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Blitz children, the role of women in the Passion story, Kirtana Vallabhaneni, Madonna and phonics testing

Blitz children, Madonna, the role of women in the Passion story, phonics testing, and Young Scientist of the Year Kirtana Vallabhaneni. Presented by Jenni Murray.

Madonna's latest album has entered the charts at number one making her the most successful solo artist in UK history. We discuss the singer, dancer, actor, director, children's author and businesswoman who has been at the centre of popular culture for nearly thirty years.
Blitz children - the children whose parents refused to bow to official pressure and kept their children with them. One might assume that children evacuated out to the countryside were 'the lucky ones' but it wasn't necessarily the case.
Why some teachers believe testing of phonics for all Year One pupils is unnecessary and inappropriate.
Eighteen year old Kirtana Vallabhaneni from the Wirral is the new UK Young Scientist of the Year. She talks about her research work on pancreatic cancer and chemotherapy.
And the re-telling of the Passion story where Jesus is played by a twelve year old girl and Mary is played by a mother during the First World War. We discuss the role of women in the Passion story.

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58 minutes

Last on

Fri 6 Apr 2012 10:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM

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Chapters

  • Madonna

    As her 12th album goes to number one, Madonna is the most successful solo artist in UK history. Lucy O'Brien, author of Madonna Like an Icon and the writer and columnist Fiona McCade join Jenni.

    Duration: 09:19

  • Testing Children in Phonics

    To discuss the Year One Phonics Check, Jenni is joined by Hazel Danson, chair of the NUT’s Education and Equalities Committee and Greg Wallace, executive principal of the Best Start Federation.

    Duration: 09:45

  • Preston Passion

    Jenni discusses the role of women in the Passion Play with Colin Heber Percy, co-writer of the Preston Passion and Rev'd Cannon Sue Pinnington who's producing her own contemporary Passion story.

    Duration: 08:35

  • Kirtana Vallabhaneni

    Jenni is joined by 18 year old Kirtana Vallabhaneni, who has just become the UK Young Scientist of the Year for her research into pancreatic cancer.

    Duration: 04:29

  • Blitz Children

    Over 50% of children stayed in the cities during the Blitz of World War Two. Jenni is joined by historian Penny Starns who discusses her book "Blitz Families: The Children Who Stayed Behind."

    Duration: 09:11

Broadcast

  • Fri 6 Apr 2012 10:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM

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  • Woman's Hour

    Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.