(12 February 2021). Thirteen million first doses of vaccination is positive. I also succeeded, for January, in taking at least one photo a day. However technical problems have prevented me putting them on the site; I shall pursue.
Two items in the news have twitched my thoughts.
Firstly Education. I am sure Mr Williamson is providing firm leadership and direction to the schools sector; it is my ignorance on the side-lines that hints at the opposite. I therefore have a helpful suggestion for him.
It is unclear what will happen about exams in the summer and how assessment will be done. Inevitably this will cause problems and is likely to have particularly negative effects on publics from less advantaged circumstances (however defined).
Therefore, I suggest that there should be no exams this summer and that in September, as we have emerged into the jab light, all school years are repeated- no one moves up a class and the oldest pupils have to stay.
Teachers could use the rest of this school year to help and assist their charges as they see fit
At the lower ages some expansion of nursery provision could be targeted. I also note that we do start school at an earlier age than many other countries and this would be a wonderful opportunity to reset the system.
At the other end- Further and Higher Education it is probable that there are plenty of people who would welcome the opportunity, particularly those who did not get such good results but will have matured.
Second Borrowing Shares. The recent flurry of news about Gamestop and hedge funds “shorting” shares shed light on a bizarre practice (legal). It works like this this.
I go to you and say “Can I borrow your shares in company X please? I’ll give you some cash and you can have then back in six weeks.
You say “OK”
I then sell the shares intending to drive down the price. My mates are doing this as well.
When the prices are low I buy back the shares, give them back to you and trouser the profit.
Your shares could be worth less than before but you’ve had a few quid from me.
This is legal, but does it benefit the economy in any way?
I shall make enquiries.
