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Sixth form transition, Cilla Black tribute, Cook the Perfect

The programme explores post-16 education options. Plus, the business of flower festivals, Cilla Black tribute, Val McDermid on the work of Josephine Tey, and Claire Thomson cooks.

GCSE results are out today and the landscape post-16 is varied and competitive. Many argue it's becoming increasingly selective, meaning even if you've been at your school since the age of 11 you're by no means guaranteed a place. Jenni is joined by Dan Abramson, Head Teacher of King's College London Mathematics School, Patsy Kane, Executive Head Teacher at Whalley Range, an all-girl state school, and David Igoe, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges' Association.

Flower festivals have become big business and are mainly run by female volunteers. Jenni speaks to Angela Turner, designer of Salisbury Cathedral's forthcoming Magna Flora exhibition (celebrating 800 years since Magna Carta), and Letitia Rivett-Old, organiser of the Falmouth Flower Festival which celebrates the 350th anniversary of the church of King Charles the Martyr.

Claire Thomson is a chef and mother of three who is on a mission to inspire parents who feel they have to cook separate meals for the kids. Every day she makes a proper tea for the whole family, tweeting it at 5pm, hence the title of her book 'The Five O'Clock Apron'. Claire exlores how to deal with children who don't want to eat vegetables, and prepares a broccoli pesto pasta.

Today Cilla Black's funeral takes place in Liverpool, we pay our own tribute with a 2003 interview from the Woman's Hour archives, where Cilla talks to Martha Kearney about her life and career.

We're halfway through our Queens of Crime season and this week it's the turn of Josephine Tey. Famously private, Tey refused all interviews about her work, but has fans all over the world. Crime writers Val McDermid and Nicola Upson delve into the life and work of Josephine Tey.

Available now

58 minutes

Chapters

  • GSCEs - what next after results day?

    A discussion on the competitve landscape for post-16 pupils wanting to continue education

    Duration: 11:25

  • Flower festival volunteers

    Angela Turner and Letitia Rivett-Old discuss the big business of flower festivals

    Duration: 08:51

  • Cook the perfect - Broccoli pesto pasta

    Claire explores how to deal with children who don't want to eat vegetables

    Duration: 08:08

  • Cilla Black - archive interview

    On the day of her funeral, we pay tribute with a 2003 interview with Martha Kearney

    Duration: 06:08

  • Queen of Crime - Josephine Tey

    Crime writers Val McDermid and Nicola Upson delve into the life and work of Josephine Tey

    Duration: 08:22

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jenni Murray
Producer Claire Bartleet
Interviewed Guest Dan Abramson
Interviewed Guest Patsy Kane
Interviewed Guest David Igoe
Interviewed Guest Angela Turner
Interviewed Guest Letitia Rivett-Old
Interviewed Guest Claire Thomson
Interviewed Guest Martha Kearney
Interviewed Guest Val McDermid
Interviewed Guest Nicola Upson

Broadcast

  • Thu 20 Aug 2015 10:00

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