In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with Naomi Toland to further explore the concept of holistic education and the importance of understanding the whole human in the educational process. We discuss personal journeys, the creation of the Whole Human Hub, and the need for systematic change in education. The conversation emphasises the significance of rewilding education (as per a few other episodes!), building confidence, and fostering community connections. Naomi shares her experiences and insights on how to bridge gaps in education and the role of nature in learning. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of holistic education and the power of collaboration. Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Chapters 00:00 Introductions & Back story 08:01 Why The Whole Human 12:01 Holistic Education and AI Integration 16:41 Personal Growth and Mindfulness Practices 19:55 Systemic Change in Education 22:17 Rewilding Education and Individual Growth 27:51 Building Community and Support 40:09 Emerging Trends in Holistic Education Follow Naomi on LinkedIn Check out The Whole Human Hub Follow us on X Check out all past episodes Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch

Nic Ponsford, founder and CEO of the Global Equality Collective, discusses her journey from teacher to leader in educational data collection. She highlights the necessity of accurate data to enhance inclusion and diversity in schools. The conversation revolves around shifting from a deficit model to one that meets the unique needs of students and staff. Ponsford emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, diverse thinking, and the role of technology in education, including AI and assistive technologies, to create inclusive learning environments.

In this episode, Ben Whitaker and Steve Hope are joined by Shonogh Pilgrim, CEO of Whole Education, to discuss the importance of holistic education. They explore the biases in society towards academic achievement and the undervaluing of skills and holistic development. They also discuss the need for a shift in the education system to focus on personalised education and the use of technology to enable individualised learning. The conversation highlights the collective illusions that perpetuate the current education system and the importance of educators defining their own beliefs and values. The conversation explores the need for educators to have a clear understanding of their beliefs and values in order to stand against the current education system. It highlights the importance of developing dispositions in young people and creating conditions for educators to make decisions. The conversation also touches on the need for a shift in the narrative around education, focusing on holistic learning and the development of the whole individual. It emphasises the power of collective action and networks in driving change in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:38 The Bias Towards Academic Achievement and Undervaluing Skills 10:22 The Need for Personalised Education and Technology 15:32 Breaking the Collective Illusions in Education 23:46 Defining Beliefs and Values in Education 35:55 Standing Against the Education System 43:25 Helping People Find Who They Are 52:03 Educating for Society 58:04 Waiting for Change from Government 01:03:47 Autonomy, Responsibility, and Accountability 01:06:34 Changing the Need to Tell Everyone What to Do Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website & sign up for our weekly newsletter Book your tickets for Uprising 2025 in Manchester Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch

In this episode, Ben and Steve recap the past six episodes and discuss the exciting future of the podcast. They cover a range of topics, including the role of AI in education, digital transformation, the importance of human connection, and the need for a holistic approach to learning. They also highlight the significance of igniting the inner rebel in young people and the need for a more flexible and risk-friendly education system. The conversation is filled with humour, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap 03:01 The Role of AI in Education and the Importance of Human Connection 07:05 Digital Transformation: Beyond Substitution to Redefinition 13:56 Confidence, Communication, and the Limitations of AI 17:27 Igniting the Inner Rebel: Fostering Curiosity and Risk-Taking 20:29 Moving Away from Outcome-Focused Education 24:20 Engaging Students in the Future of Education 28:13 A Rebellion for Innovation and Continuous Improvement Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com Get your tickets for Uprising 2025

In this episode, the boys are joined by Ian Phillips to discuss the challenges of implementing digital strategies in education. They explore the cultural barriers and the need for change in organisations, particularly in independent schools. They also touch on the role of gatekeepers in decision-making and the importance of influencing them effectively. The conversation explores the importance of recruitment, retainment, and resourcing in education. It emphasises the need to equip decision-makers in schools to make informed decisions about these areas. The discussion highlights the value of investing in technology, ensuring a safe learning environment, and prioritising people-first strategies. They touch on the need for innovative approaches to teaching and learning, such as personalised learning spaces and student-centred models. The speakers share examples of successful initiatives and the impact they have had on student progress and teacher satisfaction. It underscores the significance of valuing and supporting teachers to improve education outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:09 Challenges in Implementing Digital Strategies04:23 Culture and Change in Independent Schools06:48 The Role of Gatekeepers in Decision-Making08:40 Resourcing, Recruitment, and Retention in Education08:48 Introduction and Importance of Recruitment, Retainment, and Resourcing11:05 Investing in Technology and Creating a Safe Learning Environment15:14 Putting People First: A Key Strategy for Education20:49 Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning27:57 Valuing and Supporting Teachers for Improved Education Outcomes36:40 Investing in Support Staff and Resources37:38 Moving Away from Assessment39:06 The Role of Technology39:56 Treasuring What We Measure41:11 Holistic Cultural Change in Schools42:27 Supporting Teachers and Encouraging Innovation45:16 Addressing Funding Challenges through Partnerships47:39 Inclusive Conversations and Collaboration50:04 Valuing Teachers and Professional Growth55:12 Empowering Young People and Building a Movement Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X: https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists Check out all past episodes at https://www.edufuturists.com Book your tickets for Uprising2025 at: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/53two/Edufuturists-Uprising-2025/39232238/?preview=06ee94630a Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, the hosts interview Jill Matterface, an educational specialist within the military. Jill shares her journey from being a PE teacher to working in the Air Force and her passion for creating innovative training programmes. She discusses the importance of developing a 21st-century learning environment and fostering a culture of psychological safety and independent learning. The conversation also touches on the balance between compliance and innovation in the military and education sectors. The conversation explores the need for a shift in education to allow for more flexibility and individualised learning. It emphasises the importance of exposing young people to different career options and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the future. It highlights the role of vocational education and the value of practical skills in preparing young people for the workforce. The guests discuss the need for a culture change in education and the importance of asking the right questions and challenging traditional practices. They also touch on the role of uniformed youth organisations in complementing traditional education and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Jill's Journey from PE Teacher to Military Educational Specialist 08:04 The Importance of Culture in Education and the Military 13:53 Jill's Research on Developing a 21st-Century Learning Environment 20:24 Balancing Compliance and Innovation in the Military 25:37 Fostering Creativity and Independent Thinking in Education 29:11 Creating Pathways for Individualised Learning 36:12 Preparing Young People for the Future of Work 39:43 Challenging Traditional Practices in Education 44:03 The Role of Vocational Education in Workforce Preparation 48:22 Cultivating a Culture of Flexibility and Innovation in Education 53:37 The Impact of Uniformed Youth Organisations on Personal Growth Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Book your tickets for Uprising2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this episode, Ben and Steve are joined by special guest David Cameron, who has a background in education and children's services. They discuss the importance of creating a better future for young people and the need to move away from an education system focused solely on attainment and exams. They also touch on the challenges of delivering education in rural areas and the importance of collaboration and joint working between schools and other agencies. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in mindset and a focus on curiosity, ideas, and lifelong learning. The conversation explores the need for change in the education system and the challenges it faces. One key theme is the lack of teachers and the historical approach of maximising numbers rather than focusing on individualised learning. The blame culture and obsession with risk are also discussed, with a call for a shift towards trust and flexibility. The importance of creating positive experiences and dispositions for students is highlighted, as well as the need to move away from a purely outcome-focused approach. The conversation ends with a discussion on the influence of funding and the role of accountability in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest 02:19 David Cameron's Background in Education 06:40 Online Learning and Education in Scotland 09:04 Building on Best Practices in Education 10:46 The Purpose of Education and the Importance of Curiosity 16:15 The Role of Schools in Social Care and Safeguarding 19:02 The Need for Genuine Joint Working in Education 20:26 The Language and Culture of Education 24:43 Shaping a Better Future for Young People 28:18 Meeting Young People Where They Are 29:46 Conclusion and More Than Results 29:47 Rethinking the Education System 31:40 The Teacher Shortage and Maximising Numbers in Classrooms 40:15 Breaking Free from the Blame Culture 45:39 Creating Positive Experiences and Dispositions 53:58 The Pitfalls of an Exam-Focused System 58:48 Reevaluating Funding and Accountability Check out David's work Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our all new website Get your tickets for Uprising2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this episode, Ben & Steve are joined by Kern Kelley, a Technology Integrator in central Maine, USA at R.S.U. #19. Kern started as a fifth-grade teacher and loved the ability to integrate different subjects and build a community in the classroom. He started involving students in tech support, which led to the creation of a tech help show and workshops. Kern became a technology integrator for the district, where he had the freedom to use his time and energy as he saw fit. He focused on building students' trust and giving them opportunities to present and travel. Kern believes in the importance of inspiring students and creating immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) and AI, while still valuing the role of teachers in curating and facilitating learning. He discusses his experience as a technology integrator and the evolution of technology integration over the past 20 years. He shares how he started by introducing technology to classrooms and gradually developed a comprehensive system of technology integration from K-12. Kern also talks about the STEM to Strings programme, where students learn about science, technology, engineering, and math through the process of building their own electric guitars. He emphasises the importance of project-based learning, student leadership, and creating a culture of empathy in education. Chapters 00:00 Integrating Subjects and Building Community 01:36 Empowering Students through Tech Support and Leadership 03:28 The Importance of Trust in Student Leadership 13:08 Enhancing Learning with Augmented Reality and AI 27:00 The Evolution of Technology Integration 29:26 Project-Based Learning and Technology Integration 32:10 STEM to Strings: From Nature to End Product 33:33 Fostering Empathy and Student Leadership Kern discusses 3 projects which you can check out below: Creating an Augmented Reality Layer over the school with Photogrammetry STEM to Strings Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Grab tickets for Uprising 2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this conversation, Steven and Ben are joined by Global's Penny Lee Taylor-Brown to discuss the role of AI in education and the importance of human intelligence. They explore the need for skills such as critical analysis, communication, empathy, and storytelling in the workplace. Penny Lee shares her experience as a creative director in the media industry and how AI can be used to analyse documents and save time. They also discuss the potential of AI in personalising education and adapting teaching methods to individual students. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the history of AI and its potential impact on education. In this conversation, Penny Lee discusses the integration of AI in the creative industry and the future of education. She emphasises the importance of human skills such as storytelling, pitching, and confidence, which cannot be replaced by AI. Penny Lee also suggests that the education system should adapt to the changing needs and interests of students, allowing for more personalised learning experiences. The challenges in education include the need to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce and the increasing desire for alternative paths to success, such as apprenticeships. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential of AI to enhance productivity and efficiency while recognising the irreplaceable value of human creativity and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone 10:11 The Importance of Human Intelligence in the Workplace 18:49 Using AI to Save Time and Analyse Documents 25:20 Personalising Education with AI 32:05 Rethinking Traditional Testing in Education 41:03 Challenges in Education and the Changing Workforce 52:32 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills 57:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out Penny Lee's LinkedIn profile PS Scroll to 31:12 to hear Steve calling himself Gary Barlow. Podcast gold. Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, Ben and Steve interview Johnny Wathen from TransforMATive about digital transformation in the education sector. We discuss the meaning of digital transformation and its importance in creating value for individuals and organisations. We also explore the current state of digital transformation in the education sector, with some organisations still in the early stages of digitisation while others are embracing digital leadership and maturity. The conversation touches on the need for collaboration and sharing of ideas in the sector, as well as the role of visionary leaders in driving digital transformation. The importance of clarity, vision, accountability, and autonomy in navigating preferences and opinions in organisations is also highlighted. The conversation explores the need for digital leadership in the education sector and the challenges of implementing digital transformation. It emphasises the importance of collaboration, agility, and adaptability in the face of rapid technological advancements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:09 Understanding Digital Transformation in the Education Sector 06:58 The Current State of Digital Transformation in Education 09:46 The Importance of Collaboration and Sharing in Education 13:22 The Role of Visionary Leaders in Driving Digital Transformation 16:28 Navigating Preferences and Opinions in Organisations 24:29 The Importance of Digital Leadership in Education 28:14 Collaboration, Agility, and Adaptability in the Digital Age 35:10 Inspiring and Developing Leaders through the TransforMATive Leadership Programme 39:21 Technology Augmentation and the Culture of Innovation 41:51 Skills for the Future Workforce Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X Check out our new website Grab your tickets for Uprising2025 Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com