What Are We Teaching? Powerful knowledge, capabilities, and teacher autonomy – with Richard Bustin

In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, we're joined by teacher and researcher Richard Bustin, author of the fascinating new book What Are We Teaching? We delve deep into some of the biggest questions in curriculum and pedagogy today – from the concept of powerful knowledge to the ongoing tensions between progressivism and traditionalism in education. What does it mean to teach in a way that builds pupils' capabilities – not just their test scores? And how can we balance a knowledge-rich curriculum with professional teacher autonomy? Richard brings a rare blend of classroom insight, research rigour, and philosophical curiosity to this conversation. We discuss: What powerful knowledge is – and isn’t How geography “went woke” Whether the progressivism vs traditionalism debate is helpful or reductive Why a focus on capabilities might offer a richer way forward The risks of top-down curriculum mandates And why teacher professionalism and trust matter more than ever This is a rich and energising listen for anyone who cares deeply about what – and how – we teach. Richard Bustin is a secondary geography teacher and doctoral researcher with a focus on curriculum studies, powerful knowledge, and geo-capabilities. His book What Are We Teaching? (2025) is a compelling invitation to examine the deeper messages embedded in our teaching and to reclaim the professional agency of teachers as curriculum-makers. Links and resources: Follow Richard https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bustin-165b7019b/ What are we teaching? https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/what-are-we-teaching Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend or colleague. You can also support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/repod Outro track: ‘How it is and how it should be’ by Grit Control: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ud69RIV1eOV9poMR7AORI The Rethinking Education podcast is brought to you by Crown House Publishing. It is hosted by Dr James Mannion and David Cameron, and produced by Sophie Dean.