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Class Divide

Class Divide

Written by: Class Divide
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About this listen

Class Divide is a powerful podcast series that exposes educational inequality in the UK. Through two years of documentary work, it sheds light on education in underprivileged areas such as East Brighton estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate. Shockingly, only 37% of young people in East Brighton achieved basic GCSE grades compared to 69% in the rest of the city in 2019.


The series follows the lives of a daughter and three sons from Whitehawk, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Along with families and teachers, education experts such as Professor Diane Reay and writer Fiona Millar will weigh in on the roots of the UK's educational segregation and attainment gap. The series also features guest appearances by renowned figures such as Darren McGarvey.


The series is written and presented by Curtis James. Curtis grew up in East Brighton and went to school in Whitehawk.


Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply injust educational attainment gap for young people from the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. The campaign is made up of parents, residents, experts and supporters who have experienced these problems or have expertise in education, and are funded where necessary by donations and independent of any political organisation.

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Episodes
  • Series teaser

    Series teaser
    Feb 15 2023
    A sneak preview of the upcoming Class Divide podcast series.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    3 mins
  • Episode 1 - The Early Years

    Episode 1 - The Early Years
    Mar 1 2023
    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 aspect of their lives.To provide a broader understanding of the challenges facing early years education, we are joined by a diverse range of guests.Rapper, broadcaster, campaigner and Orwell Prize winning author Darren McGarvey; Thomas McMorrin, headteacher at City Academy Whitehawk; Professor Diane Reay, Cambridge academic researcher and higher education teacher; Dr Sarah Leaney from the University of Brighton; Celia Greenwood is one of the co-founders of the WAC Arts Organisation; Dr Chris Bagley, educational psychologist and former teacher; Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.Music in the series was kindly donated by Salvatore Mercatante, Traams, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Clarice Jensen, Polypores, Toydrum, and Shopping, Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Minor Pieces, Rutger Hoedemaekers Thank you to Fat Cat Records, Castles in Space.The series was funded by Necessity. If you'd like to supprt the Class Divide campaign follow on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the website, classdivide.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 mins
  • Reaction Episode 1

    Reaction Episode 1
    Mar 8 2023

    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 can be found, despite the challenges they face.


    One of those good things is the Crew Club - they have been a massive supporter of Class Divide. You can check out their work here, and if you can spare any cash, donate to them here.


    Check out the Class Divide Website.


    Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and share if you love what we are doing.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins
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