Teaching the AQA A-level Biology required practicals doesn’t have to be stressful.

In this episode, I’ll show you why the apparatus and techniques table in the specification is actually more important than the practicals themselves when it comes to exams—and how you can help your students master it.

We’ll also cover how to structure your lessons around the 12 required practicals, from prep to write-up, and I’ll share free resources to make your life easier, including:

✅ Equipment lists

✅ Step-by-step methods

✅ Data collection and presentation tips

✅ Top tips and common mistakes

✅ Risk assessments

Plus, I’ll be filming each required practical with a focus on the top tips and mistakes to look out for—so keep an eye out for those! 🔗 Download the free teacher pack for all required practicals here: https://www.missestruch.co.uk/required-practical-1-free-teacher-guide https://www.missestruch.co.uk/required-practical-2-free-teacher-guide https://www.missestruch.co.uk/required-practical-3-free-teacher-guide https://www.missestruch.co.uk/required-practical-4-free-teacher-guide

📘 Check out my Active Recall Workbook for A-level Biology practical skills: https://www.missestruch.co.uk/offers/7bZVUfuz/checkout

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and follow for more practical tips to save you time and stress in the classroom.

Teenagers get a bad reputation for being rude and ungrateful. But my experience online tells a different story.

My 16–24 audience—students preparing for GCSEs and A-levels—are some of the most polite, respectful, and grateful people I’ve ever worked with.

Meanwhile, on my teacher-facing platform, the harsh comments often come from adults who aren’t even teachers.

So why does this happen?

In today’s episode, I reflect on the disparity between the two audiences and explore why public respect for teachers seems to fade after school. Is it the media narrative about “lazy teachers”?

Is it that everyone thinks they’re an expert because they went to school? Or something else entirely?

We’ll also look at why students appreciate teachers so much, how algorithms push content to non-followers, and why negative comments almost always come from adults, not young people.

Sleep Teach Repeat Podcast recommendation- https://youtu.be/GhVnn80Nq-s?si=n5_wGqXXtJxhxbpx

If you find this conversation helpful, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It really helps the podcast reach more teachers!

Ever set a test and then spend your entire evening marking the same short answer or mutilple choice question 60 times and wondered if there is a more automated and efficient way to do it? Well, yes there is! With Google Form. In this episode, I’ll show you how to: • Create quick quizzes and homework checks in Google Forms • Use auto-marking and teacher-marked questions together • Access instant graphs of class performance • Spot misconceptions and plan reteaching straight away • Save your quizzes to reuse year after year

Is using AI as a teacher ethical?

That’s the big question in today’s episode of Miss Estruch Teach & Tell. AI tools like ChatGPT can save us hours by writing emails, reports, and references in minutes.

But is it right?

Could it make our communication feel less personal, or even unfair when students aren’t allowed to use AI in their exams?

In this episode, I cover:

✅ The pros and cons of using AI for teacher emails

✅ Whether it’s ethical to use AI for reports and references

✅ How students really feel when they think teachers are using AI

✅ Environmental and privacy considerations you need to know

✅ My view on how to use AI responsibly without losing your authenticity

Are you buried under emails from parents, colleagues, and school admin?

In this episode of Teach & Tell, I’ll show you how to use Microsoft Outlook to finally take control of your inbox.

From setting rules and folders to flagging reminders, pinning urgent items, and creating out-of-office messages for the holidays, these practical tips will help you streamline your workload and reduce stress.

By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to:

✅ Filter and prioritise urgent vs. non-urgent emails

✅ Automate with rules and sweep

✅ Use flags, reminders, and categories effectively

✅ Pin crucial messages and create smart search folders

✅ Set up an out-of-office for holiday boundaries

Make your inbox work for you, not against you!

This week I’m joined by Steven Puri, a former Hollywood exec turned productivity coach, who shares some of the most unexpected and useful time-saving lessons for teachers.

We explore:

Steven brings stories and ideas from his years at DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, and as a 3x tech CEO, showing that even the busiest teachers can reclaim calm, control, and creativity. 🧠 Want to learn more?📍

Find out more about the Sukha productivity app at: TheSukha.co/?ref=katharine7z and use the code KATIE25 to get 25% off for life!

✨ Don’t forget: – Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Leave a quick review to help more teachers find Teach & Tell

Share with a teacher friend who needs to hear this! You bring the coffee, I bring the Teach & Tell.

Teachers are not therapists.

But every day, you’re on the frontlines of a mental health crisis — watching students struggle with anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, and disengagement.

What can you actually do to help?

In this episode of Miss Estruch Teach & Tell, I’m joined by licensed therapist Iuri Melo, co-founder of SchoolPulse, to break down how teachers can support student mental health without needing a counselling qualification or taking on more emotional load.

We cover:

Whether you’re an ECT or an experienced educator, this episode is packed with realistic, grounded advice for navigating student wellbeing.

Free Mental Fitness & Academic Success Videos for Teachers & Students
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SchoolPulsePodcast/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2

The World’s Most Comprehensive Mental Health Resource Page
Link: t.ly/SxNUU

Know Thy Selfie – A guide to emotional self-awareness for students
Link: t.ly/juUMB

Connect with Iuri Melo on Social Media
Instagram: www.instagram.com/iuritmelo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iuritiagomelo
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iuri-melo-1b41482/

In the final episode of Season 1, we’re taking a moment to look back on the year, celebrating what you did well, reflecting on what you’d like to improve, and making sure you’re ready to take a proper break this summer.

🎉 Topics in this episode:

💬 I’d love to hear:

Thank you for joining me for Season 1—see you in September! Remember: you bring the coffee, and I bring the Teach & Tell.

Previous CPD sessions:

ChatGPT in education - https://youtu.be/WeKlJkUh0Qo 

Streamline your workload - https://youtu.be/sx6jPbdlFl0 

Results Day 2025 is nearly here—are you ready?

In this episode, I break down everything teachers need to know to support students on Results Day, including:

✅ What to bring on Results Day (grade boundaries, exam board access)

✅ How to interpret results and advise on remarks

✅ Essential Clearing advice for students, including when they can add a Clearing choice (13:00, 14 August 2025)

✅ Top tips for helping students call universities confidently

✅ Links to UCAS Clearing guidance

Get my free A-level Results day and CUAS clearing 2025 checklists here https://www.missestruch.co.uk/TTresultsday

🔗 Useful link: 👉 UCAS Top Tips for Calling Universities During Clearing: https://www.ucas.com/applying/after-you-apply/clearing-and-results-day/what-is-clearing/top-tips-for-calling-universities-during-clearing

Wondering if you’ve got one more year left in you — or quietly thinking about leaving teaching altogether?

In this episode, I share my journey of leaving the classroom in 2024 after 15 years as a teacher and Head of Department. I am also joined by Lisa Harding, career coach and founder of the Teacher Career Transition Academy, who works with teachers navigating career change.

Together we discuss:

LINKS:

Lisa Harding’s Teacher Career Transition Academy:

Teacher Career Directory: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/teacher-career-directory?utm_source=podcast_guest  Website: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/

Book a coaching call with Katie: https://www.missestruch.co.uk/coaching 

Related episodes:

S1 E03 | Preventing Teacher Burnout

S1 E05 | Teacher Pay Crisis - How to Make More Money as a Teacher

S1 E29 | September Sorted: Your Summer Planning Guide for a Smoother Start