Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

Punchdrunk Enrichment is a charity creating transformational theatre for education, community and family audiences. Their immersive experiences for schools are designed to inspire and engage the imagination, inviting pupils and teachers on an adventure with a lasting impact. I'm joined by Peter Higgin - Artistic Director and joint CEO. Peter has been involved with Punchdrunk for his entire professional career. In 2000 he graduated from Exeter University and went on to become a founding member of Punchdrunk. He was pivotal in establishing the company’s early work during their rise to critical acclaim and global success.In 2008 he co-founded Punchdrunk Enrichment and led the development of Punchdrunk’s signature practice in community and educational settings. Since 2016, he has been joint CEO of Punchdrunk’s charitable arm, and in 2021, as the charity rebranded as Punchdrunk Enrichment, Peter became Artistic Director.Peter’s early work for Punchdrunk Enrichment focused on primary educational settings. Working with a core team of Punchdrunk creatives, these projects established a formula for the company’s practice and importantly uncovered and demonstrated a need for this type of intervention.Since these early beginnings Peter has led on all of the company’s artistic activity spanning family shows, participatory performances, ambitious R&D experiments in digital technology and international collaborations.Peter has a powerful belief in the transformative power of engaging with the arts and creativity. He believes in the power of imagination as one of our greatest tools and has witnessed how access to immersive experiences can unlock our innate creativity.Websitewww.punchdrunkenrichment.org.uk/www.punchdrunkenrichment.org.uk/schools/Social Media Information@PDEnrichwww.facebook.com/punchdrunkenrichmentwww.instagram.com/punchdrunkenrichment/Resources MentionedSir Ken RobinsonShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Watch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley - 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' from the Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023 Get access to the summit at www.nape.org.uk/summit Mentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

SYMMETRY Neuro-PT, founded by a Mom on a Mission Dianne Kosto, makes neurofeedback accessible and easy. They are a growing company with team members located in various states across the globe, seeking to further their mission while developing a company culture of integrity, mission-driven focus, service for others, and excellence in all that they do.Families are traumatized when a loved one is struggling. Not knowing what is wrong, or how to help, leaves you feeling hopeless with an ache in the pit of your stomach.Anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness can be from brainwave dysregulation. Neurofeedback helps the brain learn to better regulate. When the brain is functioning better, hope and relationships are restored. Life is brighter.At SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway Training, they empower people by providing neurofeedback services & systems that help the brain better regulate, because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.Websitewww.symmetryneuropt.comSocial Media Informationwww.facebook.com/SymmetryNeuroPT/twitter.com/symmetryneuroptwww.linkedin.com/company/symmetryneuropt/www.youtube.com/channel/UC52hEehDheZTZ3NrzIWmHOQwww.pinterest.com/symmetryneuropt/pins/www.instagram.com/symmetryneuropt/Resources MentionedHealing Young BrainsShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Jos van der Westhuizen is the CEO and co-founder at Remio.Remio is a VR app that provides an immersive educational campus in which students can learn, collaborate, and play.Their educational use case enables you to turn a space into a virtual learning institution. The Remio platform is built for knowledge transfer and higher education use cases. Try a weekly class in VR and you’ll understand the power of an immersive virtual classroom. Below we have details of how Hoquiam School Uses Remio's VR Platform to Drive Social Emotional Learning Among Students Websitewww.remiovr.comSocial Media Informationwww.linkedin.com/in/josvdw/www.twitter.com/JosvdWestResources MentionedAcquired PodcastThe Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben HorowitzShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitHow Hoquiam School Uses Remio's VR Platform to Drive Social Emotional Learning Among StudentsAs teachers and students have adapted to a post pandemic educational environment, the increasing importance of social emotional learning has emerged. Hoquiam School District is using Remio's VR platform to drive social emotional learning among its students and reshape social connections impacted during the pandemic, and the positive impact is undeniable as students are eager to play and learn with each other in VR.Hoquiam School District manages 1600 students across high school, middle school and elementary school in Washington state. Over the past year, the district has undergone major curriculum outreach to students with VR learning programs by working with Remio's VR platform and VEDX Solutions offering 'class packs' that also provide training and 30 Quest 2 headsets so that educators can operate whole classrooms in VR at once.Remio provides an all-in-one solution for remote learning environments and team collaboration in the metaverse. The platform enables students and teachers to onboard into VR in a fun, safe space where they can create their avatar, play, socialize and gain confidence engaging with their peers in a VR environment before moving into the school’s curriculum.Chris Nitti, Digital Age Coordinator for Hoquiam School District, started the program and immediately over 100 students applied to join a small test group of 20 who participated this past summer in a Remio-based VR event. Nitti says he specifically looked for diversity, bringing in students across special education, students who are homeless, students who are transgender, football players, band geeks, the whole spectrum. The group played virtual paintball together for about 20 minutes, showing great communication, teamwork, collaboration, and engagement. Nitti then asked the students to remove their headsets and look around at their bonded group. One of the students said, "I don't even know any of you before we put these headsets on, but now I feel like we're real friends and I just want to get back into the world with you." Nitti says that these social experiences in the VR environment 'levels the playing field' and produces equitable and inclusive experiences for students, so that constructs like appearance, class or cliques don't matter in helping bring students socially together. Jay Schnoor, Co-founder and CEO of VEDX Solutions, "VR removes unconscious bias and perceived notions of whether someone will be ‘good’ on your virtual team."To get comfortable with VR environments, teachers and students engage in Remio's VR onboarding program - they start with customizing their avatars, practice in training games and then coalesce on a custom island environment. Nitti said: "I love Remio's onboarding system. It's intuitive and doesn't require a lot of guidance from me, and everyone ends up in the same game together. Once they understand the island, which the students have named 'Grizzly Paradise', they're ready to go deeper into learning in VR."Nitti says that social emotional learning is a global issue right now because the pandemic has been so isolating for students over the past two years, which is a significant portion of their lives at this age. Kids are retracting or lacking social emotional skills, and those particularly impacted by the social isolation are students considered ACEs (adverse childhood experiences). Gaming and VR engagement with a purpose gives these students brave spaces for them to explore and address their adverse experiences. Schnoor said: "Online and distance learners don’t have the physical spaces that physical campuses do, like track fields, basketball courts, dorm rooms and quad spaces. VR brings this element of a physical space for students to socialize and engage in virtual learning."Nitti also runs educational simulations in VR using VEDX Solutions Class Packs, such as the combat simulator where he added modifications to the armor from realistic Greek and Roman shields and spears to teach 6th graders about ancient weapons and fighting styles. Students were hugely engaged in the material and able to more effectively understand the concepts through reenactments and even tournaments in VR.Nitti says, "My goal is to position VR and AR as the centerpiece of our curriculum, so that data and content are taught using VR primarily, rather than as a supplement. And next year, to have a full time teacher at the high school teaching VR development skills. The biggest thing I'm excited about are the high paying job opportunities for these students post graduation in VR modeling and simulations within high risk/ high cost industries like space exploration and launching satellites. Nitti believes that education and skill development in VR is also helping students prepare for in demand jobs and future careers. He continued, "My kids are extremely ambitious and not scared of anything. They love Remio, and they want to be able to work within VR environments as well."The district plans to roll out the program to more students in the coming school year. Nitti is also working on a social emotional learning curriculum that he plans to pilot in VR with Remio next year, which will help even more kids build social and emotional skills in a fun and supportive environment. He says, "I want every kid who graduates from Hoquiam high school to have had some experience with social emotional learning in VR." Nitti is confident that VR will play an important role in education for years to come as it is the future of education.Schnoor added: "We see a bright future for Remio across school campuses. Educational VR programs will become widespread over time - it changes learning and increases the speed of learning to explain difficult concepts by two-fold because it supports both visual and auditory learners. Further, it offers distance learning with the next wrung of social emotional learning."Mentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Andrew Tomlinson is a former journalist and head of content and commissioning at BBC Education. In 2018, he launched BBC Teach, an online portal that provides teachers with free curriculum-based resources. Today, it is used by almost half of all teachers across the UK. We discuss the role BBC Teach and BBC Bitesize has in supporting teachers and how they have become an important trustworthy go-to resource for educators. Plus:bbc.co.uk & YouTubecloser links for BBC Teach and Bitesizegreater integration between BBC Education and other BBC programmesCBBCTV personalities and teacher presenterssocial mobilityWebsitewww.bbc.co.uk/teachwww.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeSocial Media InformationTwitter: @BBC_TeachFacebook: @BBCTeachResources MentionedBroadcast NewsShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Schools Consent Project send lawyers into schools to deliver hour-long workshops on consent, including the legal definition of consent, how to identify consent, the ages of consent, bystander intervention, the offences of rape, sexual assault and ‘sexting’, responding to disclosures and ways to obtain help.Their work gives young people agency, enabling them to understand the law around sex and consent in order to make informed and sensible decisions.Websitewww.schoolsconsentproject.comSocial Media InformationTwitter: scpconsentFacebook: TheSchoolsConsentProjectInstagram: scpconsentShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

eQuoo is a clinically proven emotional wellbeing app for schools and students. The aim is to improve student emotional health by tapping into skills to boost the 5 most important dimensions through digital gaming. Reduce anxietyRelationship skillsReduce depressionResiliencePersonal growthPurpose-built for students and staff in education, eQuoo is a team of psychologists, mental health advocates and creatives with a shared passion for improving the mental wellbeing of all students. Mental health is more relevant than ever, especially in young adults but getting support is costly, with long waiting times and associated stigma. That’s why we’ve built a state-of-the-art app, accessible at any time, with the most robust reporting system so that every student and staff member can build the best versions of themselves.SILJA LITVIN | Cofounder, CEO & Psychologist​A clinical psychologist with years of experience providing counselling and therapy, including in the NHS NELFT mood and eating disorder division. Silja’s speciality is clinical psychology (depression and anxiety) and systemic psychology, the science of relationships.  Websitewww.equoo-wellbeing.comSocial Media InformationTwitter & Instagram @equoogamewww.linkedin.com/company/18382774Resources MentionedThe Power of Now - Eckhart TolleHuberman Lab PodcastShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summit​Mentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Tami Harel is the Chief Audiologist and Director of Clinical Research at Nuance Hearing. Tami is an Audiologist and Speech Pathologist with a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders and is currently working on her PhD in Gerontology. With more than 15 years of experience with hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation, in the public and private sector, she joined Nuance Hearing in the early stages of the company's development.Nuance Hearing was founded in 2015 with the fundamental goal of developing a technological solution for the ‘cocktail party problem’ - the difficulty of understanding speech in noisy environments.Over the years the company has made significant technological developments and algorithmic advancements within the framework of acoustic beamforming, becoming a world-leader in directional hearing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).These developments have led to an impressive array of collaborations with business partners in the hearing aid and assistive technology industry, clinical researcher scientists, educators and EdTech advocates. This includes a table microphone, designed to be used with hearing aids and developed in partnership with hearing aid industry leader Starkey.Websitewww.nuancehear.comSocial Media Informationwww.linkedin.com/company/nuancehearingtwitter.com/nuancehearingwww.facebook.com/NuanceHearingResources MentionedThe Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The HorseShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – 2023Get access NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Dr. Jen Forristal, BSc ND, is the CEO of The Umbrella Project and a Naturopathic Doctor with a primary focus in pediatric mental health. She has worked extensively with schools, researchers, and organizations, developing mental wellness strategies for families facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges and those looking for optimal health and performance. As the founder of The Umbrella Project, Dr. Jen trains medical professionals, educators and parents to proactively assess and develop the skills needed to cope with lifes’ inevitable challenges. In her private practice, she supports families in raising resilient, healthy children. Dr. Jen has a BSc with Honors from the University of Guelph, and a Doctor of Naturopathy from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Websitewww.umbrellaproject.coSocial Media InformationInstagram & Twitter@umbrellapjctResources MentionedInstagram account - Response ParentingLink to Jen's Book - The Umbrella Effect: Your Guide to Raising Strong, Adaptable Kids in a Stressful WorldShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – March 2023Book NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

William Tucker and his wife have helped over 100,000 kids & civilians in the slums of India, improving their quality of life through literacy education, emergency aid, and other philanthropic initiatives. As a Co-Founder of Charity United, a U.S.-based charity that provides humanitarian aid to children and civilians in need, William helps ensure children receive food, clothing, shelter, and education. He has worked as an educational specialist and corporate training officer in International Charitable organizations for several decades, training thousands of individuals for their jobs in order to improve the productivity of these organizations. After selling his house and living in the slums of India for a year, William discovered through on-the-ground experience the problems that kids most often face while living in the slums, mainly a lack of educational opportunities. In collaboration with charities and volunteers in India, Africa, and Latin America, Charity United provides educational tools to children with the aim of giving all children an equal opportunity for a promising future.Websitehttps://charityunited.us/Social Media InformationFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/CharityUnitedRefugeeAidLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/charity-united/Twitter - https://twitter.com/charityunitedusYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDDg-gIvWYDLtbVlf6w2f2QResources Mentionedhttps://charityunited.us/gift/Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – March 2023Book NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/

Boundless Life build a collection of thoughtfully designed communities located in beautiful destinations around the world comprised of private homes, co-working spaces, a school system based on experiential learning and locally adapted recreational hubs where like-minded families can develop connections, work, sustainably explore different parts of the world and be immersed in the local cultures.Suzanne Perkowsky is the Head of Academics at Boundless Life. She was the co-founder of New Nordic Schools, a Finnish education development company that created the Nordic Baccalaureate based on the Finnish education system. She has been in the education field for over 30 years as a teacher, leader and trainer, setting up and working in schools in Finland, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, UK and the US. She has been involved in the set-up of over 15 new schools or campuses. Suzanne has qualifications from Finland, UK and the US which has been key in understanding global education, its accolades and its shortcomings to best inform current best practices. She believes there’s always something more to learn no matter how experienced or educated you are. Revolutionising where, when and how children learn.Inspired by the world-renowned Finnish system, Boundless Education was developed by taking the finest ingredients from the world's best educational practices to build one coherent system to follow your child anywhere. Boundless Education is a transformational learning system that lays the foundation for innovation, maximizes experiential learning, and creates meaningful connections to ourselves, our communities and the world.Along with rigorous academics, our education centres leverage local cultures and environments to deliver an unparalleled learning experience including arts, music and nature exploration. Join a flexible, forward-thinking education programme for your children.Websitewww.boundless.lifeSocial Media Informationwww.instagram.com/boundlesslife/www.facebook.com/myboundlesslifetwitter.com/boundlesslifewww.linkedin.com/company/boundlesslife/Resources MentionedRadical CandorShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – March 2023Book NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summitMentioned in this episode:NAPE Al Kingsley Summit PromoWatch Mark Taylor interview Al Kingsley about 'Creating Digital Strategies for Schools' as part of the Primary Education Summit 2023 - Visions for the Future - presented by National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://www.educationonfire.com/creating-digital-strategies-for-schools/