Episodes
We're thrilled to unveil some work set to debut at this year's Brighton Festival. Join us in this special episode as host Curtis James sits down with sound artist Simon James – who just so happens to be his twin brother – to delve into the origins of this new work. Curtis and Simon discuss the genesis of the project, drawing inspiration from a pivotal moment in their lives at the age of 15. Discover the creative process behind Neolithic Cannibals, which will see Simon working with a group of...
Published 02/15/24
Published 02/15/24
Please donate to keep our campaigning going. On the day The Children, Families & Schools Committee vote on the free school meal school admission proposals, Curtis and Carlie talk about the things that have led up to this day, and we hear the moment the vote happens, as well as thoughts just afterwards. Thanks to Simon James for recording the committee meeting and post vote interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 01/22/24
Support the proposed changes here. In this bonus episode we delve into the critical consultation happening within the council that could reshape the landscape of education in Brighton and Hove. The spotlight is on a proposed change in secondary school admissions that would prioritise free school meal children, aiming to bridge the class divide and create a more socially inclusive education system. Featuring: Dr Ellen Greaves Andy Schofield Dr Carlie Goldsmith Rachelle Otulakowski - Longhill...
Published 11/29/23
Welcome to the seventh reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the ideas for the future and the culmination of series 1. Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign. Sign up to the Class Divide newsletter here. Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you like what we are doing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 06/14/23
In the final episode of the series, we delve into a story that exemplifies the emergence of hope from the darkest of places. We visit the Crew Club, a community centre at the heart of the council estate in Brighton where the murder of a young boy nearly three decades ago inspired something extraordinary—a place of hope. We travel to Finland and Doncaster to hear how education can be different and successful. We advocate for individuals to overcome prejudices, acknowledge privilege, and...
Published 06/07/23
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 05/31/23
Welcome to the sixth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the issues around catchments and school admissions. Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign. Sign up the Class Divide newsletter here. Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you like what we are doing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 05/24/23
In this episode we delve into the deep-rooted issues of inequality within the British education system, focusing on catchments and school admissions in Brighton and Hove. We uncover how these factors perpetuate segregation and limit opportunities for children from less privileged backgrounds. We examine the concept of parental choice and its consequences, shedding light on how some parents exploit the system to benefit their own children which leaves others disadvantaged. Featuring: Darren...
Published 05/17/23
In this episode we make the case for a more integrated state school system, not just in Brighton and Hove, but across the country. Episode 6 is out on the 17th May 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 05/16/23
Welcome to the fifth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the pervasive theme of a lack of choice in life after school. They explore how limited educational support restricts opportunities and influences individuals' decisions. Drawing from her work at the Crew Club, Carlie speaks about the abundance of talent and potential individuals possess, however, the lack of choice and opportunity remains a significant barrier in fields...
Published 05/10/23
In this episode of "Class Divide," we explore the impact of leaving school without qualifications, including low self-esteem and limited job opportunities. We hear from someone who couldn't pursue their chosen career due to generational challenges. We also discuss the issues faced by working-class individuals in pursuing higher education and the systemic issues that make it difficult for them to break out of the cycle of educational disadvantage. Featuring: Carlie Goldsmith -...
Published 05/03/23
In this episode, your host Curtis James reflects on his journey from a less than ideal background to making this podcast. As he shares his personal experience, we'll hear from individuals who discovered the transformative power of education later in life, and the incredible opportunities it can bring. We'll also follow up with Carlie and her brothers, as they reveal the paths their lives have taken since their vastly different school experiences. Episode 5 is out on Wednesday 3rd May 2023. ...
Published 04/28/23
Welcome to the fourth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. This episode is split into two halves. In the first Curtis is joined by Ryan and they discuss their experiences of Stanley Deason School as well as what it felt like to get a peak behind the curtain of what was happening on the lead up to their school closing. In the second half Carlie speaks about the impact the school closure has had on the community. Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the...
Published 04/26/23
In this episode we're looking at how years of neglect and middle-class flight resulted in the closure of East Brighton's only secondary school also known as "the school that died of poverty". How is that allowed to happen? And what does it say and do to a community when its school is closed? Featuring: Carlie Goldsmith - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN Arron, Asa, and Ryan Jill Clough - Ex COMART Head Andy Schofield - Ex Varndean School Head Mr Hubbard - Ex Stanley Deason/Marina High/COMART...
Published 04/19/23
Join us as we follow the story of the closure of East Brighton's only secondary school and the impact it had on the community. Hear about years of neglect, poverty, and the lack of commitment to working-class education. Don't miss this powerful episode, released on Wednesday 19th April. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 04/15/23
This is a special surprise episode delivered to you from the Lake District. We're with a group of 12 young people from Whitehawk, spending the week at the Ullswater Outward Bound Centre. This bonus episode also includes a teaser for Episode 4, which will launch next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 04/12/23
Welcome to the third reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis and Carlie discuss their thoughts on the previous week's episode, which explored life in two very different schools. We react mainly to the challenges her brothers faced in their state school and the consequences for children today. Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign. Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you like what we are doing. ...
Published 04/05/23
In this episode we follow the story of Carlie Goldsmith and her three brothers, Asa, Ryan, and Arron. All four grew up in Whitehawk, one of the council estates of East Brighton on the South Coast of England. Carlie received an assisted place at a fee-paying independent school for girls, while her brothers attended the local comprehensive in the hills and hollows of Whitehawk. This episode explores the stark reality of educational segregation and the impact it has on the lives of young...
Published 03/29/23
Here's a sneak preview of the upcoming episode, out on the 29th of March. We'll be exploring what happens when children from the same family, living in the same house end up going to two very different schools. Find out more about Class Divide here: www.classdivide.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 03/24/23
Welcome to the second reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis and Carlie discuss their thoughts on the previous week's episode, which explored the negative stigma and perception in the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in East Brighton. Curtis and Carlie share some more personal experiences of stigma they have faced, and discuss the issue raised by Darren McGarvey about 'the imperialist nature' of organisations parachuting in to 'save'...
Published 03/22/23
In this episode, we're in Whitehawk, one of the most underprivileged communities in the UK, where we will meet the residents who call this place home. We will look into the issues facing this community and explore how the stigma attached to council estates like Whitehawk has contributed to the systemic inequalities that exist in our education system. We'll uncover the challenges faced by those living in this community, including high levels of poverty and low educational attainment. We'll...
Published 03/15/23
Previously in our series, we left you in suspense, waiting to hear what happened with Carlie Goldsmith as she received a life-changing letter in her bedroom on the Whitehawk council estate. In the upcoming Episode 2, we'll finally reveal the contents of that letter. We'll also take a closer look at Whitehawk in East Brighton, a community that has long struggled with inadequate education support. Join us on Wednesday, March 15th as we explore beyond Carlie's bedroom walls and shed light on...
Published 03/11/23
Welcome to the first reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis and Carlie discuss their thoughts on the previous week's episode, which explored the challenges faced by the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in East Brighton. Curtis and Carlie delve into the concept of shadow cultures and their impact on the community, as well as the drawbacks of measuring children in school from an early age. They also explore where the good in the community...
Published 03/08/23
Have you ever wondered why some children excel academically while others struggle? In this episode, we explore the critical importance of early years education, from birth to junior school, which many experts consider the most critical time for young people's development and learning. We take a close look at the lives of one family in Whitehawk, a council estate on the outskirts of Brighton, and how their experiences in the formative years could potentially have a profound impact on every...
Published 03/01/23