Ever wondered how English education is evolving to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Elizabeth Draper, a trailblazer in the realm of English education, as we uncover the profound shifts shaping this field. With over three decades of experience and her current role as deputy chair of the English Association, Elizabeth shares invaluable insights into creating a more inclusive and innovative approach to English studies. From her pioneering efforts to integrate further education into the English Association's mission to her creative projects during lockdown, Elizabeth reveals how ambition and collaboration are key to nurturing creativity and learning across educational sectors.

Explore the dynamic landscape of 21st-century English education, where we spotlight the transformative power of oracy in developing articulate and critical thinkers. As technology continues to reshape our lives, Elizabeth emphasizes a balanced approach that encompasses knowledge, skills, creativity, and empathy. Delve into the heartwarming power of storytelling and fiction in fostering empathy and bridging divides, with inspiring examples from organizations like Narrative 4. Throughout our discussion, we celebrate the diverse richness of the English language and the collaborative spirit that drives meaningful educational change. Engage with us in this episode of Bedrock Talks to gain a fresh perspective on the role of English studies in cultivating a more empathetic and connected world.

Bedrock's Andy and Morgan are joined by Stephanie Hammond, who's a Teaching and Learning Consultant offering bespoke training, auditing and support in pre-phonics skills, early reading, phonics and spelling.

As a Primary Teacher with over 20 Years of experience, Stephanie has worked alongside, trained and coached numerous EYFS practitioners, TAs, teachers, senior leaders and Headteachers to improve outcomes for all.

Stephanie is currently working as a Literacy Specialist for Kingsnorth English Hub, an NPQLL facilitator, School Experience Tutor for the University of Greenwich and an EY Professional Development Programme Trainer (EYPDPT) for Speech and Language UK.

With 20 years of teaching experience, Sophie Prescott has held various leadership roles across schools in the Midlands. From a background as a science teacher, her current responsibilities now include overseeing Reading and Literacy, supporting disadvantaged students, and contributing to SCITT development. She is passionate about each of these areas, and as a non-English specialist, she is uniquely positioned to advance literacy initiatives and positively impact the life chances of all pupils in her setting. 

Discover innovative approaches to literacy enhancement with a focus on empowering disadvantaged pupils. Sophie shares her experience of implementing Bedrock at Key Stage 3, where she successfully weaves vocabulary and grammar components into the curriculum. You'll learn about her structured literacy lessons that not only improve reading and oracy skills but also promote self-guided learning beyond the classroom. As a science specialist, Sophie provides a unique perspective on making academic vocabulary accessible and relevant across different subjects, benefiting both students and staff with a comprehensive language learning strategy.

Unravel the secret to nurturing disciplinary literacy as we discuss how schools can collaboratively define and build literacy skills vital for subjects like science, history, and geography. The episode highlights the strategic rollout of Bedrock, emphasising engaging middle leaders, students, and parents to create a thriving literacy environment. We explore the pivotal role of technology, such as MAPPA, in supporting the mission to enhance literacy skills. With future plans to foster excitement through rewards and collaborative initiatives, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights for educators seeking to elevate their literacy programs and engage their communities.

Prepare to transform your approach to education technology with insights from Richard Anderton, the Digital Transformation Lead at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP). Richard joins us to unpack his extensive role, focusing on how ATLP's digital strategies extend beyond simply handing out devices to students. Learn about the critical elements of online safety, the far-reaching implications of artificial intelligence, and how these elements come together to create a more efficient learning environment.

In this captivating episode, we explore the delicate balance of integrating traditional and digital methods in the classroom. Richard discusses the strategic use of digital tools for marking and feedback while advocating for traditional handwriting exercises. 

Discover how ATLP is promoting equity with their Learning Futures initiative, creating a more efficient and inclusive learning environment for all.

How can you transform your teaching practices to be more engaging and effective? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Gardner, the Teaching and Learning Lead for Maritime Academy Trust, to explore his successful strategies for enhancing education across 13 primary schools in southeast London and Kent. 

From his innovative start-up, The Oracy Shift, which prioritizes communication skills, to his hands-on role in coaching and mentoring teachers from nursery to year six, Mike provides a wealth of insights into tackling diverse educational needs and unifying effective methodologies across different stages of primary education.

Discover the hidden gems of Further Education (FE) as Holly Barnes-Lomax joins Bedrock Talks. 

Holly is the Teaching, Learning and Quality Lead at an FE college in Chesterfield.
She takes us behind the scenes to explore the variety of courses, from vocational training to adult education, and the specialised support provided to SEND students. 

With her extensive experience, Holly sheds light on her role, detailing her hands-on approach to coaching teachers, planning curriculums and ensuring quality education through innovative methods like incremental coaching.

Sarah Davies is the author of Talking about Oracy which focuses on the development of effective communication beyond the parameters of the classroom. 

She is currently an Assistant Head Teacher at a secondary academy in the north-west of England. Alongside her teaching, she has also written articles for SecEd, The Headteacher and the Teaching Times, as well as presenting at regional and National ResearchEd and ReThinking education conferences. 

In this episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on oracy, context switching and how learners can be better communicators. 

After so many comments, thoughts and requests from the first episode, Dani Walley returns to Bedrock Talks to discuss leadership and teacher development.

Dani is an Assistant Principal leading on teaching, learning and curriculum in a large secondary school. Previously a Director of Humanities, Dani is passionate about empowering staff and students to succeed. She has a forthcoming publication focused on middle leadership and passionately asserts that addressing behavioural issues is crucial before diving into the academic curriculum.

In this episode, Dani offers heartfelt views on leadership, including honest reflections about her own journey and learnings. You'll also hear about her ground-breaking new CPD development programme being rolled out at Bedrock partner school, Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.

Katie Chanter is a literacy leader for a large secondary comprehensive school, and has extensive experience of teaching English- including language development in early years. She has successfully implemented Bedrock, both tier 2 and 3 vocabulary, in her school. 

In this podcast, she discusses her gradual approach to a successful implementation, and how she has successfully navigated the territory of gathering and sustaining momentum for tier 3 vocabulary as a whole-school disciplinary literacy tool. 

Discover how to ignite a passion for reading and learning in your students with insights from Val Dewhurst, the dynamic Head of Library and joint Bedrock Learning lead at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Quags).

In our latest episode, Val speak to us about the library as the centrepiece of literacy in a school, as well as a place of safety and celebration for young people to come and enjoy reading.