

Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools
Mark Taylor
Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future.
While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced.
Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you.
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced.
Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you.
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 13, 2025 • 45min
Closing the Attainment Gap: How AI Tutors Are Scaling Quality Math Education - Third Space Learning
The AI maths tutor that gets pupils reasoning out loud.Third Space Learning believe an AI tutor should do more than just generate questions and mark answers.What if it could provide scaffolded support according to knowledge gaps, speaking to students and encouraging them to verbalise their reasoning as they go?What if every pupil who needs it could work through maths problems in this way for one fixed low cost?Meet Skye, the low-cost AI maths tutor built by expert maths teachersSkye mimics the behaviours of a pedagogically sound subject matter expert and prompts ensures responses are effective, adaptable, and focused on improving understanding and increasing confidence.Prompts are specified in detail for each slide, and use insights from thousands of maths tutoring sessions to teach concepts effectively, address common misconceptions and ensure Skye adapts the pitch and pace of the session and personalises the instruction to suit each learner.'Since 2013, over 4,100 schools have chosen Third Space Learning’s cost-effective one-to-one maths tutoring – giving them more time to focus on whole-class teaching and learning.We’ve used all the online tutoring insights we’ve gained in the last decade to create Skye, an AI maths tutor like no other.'Takeaways: The primary objective of our mission is to make effective tutoring accessible to underprivileged children, thereby assisting in closing the educational attainment gap. Utilizing artificial intelligence for tutoring can provide substantial scaling benefits while maintaining the essential requirements necessary for effective tutoring. Our tutoring programs are designed to be seamlessly integrated into school timetables, enhancing the overall learning experience and reinforcing classroom instruction. We have observed that the interaction between students and AI tutors fosters a low-stakes environment, encouraging children to engage more freely without the fear of judgment. Our approach focuses on high-impact tutoring, which necessitates a proactive and structured interaction rather than reactive responses to student inquiries. The transition from human to AI tutors is grounded in extensive research and data, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of schools and students effectively. https://thirdspacelearning.com/maths-tutoring/ai-maths-tutor/https://thirdspacelearning.com/@thirdspacetweethttps://www.linkedin.com/company/third-space-learning/Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/🔥 Discover more about Education on Firehttps://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.https://educationonfire.com/ecamm🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast hosthttps://educationonfire.com/captivate🔥 Descript – My Editing Toolhttps://educationonfire.com/descriptSome of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Oct 6, 2025 • 47min
Endless Studios: Coding & Game Design for Young Learners
Matt Dalio dreams of a world in which every kid has the resources to shape their own technology instead of being shaped by it.In 2011, he founded Endless which aims to provide universal access to technology and equal opportunities to succeed in the digital world by tackling three key challenges.Endless is harnessing the power of modern games to introduce youth to 21st Century skills like coding and design. Second, it is addressing the internet gap by creating technology that enables youth anywhere to have access to basic educational resources. And lastly, Endless is building a “pay as you go” laptop program making it so that billions more people can afford a computer.Collectively these unlock educational opportunities that allow everyone to be a creatorTakeaways: The average child dedicates approximately 10,000 hours to playing video games by the time they complete their education, an astonishing figure that underscores the pervasiveness of gaming in youth culture. In the last fifteen years, a significant trend in the gaming industry has been the shift towards creation, with platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite leading the way in empowering users to engage in content generation. The concept of transforming players into creators is pivotal; through this transition, youths acquire essential software development skills tailored for an increasingly digital, knowledge-based economy. Endless Studios aims to provide scalable educational solutions that are both affordable and accessible, particularly in communities with limited access to qualified educators, thereby breaking down financial barriers to learning. Feedback, especially peer feedback, plays a critical role in the learning process by providing valuable insights and support without the traditional costs associated with formal education. The future workforce will largely consist of individuals who possess robust digital skills, which are essential for navigating the complexities of an AI-driven world, making it imperative to equip youth with these competencies. www.endlessstudios.comShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/🔥 Discover more about Education on Firehttps://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.https://educationonfire.com/ecamm🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast hosthttps://educationonfire.com/captivate🔥 Descript – My Editing Toolhttps://educationonfire.com/descriptSome of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Sep 29, 2025 • 12min
Ger Graus Gets Gritty - Season Announcement
Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE will be joining me for a dedicated season based on his book - Through a Different Lens - Lessons from a Life in Education.We will discuss in more depth the 6 chapters:1. The benefit of hindsight and the lessons learned. This includes family influences, school experiences, teachers, being a teacher and being involved in The Children's University, Kidzania and travelling the world giving lectures, presentations and being a keynote speaker.2. Children can only aspire to what they know exists. I am a living example of this........I would not have been a professional musician and had the career I have had if not for my school experiences and opportunities.3. Thoughts about schooling and education - what is the difference? Education is 0-99 years.......how do we instil this understanding in our children? 4. Technology!!!!!!5. The role we play6. More than a school - measuring what we value not just subject exam results and league tables. We will then invite expert discussion about 3 key areas.Early Years - the current situation, what it can be, why it is important and views from around the globe.School - What is a school and why do children attend?Higher/Further education - How is this working today? What are the alternatives, is it fit for purpose, can they all survive the threat of closure from lack of funding.....does that matter? We will also have a LIVE show where you can get involved, ask questions and bring your views to the campfire. Be a fire lighter. Be part of the movement.Education on Fire - Feedback Inspiration Resilience EmpowermentWhy not listen to Ger's conversation with me on Ep 439 to get ready for the Ger Graus Gets Gritty Season.https://www.educationonfire.comhttps://www.gergraus.com

Sep 22, 2025 • 11min
Top 10 Educational Resources
Today we highlight 10 previous episodes and the educational resources created or shared by my guests.These include:Reading Writing and Spelling with Jane ConsidineLet's Learn About Science with Dr. Stephanie RyanArtis Foundation - Integrating the arts throughout learningNurture Resilience, Empathy and Global Citizenship with LyftaSir Linkalot - Spelling AppWHO SMARTED? Hit children's podcast with Jerry KolberC.H.A.M.P.S Mentoring with Vondale SingletonSatchel - Online Teaching and Learning ToolMarvellousMe - Parent Engagement AppSteer Education - Whole School Mental Health PlatformYou can download the FREE pdf with links to all the websites at https://www.educationonfire.com/

Sep 15, 2025 • 18min
Can AI create an engaging summary of a book focused interview?
In advance of our Ger Graus season which will be based on his book Through a Different Lens - Lessons from a Life in Education I have created a summary podcast of our previous conversation (Ep 439) using NotebookLM. This is as - described on it's website - 'the AI research tool and thinking partner that can analyze your sources, turn complexity into clarity and transform your content'.You will hear 2 AI voices discuss and summarise our conversation about Ger's book. Why do this? Partly as a quick recap before we start the Ger Graus season but also to help me understand what is currently possible with AI in advance of our Education on Fire LIVE Stream shows that will focus on AI in education.To keep up to date with everything we are doing and download our FREE top 10 resources pdf please visit https://www.educationonfire.com/

Sep 8, 2025 • 11min
Revolutionizing Educational Engagement: Join the Movement
During the autumn we will have a dedicated series exploring how education can change lives through the work of Professor Dr. Ger Graus and his book "Through a Different Lens: Lessons From a Life in Education."What You'll Hear:Real stories from teachers, parents, and mentorsPractical ways to help children discover who they really areHow communities can work together to improve educationSimple strategies that make a real difference in learningWe will structure the podcast around the chapters of the book, have LIVE Q&A shows and interview some inspirational people about how education supported their growth.Education works best when everyone gets involved - not just schools, but families and communities too. Throughout this season, we'll share conversations with people who are making education better for kids everywhere.Why This Matters:Every child deserves guidance that helps them grow into their authentic self. The educators and mentors we interview show us how to do exactly that, with wisdom gained from years of experience.Join the Conversation:Ready to be part of the education movement? Listen as we uncover the insights that can transform how we think about teaching and learning.educationonfire.comnape.org.ukcreativeamplifiers.substack.com

Aug 11, 2025 • 17min
The Dawn of a New Era in Learning: What to Expect This Autumn
This podcast episode explains the forthcoming evolution of the Education on Fire podcast, as I, Mark Taylor, prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter with esteemed educator Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE. Central to our discussion will be the exploration of innovative educational theories derived from Ger's autobiography, focusing on the concepts of connection, extension, and challenge in the learning process. We aim to illuminate the distinction between merely imparting knowledge and fostering genuine understanding, thereby empowering children to aspire to their fullest potential. Additionally, I express my profound gratitude to our longstanding sponsor, the National Association for Primary Education, whose unwavering support enables us to advance our mission of transforming educational experiences. As we anticipate our return on September 8th, I encourage our listeners to engage with us and share their thoughts on how we can best serve the educational community moving forward.Takeaways: The Education on Fire podcast serves as a platform for creative and inspiring learning globally. Listeners can expect a series of enlightening conversations focusing on educational transformation and innovation. The upcoming autumn season will feature discussions with Professor Dr. Ger Graus on impactful educational theories. The importance of nurturing children's aspirations through exposure to diverse learning experiences is emphasized throughout the podcast. The podcast intends to explore the intersection of education and artificial intelligence to enhance learning opportunities. Listeners are invited to contribute their preferences for future episodes, ensuring the content remains relevant and supportive. www.educationonfire.com

Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
Green Schools Revolution
Green Schools Revolution is a three-year project launched in January 2023, hosted by SOS-UK and funded by the #iwill Fund. We help secondary school pupils to green their schools as part of the Department for Education's (DfE) Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy. Students develop whole-school Climate Action Plans, create Wilding Plans to bring nature back to their school grounds, and deliver Teach the Teacher sessions to help integrate climate education into the curriculum.I chat to Lucy Davies (project coordinator) and Jack Di Francesco (Education Manager).Takeaways: The Green Schools Revolution provides grants for schools to promote sustainability through rewilding projects, fostering environmental awareness among students. Students are increasingly aware of climate justice issues, yet their education often lacks comprehensive climate-related content, highlighting a significant gap in the curriculum. Young people's anxiety regarding climate change stems from a feeling of helplessness, as they often do not see actionable changes being made by their schools. Empowering students to lead climate education initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and agency, enabling them to influence their educational environment positively. The Green Schools Revolution includes programs like Teach the Teacher, which enables students to facilitate climate education discussions with their teachers and peers. Creating a sustainable school environment not only enhances educational experiences but also encourages students to adopt eco-friendly habits that extend beyond the classroom. Websitehttps://www.greenschoolsrevolution.uk/Social Media Informationhttps://www.youtube.com/@sosukcharityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/students-organising-for-sustainability/https://www.instagram.com/sosuk_charity/https://www.facebook.com/sosukcharityhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sosukcharityShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/🔥 Discover more about Education on Firehttps://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.https://educationonfire.com/ecamm🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast hosthttps://educationonfire.com/captivate🔥 Descript – My Editing Toolhttps://educationonfire.com/descriptSome of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Jul 28, 2025 • 43min
Helping People Get Smarter by Thinking Dumber
David Carson from Dumbify delves into the intriguing concept that embracing "dumb" thinking can often lead to innovative solutions. We explore how society has cultivated a reluctance to ask seemingly foolish questions, thereby stifling creativity and potential breakthroughs. Our conversation is enriched by anecdotes illustrating how historical figures, like Isaac Newton, harnessed the power of curiosity and unorthodox thinking to arrive at revolutionary ideas. We also reflect on personal experiences and methodologies that advocate for a shift in mindset—encouraging individuals to welcome and cultivate their "dumb" thoughts as a pathway to discovery and success. Takeaways: Throughout history, the concept of 'dumb' has surprisingly provided solutions to complex problems. As individuals gain more knowledge, they often realize how much they still do not know. Encouraging the asking of seemingly 'dumb' questions can lead to significant creative breakthroughs. Creative thoughts often stem from individuals attempting to replicate others but failing, thereby generating originality. Rewarding curiosity in educational settings can foster a more open and innovative learning environment. The practice of intentionally thinking 'dumb' can lead to the development of new and effective solutions. Websitedavid-carson.com dumbify.beehiiv.comShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/🔥 Discover more about Education on Firehttps://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.https://educationonfire.com/ecamm🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast hosthttps://educationonfire.com/captivate🔥 Descript – My Editing Toolhttps://educationonfire.com/descriptSome of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Jul 21, 2025 • 51min
Kapp Educational Therapy Group
EDUCATIONAL THERAPY For Learners 5th Grade to Adult with ADHD and Executive Functioning ChallengesRachel Kapp grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel began tutoring students in high school, eventually choosing to pursue a career in education. For over six years, Rachel was a lead preschool teacher where she gained a firm foundation in explicit teaching. Rachel has been a tutor in private practice since 2004, working with students in a variety of subjects including all levels of math, reading, history and writing. After working with so many types of students over the years and realizing she was passionate about building relationships with and helping students who learn differently, Rachel decided to pursue Educational Therapy. She completed her coursework at the California State University, Northridge in December 2015 and Masters degree in December 2016. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband, Adam, sons, Elliot and Owen, and their dog, Fritzy, watching Cal Football, cooking for friends, and spinning.Rachel is a Board Certified Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. She is a co-founder and co-host of the Learn Smarter Podcast, a resource offering over 350 episodes of educational content for educators and families. Rachel is an active participant in ongoing education through the International Dyslexia Association and she is also trained in Wilson Reading Systems.Takeaways:Executive functioning skills are not inherent traits; they can be cultivated through dedicated learning and practice. Educational therapy should not be perceived as a permanent necessity; it aims to empower learners towards independence. Parents play a crucial role in educational therapy by stepping back, allowing their children to take initiative in their learning process. The distinction between educational therapy and tutoring lies in the focus on developing strategies rather than merely addressing academic content. The virtual landscape of educational therapy can foster just as meaningful connections as in-person sessions, debunking common misconceptions. Understanding and addressing underlying learning challenges can prevent significant achievement gaps from forming in learners. Websitewww.kappedtherapy.comSocial Media Information@kappedtherapy (IG)Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/Discover more about Education on Fire https://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.https://educationonfire.com/ecamm🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast hosthttps://educationonfire.com/captivate🔥 Descript – My Editing Toolhttps://educationonfire.com/descriptSome of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.