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 young sound artists from Whitehawk.


    Save the date! The exhibition opens its doors this May. To get all the details, head to www.lighthouse.org.uk/


    For updates.....


    Follow us @divideclass on X

    and @divideclass on Instagram


    Follow Lighthouse on X

    and Lighthouse on Instagram

     

    And subscribe to the Class Divide Newsletter for updates on our campaign.


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

  • 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.

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  • 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 Head

    Fiona Millar

    Cllr David McGregor

    Cllr Jacob Taylor


    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 Curtis James, editorial support by Dr Carlie Goldsmith and research by Dr Sara Bragg.


    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.


    If you'd like to support 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 recognise the collective responsibility of towns and cities to nurture and support young people. Join us as we dare to think bigger and braver.


    Featuring:


    Gwyn ap Harri from the XP Trust

    Darren and Lorraine Snow from the Crew Club

    Johanna Jarvinen Taubert from Learning Scoop

    Dr Carlie Goldsmith

    Fiona Millar

    Jack Davies


    Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording by Simon James. Sound design, post production and mixing is by Curtis 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 support 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 McGarvey

    Ellen Greaves

    Dave Boyle

    Dr Carlie Goldsmith

    Byron Vincent

    Professor Becky Allen

    Fiona Millar

    Jack Davies

    Lloyd Russel Moyle MP


    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 support 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.

  • 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 like policy, politics, medicine, and law.


    Primary and secondary school choices play a critical role in shaping individuals' futures, affecting decisions regarding college, further education, and higher education opportunities. Carlie also emphasises the limited options available in alternative paths like apprenticeships.


    Throughout the episode, Curtis and Carlie emphasise the need for equal access to opportunities, advocating for a broader range of support in education. They stress the importance of providing support and resources to enable individuals to explore their full potential.


    Join them as they shed light on the impact of limited choices after school, challenge preconceived notions, and champion the vast abilities and potential within every individual.


    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.

  • 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 - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN

    Asa, and Ryan

    Emeritus Professor Peter Squires - Professor of Criminology and Public Policy

    Courtney Stephenson - Researcher from a working class background

    Grant Phillips - Ex Stanley Deason Student

    Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/

    Mary Bousted - 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 support 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.

  • 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 campaign.


    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.

  • 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 head of drama

    Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/

    Darren McGarvey - https://twitter.com/lokiscottishrap


    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 support 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


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

  • 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 people.


    We delve into the significance of Carlie's assisted placement and how it opened up a world of opportunities that she otherwise wouldn't have had access to. We discuss the challenges her brothers faced in their state school and the consequences of the educational divide that exists within the state school system.


    Featuring:


    Carlie Goldsmith - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN

    Arron, Asa, and Ryan

    Mr Hubbard

    Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/

    Darren McGarvey - https://twitter.com/lokiscottishrap


    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.

  • 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' communities like Whitehawk.


    Research on how people define their class:


    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0038038520982225


    Check out the Class Divide Website.


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


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

  • 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 also explore how the stigmatisation of council estates has perpetuated these issues and made it even harder for individuals to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.


    Featuring:


    The Whitehawk Bygones Society speak about moving to Whitehawk as children and where the negative perceptions of the area might have come from; social historian and author John Boughton; writer, performer, and activist Byron Vincent; and rapper, broadcaster, campaigner, and Orwell Prize-winning author Darren McGarvey, who talks about the flawed approach of always bringing outsiders into a community to "fix things".


    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.