The Impact Podcast

The PISA 2022 test results are out. And they do not make for good reading for the education system in Wales. In this episode Jane and Finola give their analysis of the results and what they mean. *CLARIFICATION: In this podcast we mentioned that the Republic of Ireland mandate Systematic Synthetic Phonics for all schools. We’ve since learned this is incorrect. However, they are #2 in the world in PISA for reading, up from #9 despite covid. So they are making sure pupils read well, early. Definitely something to explore further. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Next week, the PISA international student test results will be published. A recently published set of reading and numeracy test results showed standards among 7-14-year-olds in Wales have fallen since Covid. Fin and Jane ask what will this mean for PISA? Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Buy our professional learning pack, Pedagogy at the Heart of Curriculum for Wales: https://www.impact.wales/product/12-pedagogical-principles-of-curriculum-for-wales-learning-pack/ Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

The hosts discuss the gap between expectation and reality in education reform in Wales, addressing the impact of COVID-19, recognition of teachers' professional development, limitations in fixing student engagement and attendance, challenges facing the education system, and the importance of a government making difficult decisions.

Independent learning is a phrase that is often used in education, but what does it mean? How do pupils become ‘independent’ in their learning, and what is expected of teachers? Jane and Fin answer these questions and more. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Buy our professional learning pack, Pedagogy at the Heart of Curriculum for Wales: https://www.impact.wales/product/12-pedagogical-principles-of-curriculum-for-wales-learning-pack/ Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Back in episode 35, more than two years ago, Fin and Jane were joined by special guest Jared Cooney Horvath to discuss the science of learning. In this episode they look back at that discussion and reflect on what they've learned since. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our professional learning pack, Pedagogy at the Heart of Curriculum for Wales: https://www.impact.wales/product/12-pedagogical-principles-of-curriculum-for-wales-learning-pack/ Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

The Welsh Government has made significant in-year spending cuts that will hit the already beleaguered education budget. Fin and Jane discuss what impact this will have on schools and teachers. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our professional learning pack, Pedagogy at the Heart of Curriculum for Wales: https://www.impact.wales/product/12-pedagogical-principles-of-curriculum-for-wales-learning-pack/ Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Closing the disadvantage gap is a national priority, and it should be everyone's responsibility, from school staff to governors and parents. But closing the gap is not just about making teaching and learning better, it's much more complex than that. In this episode, Fin and Jane discuss how teachers can make a difference. EEF report: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/attendance-and-reading-key-barriers-to-disadvantaged-pupils-progress-say-three-in-four-schools Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

In this episode Fin and Jane are joined by Hugo Hutchison, headteacher at Monmouth Comprehensive School. They discuss the school’s approach to Curriculum for Wales and professional learning, which has been praised by Estyn. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of deliberate practice for teachers and its application to both teaching and music. They also explore the concept of automating teaching practices and the complexities and challenges of teaching. Additionally, they examine the flaws of traditional professional learning methods and strategies for reducing cognitive load during learning.

In this episode Jane and Fin are joined by Chris Such, author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading. They discuss reading comprehension across the curriculum. Heads and teachers in Wales can join our private Facebook group, Teachers in Wales - research-informed pedagogy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/ Buy our book Power Up Your Pedagogy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068 Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller Producer: Darren Evans Visit us at: www.impact.wales Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur