

The Impact Podcast
Impact
A podcast from the team at Impact School Improvement. Every week we bring you the best professional learning to help you make an impact in your school.
Visit us at: www.impact.wales
Visit us at: www.impact.wales
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2025 • 52min
Episode 206: Barriers to learning #1: Passive learners
In this episode, Fin and Jane launch a new series exploring barriers to learning. They start by discussing passive learners. We’re delivering a workshop at the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Cymru Conference – 27th September – St Peter’s School Cardiff. Get tickets here: The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM | EventbriteSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSFin’s NEW book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy, is now available to pre-order:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Sep 17, 2025 • 44min
Episode 205: Raising maths attainment, with Kieran Mackle & Estyn
In this episode, Jane and Fin speak to teacher and author Kieran Mackle about raising maths attainment, and discuss a recent Estyn report into mathematics teaching. We’re delivering a workshop at the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Cymru Conference – 27th September – St Peter’s School Cardiff. Get tickets here: The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449?msockid=0261b3f29a3b68dd0195a0b49bac69d6Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSFin’s NEW book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy, is now available to pre-order:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Sep 10, 2025 • 42min
Episode 204: Helping struggling readers
Reading ability among pupils is one of the biggest indicators of future success. In this episode Fin and Jane discuss how teachers can support struggling pupils improve their reading. How can you use challenging texts with pupils without switching them off?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSFin’s NEW book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy, is now available to pre-order:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusThinking Deeply about Primary Education Cymru Conference – 27th September – St Peter’s School Cardiff. Get tickets here: The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM | EventbritePRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Sep 3, 2025 • 38min
Episode 203: The NI curriculum review, with Lucy Crehan
In this episode, Jane and Fin are joined by international education expert Lucy Crehan. They discuss Lucy’s recent work on the review of Northern Ireland’s curriculum. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSFin’s NEW book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy, is now available to pre-order:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Aug 27, 2025 • 54min
Episode 202: In the news #9
In the first episode of the 2025/26 academic year, Fin and Jane discuss some of the education news and announcements you might have missed over the summer.Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSFin’s NEW book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy, is now available to pre-order:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Jul 16, 2025 • 37min
Episode 201: Ten years of Impact
Impact Wales is ten years old! To celebrate a decade of supporting schools and teachers, Fin and Jane share the story behind the business and some of their highlights from the last ten years. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Jul 9, 2025 • 32min
Episode 200: Compliance or empowerment?
When does consistency in teaching become compliance? In this episode, Jane and Fin discuss consistency, compliance and empowerment in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Jul 2, 2025 • 36min
Episode 199: Revisiting the learning trajectory, with Jared Cooney Horvath
Back in 2021 Fin and Jane spoke to neuroscientist and educator Dr Jared Cooney Horvath about how learning happens. Since then there’s been an explosion of interest in this topic among teachers, so in this episode they are revisiting the conversation. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Jun 25, 2025 • 47min
Episode 198: We need to talk about oracy
Oracy is a vital skill for learning, but its value is not always fully appreciated. That’s why, in this episode, Fin and Jane are talking about oracy, why it’s important and how teachers can improve it in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 197: Estyn’s recommendations 2024-2025 - Part 2
In this second part of Jane and Fin’s look at Estyn recommendations, they discuss the inspectorate’s interim letters to schools. These letters give more information about what schools are doing and how they are meeting specific recommendations. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur