More Teacher Talk
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -Devoted to professional development, teacher wellbeing and all things positive in education - The aim is simple: to share the positive voices of teachers and school leaders from around the world. Each podcast covers a different topic, with guests sharing personal stories and their views on what can help. Although based in the UK, the themes of curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, behaviour and pastoral support are universal and can help to promote connected open dialogue with teachers around the world.
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Episodes
Rights Respecting Schools, with Dr Kulvarn Atwal
September 14, 2021 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this episode Dr Kulvarn Atwal shares his fascinating insights into how schools can become safe and inspiring places by placing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of their community. Drawing on real-world experience and his vast expertise in successful school improvement strategies, Dr Atwal demonstrates how we can give children a voice through authentic, compassionate leadership with transformational results and outcomes for schools. He talks about behaviour, excl...
Teaching Poetry, with Leah Crawford
September 14, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBIn this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author. She explores how educators can teach poetry and the challenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm. Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in t...
Support for ECTs #2: authority in the classroom, with Karl Pupe
July 27, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBSupport for ECTs #2 What is the difference between personal and professional authority? How can we approach behaviour management with confidence? Karl Pupé is a qualified classroom teacher with 10 years’ experience across the Primary, Secondary and Further Education sectors. Specialising in Behaviour Management, he worked as a Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) Co-ordinator teaching students with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Karl is also the...
Support for ECTs #3: resources for outstanding Science, with Tom Holloway
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBThe third episode of our support for ECTs series - we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Science Teaching Trust. He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning. We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all.
Support for ECTs #1: a knowledge-rich curriculum, with Natalie Wexler
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBSupport for ECTs - episode 1 What is a knowledge-rich curriculum? Why is it so important? In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.' In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers. We also discuss 'The...
Support for ECTs #3: resources for outstanding Science, with Tom Holloway
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBThe third episode of our support for ECTs series - we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Science Teaching Trust. He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning. We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all.
British Council Schools Ambassadors MENA Webinar: Mental Health and Wellbeing
June 13, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBIn this episode we feature a live recording from the Learning 2021 - British Council Schools Ambassadors MENA Webinar which took place on Wednesday 9th June, 2021. The theme was Mental Health and Wellbeing, and participants from around the world shared authentic whole-school and class-based strategies to support children and young people. Speakers included Mayssa Dawi, John Rolfe, Carl McCarthy, Suzi Bewell, Yvette Hutchinson, and eight country presentations from representative Intern...
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: Lesley Atkins
May 01, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MBLesley is an experienced International Education Officer and ambassador for the British Council, with a long track record of successful international collaborative projects. In this episode, Lesley talks about her work as International Education Officer for Glasgow City Council Education Services and the preparations for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow in November 2021. Lesley's passion for international work shows how uniting the world to tackle climate cha...
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: Suzi Bewell
April 09, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode we hear from the wonderful Suzi Bewell, language teacher, teacher trainer, lecturer and CEO of Polly Glot Languages. Suzi shares insights into the new Turing Scheme and describes how her latest project, International Laughter Yoga with Suzi, is helping teachers and students with their wellbeing all around the world. @suzibewell https://pollyglotlanguages.wordpress.com/
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: Greg Morrison
April 07, 2021 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBGreg is Head of Languages and EAL at Burnage Academy for Boys, a school rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2018 with particular praise for the school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare. Greg is passionate about supporting young people and implementing intervention strategies to support those experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties. He has led on whole-school health and wellbeing policy and is previously a winner of the Manchester Public Health Awar...
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: John Rolfe MBE
April 05, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBJohn Rolfe MBE is the Schools Outreach Manager at the British Council. He was awarded the MBE for services to international education in December 2017. In this episode John shares highlights from the recent British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference - we hear about how teachers have coped with the challenge of sustaining internationalism in the context of a global pandemic, and what future opportunities exist for increased creativity and collaboration across the globe. John also ta...
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: Anna Grainger
April 04, 2021 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBAnna is a MFL teacher at Alderman's Green Primary School who is passionate about languages and cultures and using experiences and knowledge to enhance lives, increase business, and improve relations between the UK and other countries. In this episode Anna shares highlights from her recent presentation at the British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference - we hear about a range of exciting projects aimed at promoting modern foreign languages and connections in the classroom and beyond. Ann...
Opening Doors to Quality Writing, with Bob Cox
February 15, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this episode, award-winning author Bob Cox talks about his life, the books that influenced him and the strategies behind his 'Opening Doors' series for teachers. He shares his thoughts on using high quality texts in the classroom, using 'classics' in the curriculum and how we can help all our pupils achieve excellence in an inclusive, inspirational way. Bob also explores the idea that approaching texts and the curriculum with a pioneering spirit can support well-being for both teachers ...
Reforming RE: creating a worldviews curriculum, with Kate Christopher
February 05, 2021 22:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBIn this episode I speak to Kate Christopher, a secondary RE teacher and independent RE advisor. Kate teaches part time in a Secondary school in East London. She also works as an independent RE adviser. Kate’s interests are curriculum design and the capacity of RE, or religion and worldviews, to offer a more textured and critical understanding of the world for 21st Century children and young adults. She is an editor for the Reforming RE blog - https://reformingre.wordpress.com/ @Reforming...
Reforming RE: But it's Contested! with Kate Christopher
February 05, 2021 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBOriginally featured in the Reforming RE blog, this is a bonus feature to Season 2 Episode 1 of More Teacher Talk - Powerful Knowledge: Reforming RE, with Kate Christopher. "Do you have a Masters degree? Or a Doctorate perhaps? If so, try to forget that you ever studied for them. Your first degree – visualise letting it go. Now A levels, GCSE – say goodbye to them, for a while. Imagine stripping yourself of all the accumulated knowledge and cultural capital that makes you a good teacher, red...
Reforming RE: But it's Contested! with Kate Christopher
February 05, 2021 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBOriginally featured in the Reforming RE blog, this is a bonus feature to Season 2 Episode 1 of More Teacher Talk - Powerful Knowledge: Reforming RE, with Kate Christopher. "Do you have a Masters degree? Or a Doctorate perhaps? If so, try to forget that you ever studied for them. Your first degree – visualise letting it go. Now A levels, GCSE – say goodbye to them, for a while. Imagine stripping yourself of all the accumulated knowledge and cultural capital that makes you a good teacher, red...
Reforming Religious Education: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum, with Mark Chater
November 14, 2020 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this episode I talk to Mark Chater about his brilliant new book that diagnoses the reasons why RE urgently needs radical reform, and looks ahead to a time when the subject will have a new identity based on a clear democratic purpose. The book shines a light on how key leaders can make this happen, and how the new good practice is already breaking through. It is edited and authored by experts and leading change agents in RE, who offer a well-informed and provocative vision and programme ...
Hope and Fear: leadership during a global pandemic, with Robert Ford
October 29, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBIn this epsiode I talk to Robert Ford, Director of Heritage International School in Moldova. Episode 10 of More Teacher Talk coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic and captured thoughts and responses from him as a school leader and ambassador. Now, seven months later, we return to find out how school, and life, has changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss Marcus Rashford, Dame Alison Peacock, Geoff Barton, Lyfta Education, the British Council and some of the...
Paul Laurence Dunbar's 'Sympathy' and exploring poetry, with Leah Crawford
October 28, 2020 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBIn this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author. She explores how educators can teach poetry and the callenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm. Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in th...
Creativity: a tribute to Sir Ken Robinson, with Toria Bono & friends
October 02, 2020 19:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBThis was originally produced for Toria Bono's Tiny Voice Talks podcast and is published here with kind permission: an extended tribute to Sir Ken Robinson from the #EduTwitter community, featuring a collection of creative educators who were all moved to share their thoughts and reflections on creativity. Includes: @one_to_read @CreativityMrs @ladeidiomas @aini_butt @bluebellmatt @mrpfoodie @VictoriaPendry1 @ColeFey @trackerthecat @MrFortuneTeach Credit: Sir Ken Robinson clip from ‘The Ca...
Opening Doors: The Story of the Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason, with Bob Cox
September 30, 2020 22:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode I speak to award winning author Bob Cox. We take an in-depth look at The Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason and discuss how the book could be used in the classroom. We explore reading for meaning and effective ways to teach comprehension and deeper understanding. Bob shares a compelling argument for using more challenging texts to teach reading and comprehension in primary schools. Bob shares some strategies to help children extract deeper layers of meaning and recognise...
Back to Global: Belouga, with Evin Schwartz
September 21, 2020 17:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode Tatiana Popa speaks to Evin Schwartz, the inspirational CEO of Belouga, home of collaborative educational series & shows aligned to subject areas, standards and the global goals. Belouga was founded in 2017 with the mission of making education impactful and accessible on a global scale through peer-to-peer and classroom connection, communication and collaboration. Realising the rapidly changing landscape of technology and education, Evin and his team at Belouga looked to c...
Gangs, Social Media and Belonging with Pete O'Shea
September 07, 2020 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode we revisit the conversation with Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'. Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people. ...
Koen Timmers: Climate Action Project and what makes a global teacher
August 10, 2020 23:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Koen Timmers. Koen is an award winning educator, lecturer, researcher, author and speaker. He is the founder of global educational projects like the Kakuma Project, Climate Action project and the Innovation project. In 2018 Koen launched the Innovation SDG labs in collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall. He is a founding SDG ambassador and was a Global Teacher Prize top 10 finalist in 2018 and top 50 finalist in 2017. Tatiana explore...
A Bucket of Coal, with Les Jones
August 06, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBA Bucket of Coal is a rare opportunity to explore the life and career of Les Jones. From the North Welsh coalfields, the pits and through the heartbreak of the Gresford tragedy, Les went on to receive a scholarship to attend Magdalen College, Oxford - taking his voice and passionate commitment to social justice with him. In this podcast he shares some of his experiences and explains how he became a teacher. His wisdom, knowledge and humour shed light on a range of topics including equalit...
Back to Global: Lyfta, with Serdar Ferit
July 30, 2020 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Serdar Ferit, co-CEO of Lyfta about the virtual platform and how online teaching and learning can support all our pupils in developing resilience, empathy and global citizenship. They discuss how Lyfta can help educators worldwide to promote skills, values and mutual understanding of the connected world in which we live.
Back to Global: the digital teacher, with Daniela Munca-Aftenev
July 28, 2020 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this pilot episode of the Back to Global podcast Tatiana Popa talks to digital education pioneer Daniela Munca-Aftenev about teaching and learning in the digital age. They discuss the impact of social networking on continuous professional development for educators worldwide and the growing need for teachers to reinvent and reassess many long-held beliefs about technology, teaching and the science of learning.
Stories from Lockdown, with Mark Furzland
July 28, 2020 21:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode we borrow from 'TheReading School' to share a light-hearted, nostalgic look at some of our favourite story maps from children's literature. We reminisce over Pooh, Willows and the colour palette of a 1970s Austin Princess. The top 10 reveals some surprises, including a bit of 80's fandom and a great way to lose friends along the way...
The Top 10 Children's Story Maps of all Time, with #eduTwitter
July 28, 2020 21:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode we borrow from 'TheReading School' to share a light-hearted, nostalgic look at some of our favourite story maps from children's literature. We reminisce over Pooh, Willows and the colour palette of a 1970s Austin Princess. The top 10 reveals some surprises, including a bit of 80's fandom and a great way to lose friends along the way...
The Knowledge Gap: transforming teaching and learning for disadvantaged pupils, with Natalie Wexler
April 28, 2020 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.' In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers. We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curric...
Guided Reading and Stories from Lockdown: Treasure Island, with Mark Furzland
April 25, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode we hear from Mark Furzland from our sister podcast 'The Reading School'. He shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home. He reads an extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books. There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about Bob Hoskins, glass eyes, and much more! You can discover more about The Reading Sc...
Guided Reading: Treasure Island, with Mark Furzland
April 25, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode we hear from Mark Furzland from our sister podcast 'The Reading School'. He shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home. He reads an extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books. There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about Bob Hoskins, glass eyes, and much more! You can discover more about The Reading Sc...
Teaching for Mastery: Shanghai Exchanges and the impact of Maths Hubs, with Kate Mole
April 23, 2020 21:00 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MBIn this episode we hear from Kate Mole, the Primary Maths and Teaching for Mastery Lead for London SW. She shares her journey into the world of international collaboration through mathematics teaching and describes the impact of Maths Hubs and the NCETM's successful Teaching for mastery programme. We also talk about life during lockdown, tips for home learning and details about the the five big ideas of coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation. ...
Creating Outstanding Primary Science in the Classroom and at Home, with Tom Holloway
April 04, 2020 07:00 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MBIn this episode we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Sciece Teaching Trust. He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning. We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all. (Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com, additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)
PFAS: The Great Human Crisis, with Erik D. Olson
April 01, 2020 20:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this special edition podcast we talk to Erik D. Olson from the NRDC. He talks about PFAS and the impact of toxic 'forever chemicals' on the environment, on products and packaging that are all in general use. Erik highlights the research evidence that demonstrates links to cancers and other serious health concerns. We consider what this means for a variety of products including school uniforms, toys, astroturf and food packaging and explore ways in which teachers, parents and pupils can t...
Mendel Beilis, Blood Libel and the Truth behind 'The Fixer', with Jay Beilis
March 22, 2020 00:00 - 46 minutes - 64.3 MBIn this special edition podcast Jay Beilis shares the story of his grandfather and the legacy of one of the most significant events in modern history. Mendel Beilis never sought celebrity nor to profit from his suffering even though his case gripped Russia, and the world, even more than the Dreyfus affair had gripped France. His conduct – resisting the pressure to implicate himself or other jews – saved his countrymen from a pogrom. Close to his death, when he was asked what was the end...
COVID-19 and a response from school leadership: carry the flame and defend the weak, with Robert Ford
March 17, 2020 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.2 MBIn this episode we hear from Robert Ford, Director of HERITAGE International School in Moldova, Chisinau. He shares an International School response to the global pandemic crisis and offers messages of hope and leadership. He shares his thoughts on technology, community and how leadership can help to see around corners and make some kind of sense out of what is an increasingly unpredictable global situation.
Ofsted, 'inadequate' and an unconquerable soul: fixing broken schools, with Julie Hiddleston
March 06, 2020 13:00 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MBOfsted, 'inadequate' and an unconquerable soul: fixing broken schools, with Julie Hiddleston In this episode Executive Headteacher Julie Hiddleston shares her story of how she went to a 'broken' school - rated as 'inadequate' by Ofsted, with the determination to turn it around and make a positive difference to the staff, children and families of that community. She talks about the challenges along the way and the strategies to maintain resilient, positive approaches in the face of adversit...
British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference: #BeInternational
March 03, 2020 21:00 - 50 minutes - 69 MBIn this episode we get the opportunity to hear from presenters and participants at the British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference that took place at Trafalgar Square, London in March 2020. The British Council works with more than 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, the English language, education and civil society. Over 90,000 schools across the globe are involed in British Council Schools - developing global citizenship and supporting intercultural dial...
UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools: safe and inspiring places to learn, with Dr Kulvarn Atwal
February 26, 2020 22:00 - 43 minutes - 60.5 MBIn this episode Dr Kulvarn Atwal shares his fascinating insights into how schools can become safe and inspiring places by placing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of their community. Drawing on real-world experience and his vast expertise in successful school improvement strategies, Dr Atwal demonstrates how we can give children a voice through authentic, compassionate leadership with transformational results and outcomes for schools. He talks about behaviour, excl...
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) in schools: Great Minds Together, with Emma Mander and Meg Walls
February 23, 2020 17:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBIn this episode Emma Mander and Meg Walls from Great Minds Together talk about a new way for schools to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. They offer solutions to the challenges facing schools, trusts and local authorities in the face of increasing pressures to respond to the overwhelming need for support. Emma and Meg offer voices of hope to parents and teachers. Their key messages of openness, transparency and genuine collaboration are inspirational for us al...
Switching to Teaching: recruitment and retention special (part 2) - with David Keyte
February 23, 2020 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this episode we speak to David Keyte: YouTuber, author, podcaster, teacher and new father, about his journey into teaching and the reasons why now may be the perfect time for anyone considering a switch to the profession. He talks about the different ways to become a teacher and the benefits it has had to his life, health and well-being. He covers SCITT training, sports in school and the influence of sporting great, Johnny Wilkinson. Part 2 of a half-term recruitment and retention spec...
Get Into Teaching: recruitment and retention special (part 1) - with Addison Brown
February 22, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode Addison Brown, star of the 'Get Into Teaching' TV campaign, shares his thoughts on why now may be the perfect time to become a teacher. Addison is a Team GB Water Polo Athlete, musician, father, husband and secondary school teacher in his third year of teaching at the time of this recording. He talks about the people and books that have inspired him on his journey, the positive ways to manage workload and how to tackle those challenging moments in the early parts of a tea...
The Sustainable Development Goals: equipping young people to live and work successfully in a global society - with John Rolfe MBE
February 13, 2020 22:00 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBThe Sustainable Development Goals provide a blueprint for shared prosperity in a sustainable world - a world where all people can live productive, vibrant and peaceful lives on a healthy planet. John Rolfe MBE is the Schools outreach Manager for the British Council. In this episode he talks about the different ways that schools can become involved in trying to achieve these goals. He shares examples of projects, funding opportunities and explains how pupils and teachers can connect to br...
Are Books the Building Blocks of Empathy? Opening Doors to Quality Curriculum - with Bob Cox
February 12, 2020 09:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBIn this episode, award-winning author and educationalist Bob Cox talks about his life, the books that influenced him and the strategies behind his 'Opening Doors' series for teachers. He shares his thoughts on using high quality texts in the classroom, using 'classics' in the curriculum and how we can help all our pupils achieve excellence in an inclusive, inspirational way. Bob also explores the idea that approaching texts and the curriculum with a pioneering spirit can support well-being...
Gloves not Gunz: Why all our children are worth fighting for - with Pete O'Shea
February 06, 2020 17:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBIn this episode we talk to Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'. Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people. We also talk about str...