Category: Opinion

We cannot pretend that Afghanistan is not our responsibility

Here are the words of Joe Biden, the US President seeking to shift blame and responsibility away from himself and away from us in the West. Now, we may have different opinions on the rights and wrongs of going into Afghanistan. As I’ve said before, I was sceptical, reluctant, cautious but on balance believe the… Continue reading We cannot pretend that Afghanistan is not our responsibility

Afghanistan – time is running out but a response is possible

I want to share some further thoughts on response to the Afghan crisis including what I think governments should be doing in response. I appreciate that I’m moving further into the territory of personal opinion on matters that Christians should not have their consciences bound. Some of you may wish to stay clear of the… Continue reading Afghanistan – time is running out but a response is possible

How do we respond to the Afghan tragedy?

The reports coming out of Afghanistan are heart-breaking as we see the Taliban return to power in Kabul 20 years after the Afghan war that followed the 911 terror attacks.  We don’t need to second guess what Taliban rule will involve because we have been there before. Taliban rule meant

Returning to normal?

I find it fascinating that here we are coming out of the pandemic and one of the big concerns is about whether or not people will return to the office.  This is seen as crucial to a return to normality. I can understand that  there are economic and social implications of people continuing to work… Continue reading Returning to normal?

Don’t blame the teachers for grade inflation

For the second year running, GCSE and A-Level results are not being determined by external exams.  Due to coronavirus disruption different methods have been used. Teachers were asked to grade students based on evidence available to them.  This might include work previously submitted and a range of assessments set under exam conditions at the end… Continue reading Don’t blame the teachers for grade inflation

What is happening with COVID hospital admissions?

As you know, I’ve been sharing a few articles about the COVID situation. to help us with our thinking about church life at this phase in the pandemic. Whilst pastors and leaders cannot become experts in epidemiology and whilst our primary focus is to keep people focused on Christ, it is helpful for us to… Continue reading What is happening with COVID hospital admissions?

Don’t just give them knowledge on a plate

I’ve written a few articles over the past few days about the importance of providing foundational knowledge as we teach people, whether in schools, church or other educational type contexts.  I see this as important but things can go too far the other way. There is a benefit to not always teaching knowledge and providing… Continue reading Don’t just give them knowledge on a plate

More on not so obviously useful knowledge

The Education Secretary’s announcement that efforts would be made to encourage Latin in schools has divided opinion. Some people have immediately welcomes this as an important part of raising standards and removing the stigma of Latin as an elitist subject. Others have argued that this is a waste of time, learning a dead language is… Continue reading More on not so obviously useful knowledge

“I’ll wait for Survation”

Survation famously got their 2017 General Election prediction pretty near right when all the other pollsters floundered. So in 2019, when nearly every pollster was calling it for the Conservatives as a clear win, a frequent refrain from those rooting for Jeremy Corbyn was “I’ll wait for Survation”. The hope and belief was that once… Continue reading “I’ll wait for Survation”