Teachers Talk Radio

Join Michelle Hinds on the Wednesday Twilight Show with Gerry Robinson (Executive Headteacher, HLP) and Emmanuel Awoyelu (Inclusion Specialist) as they explore the unconscious biases behind exclusions, their academic and emotional impact, and the challenges faced by alternative provision (AP) schools. Amidst the struggles, they also celebrate the resilience and successes of excluded students. Are they truly prepared for lifelong success? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion!

In this episode, we look into the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP)—a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming language learning in schools across England. With over 16,000 students benefiting from its immersive and intensive approach, the MEP is setting new standards for language education and opening doors for young learners. Joining us are three experts deeply involved in the programme: 🔹 Julian Metcalf, Headteacher at Dartford Grammar School, shares how his school has embraced the MEP and even developed its own Japanese Excellence Programme, demonstrating how schools can apply MEP principles beyond Mandarin. 🔹 Matt Schofield, Programme Manager at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, provides insights into the structure, impact, and future of the MEP, including the logistics behind the largest-ever school trip to China, which took nearly 1,200 students abroad. 🔹 Beth Fleming, an MEP Chinese teacher at Macmillan Academy, tells her inspiring story of going from student to teacher and how the programme supports the next generation of language educators. We explore key topics such as: ✅ How the MEP has significantly boosted GCSE results and student attainment ✅ The life-changing opportunities it provides, especially for disadvantaged students ✅ How cultural immersion and overseas experiences enrich language learning ✅ Practical takeaways for MFL teachers and school leaders looking to replicate MEP's success Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or language enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable lessons on how to enhance language learning, increase student engagement, and create global citizens. 🎧 Tune in now to discover what makes the Mandarin Excellence Programme a model for success!

Martin Sketchley joined me from South Korea to talk about how to create educational video, and shared his tips about filming classes, editing and making the resulting video available via platforms such as YouTube.

Yasmin Omar, Dave Brown, Tarjinder Gil and Brent Poland discuss the biggest stories in education this week. 

In this show, Claire and Beejesh explore the state of parental engagement, the social contract between families and schools, and the key issues shaping this relationship. Listen back now to join the conversation!

Darren discusses the concepts of fast and slow thinking, the cognitive processes that inform your 'gut reactions' and whether it's better to be a faster or slower thinker. 

What is the purpose of homework? Is it still a thing? Morgan and Tod welcome Emily Folorunsho on the show to discuss modern homework. The equity issues that make it unfair, the opportunities for consolidation it brings, the enrichment possibilities, and the bridges it builds for parental partnership. There are pedagogical pitfalls and issues of consistency versus autonomy in how homework is delivered- let's explore the debates of home learning!

This week was the first big test of whether the government's introduction of VAT on private school fees has been a success with the publication of offers for places in state secondary schools. This podcast explores all the issues on both sides and examines the evidence closely. It is a great listen for anyone interested in this emotive topic.

Join Chris as he introduces the term "Assessment for Growth" and why he feels that differentiated revision is the solution to maximising success at A-Level.

The use of cell phones in our secondary schools: benefits and drawbacks. Aramide chats with IT guru Godwin Omoh and Peace Nkire, the students coordinator at the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society. They discuss if cell phones are actually needed in secondary school to boost students academic achievements.