Teachers Talk Radio

In part one of Curriculum Conversations, Hannah Wilson @ArtTeacherHWN and Lucy Neuburger @LuEliz1989 reflect on 10 years of the current National Curriculum and their hopes for the 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review. In part two, Hannah and Lucy ask the question "what would your 'dream curriculum' look like if you were in charge?"

Tom Rogers runs through they key parts of the recent DFE survey release on the working lives of teachers. What were the key takeaways? What are teachers currently thinking? Tom is joined by TJ Watson, a lead practitioner of Science based in London, to share his takes on the data. 

Ngo Duc Huy and I discuss the challenges faced by early career English language teachers in Vietnam and share an insightful and interesting conversation about the teaching landscape in the country.

Will is in conversation with Paula Moses to discuss her innovative PhD research about the concept of success in life and the role of the primary curriculum in helping pupils achieve this.

Toria discusses PE - what does modern day PE teaching look like? The guest is Matt Cotten, a primary school teacher and leader who is passionate about PE teaching at all levels and phases. 

In this compelling episode, hosts Brent Poland and stand in guest co host Christopher Vowles dive deep into the complex issue of knife crime affecting schools and youth communities. Drawing from personal experiences and national statistics, they explore the multifaceted factors driving the increase in knife-related offences, including gang culture, urban dynamics, and social pressures. The conversation takes listeners on a nuanced journey through the realities of youth violence, examining how different regions of the United Kingdom experience this challenge differently. Christopher shares a powerful personal anecdote from his teaching days in London, while Brent provides insights into the broader societal trends that contribute to this growing concern. Key topics include: The evolving nature of gang culture from the 1960s to today Statistical trends in knife-related offenses The psychological and social factors driving youth to carry weapons Potential approaches to addressing the root causes of knife crime Sponsored by John Catt Educational and ParentKind, this episode offers a thoughtful, nuanced perspective on one of the most pressing issues facing education and youth today. It's a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone concerned about youth safety and societal challenges.

Dave chats to Gemma Molyneux and Matt Venton about Oracy. What is it, why has it recently become so prominent as a focus in education, how can it help students in the classroom and beyond and how can we avoid it becoming just the latest passing fad? 

This episode explores the intricate relationship between language and social identity. John Gibbs and Dr Christian Ilbury, from Edinburgh University, discuss how accents can signal various aspects of identity, including region, class, and even competence. Christian challenges the notion of a 'standard' language, advocating for the appreciation of linguistic diversity. He highlights the ongoing issues of accent bias and linguistic discrimination, particularly in educational and professional settings. The discussion also touches on the importance of oracy in education, the influence of social media on youth language, and the need for teachers to adapt to changing linguistic landscapes. Ultimately, the conclusion emphasizes the importance of embracing one's linguistic identity and dismantling prejudices associated with language use.

Michelle shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of middle leadership. The show offers a practical guide to effective middle leadership that will ultimately influence change. Middle leaders are the catalyst for change!

Following an invigorating parents' evening, Toby talks about parental collaboration, how to foster independence in 16-18-year-olds and celebrating small wins in education as a means of building a positive learning environment.