Excellent episode last night from Jamie Oliver's Dream School. David Starkey not only reformed his teaching style but seemed to connect very well with the unruly kids. Although as a human being, Starkey is a rather curious example, maybe he spent a little too long reading in university and not partying. On the other hand, if he had partied, he wouldn't one of the greatest historians.
Discipline was thankfully explained to them and Alistair Campbell's contribution was for me the highlight of the episode. His opening question was 'What does 'politics' make you think off?', the answer was 'boring'; yet this was followed by a passionate debate about welfare. Campbell couldn't have done better, he left the squabbling kids with a big smile on his face, looking at the camera he simply said: 'They're very political.' Job done.
The greatest surprise was from professional photographer John Rankin Waddell, simply known as 'Rankin', who provided a class for photography. This seemed to stimulate the students beyond belief, by the end I was left feeling let down by my own school who had not offered this great subject. I know for sure I want a good camera, maybe for Christmas...
The kids are, of course, the focus. We got to know more about them, understanding their complex lives that are ignored by schools and which explain why some of the brightest kids may not get the right number of GCSEs. But we are still left slightly frustrated that some 'brats' will keep talking to their friends and even answer the phone or start fight while the teacher is literally inches away asking them to listen. It makes my blood boil and if I were Simon Callow, the great Shakespearean actor, accomplished theatre director and proud owner of the letters 'CBE' after his name, I would have thrown Hamlet in the brats face and walked out. Even screaming 'SHUT UP' in his signature stage voice didn't seem to move anyone but the viewers.
One of the top phrases this episode comes up with is attributed to good old Starky. When discussing with Jamie and the Headmaster the incident where he called a student fat, he said 'I looked at him and I saw an arrogant, self-satisfied porcine boy.' At this point Jamie is cringing, the Headmaster has a hand on his cheek, utter disbelief. Then (because it gets worse!) Starkey says, 'Which means pig-like.'
We know, David, we're not as stupid as you think.
