More Teacher Talk

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 opportu...

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 ...

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...

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 sev...

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 g...

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 te...

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 Reform...

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 acc...

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 of...

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 Aliso...

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 ...

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 strat...

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 dif...

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...

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...

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 f...

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 Wil...