Seven Questions with... Jonathan James

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

My PhD looks at the impact of Islamist terrorism on education policy and practice in England and France. Ever since I studied French as an undergraduate, I have been fascinated by the differences in the way that issues around cultural diversity, immigration, and national identity play out in public debates in Britain and France. It was only after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo in 2015 that I began to connect these ideas to the context of terrorism. I took a sabbatical from my teaching job to do the MA Comparative Education at the UCL Institute of Education, and this became my dissertation topic. My MA dissertation looked at the impact of terrorism on education policy and the broader policy debate. My PhD goes one step further, looking at how these policies are being implemented in schools, and how the context of terrorism has changed the way teachers think about their work. 

Having dipped my toes into the worlds of education research, policy, and practice, I want to play a role in bringing these worlds together – they can sometimes feel quite disconnected!  This could mean working in academia, in an international organisation or think tank, or all of the above. During the first half of 2020, I did an internship at the OECD’s Directorate of Education and Skills, and I continue to work for the OECD part-time as an external consultant.  

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

The fieldwork – going into to schools, observing lessons, and speaking to teachers and school leaders about their work. Gaining access to schools can be a nightmare, especially given the sensitivity of my topic, but it’s definitely what I have found the most rewarding. As a teacher, I always loved hearing young people talk about the social and political issues that affect their lives, and I’ve witnessed many of these illuminating (and sometimes amusing!) moments over the past three years.  There are also some great teachers and school leaders out there; I’ve learned so much from them, both as a teacher and a researcher. 

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

Roti King, which is right by Euston Station, is often my first stop when I get off the Eurostar at St Pancras. Caffè Tropea in Russell Square has also become a bit of a second home. 

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. The Southbank Centre. I’m a big fan of the National Theatre and the BFI, but more than anything, the architecture and the view make it unmissable. 
2. A night out at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. One of the things I have missed most in 2020 is dancing, and you couldn’t hope for better music or a better crowd than you’ll find at the RVT. They also have drag shows and cabaret throughout the week. 
3. Curry in Whitechapel. Notably the golden triangle of Punjabi restaurants; the Needoo Grill, Tayyabs and the Lahore Kebab House. I normally try and fit a curry, an English breakfast, and fish and chips into every visit to London, but if I could only do one, I’d head to Whitechapel. 

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

Reinstate the ERASMUS programme post-Brexit, or set up a similar international exchange. My ERASMUS year in Bordeaux transformed me in so many ways. It breaks my heart to think that future generations might miss out on that experience.   

Who inspires you and why?

My hero of the year has to be the French activist Assa Traoré. She has fought tirelessly for justice for her brother Adama, who died in police custody in 2016, and has brought together a broad coalition in the fight against police violence. Crucially, I think she’s helped a lot of people realise that state-sanctioned violence is not just an issue that affects black and brown people (though it does, disproportionately) but something that concerns all citizens. 

What would it surprise people to know about you?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be an actor, and spent four years at a performing arts school. I’m on a completely different path now, but I always say that studying theatre has made me more sensitive to language, which helps me with my writing. It also pays off with conference presentations.