Idler Academy Line-Up

The wait is over. After much anticipation and speculation, we’re pleased to announce the line-up for this year’s Idler Academy – now with an even more eclectic return to the old school for you to revel in. Woe betide any latecomers…

From learning the fundamentals of Frisbee Tree Golf, to careers advice, ecstatic dancing and a limerick writing masterclass from the legendary John Cooper Clarke, the Idler Academy offers merriment – and improvement – aplenty for both young and old.

Headmaster: Tom Hodgkinson

Headmistress: Victoria Hull

Head Girl: Jessica Huth

Ancient Philosophy: Dr Mark Vernon

Author and former priest Dr Vernon will give lectures on Greek philosophy, from the pre-Socratics to the Stoics.

Latin: Harry Mount

Mr Mount, of the Daily Telegraph, and author of Amo, Amas, Amat, will give an introductory class on the joys of learning Latin.

Biology: Hugh Warwick and Lucy Cooke

Author Hugh Warwick will give a lecture on the wonders of the humble hedgehog, and documentary-maker and traveller Lucy Cooke will give a talk with slides on the peculiar habits of the sloth.

Forest School: Robin Harford

Expert forager Mr Harford will lead a two-hour walk around the festival site during which he will teach pupils how to identify and cook wild food.

Drama: Jez Butterworth

Top playwright and screenwriter Jez Butterworth, author of West End hit Jerusalem, comes to the Academy to give a masterclass in dramatic writing.

Manners: Gustav Temple

Mr Temple is editor of The Chap magazine, and will give a talk on the importance of manners, etiquette and sartorial elegance.

Grammar: Toby Young

Our head of Grammatical Development, journalist and free schools pioneer Toby Young, gives a lecture on why children should be taught grammar and Latin.

Geography: Jay Griffiths, Benny Wenda

Author Jay Grifftiths presents 90 minutes of talk, film and music highlighting the injustices done to the people of West Papua. Jay is author of Wild: An Elemental Journey (Hamish Hamilton).

Psychogeography: Joanna Walsh

Miss Walsh will give an illustrated talk on the art of being a tourist in London.

Sport: Ben Moor

The brilliant Ben Moor is the Academy’s Head of Games. He will be organizing games of Frisbee Tree Golf.

Media Studies: Rachel Johnson

The formidable Rachel Johnson, of The Lady magazine, gives a careers talk on her life in journalism and the art of editing.

DIY Media Studies: Kira Jolliffe

Miss Jolliffe, founder of Cheap Date magazine, will give a class on how to make your own fanzine. Suitable for younger pupils.

Literary Agony Aunts: Kate Morris and Kate Bernard

Novelist Kate Morris and journalist Kate Bernard will be giving one-to-one advice to aspiring writers on how to start writing, how to keep writing, how to form character… or any aspect of wrting that interests you. There will be eight fifteen minute slots each day. Please come to the Academy Bookshop and Tuckshop to book your place.

Music: Michael Tyack

Our Head of Music, troubadour Michael Tyack, will lead a class in Tudor drinking songs.

Theology: Murray Lachlan Young

Mr Young will teach pupils a new spiritual technique known as the Way of the What.

Careers Advice: Ray Roughler-Jones

Our Head of Careers, Mr Roughler-Jones, outlines his strategies for the complete avoidance of conventional work, with examples from his own long and varied experience.

Ecstatic Dancing: Francis Eliot

Our dancing master is Francis Eliot, and he will be taking a class where the ‘five rhythms’ technique is taught.

Rock’n'Roll Studies: Mark Manning

Mr Manning is also known as heavy metal singer Zodiac Mindwarp. Here he gives a talk on a life in the music business, packed with amusing but sometimes rather shocking anecdotes. Sixth formers only.

Fashion: NJ Stevenson

Fashion historian NJ gives a talk with slides on the hidden history of glamour.

Tea Ladies: Alan Porter and Sally Agarwal

Tea experts Sally and Alan will be offering samples of Oolongs and Himalayan Orange among others.

The Academy’s Tuck Shop will be open throughout the festival, serving teas, coffees, cakes and sweets. The library will also be open, and will sell useful and instructive books both new and second-hand.