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Can't read, can't write

15 July 2008, 6.30pm-9.30pm at Channel 4, London

Today in Britain over 5 million adults have a reading age of 12 or less, some cannot read at all. This blights nearly every aspect of their lives, especially their self-esteem, and many keep the fact that they can't read a secret.

Can’t Read Can’t Write is a shocking and moving Channel 4 series, which reveals the hidden realities of Britain’s adult literacy crisis. Nine illiterate adults enrol for a six-month reading course taught by inspirational, controversial and award-winning teacher Phil Beadle, which they hope will change their lives.  Each has spent over ten years in the education system and yet has failed to learn the most basic skills.

Phil believes that current methods for teaching adults to read are completely wrong.  Phil's daunted by the prospect of teaching such adults who are literally putting their dreams in his hands. But the goal is clear throughout: this is their last chance to gain the skills which will quite literally transform their lives.  At the end of the course, Phil is determined that his class will take the government-approved Adult Literacy exams which will overturn his pupils' view of themselves. 

Channel 4 education invites you to attend an evening debate around this important theme. The series will be shown on TV from 21st July.

Chair: Geoff Hall, Principal & Chief Executive, New College Nottingham

Phil Beadle, Series presenter, teacher  

Ruth Miskin, Teacher, writer & consultant