Do schools contribute to whether we see ourselves as an Island of Strangers or not?

Some links for your delectation:

Our interview with ED Hirsch: https://youtu.be/H097vPnDpkI?si=erXALkeyInTYmRTY

Our Interview with Michael Young: https://youtu.be/xi_AhfWjeis?si=oanbhXx4OC8vc_W8

EmanRTM: https://youtu.be/OXn4lFNVb-Y?si=nAQmw4B8cXkaA_tP

Sutton Trust Report: https://www.suttontrust.com/our-research/the-opportunity-index/

Policy Exchange Report: https://policyexchange.org.uk/publication/lessons-from-the-past/

More in Common Social Cohesion Report: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/social-cohesion-a-snapshot/

Is the current vogue for coaching in schools a fad or fundamental part of good CPD?

Scripted lessons vs Teacher Autonomy

Sam Gibbs article: https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/teacher-autonomy-how-we-dumbed-down-teaching

Greg Ashman Substack: https://fillingthepail.substack.com/p/on-scripted-lessons?r=18455&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Curriculum Revolutions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curriculum-Revolutions-practical-guide-enhancing/dp/1913622983/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CJAF8E626TLP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0WYdXLdKZ5VQvl_-FH5DYm2Wxdh93XhlojB_n2ij4knc0Z8T6zhPLC5LX5Rwg3SRxRvh4LKASdAyOwAD3lx7od4NsQl7NikqD2gxcysBpqvk5wtURf4u4hegd7rgi-Gzk72ZjWxo4Aghb8kD4BfIF82MVkfP78geMATSuWEcaTnmdGjvlV294NS1nQfH6bO9dI9G3VdwP10Ri_5yShBpeQ.obEGBWeDYbxld7sKy5C6xHi1IGULbXAkyCtmYA1_zNY&dib_tag=se&keywords=curriculum+revolutions&qid=1746720559&sprefix=curriculum+revolutions%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

Do the proposed changes to Ofsted’s inspection regime go far enough? (spoiler - no)

Some of the articles mentioned in this episode:

https://neu.org.uk/press-releases/close-ofsted-consultation

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/can-ofsted-listen-its-way-out-of-its-political-bind/

https://daviddidau.substack.com/p/rewiring-inspection?r=18455&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Autism, ADHD, and the burgeoning crisis in funding for schools. Are too many pupils being diagnosed with Special Needs?

Some sources used in this episode:

The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O'Sullivan (Review here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/12/the-age-of-diagnosis-by-suzanne-osullivan-review-do-no-harm)

The Lost Girls of Autism by Gina Rippon (Here is an article by her in the New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26635372-400-a-revolutionary-new-understanding-of-autism-in-girls/)

Why is There a Crisis in Special Educational Needs? The Briefing Room BBC Radio 4: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028v06

The Discontinuous Mind. Does it Ever Get it Right? By Richard Dawkins: https://substack.com/home/post/p-159676728

What is more important in the teacher’s toolbox? Knowing how to teach or knowing what to teach?

In which we look at Sutton Trust data on private tuition, Cold Call - is it a good technique to use in lessons, and should schools show Adolescence to their pupils?

Martin & David discuss the differences between 'group work' (a set of pedagogical strategies) and 'working in groups' to see whether 'never doing group work' is a tenable position for a headteacher to take.

John Tomsett, Jane Manzone, Al McConville and David Medway reflect on the year in state secondary schools, an inner London primary school and an independent boarding school. Different experiences emerge but so do stories of human resilience.

John Tomsett also talks about his book on Angling.

============================TIMESTAMPS=========================

0:00 Intro (no sound sorry!)

0:01:01 John Tomsett about Covid

0:13:25 Reflect

0:21:04 David Medway interview

0:25:51 Reflect

0:29:10 Jane Manzone

0:39:08 Reflect

0:42:02 Al McConville interview on Covid

0:50:48 Reflect

0:52:01 John Tomsett's fishing book - our Christmas treat!

0:59:14 Reflect & price draw

Including interviews with Sam Freedman and Toby Young, discussing exams, free speech for teachers to express their own views as well as the need for a range of perspectives to be presented to pupils. Also Martin and David discuss whether Inset days are a good thing. Including some items for discussion, this episode raises a lot of questions, join the chat below and keep a lookout for the full length interviews by subscribing.