Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning

In this episode, Sarah and Megan from St. Thomas More Catholic Academy discuss their experiences with implementing Bedrock Mapper, our subject specific tier 3 vocabulary solution, across the school. They share how Mapper is making strides in addressing literacy gaps and increasing learner engagement, highlighting both the successes and obstacles encountered in incorporating the platform into everyday school activities. Our guests focus on how Mapper is helping to overcome the educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly in closing attainment gaps.

The conversation includes an in-depth look at the Mapper's role in fostering learner success, especially for learners from underprivileged areas, and its broader impact on the school's approach to education. Sarah and Megan outline future plans for staff development and strategies for easing learners' transitions between primary and secondary. Their stories underscore St. Thomas More's dedication to not only education but also to empowering learners, aiming to create lasting educational improvement that reaches beyond the school environment. This episode offers a deep dive into how St. Thomas More Academy is setting a precedent for educational advancement with Bedrock Mapper.

In this episode of Literacy Works with Bedrock Learning, Teresa Cremin, a leading figure in literacy research and education, shares insights from her career - from classroom teaching to research. The conversation focuses on how meaningful discussions can shape literary identities and extend literacy's influence beyond traditional subjects into daily life. Teresa emphasizes the importance of developing a genuine love for reading and writing beyond formal education settings, advising educators, parents, and mentors on creating environments that foster a joy for reading.

The episode explores the role of reading for pleasure in broadening students' perspectives and enhancing their academic and emotional development. Teresa provides practical tips for sparking a lifelong reading interest, highlighting choice and autonomy in making reading engaging for young people. The discussion addresses the challenges that disadvantaged youths face, discussing how access to a wide range of reading materials can promote social justice and equality.

Further, the conversation delves into the impact of the digital era on literacy, considering the challenges and opportunities presented by social media and digital devices. Teresa discusses strategies for balancing technology use with the benefits of reading for pleasure. The episode concludes with a reflection on the relationship between imparting knowledge and fostering immersive learning experiences, underscoring literacy's transformative power in shaping learner identity and education's evolving narrative.

For more insights from Teresa:

• Read her books
• Follow her on X

We are joined by Lekha Sharma, School Improvement Lead for Curriculum and Assessment at the Avanti Schools Trust. Lekha navigates the complexities of weaving together curriculum and assessment across the trust, while maintaining and cherishing the unique identity of each individual school. Lekha shares her wisdom on crafting a high-quality, equitable education system that resonates with the individual character of diverse learning environments. Through her experiences and published work, we uncover the art of collaborative curriculum development and the nurturing of a culture that supports educators in their pivotal roles.

With Bedrock as our exemplar, we dissect the profound impact of fully comprehending the intent behind educational tools, transcending mere procedural checklists. We discuss how literacy serves as a linchpin in educational outcomes and how a robust grasp of purpose can crystallise educational goals, refine teaching strategies, and utilize data to steer classroom practices. The episode paints a vivid picture of our duty as educators to meticulously curate content that propels student advancement and bridges the cultural capital divide.

Finally, we turn the spotlight on the pivotal role of psychological safety within the academic realm, emphasising its significance in the empowerment of teachers and the autonomy that comes with curriculum ownership. Stories from the trenches illustrate literature's power in social mobility and the profound influence of a supportive environment where staff can thrive. We also take a look into the dynamic world of leadership, shedding light on initiatives to enhance middle leadership programs and underscore the cultural and relational dimensions of leadership. Join us as we impart actionable insights for leaders looking to foster a flourishing school culture that benefits all.

For more insights from Lekha:

• Read her books:
  • Curriculum to Classroom: A Handbook to Prompt Thinking Around Primary Curriculum Design and Delivery
  • Building Culture: A handbook to harnessing human nature to create strong school teams
• Visit her website, teacherfeature2.com
• Follow her on X

It's a Mini-sode! Always under 30 minutes, these shorter episodes are a perfect lunchtime listen.

In the first of our Mapper deep dive episodes, Haili Hughes takes us through her top 10 keywords/concepts that are essential for your learners to understand when studying An Inspector Calls. 

From 'dramatic irony' to 'squiffy', and from 'bourgeoisie' to 'structure', Haili's choice of words gives us a fascinating dip into the universe that this play inhabits and how we can help our learners to immerse themselves in it and fully understand what it's all about.

For Haili's full list of words you can read the blog that she has very kindly written for us to accompany this episode: 

For more from Haili: 

• Follow Haili on X: @HughesHaili
• Check out Haili's blogs, books and other projects here.
• Follow IRIS Connect on X: @IRIS_Connect

Explore the future of education through the eyes of Dan Fitzpatrick, a trailblazer for AI in education and former secondary school teacher and SLT member. Our conversation with Dan traverses seismic shifts in teaching methods, highlighting how grassroots efforts with AI and technology within schools can lead to significant time-saving, and engaging learning experiences. 

We delve into ChatGPT, a tool that's not just buzzworthy but also a harbinger of change in educational settings and we share how to leap from awareness to application, transforming AI from a novel idea into an authentic classroom ally. And we explore how Dan's own viral journey through social media to a book deal underscores the burgeoning fascination and real-world impacts of AI.

Looking towards the future of education, we tackle the crux of generative AI technology and its role in shaping our communicative future. As educators, we have a pivotal role in fostering literacy and collaboration skills that students will need to navigate an AI-centric world. We ponder the relationship between AI advancements and human connection, emphasizing that AI is not a substitute for human connection, but a tool to enhance our collective capabilities. 

Join us for an episode that's not just informative but a compass for navigating the evolving landscape of education!

For more insights from Dan:

• Read his book, The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Visit his website, The AI Educator
• Follow him on X (@theaieducatorX), LinkedIn and Facebook

Dive into educational technology with Peter Twining as we unravel the complexities of edtech's role in our classrooms. Peter, a seasoned expert in education and pedagogy, joins Olivia, the Director of Education at Bedrock Learning, and our usual host, Andy Sammons, to offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges and promises of integrating technology within educational systems. The conversation blends academic research with practical wisdom, helping educators to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of learning and technology.

Dive head-first into the heart of how educational beliefs shape the deployment of technology in our schools. The discussion with Peter and Olivia brings to light the different influences on student motivation, teacher autonomy, and classroom dynamics. The guests share stories and insights that reveal just how pivotal pedagogical alignment is, not just for the effectiveness of edtech, but for staying true to the values we hold dear in our educational journeys.

Our guests leave us pondering the role of human competencies in an AI-driven world and challenge the one-size-fits-all approach of standardised education systems. The conversation also empowers educational leaders to drive technology choices with pedagogical outcomes at the forefront, fostering on-demand mindsets and informed technology use among students. Together, we underscore the necessity of a systemic shift—a change that recognises the individuality of teachers and students alike, and one that can truly harness the transformative power of educational technology.

For more insights from Peter:

• Read his book, From EdTech to PedTech
• Visit his website, Belief 2 Practice
• Follow him on X

Adrian Bethune, a beacon of hope in the world of education, joins us on this episode of Literacy Works podcast, taking us through his life experiences, from the music industry to primary school teaching and how his own personal challenges with mental health led him to champion the teaching of wellbeing in schools. His journey is an inspiration, underscoring the necessity of nurturing emotional health in both teachers and learners alike.

We venture into the essentials of teacher wellbeing, touching on Adrian's "Seeds of Happiness" course, a Teach Primary award winner in 2021. Our conversation sheds light on the practical strategies and collaborative efforts needed to root these evidence-based wellbeing methods within the fabric of our educational systems. As Adrian articulates, the science of wellbeing offers more than just the keys to personal fulfillment—it's a blueprint for a thriving learning environment.

To cap off our discussion, we celebrate the power of reading for pleasure, exploring how this simple yet profound activity fosters both emotional intelligence and academic prowess in children. From Andy and Adrian's personal narratives with their children to the broader implications of reading culture, we affirm the long-term benefits of reading for everyone. 

For more insights from Adrian:

• Visit his website, Teachappy
• Follow him on X, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn

Join us on a linguistic journey with Marcello Giovanelli, a renowned expert in literary linguistics from Aston University, as he shares a wealth of insights that will transform your understanding of language, literacy and beyond. In this episode, we delve into Marcello's latest book, written with Jennifer Webb, Essential Grammar (Routledge), a pivotal guide for educators and students seeking to enhance their understanding of language in literature. Their combined expertise offers a new lens to view the integral relationship between language mastery and academic success.

This podcast episode explores the unique linguistic identity inherent in different academic subjects, highlighting the profound impact of language awareness on student comprehension and achievement. We reflect on groundbreaking initiatives that integrate language skills across the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency in academic writing. Our discussion is a call to democratize education by providing learners with the linguistic tools they need to excel in any academic field.

Challenging the status quo, we scrutinize the often compartmentalized teaching of language and literature within the English discipline, particularly poignant in the UK education system. A holistic approach that encompasses language and literature together is championed, celebrating recent advancements and the educators leading the charge. As we acknowledge the critical role that language education plays in society, from media literacy to combating misinformation, we conclude with a salute to Charles Dickens' exceptional command of language, which has enriched our discourse and promises to inspire our listeners and learners.

For more insights from Marcello, follow him on X: @mmgiovanelli and to get your copy of "Essential Grammar," visit Routledge. 

Ever wish you could unlock the true potential of your students? Today, we're joined by Lucie Turner, a dedicated history teacher from St. Anselm's Catholic School, who reveals her strategies for success with Bedrock Mapper's disciplinary literacy curriculum. Lucie highlights the transformative power of this program, guiding us through her hands-on experience in leveraging Bedrock Mapper as a pre-teaching tool. She underlines the importance of knowledge-rich learning in a student's journey and delves into how a year-round focus on keywords, instead of a term-based approach, yields better learning outcomes.

Together, we peel back the layers on the significance of keywords and concepts when teaching history - how these foundational elements pave the way to a deeper understanding and knowledge for students. We also identify the critical role of real-world examples in connecting with a student's pre-existing knowledge. We even touch on the distinction between history and literature and its effect on our teaching methodologies. Lastly, we take you on a reflective journey, emphasizing the valuable role of self-reflection and note-taking in personal growth. Join us as we celebrate the power of education and our shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of students.

Find St Anselm's Catholic School, part of Kent Catholic Schools Partnership, on social media:
x: @St_Anselms
Instagram: sacscanterbury

As a school, St Anselm's do some incredible work with mental health alongside the NELFT team. See what they do and find out how your school can get involved.

Ever wondered why literacy isn't just an English teacher's job? Well, we found the perfect guest to answer that - Haili Hughes.

A true educational powerhouse, Haili has extensive experience in education, from teaching English for 16 years to now being a Director of Education at Iris Connect, a prolific author of many educational books, and a Mentor Lead at Sunderland university, overseeing the mentoring of thousands of teachers.

In this episode, we discuss the significance of disciplinary literacy and what it means for schools, as well as the nuance and significance of other types of literacy and higher level thinking around curriculum planning that schools could consider in the future.

We also grapple with the undervalued and often neglected topic of grammar in education. Sharing from our personal encounters with grammatical training, or the lack thereof, we underscore its significance across various disciplines. We advocate for the amplification of student voices across disciplines through effective grammar teaching and discuss the importance of early adopters in championing this cause.

The conversation doesn't stop there, though. We also address the significance of literacy research in the teaching profession. From bridging the gap between theory and practice to the role of knowledge organizers, we touch on all aspects critical to effective teaching.

As our engaging talk with Haili comes to a close, we enthusiastically anticipate her new book and promise to keep you updated about its launch. This episode is packed with insights that promise to redefine your understanding of literacy in education.

Come, let's rethink literacy!

Follow Haili on X: @HughesHaili
Check out Haili's blogs, books and other projects here.
Follow IRIS Connect on X: @IRIS_Connect