

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

Jul 4, 2022 • 53min
265: THINK Global School with Russell Cailey
THINK Global School’s rigorous Changemaker Curriculum combines travel with project-based learning, making for a one-of-a-kind education that nurtures all areas of teenage development.Russell is one of the principals of THINK Global School (TGS) and was voted one of the top 100 Global Visionaries in Education (GFEL, 2021). TGS is the world’s first travelling high school, and beyond the travel, TGS offers a distinctly unique environment for students to guide their learning through the Changemaker Curriculum. Designed with agency in mind, the Changemaker Curriculum empowers students to create and implement projects relevant to the countries they call home during the course of their TGS education.Websitewww.thinkglobalschool.orgSocial Media Informationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-john-cailey-11148240/Resource MentionedWeapons of Mass Instruction - John Taylor Gatto Show SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalMentioned 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/

Jun 30, 2022 • 32min
264: How to use symbols to improve learning with Sue White from Widgit
Sue White is a senior educational specialist at Widgit. A qualified primary teacher, Sue’s passion for building children’s vocabulary came after teaching a child with specific learning difficulties. Sue could see that the child’s behaviour in class was borne from a frustration of not being able to fully participate in lessons. Determined to help, Sue started a long journey of learning how to help children who process learning differently. She first became a SENCo and later specialised in a range of developmental disorders where lack of vocabulary development impacted on attainment.Sue discovered that symbols – visual representations of words – can help all children comprehend spoken and written text, communicate better, as well as build confidence, independence and vocabulary. She has been with Widgit since 2018 where she has advised hundreds of schools on how to use symbols to improve learning and support delayed language development.Websitewww.widgit.comSocial Media InformationTwitter: @Widgit_SoftwareFacebook: @widgitsoftware26Instragram: widgitsoftwareResource MentionedJonathan Livingston Seagull Show SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalListen to Mark’s audio course 10 Pieces of Advice You’d Like to Have as a ChildMentioned 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/

Jun 27, 2022 • 53min
263: Protect Our Future from the 1851 Trust with Lyndsey-Lee Dunwoody
The climate crisis is the big agenda for young peopleMany feel anxious and are unclear how they can contribute to solutions. They’re turning to their teachers to help them navigate this.Protect Our Future provides science-based learning resources to equip 11–16-year-olds with knowledge and understanding that goes beyond the headlines. By sharing engaging activities, we’re enabling them to develop tools to take the lead in climate conversations, changing their attitudes and behaviours, and shaping minds for the future.Equipping educatorsThey are creating bite-sized and curriculum-linked content to support educators to explore these issues in the classroom. Their free digital platform will provide a trusted source of science-based knowledge, inspiration and practical actions to drive positive impact in schools and within communities. And we aren’t doing this in isolation – we’re collaborating with forward-thinking young people, schools, universities, brands and leading charities to Protect our Future together.Increasing science capitalTheir approach aims to empower young people from all backgrounds with science-based skills that will allow them to Protect Our Future and take control of the climate crisis. Inspired by Prof Louise Archer’s Science Capital approach whereby growing awareness of where science is in our lives and understanding will enable everyone to access science.Through expert resources, materials and short films we make it clear that science is behind every action we take and is intrinsic to solving challenges like climate change.Protect Our Future are building on their tried and tested STEM Crew education model, developed by the 1851 Trust and used in over 50% of UK secondary schools and 40 countries worldwide.Lyndsey-Lee Dunwoody is the Director of Education Strategy at the 1851 Trust. Her first-hand experience of witnessing the life-changing benefits that quality education content can have for young people drives her passion for, and shapes her creative approach in, designing cutting-edge education that is accessible by all demonstrating what is possible beyond business-as-usual.After achieving a master’s degree in education policy at Kings College London, she joined the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to deliver a national education plan that spanned primary, secondary and adult visitor education courses and live sessions. This experience drew on her ability to weave past collections, present science and future challenges into educational garden experiences that launched with the opening of the RHS’ flagship offering, Hilltop: The home of gardening science.Lyndsey-Lee believes that education is a powerful vehicle for change, which must be made accessible, relevant and purposeful to achieve maximum impact across society. Encapsulated in all her work is a passion for creating access to expertise and amplifying the voice of young people so that every child has an opportunity to fulfil their full potential and not be disadvantaged by life’s challenges. Her focus is on the young person (in school and out) so that they are prepared for life and not just a profession.Websitewww.protectourfuture.orgSocial Media Informationlinktr.ee/protect_our_futureResource MentionedG.I. JaneShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalEducation on Fire Facebook groupListen to Mark’s audio course 10 Pieces of Advice You’d Like to Have as a ChildMentioned 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/

Jun 23, 2022 • 44min
262: At Home Author with Vicky Weber
Vicky Weber is a former elementary school music teacher and current bestselling author. During COVID, when her students couldn’t learn to play the recorder in the classroom, Vicky published an interactive musical book, Lazlo Learns Recorder, to help kids virtually learn the recorder. Music teachers all over the country used this book to supplement their teaching. It was then that Vicky caught the writing bug.After 6 years in the classroom, Vicky became a full-time author. She also serves as a coach to aspiring authors. To date, she has released 10 picture books that draw upon her teaching experience and Puerto Rican heritage . Her interactive musical books teach kids everything from music vocabulary and how to play the recorder. Vicky has become so successful in such a short time, Disney and Random House recently tapped into her to write the Encanto Step Into Reading book. Websitewww.athomeauthor.comSocial Media Information@athomeauthor (IG and Facebook)Show SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalEducation on Fire Facebook groupListen to Mark’s audio course 10 Pieces of Advice You’d Like to Have as a ChildMentioned 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/

Jun 20, 2022 • 1h 2min
261: Servant Leadership with Melissa Lowry
Melissa Lowry is an enthusiastic and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience working with students, teachers, administrators, and parents. She currently serves as the Principal of Christ the King, a K-8 Catholic School in Buckhead, GA. She also served as a Curriculum Director and has taught pretty much every grade starting with early childhood through 8th grade. Melissa is the founder of Melissa Lowry Education Coaching (www.melissa-lowry-education-coaching.com), a consulting firm that specializes in helping parents and educators build and maintain strong home-school relationships. She is also the co-author of Answer Keys: Teachers’ Lesson Plans for Successful Parenting (Bright Sky Press), and presents at workshops and conferences. Her work and commentary have been featured online, in print, and on the airwaves.Websitewww.melissa-lowry-education-coaching.comSocial Media InformationInstagram @melissalowryeduResources MentionedServant Leadership - Robert K. GreenleafShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalListen to Mark’s audio course 10 Pieces of Advice You’d Like to Have as a ChildMentioned 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/

Jun 16, 2022 • 33min
260: Mindfulness Art Activities with Cynthia Hauk MFA
Cynthia Hauk is a Mindful Art Teacher and Trainer. She loves sharing simple mindfulness and art activities to help people de-stress and practice self-care. She trains artists, yogis, K-12 teachers, and therapists to teach Mindfulness, Meditation, and Art activities in the classroom for both children and adults. Her YouTube Channel and online summits have reached students in 50 countries and growing. Websitewww.mindfulcreativemuse.comSocial Media Informationfacebook.com/mindfulcreativemuseTwitter @mcreativemuseInsta @mindfulcreativemuseyoutube.com/c/mindfulcreativemuseResource MentionedThe Artist's Way - Julia CameronShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Get a FREE e-copy of their professional journal at nape.org.uk/journalListen to Mark’s audio course 10 Pieces of Advice You’d Like to Have as a ChildMentioned 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/

Jun 13, 2022 • 46min
259: GovernorHub with Neil Collins
Neil Collins has over 30 years’ experience working in the software and edtech sector. After studying Engineering at Cambridge, he went on to a 20-year career in telecoms software in the UK and US before co-founding GovernorHub in 2012. When GovernorHub was acquired by The Key in 2020, Neil took over the governance business unit in the wider business which also includes Key for School Governors. Between them, GovernorHub and The Key for School Governors are used by nearly half the schools in England.Outside work, Neil lives in Norfolk with his wife and grown-up family. He has been a long-standing governor and trustee and is currently the Chair of Trustees at Enrich Learning Trust – a medium-sized multi-academy trust in Norfolk. "Good governance is at the heart of any good school and any good community needs a good school. That is why governance is so important to get right if we want to make our children’s lives better." Neil CollinsWebsitehttps://governorhub.com/Social Media Informationwww.facebook.com/GovernorHubResource MentionedBBC Micro Show SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Find out more about their online CPD events this summer at nape.org.uk/online-eventsOcean Plastic & Climate Change – Join Ellie Jackson author of the Wild Tribe Heroes book series as we invite pupils to write a story based on this topic in a writing festival (13th June 2022) 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/

Jun 9, 2022 • 45min
258: UK's Leading Online School - King's InterHigh with Ashley Harrold
King’s InterHigh is an independent British international online school. Offering Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form education, we cater to students from age 7 – 18 who are looking for a high quality British education delivered in a way that revolves around their lifestyle.Considered the original online school and founded in 2005, King’s InterHigh offers easy access to quality live and recorded lessons from anywhere in the world. Lessons are designed and optimised for online and taught by fully qualified and experienced UK teachers. Combined with a proven educational model and innovative delivery, we bring life to lessons and increase students’ involvement in learning new concepts. The school offers International GCSEs and A Levels.King’s InterHigh is an extraordinary blend of 50 years of academic excellence of the King’s College Group and of InterHigh’s over 15 years of delivering unparalleled online education. With over 10 000 alumni and graduates progressing to fulfilling careers and to further studies in universities across the UK and internationally, King’s InterHigh is a global learning community.Ashley Harrold is the Executive Head at King’s InterHigh – overseeing the continued development of this leading online school. He is an experienced Headteacher, having successfully led Blatchington Mill School in Hove, Sussex, for 6 years before joining King’s InterHigh. He qualified as a history teacher at University College London’s Institute of Education in 2008 and taught in London before moving to the Sussex coast. He is skilled in school improvement and committed to inclusivity and excellence, with a clear focus on developing the whole learner. Ashley’s leadership is rooted in the belief that learning is a transformative force for good, and is driven by the highest expectations for all students. Websitekingsinterhigh.co.ukSocial Media Informationwww.facebook.com/InterHighSchool/Twitter @ Kings_InterHighInstagram @kingsinterhighwww.linkedin.com/company/interhigh-education/www.youtube.com/user/interhighschoolfsResources MentionedThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions - Thomas S. KuhnShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Find out more about their online CPD events this summer at nape.org.uk/online-eventsOcean Plastic & Climate Change – Join Ellie Jackson author of the Wild Tribe Heroes book series as we invite pupils to write a story based on this topic in a writing festival (13th June 2022) 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/

Jun 6, 2022 • 31min
257: Game-based learning for maths with Mangahigh
Alex Cull is the Global Marketing Director for Mangahigh, an organisation which provides online maths games to students to help foster a love of the subject and personalise education. She also focuses on future proofing education and reducing maths anxiety.Get your students excited, engaged and excelling at maths!Adaptive quizzes, innovative games and social competitionsAligned to the National CurriculumReal-time analytics with AI support for differentiationA digital resource for blended learningUse in class, for setting homework, revision and much more on any handheld device. You can even use your teacher platform to connect to your whiteboard and play activities with the whole class to explore ideas together.Easy to useClass and individual teachingWorks on all devicesAccess 24/7Mangahigh is a trusted by over 5,000 schools globally and is a trusted resource for 100,000s of teachers.Websitewww.mangahigh.comResource MentionedThe Diary of a CEO - podcastShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Find out more about their online CPD events this summer at nape.org.uk/online-eventsOcean Plastic & Climate Change – Join Ellie Jackson author of the Wild Tribe Heroes book series as we invite pupils to write a story based on this topic in a writing festival (13th June 2022) 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/

Jun 2, 2022 • 47min
256: Stem Steam and Steame with Andrew Lochery
Andrew Lochery is the Founder and CEO of Phosphor, which provides teachers with tools and materials needed to deliver STEM Club activities for 9-13 year olds. After 16 years of teaching science, he found there was a problem with accessing high quality STEM resources that would help him inspire students and engage with STEM subjects - not just in the classroom, but in the world around them. These dynamic subjects are changing at an ever increasing rate, which traditional curriculums struggle to keep pace with. His mission is to provide time-poor teachers with STEM club materials and resources that are current, easy to deliver and most importantly fun for students!Websitephosphorescience.comgreenapleducation.co.ukSocial Media Informationwww.facebook.com/GreenAPLEducation/www.facebook.com/groups/1719905368201770/Twitter @GreenAPLInstagram @Phosphorstemclubwww.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lochery-580a5013Resources MentionedLong Walk to Freedom - Nelson MandelaShow SponsorThe National Association for Primary Education speaks for young children and all who live and work with them. Find out more about their online CPD events this summer at nape.org.uk/online-eventsOcean Plastic & Climate Change – Join Ellie Jackson author of the Wild Tribe Heroes book series as we invite pupils to write a story based on this topic in a writing festival (13th June 2022) 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/