Harris in Conversation

Oliver Blagden speaks with Harris Heads of English Lucy Dixon and Lucia Catanzaro.  Lucy and Lucia discuss how they have navigated through the challenges of this year, share some of their successes, and delve into some of the exciting curriculum reforms they have taken as they look ahead to a new school year.

Oliver Blagden speaks with David Didau: educational speaker, author and consultant, whose award-winning blog 'The Learning Spy' is one of the most influential education blogs in the UK.  Here, with an English focus, David discusses his latest bestselling book: 'Making Meaning in English,' which explores the role of knowledge in the English curriculum.  What are some of the common misconceptions in English teaching?  What are some solutions?  Is English knowledge-based or skills-based?  Stream now to find out the answers to these questions and much more.

Tom Howells speaks with prolific poet, writer, lyricist and musician: Benjamin Zephaniah.  Benjamin discusses his life, his poetry, his latest novels and what inspires him as an artist.

Oliver Blagden speaks with Tom Bennett: founder and director of ResearchED, and Independent Advisor for the Department for Education.  They review his latest books: 'Running the Room' and 'The Running the Room Companion' - essential additions to all educators' Teaching & Learning libraries.  Along the way they discuss some of the challenges and misconceptions around behaviour, some solutions, and why it is that they can't get enough of 'Mary Poppins Returns.'

Emily Brandon interviews the legendary Beatrice Garland, as they discuss her works, her approach to writing, and take a look at her poignant poem 'Kamikaze.'

Tom Howells speaks with author, education explorer and international education consultant, Lucy Crehan, who shares her valuable insight into various education systems from around the world.

Oliver Blagden speaks with Amy Staniforth and Stuart Pryke, co-authors of the new bestselling 'Ready to Teach Macbeth: A Compendium of Subject Knowledge, Resources and Pedagogy' - a must-own for any English department teaching this Shakespeare text.  Stuart and Amy discuss what compelled them to write the book, how they approached their research, and why it is that modern audiences keep returning to 'The Scottish Play.'

Laura Mistry speaks with English specialist and motivational speaker Christian Mba, who explains how we can break down cultural barriers for learners, bring our own personal experiences to our teaching practice, and, vitally: how we can encourage all students to be "the best versions of themselves."

Oliver Blagden speaks with education expert - and author of 'The Confident Teacher' and 'Closing the Vocabulary Gap' - Alex Quigley.  Alex discusses the launch of his new book, 'Closing the Reading Gap,' a research-informed look at the scientific, historical and cultural factors behind reading - as well as key strategies for teachers, leaders and parents, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Oliver Blagden speaks with some of the Harris Federation English HoDs, working in different contexts with varying degrees of experience, who have developed interesting teaching and learning strategies over the course of lockdown.