Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning

Natalie Wexler joins Andy Sammons to tackle one of education's most persistent challenges: the artificial barrier between reading and learning. This eye-opening conversation dives deep into why traditional approaches to reading comprehension don't work - and what cognitive science tells us actually does.

Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap and co-author of The Writing Revolution, unpacks how our current methods of teaching reading comprehension - as isolated skills, divorced from content - fundamentally misunderstand how comprehension works. She explains why background knowledge functions as "mental Velcro" for new information, and why simply practicing skills like making inferences without content knowledge, fails to develop proficient readers.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when exploring how narrative serves as a powerful vehicle for learning across all subjects. Wexler shares compelling research, showing that students who received content through structured narratives demonstrated significantly better understanding than those who participated in seemingly engaging hands-on activities. "The human brain is hardwired to take in information more easily when it's presented in narrative form," Wexler notes, challenging us to reconsider what effective instruction looks like beyond superficial engagement.

Perhaps most valuable for educators are the practical strategies Wexler offers for implementation. From sentence-level writing activities like appositives, to structured retrieval practice, to explicit outlining instruction; she provides concrete techniques that enhance both reading comprehension and content knowledge simultaneously. She emphasises that writing about content powerfully reinforces learning, but requires appropriate scaffolding to avoid cognitive overload for inexperienced writers.

Whether you're a literacy specialist, subject teacher, or education leader, this conversation will transform how you think about reading instruction. Listen now to discover why bridging the gap between reading and learning is essential for developing truly proficient readers and thinkers.

Aaron Leary's journey - from a student grappling with language to co-founding Bedrock Learning - illustrates the transformative power of literacy in education. This episode explores personal experiences, teaching philosophies, and future aspirations in the PedTech sphere. Literacy, Aaron reveals, is more than just words; it’s a tool that shapes our thoughts and identities, a concept that lies at the heart of Bedrock’s mission.

Tune in as we explore the empowering role of oracy and debate in education. Aaron passionately discusses how these tools have the power to boost confidence and eloquence in students, especially in challenging environments. We also consider the impact of technology on communication skills, sparking a conversation on whether banning smartphones could improve cognitive functions and moods. Such insights are foundational to Bedrock Learning’s innovative approach, addressing the need for engaging and effective educational tools that elevate literacy education to new heights.

Finally, we delve into the crucial role of vocabulary instruction within school curricula. Aaron outlines Bedrock’s pioneering efforts in developing a Tier 2 vocabulary curriculum and integrating technology to simplify educational resources. With a vision of preparing for futures shaped by AI and societal changes, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of education and Bedrock's relentless pursuit of innovation.

Carl Gombrich is the Lead Academic at London Interdisciplinary School and oversees curriculum design, teaching, and learning. He was previously a Professorial Teaching Fellow of Interdisciplinary Education at UCL and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

In this episode, prepare to rethink higher education as Carl shares his journey in pioneering a revolutionary academic model. Discover how LIS challenges traditional university structures by focusing on real-world issues like inequality and sustainability, rather than conventional subjects. Carl offers a compelling vision of how students can be equipped with diverse methodologies, empowering them to generate and critique knowledge actively and creatively.

Our conversation also navigates the intricate balance between domain-specific expertise and essential 21st-century skills. We confront the ongoing debate between upholding academic rigor and fostering a skillset that's applicable in the modern workforce. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, we propose a balanced educational approach, integrating transferable skills and cross-disciplinary frameworks. The importance of structured secondary education is highlighted, setting the stage for success in both academia and future career paths.

Finally, we explore the transformative potential of AI in education and innovative assessment methods that push the boundaries of traditional learning. Hear about the exciting ways students are engaging with AI, not just as passive consumers but as critical thinkers and creators. As we look towards future trends in education reform, Carl and I challenge the outdated remnants of the Victorian education system, advocating for a more integrated curriculum that truly prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. Join us in championing a holistic educational experience that bridges the gap between traditional methods and the skills indispensable in today's job market.

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.