mistake happen in the Oval Office? At first glance, yes. But a bigger factor was at play: the post-truth paradigm—or more accurately, truth by effect. This is the manufacturing of ‘truths’ through disinformation, propaganda, and emotional manipulation. (3/10)

Diplomacy depends on social codes, formal protocols, and careful language. That doesn’t mean it’s tame or civilised—but only an incompetent actor would mistake business negotiation for the art of statecraft. (2/10)
#artofthedeal #diplomacy #posttruth

How can I embrace a process in a way that makes my learners feel more valued and connected to the knowledge at the heart of my teaching? We need to focus on ensuring that every change in education builds the relational dynamics of learning, including how new knowledge is encountered as 'other'.

When processes become automated and merely administrative, their potential to connect positively with learners diminishes. It’s crucial for educators to remember that learning is inherently relational. Every process should be viewed through this lens to maintain meaningful connections with students.

Second, they ensure that reluctant pupils, often from backgrounds of disadvantage, are counted within the system. Previously, if they didn’t complete tasks, it could be seen as solely their fault. Now, schools can identify extra support needs, creating a more inclusive environment for all learners.

Even comparing test scores from one year to another is often meaningless without controlling variables and when sample sizes are so small.
However, these processes can be beneficial. First, they ensure every learner feels their work matters to the teacher, which can be empowering and motivating.