Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe

Disciplinary Literacy, PedTech, and Flexible Working with Shareen Wilkinson, Mind the Gap, Ep.96 (S5,E12)

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Apr 25, 2025

Shareen Wilkinson, Executive Director of Education at LEO Academy Trust, and author, shares her extensive experience in primary education. She discusses her new book on disciplinary literacy, emphasizing its role across subjects like history and science. Shareen highlights the vital need for rich language and deep subject knowledge starting in early years. The conversation also explores the integration of technology in education and the benefits of flexible working arrangements, advocating for a balance that empowers educators and enhances learning.

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ANECDOTE

Authoring for Teachers and Children

Shareen writes both educational books for teachers and storybooks for children.
She enjoys sharing author experiences directly with children to inspire their reading and writing.

INSIGHT

Balance Precision and Enjoyment

Disciplinary literacy requires a balance between precision and enjoyment.
Good writers develop through rich, immersive reading experiences early on.

ADVICE

Disciplinary Literacy in Primary

Understand disciplinary literacy theory first, then apply practical subject-specific strategies.
Use case studies and research to tailor approaches for primary settings, not simply adapting secondary models.

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On this episode of Mind the Gap, Emma Turner is joined by Shareen Wilkinson, Executive Director of Education at LEO Academy Trust, and author of books for both children and teachers. Shareen shares insights from her new book, Disciplinary Literacy in Primary Schools, offering a fresh, practical lens on reading, writing, and speaking across the curriculum. Together, they explore what it really means for primary pupils to “write like historians” or “speak like scientists,” and why disciplinary literacy isn’t just a secondary school concern. Shareen explains how rich talk, purposeful writing, and deep subject knowledge can—and should—start in Early Years, and reflects on how flexible working and thoughtful use of edtech can empower teachers and support inclusion. From phonics to AI, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and practical strategies for educators leading literacy across the curriculum.

Shareen is Executive Director of Education and leads on curriculum, teaching and learning and assessment across the LEO academy schools, as well as overseeing the central education team. Shareen has been in education for over 20 years and has fulfilled a wide range of senior leadership roles, including being an LA Lead Primary Adviser, English adviser and is still an education consultant to several organisations. Her subject specialisms are English, assessment, teaching and learning, and leadership. Shareen is an established educational author, writer and editor and has written educational resources and books for Hodder Education, DK children’s books, Oxford University Press, Letts, Harper Collins and Teach Primary magazine. Follow her on X @ShareenAdvice

Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.