Miss Estruch Teach & Tell

We all agree that A-level students need to be independent learners.

But what does independent learning actually look like in practice?

In this episode of Teach and Tell, I’m joined by Maria Bateson to unpack a question many teachers wrestle with daily: Is it really independent learning if we tell students exactly what to do?

And can students ever become truly independent if we do not explicitly model the process first?

We explore the tension between scaffolding and autonomy, why students do not magically arrive at sixth form knowing how to organise themselves, and how removing support too early can actually damage outcomes.

Maria shares a four step weekly independent task her school has embedded across KS5. We break down exactly how it works, why it is effective, and how it has contributed to improved student grades. (view a sample here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZvzj4fgQOz-HcrjUt6z8H_ZdUOtVr0Mt78_NSeTm2Q/edit?tab=t.0)

We also discuss collaborative learning, group work, and whether heavy scaffolding undermines independence or enables it.

This episode is ideal for teachers, heads of sixth form, and anyone interested in evidence informed practice at A level.

Loneliness is often framed as an issue affecting older adults.

But the evidence tells a very different story. In this episode of Teach and Tell, I’m joined by Farhana Mann ( https://www.youtube.com/@DocFMann) to explore what research from the past 10–15 years shows about social isolation in teenagers, why 13–17 year olds are one of the most lonely age groups, and how this links to mental health, neurodivergence, and school experience.

We discuss: 

This conversation is essential viewing for teachers, pastoral leads, SEND teams, school leaders, and anyone working with young people.

Loneliness is not just a wellbeing issue. It is an early warning sign. And schools are one of the most powerful places for prevention.

Listen to the full episode to understand the science, challenge common myths, and reflect on how school culture, relationships, and everyday classroom practices can make a lasting difference.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9636084/ further reading (paper discussed in episode)

If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use AI safely and effectively in your teaching, this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Matthew Wemyss, international school leader and bestselling author on AI in education, to dig into the realities of AI in schools: the opportunities, the risks, and the mistakes teachers need to avoid.

We talk about:
• The GDPR traps teachers fall into without realising
• What you must not upload into AI tools
• How to reduce AI bias in your resources
• Which AI tools are safest for schools (Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, NotebookLM)
• Why AI should support teacher autonomy, not replace it
• How to turn your existing teaching into more efficient, higher-impact practice
• How students’ use of AI is already shaping classrooms
• The future of AI governance in schools

Whether you’re experimenting with AI or still feeling cautious, this episode gives you the clarity you need to feel confident, protected, and efficient.

Listen in and learn: how to use AI, how not to use it, and how to keep your workload under control without compromising student data or safeguarding.

Matthew Wemyss Linkedin

Books

If you’ve ever wished your planning, marking, or resource creation could take minutes instead of hours, this episode is for you.

I sat down with AI educator John Dolman to explore Notebook LM, Google’s grounded AI tool that lets you upload your teaching materials and instantly generate:

• lesson notes

• revision summaries

• infographics

• slide decks

• audio explanations

• and more

We break down exactly how teachers can use Notebook LM to streamline workload without losing professional judgement, and we share the features most people don’t even know exist yet.

Whether you teach GCSE, A level, or beyond, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can use tomorrow.

AI is transforming teaching... planning, marking, differentiation, feedback.

But what if the tools we rely on are reinforcing hidden biases?

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Hedlund, physicist, former science teacher, and AI bias researcher, to explore the uncomfortable truth about gender, race, age, and neurodiversity bias inside the AI models used across schools.

We discuss:

• Real examples of AI bias in images, explanations, and feedback

• How AI tools shape student identity and self-perception

• Why different models (ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva, Copilot) show different biases

• The risks teachers don’t realise they’re taking when using AI without oversight

• Practical ways to protect students and reduce bias in everyday teaching

Victoria’s book, AI Bias in Education, and what it will mean for schools If you’re a teacher, leader, or anyone using AI to support learning, then this episode is essential.

Gen Z get labelled as snowflakes, entitled, lacking resilience and overly sensitive… but is any of that actually true?

In this episode of Teach & Tell, I’m joined by Alex Atherton, former head teacher, keynote speaker and author, to break down the stereotypes and share the real story behind Gen Z’s behaviour, challenges, and resilience.

We explore:

• Why the media’s narrative about Gen Z is so misleading

• The economic and social pressures uniquely shaping this generation

• How social media and constant comparison affect their confidence and decision-making

• The role of teachers in building critical thinking, resilience and independence

• What leaders must understand about multi-generational teams

• Why calling Gen Z ‘snowflakes’ misses the point entirely

If you teach, lead, parent, or work with young people, this conversation will give you a completely different lens on the generation walking through our classrooms and workplaces. 

 #genz #education #teachers #teachertips #leadershipdevelopment 

So many autistic and neurodivergent students are misunderstood, masked, or completely missed in today’s classrooms, and teachers are left without the training or tools to support them.

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologists Dr Christine and Dr Sam from Neurodiversity Docs to break down the realities of autism, ASC, executive function, and how teachers can support students who are struggling but not showing it.

We discuss:

• Why autistic girls and AFAB students are chronically under-identified

• How masking hides needs until students burn out

• What teachers should look for when a student is “fine” academically but struggling socially or emotionally

• The difference between skill deficits and oppositional behaviour

• Practical, classroom-ready strategies teachers can use tomorrow

• Why so many students have executive function difficulties post-pandemic

• What teachers can do when they feel unsupported or undertrained.

This is an honest, compassionate conversation about autism acceptance, inclusive classrooms, and small adjustments that make a huge difference to autistic and neurodivergent learners.

Follow Dr Christine and Dr Sam on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theneurodiversitydocs/

Books: Autism Rules by Dr. Christine Le Available on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/ya7v7zwk

The Hawaii Snowman by Dr. Christine Le Available on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/mryphj5w 

In this episode, I’m joined by Jocelyn Mayo, specialist teacher and education consultant from Zestar Education, to unpack what executive function (EF) really means and why it’s the missing link in helping both neurodivergent and neurotypical students thrive.

We discuss:

✅ The key executive function skills students rely on every day

✅ How teachers can plan lessons that support all learners (including ADHD, and ASC students)

✅ Practical classroom strategies that make learning easier for everyone

✅ Why understanding EF helps reduce anxiety and boost self-regulation

This conversation is a must-listen for teachers who want to make lessons more inclusive without adding to their workload.

📩 Download free teaching resources: https://www.missestruch.co.uk/resources

💬 Follow Jocelyn: https://zestareducation.co.uk 

LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jocelynmayo 

Canva just changed the game for teachers.

In their 2025 Imagination Era update, Canva launched a brand-new AI presentation generator that can build your entire lesson PowerPoint from one prompt, complete with visuals, layouts, and even student-led activities.

In this episode of Miss Estruch Teach & Tell, I walk you through:

✅ How to use Canva’s new AI to generate PowerPoints instantly

✅ Ways to add student-led activities like quizzes and discussions

✅ Real classroom examples of how to use this feature

✅ Key dos and don’ts before using AI for lessons

This update is a total time-saver for busy teachers, whether you’re creating lessons, CPD sessions, or revision resources.

💡 Mentioned in this episode: Canva Imagination Era launch → https://www.canva.com/launches/

AI is transforming schools, but how do we keep it ethical, safe, and actually useful for teachers?

In this episode of Miss Estruch Teach & Tell, I’m joined by Alex More, a consultant with over 22 years of teaching experience, to explore how schools can harness AI without losing the human touch.

We unpack:

If you’re a teacher wondering what AI can do for you, and what it shouldn’t, this episode is a must-listen.

Alex More: https://linktr.ee/alexmorelearning (links to email, blog and research)

STEM Learning Unlocking AI: https://www.stem.org.uk/cpd/ondemand/537857/unlocking-ai-potential-teachers

STEM Learning Ethics in AI Course (New): https://www.stem.org.uk/cpd/ondemand/543713/ethical-use-artificial-intelligence-ai

TeachMate: https://teachmateai.com/

Good Future Foundation AI Quality Mark: https://www.goodfuture.foundation/ai-mark