More Teacher Talk

In this episode Dr Kulvarn Atwal shares his fascinating insights into how schools can become safe and inspiring places by placing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of their community.  Drawing on real-world experience and his vast expertise in successful school improvement strategies, Dr Atwal demonstrates how we can give children a voice through authentic, compassionate leadership with transformational results and outcomes for schools.He talks about behaviour, exclusions, curriculum and values-led approaches to leadership.

In this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author.  She explores how educators can teach poetry and the challenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm.  Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.comLeah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk or visit Bob's site - Searching for Excellence – Home of the Opening Doors Educational Book Series 

Support for ECTs #2What is the difference between personal and professional authority? How can we approach behaviour management with confidence?Karl Pupé is a qualified classroom teacher with 10 years' experience across the Primary, Secondary and Further Education sectors. Specialising in Behaviour Management, he worked as a Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) Co-ordinator teaching students with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Karl is also the author of “The Action Hero Teacher” & founder of the http://actionheroteacher.com & his blog was voted one of the "Top 10 Education Blogs" in the UK by market research companyThis episode originally appeared in 'Tiny Voice Talks' by Toria Bono.  For more support follow her on Twitter: @Toriaclaire or visit tinyvoicetalks.com 

The third episode of our support for ECTs series - we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Science Teaching Trust.  He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning.  We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all.

Support for ECTs - episode 1What is a knowledge-rich curriculum? Why is it so important?  In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.'  In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers.  We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curriculum.Covering Dewey, Piaget, teacher training and more, we look at the impact of this approach for schools in the USA and UK and find out how pupils and teachers are re-discovering a love of education and the profession. (Credits: Natalie Wexler - www.nataliewexler.com, Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode we feature a live recording from the  Learning 2021 - British Council Schools Ambassadors MENA Webinar  which took place on Wednesday 9th June, 2021. The theme was Mental Health and Wellbeing,  and participants from around the world shared authentic whole-school and class-based strategies to support children and young people.Speakers included Mayssa Dawi, John Rolfe, Carl McCarthy, Suzi Bewell, Yvette Hutchinson,  and eight country presentations from representative International Schools Ambassadors from: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia and Yemen.You can find out more about the British Council Schools projects at https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/schools 

Lesley is an experienced International Education Officer and ambassador for the British Council, with a long track record of successful international collaborative projects.In this episode, Lesley talks about her work as International Education Officer for Glasgow City Council Education Services and the preparations for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow in November 2021.  Lesley's passion for international work shows how uniting the world to tackle climate change is both possible and already happening in schools and organisations engaged in collaborative international projects.  https://ukcop26.org/

In this episode we hear from the wonderful Suzi Bewell, language teacher, teacher trainer, lecturer and CEO of Polly Glot Languages.  Suzi shares insights into the new Turing Scheme and describes how her latest project, International Laughter Yoga with Suzi, is helping teachers and students with their wellbeing all around the world.@suzibewellhttps://pollyglotlanguages.wordpress.com/

Greg is Head of Languages and EAL at Burnage Academy for Boys, a school rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2018 with particular praise for the school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare.  Greg is passionate about supporting young people and implementing intervention strategies to support those experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties. He has led on whole-school health and wellbeing policy and is previously a winner of the Manchester Public Health Award for Emotional Health and Well-Being (2015) and Highly Commended in Sex & Relationship Education (2014 & 2015). In this episode, Greg talks about his inspirational projects such as 'Multilingual Streets' a Manchester-based initiative carried out in collaboration with the University of Manchester and the University of Sheffield - one of many projects that celebrates diversity and sees students' language and culture as gifts to be nurtured and encouraged.  By demonstrating the impact of these projects, Greg shows us how policies and practice can be adapted to ensure that excellence and achievement is within the reach of all our students, along with a sense of belonging and wellbeing  when we invest in the things that make a difference.#MultilingualStreets@MflMorrison

John Rolfe MBE is the Schools Outreach Manager at the British Council.   He was awarded the MBE for services to international education in December 2017.  In this episode John shares highlights from the recent British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference - we hear about how teachers have coped with the challenge of sustaining internationalism in the context of a global pandemic, and what future opportunities exist for increased creativity and collaboration across the globe.John also talks about the new Turing scheme, which provides funding to UK organisations to unlock life-changing experiences across the world for their pupils, students and learners.Turing Scheme | UK's Global Programme to Study & Work Abroad | Home (turing-scheme.org.uk) 

Anna is a MFL teacher at Alderman's Green Primary School who is passionate about languages and cultures and using experiences and knowledge to enhance lives, increase business, and improve relations between the UK and other countries.In this episode Anna shares highlights from her recent presentation at the British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference - we hear about a range of exciting projects aimed at promoting modern foreign languages and connections in the classroom and beyond.Anna also talks about how teamwork, collaboration and the courage to dream has played a key part in helping Coventry to become a City of Languages.  From May this year Coventry becomes the UK City of Culture 2021  and will be at the heart of a year-long spectacle of events, music, dance, theatre, and cultural celebration. 

In this episode, award-winning author Bob Cox talks about his life, the books that influenced him and the strategies behind his 'Opening Doors' series for teachers.  He shares his thoughts on using high quality texts in the classroom, using 'classics' in the curriculum and how we can help all our pupils achieve excellence in an inclusive, inspirational way.Bob also explores the idea that approaching texts and the curriculum with a pioneering spirit can support well-being for both teachers and pupils alike.  He shares examples of the impact of his work and provides a fantastic reading list which will help any teacher or parent if they aim to 'open doors' for their children.   

In this episode I speak to Kate Christopher, a secondary RE teacher and independent RE advisor.   Kate teaches part time in a Secondary school in East London. She also works as an independent RE adviser. Kate's interests are curriculum design and the capacity of RE, or religion and worldviews, to offer a more textured and critical understanding of the world for 21st Century children and young adults. She is an editor for the Reforming RE blog - https://reformingre.wordpress.com/ @ReformingRE

Originally featured in the Reforming RE blog, this is a bonus feature to Season 2 Episode 1 of More Teacher Talk - Powerful Knowledge: Reforming RE, with Kate Christopher."Do you have a Masters degree? Or a Doctorate perhaps? If so, try to forget that you ever studied for them. Your first degree – visualise letting it go. Now A levels, GCSE – say goodbye to them, for a while. Imagine stripping yourself of all the accumulated knowledge and cultural capital that makes you a good teacher, reducing yourself to a state where everything you know now, all your confidence in the subject, and all the complex critical perspectives you can afford to have, are closed to you. That's where your pupils are. Stay there for a moment.Somewhere, a teacher is writing a scheme of work on religion and worldviews. They have to write down something that they want the pupils to know. Let's take a few examples …"Written by Mark Chater (@MarkChater1) - author of 'Jesus Christ, Learning Teacher' Original blog at https://reformingre.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/but-its-contested-so-what/[1] Barbara Wintersgill, 2018, Big Ideas for Religious Education.  https://www.reonline.org.uk/news/big-ideas-for-religious-education/#:~:text=In%20November%202017%20the%20University%20of%20Exeter%20published,the%20RE%20curriculum%20and%20to%20assessment%20without%20levels.   Accessed 5 October 2020. [2] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf    Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 12, 18, and 29. [3] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335174/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Science_220714.pdf    Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 8 and 12. 

In this episode I talk to Mark Chater about his brilliant new book that diagnoses the reasons why RE urgently needs radical reform, and looks ahead to a time when the subject will have a new identity based on a clear democratic purpose.The book shines a light on how key leaders can make this happen, and how the new good practice is already breaking through.It is edited and authored by experts and leading change agents in RE, who offer a well-informed and provocative vision and programme for change.“Every school leader must read this book. What pupils learn in their curriculum is pivotal in any school's theory of change. The recommendations of the Commission on Religious Education, if properly understood and enacted, would transform the academic role and status of RE in every school. The chapters in this book reveal the proper contours of the subject, the basics every leader needs to understand if the knowledge and practice of their RE teachers is to be nurtured, valued and renewed.”Christine Counsell, Writer and speaker on curriculum and leadership“Religious Education is one of the great achievements of British education. But it hangs in the balance. There is a real possibility it will simply shrivel away through lack of attention. Or it could rise phoenix-like in response to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Reforming RE is a welcome contribution to showing how that resurrection might happen. Here we have experienced practitioners and deep thinkers signalling a new direction that will inspire our pupils in their understanding of Religion and Worldviews. This book is a really exciting contribution.”Professor Trevor Cooling Chair, Religious Education Council of England and Wales Reforming RE: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum is published by John Catt Education - https://www.johncattbookshop.com/reforming-religious-education

In this epsiode I talk to Robert Ford, Director of Heritage International School in Moldova.  Episode 10 of More Teacher Talk coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic and captured thoughts and responses from him as a school leader and ambassador.  Now, seven months later, we return to find out how school, and life, has changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.We discuss Marcus Rashford, Dame Alison Peacock, Geoff Barton, Lyfta Education, the British Council and some of the other voices of hope that have lifted our collective efforts and sense of belonging.We also share some thoughts on Trump, toilet rolls and the impact of capitalism without morals...You can find out more about Rob Ford and his work at Heritage International by following @HIS_Moldova on Twitter  

In this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author.  She explores how educators can teach poetry and the callenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm.  Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.comLeah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk You can find a video lesson for this poem at the Reading School.org website: https://www.thereadingschool.org  - on Twitter @SchReading

This was originally produced for Toria Bono's Tiny Voice Talks podcast and is published here with kind permission: an extended tribute to Sir Ken Robinson from the #EduTwitter community, featuring a collection of creative educators who were all moved to share their thoughts and reflections on creativity.  Includes: @one_to_read @CreativityMrs @ladeidiomas @aini_butt @bluebellmatt @mrpfoodie @VictoriaPendry1 @ColeFey @trackerthecat @MrFortuneTeachCredit: Sir Ken Robinson clip from ‘The Call to Unite' - https://youtu.be/QU4Q17t4muYAdditional music: Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au 

In this episode I speak to award winning author Bob Cox.  We take an in-depth look at The Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason and discuss how the book could be used in the classroom.  We explore reading for meaning and effective ways to teach comprehension and deeper understanding.  Bob shares a compelling argument for using more challenging texts to teach reading and comprehension in primary schools.Bob shares some strategies to help children extract deeper layers of meaning and recognise key themes.  You can find Bob at https://searchingforexcellence.co.ukYou can find out more about Andri Snaer Magnason at https://www.andrimagnason.com/books/the-story-of-the-blue-planet/ 

In this episode Tatiana Popa speaks to Evin Schwartz, the inspirational CEO of Belouga, home of collaborative educational series & shows aligned to subject areas, standards and the global goals. Belouga was founded in 2017 with the mission of making education impactful and accessible on a global scale through peer-to-peer and classroom connection, communication and collaboration.Realising the rapidly changing landscape of technology and education, Evin and his team at Belouga looked to create a central location which takes the heavy lifting out of global education, and provides teachers and students with a personalized learning experience through community and content without sacrificing creativity or curriculum needs.You can find out more about Evin and Belouga at https://belouga.org/

In this episode we revisit the conversation with Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in  Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'.   Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people.We also talk about strategies for teacher wellbeing in the face of what can seem, at times, like a helpless struggle to support our children against the pressures of gangs, social media, drill music and increasingly disconnected lives.

In this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Koen Timmers.  Koen is an award winning educator, lecturer, researcher, author and speaker.  He is the founder of global educational projects like the Kakuma Project, Climate Action project and the Innovation project.  In 2018 Koen launched the Innovation SDG labs in collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall.  He is a founding SDG ambassador and was a Global Teacher Prize top 10 finalist in 2018 and top 50 finalist in 2017.  Tatiana explores how Koen's passionate commitment to global education has had worldwide impact.  By taking education to some of the most challenging learning environments Koen has shown the way for others to follow.  His work with refugees is an inspiration to educators everywhere and demonstrates how the universal language of learning knows no borders or limitations.Credits: https://youtu.be/PVRIRTQg14s Climate Action Project -Koen Timmers; https://youtu.be/en4qEy0DQYg Kakuma Project; Dr Jane Goodall's message for Climate Action Project@BacktoGlobal - Tatiana PopaAdditional music: Divine Life Society - Jesse Gallagher

A Bucket of Coal is a rare opportunity to explore the life and career of Les Jones.  From the North Welsh coalfields, the pits and through the heartbreak of the Gresford tragedy, Les went on to receive a scholarship to attend Magdalen College, Oxford - taking his voice and passionate commitment to social justice with him.  In this podcast he shares some of his experiences and explains how he became a teacher.  His wisdom, knowledge and humour shed light on a range of topics including equality, global citizenship, wealth, wellbeing, academic life, love and and the eternal bonds of friendship.Thank you to Rob Ford and Tatiana Popa for bringing this project to life.Artwork - thank you to Shaun Slifer for kind permission to use his original artwork 'Original Redneck, 1921' - for prints and to see Shaun's work visit https://justseeds.org/product/original-redneck-1921/Additional music - thank you to Dowlais Male Choir, Grimethorp Coliery Band,  The Pheonix Welsh Male Voice Choir, clip from “How Green Was My Valley” thanks to Rick Davi.

In this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Serdar Ferit, co-CEO of Lyfta about the virtual platform and how online teaching and learning can support all our pupils in developing resilience, empathy and global citizenship.  They discuss how Lyfta can help educators worldwide to promote skills, values and mutual understanding of the connected world in which we live.

In this pilot episode of the Back to Global podcast Tatiana Popa talks to digital education pioneer Daniela Munca-Aftenev about teaching and learning in the digital age.  They discuss the impact of social networking on continuous professional development for educators worldwide and the growing need for teachers to reinvent and reassess many long-held beliefs about technology, teaching and the science of learning.

In this episode we borrow from 'TheReading School' to share a light-hearted, nostalgic look at some of our favourite story maps from children's literature.  We reminisce over Pooh, Willows and the colour palette of a 1970s Austin Princess.  The top 10 reveals some surprises, including a bit of 80's fandom and a great way to lose friends along the way...

In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.'  In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers.  We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curriculum.Covering Dewey, Piaget, teacher training and more, we look at the impact of this approach for schools in the USA and UK and find out how pupils and teachers are re-discovering a love of education and the profession. (Credits: Natalie Wexler - www.nataliewexler.com, Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au, Tom McGuire - tomandthebrassholes.com)

In this episode we hear from Mark Furzland from our sister podcast 'The Reading School'.  He shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home.  He reads an extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books.There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about Bob Hoskins, glass eyes, and much more!You can discover more about The Reading School at www.thereadingschool.org(Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com; additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode we hear from Kate Mole, the Primary Maths and Teaching for Mastery Lead for London SW.  She shares her journey into the world of international collaboration through mathematics teaching and describes the impact of Maths Hubs and the NCETM's successful Teaching for mastery programme.We also talk about life during lockdown, tips for home learning and details about the the five big ideas of coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation.(Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com; additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au) 

In this episode we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Sciece Teaching Trust.  He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning.  We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all.(Credits:  Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com, additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this special edition podcast we talk to Erik D. Olson from the NRDC.  He talks about PFAS and the impact of toxic 'forever chemicals' on the environment, on products and packaging that are all in general use. Erik highlights the research evidence that demonstrates links to cancers and other serious health concerns. We consider what this means for a variety of products including school uniforms, toys, astroturf and food packaging and explore ways in which teachers, parents and pupils can take positive steps to help change happen.Dedicated to teachers, support staff, key workers and our wonderful NHS staff (Credits: Music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au; Greta Thunberg c/o https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/greta-speeches)

In this special edition podcast Jay Beilis shares the story of his grandfather and the legacy of one of the most significant events in modern history.  Mendel Beilis never sought celebrity nor to profit from his suffering even though his case gripped Russia, and the world, even more than the Dreyfus affair had gripped France.  His conduct – resisting the pressure to implicate himself or other jews – saved his countrymen from a pogrom.  Close to his death, when he was asked what was the enduring impression of the trial he paid tribute to the Russian Gentiles who had helped him.  It was kindness, in particular the kindness of many ordinary Russians before and during his imprisonment, that mitigated his bitterness towards his persecutors.It is in this spirit of kindness that this podcast has been created.(credits: Jay Beilis, Jeremy Simcha Garber, Mark S. Stein; Music by http://filmtv-tracks.com)

In this episode we hear from Robert Ford, Director of HERITAGE International School in Moldova, Chisinau.  He shares an International School response to the global pandemic crisis and offers messages of hope and leadership.He shares his thoughts on technology, community and how leadership can help to see around corners and make some kind of sense out of what is an increasingly unpredictable global situation.

Ofsted, 'inadequate' and an unconquerable soul: fixing broken schools, with Julie HiddlestonIn this episode Executive Headteacher Julie Hiddleston shares her story of how she went to a 'broken' school - rated as 'inadequate' by Ofsted, with the determination to turn it around and make a positive difference to the staff, children and families of that community.  She talks about the challenges along the way and the strategies to maintain resilient, positive approaches in the face of adversity.She also shares insights into the role of Executive Headteacher and the importance of professional development for all staff at all stages of their teaching careers.(credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode we get the opportunity to hear from presenters and participants at the British Council Schools Ambassadors Conference that took place at Trafalgar Square, London in March 2020. The British Council works with more than 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, the English language, education and civil society. Over 90,000 schools across the globe are involed in British Council Schools - developing global citizenship and supporting intercultural dialogue.  Ambassadors offer insight, advocacy and guidance that supports teachers and the education community across the world.

In this episode Dr Kulvarn Atwal shares his fascinating insights into how schools can become safe and inspiring places by placing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of their community.  Drawing on real-world experience and his vast expertise in successful school improvement strategies, Dr Atwal demonstrates how we can give children a voice through authentic, compassionate leadership with transformational results and outcomes for schools.He talks about behaviour, exclusions, curriculum and values-led appraoches to leadership.(credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au) 

In this episode Emma Mander and Meg Walls from Great Minds Together talk about a new way for schools to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. They offer solutions to the challenges facing schools, trusts and local authorities in the face of increasing pressures to respond to the overwhelming need for support.Emma and Meg offer voices of hope to parents and teachers.  Their key messages of openness, transparency and genuine collaboration are inspirational for us all.Best of all, their approach is tested in the field: working with real families and schools they have a track record of positive intervention and support that reaches some of the most vunerable pupils and families who need not just the help of any agency acting alone - they need all of us, working together.(credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley- www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode we speak to David Keyte: YouTuber, author, podcaster, teacher and new father, about his journey into teaching and the reasons why now may be the perfect time for anyone considering a switch to the profession.  He talks about the different ways to become a teacher and the benefits it has had to his life, health and well-being.  He covers SCITT training, sports in school and the influence of sporting great, Johnny Wilkinson.  Part 2 of a half-term recruitment and retention special: if you've ever considered a career in teaching this podcast is a must-listen.  For those already teaching - if you feel unhappy about your current role then please listen to David - he has some fantastic guidance that will help new and experienced teachers alike.(credits - Tom McGuire and the Brassholes: wwwtomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au) 

In this episode Addison Brown, star of the 'Get Into Teaching' TV campaign, shares his thoughts on why now may be the perfect time to become a teacher.  Addison is a Team GB Water Polo Athlete, musician, father, husband and secondary school teacher in his third year of teaching at the time of this recording.  He talks about the people and books that have inspired him on his journey, the positive ways to manage workload and how to tackle those challenging moments in the early parts of a teaching career.Recorded in Manchester, UK, this is part 1 of a half-term special devoted to recruitment and retention.

The Sustainable Development Goals  provide a blueprint for shared prosperity in a sustainable world - a world where all people can live productive, vibrant and peaceful lives on a healthy planet.  John Rolfe MBE is the Schools outreach Manager for the British Council.  In this episode he talks about the different ways that schools can become involved in trying to achieve these goals.  He shares examples of projects, funding opportunities and explains how pupils and teachers can connect to bring a truly global, connected curriculum to life.(credits: Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2019.pdf / Tom McGuire and the Brassholes: www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode, award-winning author and educationalist Bob Cox talks about his life, the books that influenced him and the strategies behind his 'Opening Doors' series for teachers.  He shares his thoughts on using high quality texts in the classroom, using 'classics' in the curriculum and how we can help all our pupils achieve excellence in an inclusive, inspirational way.Bob also explores the idea that approaching texts and the curriculum with a pioneering spirit can support well-being for both teachers and pupils alike.  He shares examples of the impact of his work and provides a fantastic reading list which will help any teacher or parent if they aim to 'open doors' for their children.   (credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com / additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au) 

In this episode we talk to Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in  Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'.   Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people.We also talk about strategies for teacher wellbeing in the face of what can seem, at times, like a helpless struggle to support our children against the pressures of gangs, social media, drill music and increasingly disconnected lives.(credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes / tomandthebrassholes.com - additional music by Scott Buckley - scottbuckley.com.au)