Darren talks about why it's important for us, and our young people, to celebrate small wins on the road to success.

Career-related learning isn’t just about picking a future job — it’s also about building essential life skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. In this inspiring show, we roll out the red carpet at Madame Tussauds London to explore how immersive experiences can motivate students and help them develop the skills they need to discover a range of career paths. By engaging with the stories behind celebrity achievements and iconic moments, students can gain valuable insights into what success can look like across different industries.

Hosts: Chris Heath Robinson and Mo Ozsoy 

Guests: Emily Weston, Danielle Clancy-Shelton and Jo Kinsey

Join Tom Rogers, Yasmin Omar, Nathan Gynn and Rae Whitehouse as they delve into whole school accountability - learning walks, lesson observations and performance management. 

Join Chris as he introduces the term "Assessment for Growth" and why he feels that differentiated revision is the solution to maximising success at A-Level.

The use of cell phones in our secondary schools: benefits and drawbacks. Aramide chats with IT guru Godwin Omoh and Peace Nkire, the students coordinator at the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society. They discuss if cell phones are actually needed in secondary school to boost students academic achievements.

Teacher Emily Weston and the Global Education Manager at SEA LIFE Suzie Simpson join Tom Rogers to discuss immersive learning experience opportunities in visiting an aquarium. Emily talks about her recent visit with her 'teacher hat' on and Suzie shares the offer for teachers and schools from Sea Life, including their free challenge cards and 'conservation classroom'. Find out more by visiting them here: https://www.visitsealife.com/uk/schools/ 

Tom is joined by special guests Ian, Louise and Ruth to discuss the incredible free tool that is Kialo. If you are looking to enhance the classroom discussion that takes place in your classroom, then look no further than Kialo! We explore the myriad of features from the building of a classroom debate and discussion, adding challenges and sources and upvoting responses and feedback. Check out Kialo yourself here whilst you listen along.

On today's show, I spoke to Leandro Paladino about translanguaging and career paths for language teachers. We also spoke about AI for research and a variety of other topics.

Is AI a creative tool or a creativity killer? As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into education, how does it fit into hands-on, design-led subjects like D&T? Can AI spark original ideas, or does it risk making students passive designers?

In this episode of Teachers Talk Radio, we explore these big questions with award-winning Design & Technology educator Trudi Barrow. Winner of the 2022 James Dyson Association Excellence Award, Trudi is a consultant, advisor, and passionate advocate for sustainability and AI in design education.

Join us as we discuss:

🎨 What AI means for creativity in education

🛠️ Balancing AI-driven design with craftsmanship and making

🤖 The role of AI in early years education

🌱 AI’s potential for sustainable design

⚖️ The ethics of AI in teaching & learning

Whether you’re an educator, designer, or just curious about the future of creativity, this episode is packed with insights on how AI is shaping the next generation of innovators. Tune in now! 🎧✨

In today's show, Darren talks about the ethics of using generative AI in the classroom and why the onus is on us as teachers to make sure we are aware of the data sets AI models are being trained on.

The Wednesday Twilight Show with Michelle Hinds takes you on a fascinating journey through time, exploring how education has evolved since the Victorian era. Are we still living with the ghosts of a bygone schooling system? What traditions have stood the test of time, and which values have faded into history? From rigid discipline to modern-day innovation, this episode uncovers the surprising ways the past still shapes today’s classrooms. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion—and don’t forget to share your thoughts!

Carl Smith talks to former inspector and ASCL General Secretary, Brian Lightman about the latest proposals to reform Ofsted. Brian has some brilliant insights and really helpful suggestions for a way forward after the consultation.

Join Famida Choudhary as she delves into the heart of teaching with Jinal Savla, exploring the challenges, joys, and lessons that shape educators. From fostering inclusion to creating impactful learning experiences, this episode is filled with real stories and insights to inspire teachers everywhere.

Join hosts John and Mike for their Discussions with Darren Coxon about AI in the classroom, focusing on chatbots and current guidance on its usage in the UK curriculum. 

How can teachers best engage parents and guardians? Graham first spoke to Angelica Ugo Macdestiny about this topic, and finished by sharing suggestions for teachers inviting parents to observe an open class.

Dave is joined by Dr Joanna Williams for a wide ranging conversation on the Philosophy of Education, the purpose of teaching and the role of knowledge in the curriculum. 

In this episode Ben White, school leader, research enthusiast and education writer is joined by Dan Boorman in his TTR series ‘Classroom Chronicles' which explores this theme with teachers and school leaders from across our schools.

Morgan and Tod dive into Charlie Munger's Mental Models and the concept of latticework with guest Andrew Wilkinson, exploring how these principles apply to educational leadership. With an intriguing twist, they analyze the role of incentives and engage in a lively debate on how to help Gen Z teachers thrive within traditional school structures. Insightful, thought-provoking, and packed with leadership wisdom- this episode looks at how we can take lessons learned from other sectors and apply them to education.

Toby and Max, both avid bikers and motorcycle instructors chat about their riding experiences, training young people to ride and the implications for further education and learning.

Rae and Lianne discuss revision and study leave. 

Khanh Duc Kuttig's show featured a conversation around learning from substitute teaching with guest Philip Adams.

Alun Ebenezer talks to Tom Rogers about recent media coverage of his claims that we are 'hiding behind words like wellbeing and safe spaces' and 'mollycoddling kids'. Alun also shares his own behaviour philosophy as well as key behaviour policies in the classrooms in his school. 

What are the benefits of multilingualism/bilingualism? The guest on today's show was English teacher Patricia Lopez, who spoke about her research into bilingualism and her experience teaching children and adults of all ages.

Teaching Thought: Nurturing thinkers in the classroom. I spoke to Will Ord about ways to get children thinking in school and the importance of reasoning in education.

Dave Brown, Tarjinder Gill, Will Mercer and Jo Fox are on the panel for Points of View where they discuss whether children should be taught the value of the military at school (a new proposal in the UK strategic defence review) and they then look at whether unions should involve themselves in wider political discourse and debate beyond education. 

Do Introverts make good teachers? I discussed this with guest Cathy McAllister.

Christopher talks with religious studies teacher and boarding houseparent Rebecca Paterson about the role faith continues to play in the lives of our young people and those called to teach them.

Artificial intelligence is dominating headlines and Big Tech is making bold claims about its potential to revolutionize education. Some say AI will transform the way teachers teach and students learn, while others worry about the risks, the ethics, and the sheer pace of change. In schools, the reality is often more complex. Some teachers are excited about AI, experimenting with it and integrating it into their teaching. Others are hesitant, unsure of how to begin, concerned about its impact, or simply struggling to find the time to learn. In this episode of Teachers Talk Radio, we move beyond the hype and the fear to explore what is actually happening in classrooms. What are the real obstacles that teachers face when it comes to AI? How are students responding to it? What are early adopters discovering, and what advice do they have for teachers who are more cautious? Joining the conversation are two educators with different perspectives on AI in education. Mariel Reid, a teacher of MYP Individuals and Societies at the International School of Bologna, Italy is leading a Gemini AI pilot as part of a Google reference school. She has embraced AI in her teaching and is exploring its potential. Christina Peters, a language teacher at Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Germany has not been an early adopter and, like many teachers, has concerns about how AI is developing, how to find the time to learn how to use AI, and how best to prepare for it. Together, we will discuss the realities of AI in education, the challenges, the opportunities, and what teachers can do, whether they are eager to explore AI or still uncertain about its role in their classrooms.

Are ability groups a help or a hindrance? Join Michelle Hinds and Niki Panyadiou as they explore the stigmas, benefits, and challenges of grouping students by ability. Should schools embrace mixed-ability classrooms or tailor learning through ability-based groups? Plus, how do unconscious biases shape these decisions? Tune in and share your thoughts!

In conversation with Zach Groshell, PhD, we dive into the power of explicit teaching and why clear, structured explanations matter in the classroom. Zach, an educator, instructional coach, shares insights from his book Just Tell Them, challenging common misconceptions about teaching and learning.

From debunking discovery-based learning myths to exploring the role of effective explanations, student engagement, and evidence-based teaching, this episode is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions for educators at all levels.

This show is brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational, publishers of professional development books and resources that support great teaching and learning in schools around the world. Level up your professional development today by visiting johncattbookshop.com to explore the full range of titles. Use the code JCTTR2425 for 20% off your order!

Tune in to The Late Show with James Radburn for this must-listen conversation with Zach Groshell! 🚀🎙️

Will is joined by Ruth Platt to discuss university-based initial teacher training and what qualities are needed for a successful career in teaching.

My guest, Phyo Wai Tun, tells us about the English language and English Language Teaching in Myanmar and shares narratives of how the political history of the country has influenced the role and the teaching of English since colonial times.

Join Famida Choudhary as she explores Empowering Future Voices with Tarannum Sheikh, a seasoned educator and expert in communication and creative expression. Discover how educators can integrate creative writing, public speaking, and communication skills into their classrooms to help students become confident communicators. From blogging and storytelling to real-world speaking opportunities, this episode is packed with insights to inspire teachers and transform learning.

Darren talks about why gamifying leanirng is important and how we can do it without being cringey.

Morgan and Tod are joined by psychotherapist and lead counselor Saskia Dodds-Smith to explore Attachment Theory in Education. They dive into the core concepts of attachment theory, different attachment styles, and how these influence student learning and well-being. Saskia shares insights on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, the importance of creating a safe and trusting learning environment, and practical ways teachers can role model emotional regulation. Plus, they discuss strategies to help students develop and practice emotional regulation skills in the classroom. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the deep connection between relationships, emotions, and learning! 

Geoff Tranter joins me from Germany for a conversation about English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and the use of humour in ELT (English Language Teaching).

Claire and Beejesh discuss education secretaries, ofsteds data collection, why students dont learn what you want them to and viking trips!

Anne Kabongo shares stories from her experience as member and volunteer of a teaching association. Listen in to find out Anne's advice on how to get the best out of your memberhip with your own association!

How do we teach the Holocaust authentically in our classrooms? In this show, host Sonti Ramirez is joined by Helen Stone to explore the role of survivor testimony in Holocaust education. They discuss the emotional impact of first-hand accounts, the challenges of presenting complex histories to different age groups, and how teachers can use personal stories to deepen students’ historical understanding

Maria de los Angeles Suarez joined me for a conversation about classroom management and technology. Among other things, we talked about how technology can help teachers manage their class as well as how best to manage technology in the clasroom.

Join Yasmin Omar, Tarjinder Gil, Tom Rogers and Brent Poland as they share a fascinating and fiesty discussion on these two topics that have been hitting the headlines in education this week. 

In this one off special, Kathryn Taylor is joined by author James Mannion to discuss his brand new book with John Catt Educational - Making Change Stick: A Practical Guide to Implementing School Improvement. You can grab a copy of James' book on the John Catt website right here: https://www.johncattbookshop.com/products/making-change-stick-a-practical-guide-to-implementing-school-improvement 

Lianne is joined by two expert guests to discuss all things SATs.

Heather March is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Aim High Academy Trust. She has been an educator for 23 years – including previous roles as Assistant Headteacher, English Lead and a Year 6 Class Teacher. 

Clair Freeman is a Senior Reading Development Consultant for DreamBox Reading Plus, and she was formerly an educator for 20 years. Her other current roles include Head of Research at Reading Solutions UK and School Governor.  

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of SATs with an insightful discussion covering past trends, the 2024 exams, and preparation strategies for 2025.

🔹 Part One: SATs as a Whole – We explore the history of SATs, common barriers to success, and the challenges educators and students face.

🔹 Part Two: Reviewing 2024 – Our guests reflect on their concerns heading into the 2024 SATs, their approaches, and how their students found the exams. We also analyze key insights from the Reading Solutions UK survey, comparing the 2024 Reading SATs to 2023, with discussions on complexity, cultural relevance, and time constraints. Plus, we touch on the importance of reading comprehension in solving maths questions.

🔹 Part Three: Prepping for 2025 – Based on 2024’s outcomes, what should educators continue or change in their approach? Our guests share practical strategies and expert advice for teachers gearing up for the next round of SATs.

🔹 Part Four: Conclusion – We wrap up with final thoughts, thank yous, and useful resources, including Reading Solutions UK’s SATs series and survey.

Tune in for valuable insights, strategies, and reflections to help educators and students navigate SATs with confidence!

www.readingsolutionsuk.co.uk

Is your school well-being policy making you ill?  Do you find it trite, tokenistic or just plain insincere? or maybe you have the best well-being policy in the world or even no need for a well-being policy at all because your colleagues are...err...well.

Then this is the podcast for you. Download the episode now.

Brent and Adam dive into the recent debate surrounding the Natural History GCSE and whether politics should dictate what our students learn.

Chris delves into the impact of staff collaboration in education, sharing his insights from a CPD session on retrieval practice, low-stakes assessments, and effective feedback

Tom Rogers, Nathan Gynn and Yasmin Omar discuss the latest on teacher pay. They also dig into teacher diets, sanctions in schools and international teaching. 

Tom Rogers is joined by Rob Bruce of the Leadership Skills Foundation and Phil Wood, Professor of Education at Nottingham Trent University. They discuss todays announcements regarding changes to OFSTED inspections. They look at the new OFSTED 'report card' in detail, including the new areas to be assessed and how inspections might work with regards to these, including the 5 point sliding scale from cause for concern to exemplary. What are the possible pitfalls of this new system? Are there any positives? Listen to find out! 

Leading Literacy to Empower Every Student with special guest Andy Sammons.

In tonight's show, I chat about time management, particularly if you're a student. How can you balance a study workload and still have a social life? What can you do when you feel overwhelmed?