They Behave For Me

In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners on a range of topics: AI and safeguarding, questioning, lesson starts and behaviour support for supply teachers. Please share if you can!

This week, Adam is joined by the GOAT and OG of education podcasts: Craig Barton. In a wide ranging interview, they discuss Craig's experiences visiting hundreds of schools, seeing thousands of lessons, and codifying everything in 16 remarkable books. Not to be missed!

Tom Bennett, a behaviour advisor and founder of ResearchED, dives into how historical shifts in education have changed our perspective on behaviour. He discusses how COVID and smartphones highlighted existing issues rather than creating them. Tom shares insights from the National Behaviour Survey, emphasizing the need for clear systems and tailored approaches in schools. He explores the importance of belonging and community, linking it to Maslow's principles, while advocating for authentic school identities that adapt systems to their unique contexts.

Jon Hutchinson, Regional Director at the Reach Foundation and former primary teacher, discusses the significance of curriculum reform and early intervention in education. He emphasizes schools as community hubs that can address barriers to learning. Hutchinson also elaborates on the need for a balanced national curriculum and innovative V-levels to accommodate diverse student pathways. The conversation touches on education’s polarization, the role of teachers in curriculum development, and the challenges of online discourse among educators.

Liz English, Principal of The Houstone School, brings a wealth of experience from Teach First and Harris Federation. She dives into her remarkable journey blending startup and turnaround strategies in education. Discussing community skepticism, Liz highlights the importance of building trust with parents and creating a strong school culture. She outlines the challenges of recruiting staff without a building, the necessity of tailored routines, and the ambitious goals for Houstone's future. Liz's insights offer valuable lessons for new leaders navigating similar hurdles.

Joined by Dylan Wiliam, a prominent assessment researcher, the discussion dives into formative assessment's importance and challenges. Wiliam shares his journey from teacher to scholar and highlights the significance of effective feedback and evidence-based decision-making in classrooms. He outlines how misconceptions persist and the role of clear feedback in learning. The conversation addresses the complexities of implementing assessment strategies and the impact of international trends in education.

Natasha Plaister, a statistician at FFT Education Datalab, dives deep into educational data analysis. She discusses the challenges of understanding disadvantaged attainment gaps and how factors like prior attainment and gender impact outcomes. Natasha highlights the misinterpretation of regional data and emphasizes the importance of 'basics' for future pathways. Furthermore, she explores the gender gap in STEM subjects and the shortage of specialized physics teachers, unveiling the complexities behind student choices and educational policies.

In a lively discussion, Adam and Amy dive into Channel 4's Educating Yorkshire, sharing their mixed emotional responses. They applaud the dedication of teachers and the leadership at the school, while also critiquing classroom dynamics where engagement is uneven. The duo contemplates the ethics of filming children and whether the show balances realism with entertainment. They emphasize the need for stronger behaviour systems and compassionate boundaries to enhance student outcomes, ultimately reflecting on the show's impact on public perceptions.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Robbins, an experienced science teacher and author specializing in teacher development, shares his insights on the struggles of middle leadership. He addresses the challenges faced by middle leaders and their importance in bridging logistical and strategic roles. Robbins stresses the need for effective communication between middle and senior leaders and the role of powerful teaching resources in enhancing performance. He emphasizes bi-directional accountability with students and the significance of spreading impactful ideas for lasting change.

Adam and Amy dive into the controversial topic of phone policies in schools and the implications of Conservative proposals on safeguarding. They explore the difference between attention builders and checks for listening, sharing practical strategies for enhancing student focus. The discussion on whether a single phone incident should jeopardize a school's Ofsted rating raises eyebrows. They also consider the challenges of inconsistent rule enforcement and the importance of leadership modeling to foster a positive school culture.