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George Alagiah on mixed Britain; schools commissioner Liz Sidwell; Lauren Child

Jane Garvey with George Alagiah on mixed Britain; Liz Sidwell, new Schools Commissioner for England; author Lauren Child; Joanna Bourke talks about what it means to be human.

Jane Garvey talks to George Alagiah and Saira Khan about mixed Britain and tales of love, of couples fighting prejudice and creating the new society that is mixed Britain. With 216 secondary schools and 962 primary schools below the minimum standard, the new Schools Commissioner for England Liz Sidwell joins Jane to discuss the challenges of fulfilling her role. In April 1872, a letter from 'An Earnest Englishwoman' appeared in The Times newspaper asking 'Are women animals?' The point being that women could expect worse treatment and fewer rights in law than animals at that time. In her book What It Means To Be Human, the historian Joanna Bourke explores the significance of this argument, and tells Jane why it still has resonance today. And having written and illustrated the hugely successful Charlie and Lola and and Clarice Bean books for young children, Lauren Child's next series centres around Ruby Redfort, an American teenaged super spy who finds herself having to balance international espionage with school and basketball commitments. Lauren joins Jane to explain what writers need to consider when aiming to capture the lucrative older child market.

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45 minutes

Chapters

  • Liz Sidwell - School's Commissioner for England

    Liz Sidwell was asked by Education Secretary, Michael Gove, to lead the intervention into failing schools in England. She joins Jane to discuss the challenges.

    Duration: 12:42

  • Mixed Britain

    Mixed Britannia explores the untold story of Britain's mixed-race community through the decades. Presenter George Alagiah and Saira Khan discuss mixed race relationships.

    Duration: 11:42

  • Joanna Bourke - 'What it means to be Human'

    In her book ‘What It Means To Be Human’, the historian Joanna Bourke explores the significance of whether women are animals. She joins Jane to discuss.

    Duration: 09:11

  • Lauren Child

    The author Lauren Child who has written and illustrated the hugely successful Charlie and Lola and and Clarice Bean books for young children talks about her new book for older children.

    Duration: 07:00

Broadcast

  • Tue 4 Oct 2011 10:00

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