More Teacher Talk

British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference 2021: John Rolfe MBE

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

John 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 talks about the new Turing scheme, which provides funding to UK organisations to unlock life-changing experiences across the world for their pupils, students and learners.

Turing Scheme | UK's Global Programme to Study & Work Abroad | Home (turing-scheme.org.uk)

COVID-19 and a response from school leadership: carry the flame and defend the weak, with Robert Ford

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In 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.

The Sustainable Development Goals: equipping young people to live and work successfully in a global society - with John Rolfe MBE

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

The 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 bring a truly global, connected curriculum to life.

(credits: Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2019.pdf / Tom McGuire and the Brassholes: www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)

Are Books the Building Blocks of Empathy? Opening Doors to Quality Curriculum - with Bob Cox

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In 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 for both teachers and pupils alike. He shares examples of the impact of his work and provides a fantastic reading list which will help any teacher or parent if they aim to 'open doors' for their children.

(credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

Teaching Poetry, with Leah Crawford

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:00:00 +0100

In 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 their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.

We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.

You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.com

Leah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk or visit Bob's site - Searching for Excellence – Home of the Opening Doors Educational Book Series

Support for ECTs #2: authority in the classroom, with Karl Pupe

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0100

Support 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 author of “The Action Hero Teacher” & founder of the http://actionheroteacher.com & his blog was voted one of the "Top 10 Education Blogs" in the UK by market research company

This episode originally appeared in 'Tiny Voice Talks' by Toria Bono. For more support follow her on Twitter: @Toriaclaire or visit tinyvoicetalks.com

Support for ECTs #1: a knowledge-rich curriculum, with Natalie Wexler

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0100

Support 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 Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curriculum.

Covering Dewey, Piaget, teacher training and more, we look at the impact of this approach for schools in the USA and UK and find out how pupils and teachers are re-discovering a love of education and the profession.

(Credits: Natalie Wexler - www.nataliewexler.com, Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

Support for ECTs #3: resources for outstanding Science, with Tom Holloway

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0100

The 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.

Opening Doors to Quality Writing, with Bob Cox

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In 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 and pupils alike. He shares examples of the impact of his work and provides a fantastic reading list which will help any teacher or parent if they aim to 'open doors' for their children.

Reforming RE: creating a worldviews curriculum, with Kate Christopher

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

In 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/

@ReformingRE

Reforming RE: But it's Contested! with Kate Christopher

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Originally 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, reducing yourself to a state where everything you know now, all your confidence in the subject, and all the complex critical perspectives you can afford to have, are closed to you. That’s where your pupils are. Stay there for a moment.

Somewhere, a teacher is writing a scheme of work on religion and worldviews. They have to write down something that they want the pupils to know. Let’s take a few examples …"

Written by Mark Chater (@MarkChater1) - author of 'Jesus Christ, Learning Teacher'

Original blog at https://reformingre.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/but-its-contested-so-what/
[1] Barbara Wintersgill, 2018, Big Ideas for Religious Education. https://www.reonline.org.uk/news/big-ideas-for-religious-education/#:~:text=In%20November%202017%20the%20University%20of%20Exeter%20published,the%20RE%20curriculum%20and%20to%20assessment%20without%20levels. Accessed 5 October 2020.

[2] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 12, 18, and 29.

[3] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335174/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Science_220714.pdf Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 8 and 12.

Reforming Religious Education: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum, with Mark Chater

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 18:00:00 +0000

In 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 for change.

“Every school leader must read this book. What pupils learn in their curriculum is pivotal in any school’s theory of change. The recommendations of the Commission on Religious Education, if properly understood and enacted, would transform the academic role and status of RE in every school. The chapters in this book reveal the proper contours of the subject, the basics every leader needs to understand if the knowledge and practice of their RE teachers is to be nurtured, valued and renewed.”

Christine Counsell, Writer and speaker on curriculum and leadership

“Religious Education is one of the great achievements of British education. But it hangs in the balance. There is a real possibility it will simply shrivel away through lack of attention. Or it could rise phoenix-like in response to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Reforming RE is a welcome contribution to showing how that resurrection might happen. Here we have experienced practitioners and deep thinkers signalling a new direction that will inspire our pupils in their understanding of Religion and Worldviews. This book is a really exciting contribution.”

Professor Trevor Cooling Chair, Religious Education Council of England and Wales

Reforming RE: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum is published by John Catt Education - https://www.johncattbookshop.com/reforming-religious-education

Hope and Fear: leadership during a global pandemic, with Robert Ford

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

In 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 other voices of hope that have lifted our collective efforts and sense of belonging.

We also share some thoughts on Trump, toilet rolls and the impact of capitalism without morals...

You can find out more about Rob Ford and his work at Heritage International by following @HIS_Moldova on Twitter

Paul Laurence Dunbar's 'Sympathy' and exploring poetry, with Leah Crawford

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000

In 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 their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.

We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.

You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.com

Leah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk

Opening Doors: The Story of the Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason, with Bob Cox

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:00:00 +0100

In 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 key themes.

You can find Bob at https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk

You can find out more about Andri Snaer Magnason at https://www.andrimagnason.com/books/the-story-of-the-blue-planet/

Gangs, Social Media and Belonging with Pete O'Shea

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0100

In 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.

We also talk about strategies for teacher wellbeing in the face of what can seem, at times, like a helpless struggle to support our children against the pressures of gangs, social media, drill music and increasingly disconnected lives.

A Bucket of Coal, with Les Jones

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 02:00:00 +0100

A 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 equality, global citizenship, wealth, wellbeing, academic life, love and and the eternal bonds of friendship.

Thank you to Rob Ford and Tatiana Popa for bringing this project to life.

Artwork - thank you to Shaun Slifer for kind permission to use his original artwork 'Original Redneck, 1921' - for prints and to see Shaun's work visit https://justseeds.org/product/original-redneck-1921/

Additional music - thank you to Dowlais Male Choir, Grimethorp Coliery Band, The Pheonix Welsh Male Voice Choir, clip from “How Green Was My Valley” thanks to Rick Davi.

PFAS: The Great Human Crisis, with Erik D. Olson

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 21:00:00 +0100

In 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 take positive steps to help change happen.

Dedicated to teachers, support staff, key workers and our wonderful NHS staff

(Credits: Music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au; Greta Thunberg c/o https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/greta-speeches)

Mendel Beilis, Blood Libel and the Truth behind 'The Fixer', with Jay Beilis

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In 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 enduring impression of the trial he paid tribute to the Russian Gentiles who had helped him. It was kindness, in particular the kindness of many ordinary Russians before and during his imprisonment, that mitigated his bitterness towards his persecutors.

It is in this spirit of kindness that this podcast has been created.

(credits: Jay Beilis, Jeremy Simcha Garber, Mark S. Stein; Music by http://filmtv-tracks.com)

Switching to Teaching: recruitment and retention special (part 2) - with David Keyte

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In 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 special: if you've ever considered a career in teaching this podcast is a must-listen. For those already teaching - if you feel unhappy about your current role then please listen to David - he has some fantastic guidance that will help new and experienced teachers alike.

(credits - Tom McGuire and the Brassholes: wwwtomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)

Get Into Teaching: recruitment and retention special (part 1) - with Addison Brown

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 22:00:00 +0000

In 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 teaching career.

Recorded in Manchester, UK, this is part 1 of a half-term special devoted to recruitment and retention.