

They Behave For Me
Adam Boxer and Amy Forrester
Welcome to They Behave For Me, a podcast brought to you by Adam Boxer and Amy Forrester covering all things education: politics, curriculum, Teaching and Learning and much more. Join us for thought provoking ideas, concrete strategies and plenty of jokes. Press subscribe to get TBFM every Friday!
TBFM is powered by Carousel Learning
TBFM is powered by Carousel Learning
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 54min
Why do Jewish schools need security? Adam opens up about antisemitism
In light of the horrific attack at a synagogue in Manchester, Adam gives a 2000 year history of antisemitism, and explores how it has applied in England in the modern era. Following that, Amy takes on some attendance issues and explores some potential solutions.

24 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 48min
Are knowledge organisers worth it, and how to observe and be observed
Hosts dive into the challenges and nuances of classroom observations. They reflect on the shift from high-stakes to no-stakes peer drops for valuable feedback. Discussion includes the effective use of knowledge organisers in curriculum design and practical implementations in literature. They explore accountability, aligning peer observations with school policies, and the importance of tailored feedback. The risks of positive-only observations are critiqued, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism to foster growth.

Oct 3, 2025 • 53min
Is behaviour better in primaries or secondaries? With Grainne Hallahan
Grainne Hallahan, a researcher and founder of TeacherTap, joins the hosts to delve into fascinating school behavior data. They discuss whether behavior is better in primary or secondary schools, revealing surprising insights. Grainne shares how mobile phone policies, like bans and pouch systems, impact distractions and compliance rates. The conversation also touches on uniform policies, like banning skirts, and their unexpected effects on behavior. Plus, they explore the rise of AI-assisted cheating and its implications for teachers.

20 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
What do teachers actually need to know about assessment? With Becky Allen
Becky Allen, co-founder of the TeacherTapp survey app and an education expert, dives into the intricacies of assessment in education. She emphasizes that assessment should enhance learning and align with subject-specific knowledge. The conversation highlights the challenges teachers face, from attrition due to behavior issues to the influence of AI on personalized learning. Becky critiques traditional assessment methods and stresses the importance of relevant curriculum choices, questioning the value of obsolete content like Roman numerals.

Sep 19, 2025 • 47min
What's the deal with booklets, and do they need to have the school's branding on them?
Discover the intriguing debate about the necessity of school branding on student booklets. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about winging lessons and ice cream tales from vacations. Explore how independent practice can foster resilience in students and the purpose behind observational practices like Pastor's Perch. The hosts also discuss the importance of evidence-based feedback in teaching and how quality core instruction can close learning gaps, all while keeping the conversation lively and engaging.

32 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
What three things from cognitive science should every teacher know? With Dr Carl Hendrick
In this engaging discussion, Carl Hendrick, an academic and author at Academica University in Amsterdam, delves into the intersection of cognitive science and effective teaching. He highlights the power of retrieval practice and interleaving as crucial strategies for enhancing student learning. Beyond techniques, he advocates for transparency in teaching purposes, suggesting that understanding the 'why' can boost student engagement. The conversation also touches on the balancing act of using technology constructively while managing distractions in modern education.

7 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 14min
Did Nick Gibb get it right?
Nick Gibb, former MP and Schools Minister, shares insights from his decade in education and his new book. He discusses the replicability of successful school models like Michaela across the UK. Gibb reflects on the evolution of educational practices over the last twenty years, highlighting significant reforms and the impact on disadvantaged students. With a focus on phonics instruction and the role of teachers, he emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches in addressing educational disparities while remaining optimistic about future improvements.

Jul 18, 2025 • 58min
What is genericism, and why is it so important? With Christine Councsell
Christine Councsell, Director of Opening Worlds and former Cambridge education leader, dives into the pressing issue of genericism in education. She shares insights from her journey in reinventing curriculum and emphasizes the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all teaching methods, particularly in history and science. The conversation expands to the decline of intellectual discourse in education and how innovative curricula can address this stagnation. Finally, Councsell discusses the 'Changing Histories' project, aimed at enriching history education with diverse narratives.

18 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
Can Amy and Bill Wilkinson explain the SEN crisis to Adam?
In this enlightening discussion, Bill Wilkinson, a former academic scientist turned SENCO, shares his insights after his first year navigating the complexities of special educational needs. He addresses the struggles SENCOs face, including inadequate systems and the need for better communication with families. Bill also highlights challenges around resource allocation and the impact of birth months on SEN identification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive teaching strategies and adapting lesson plans to support vulnerable learners.

4 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 57min
How to observe non-subject-specialists and what can a lead practitioner do?
Explore the key role of lead practitioners in transforming school culture. Dive into the humorously chaotic world of school inspections and their impact on educational dynamics. Discover strategies for observing non-subject specialists, highlighting the nuances of communication and classroom engagement. The discussion also examines the power of professional development in enhancing teaching practices. Personal anecdotes add a light-hearted touch, making complex educational issues relatable and entertaining.