More Teacher Talk

In this episode I talk to Mark Chater about his brilliant new book that diagnoses the reasons why RE urgently needs radical reform, and looks ahead to a time when the subject will have a new identity based on a clear democratic purpose.

The book shines a light on how key leaders can make this happen, and how the new good practice is already breaking through.

It is edited and authored by experts and leading change agents in RE, who offer a well-informed and provocative vision and programme for change.

“Every school leader must read this book. What pupils learn in their curriculum is pivotal in any school’s theory of change. The recommendations of the Commission on Religious Education, if properly understood and enacted, would transform the academic role and status of RE in every school. The chapters in this book reveal the proper contours of the subject, the basics every leader needs to understand if the knowledge and practice of their RE teachers is to be nurtured, valued and renewed.”

Christine Counsell, Writer and speaker on curriculum and leadership

“Religious Education is one of the great achievements of British education. But it hangs in the balance. There is a real possibility it will simply shrivel away through lack of attention. Or it could rise phoenix-like in response to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Reforming RE is a welcome contribution to showing how that resurrection might happen. Here we have experienced practitioners and deep thinkers signalling a new direction that will inspire our pupils in their understanding of Religion and Worldviews. This book is a really exciting contribution.”

Professor Trevor Cooling Chair, Religious Education Council of England and Wales

Reforming RE: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum is published by John Catt Education - https://www.johncattbookshop.com/reforming-religious-education

In this epsiode I talk to Robert Ford, Director of Heritage International School in Moldova.  Episode 10 of More Teacher Talk coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic and captured thoughts and responses from him as a school leader and ambassador.  

Now, seven months later, we return to find out how school, and life, has changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We discuss Marcus Rashford, Dame Alison Peacock, Geoff Barton, Lyfta Education, the British Council and some of the other voices of hope that have lifted our collective efforts and sense of belonging.

We also share some thoughts on Trump, toilet rolls and the impact of capitalism without morals...

You can find out more about Rob Ford and his work at Heritage International by following @HIS_Moldova on Twitter 

 

In this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author.  She explores how educators can teach poetry and the callenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm.  Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.

We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.

You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.com

Leah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk 

This was originally produced for Toria Bono's Tiny Voice Talks podcast and is published here with kind permission: an extended tribute to Sir Ken Robinson from the #EduTwitter community, featuring a collection of creative educators who were all moved to share their thoughts and reflections on creativity.  

Includes: @one_to_read @CreativityMrs @ladeidiomas @aini_butt @bluebellmatt @mrpfoodie @VictoriaPendry1 @ColeFey @trackerthecat @MrFortuneTeach

Credit: Sir Ken Robinson clip from ‘The Call to Unite’ - https://youtu.be/QU4Q17t4muY
Additional music: Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au 

In this episode I speak to award winning author Bob Cox.  We take an in-depth look at The Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason and discuss how the book could be used in the classroom.  We explore reading for meaning and effective ways to teach comprehension and deeper understanding.  Bob shares a compelling argument for using more challenging texts to teach reading and comprehension in primary schools.

Bob shares some strategies to help children extract deeper layers of meaning and recognise key themes.  

You can find Bob at https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk

You can find out more about Andri Snaer Magnason at https://www.andrimagnason.com/books/the-story-of-the-blue-planet/ 

In this episode Tatiana Popa speaks to Evin Schwartz, the inspirational CEO of Belouga, home of collaborative educational series & shows aligned to subject areas, standards and the global goals. 

Belouga was founded in 2017 with the mission of making education impactful and accessible on a global scale through peer-to-peer and classroom connection, communication and collaboration.

Realising the rapidly changing landscape of technology and education, Evin and his team at Belouga looked to create a central location which takes the heavy lifting out of global education, and provides teachers and students with a personalized learning experience through community and content without sacrificing creativity or curriculum needs.

You can find out more about Evin and Belouga at https://belouga.org/

In this episode we revisit the conversation with Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in  Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'.   Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people.

We also talk about strategies for teacher wellbeing in the face of what can seem, at times, like a helpless struggle to support our children against the pressures of gangs, social media, drill music and increasingly disconnected lives.

In this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Koen Timmers.  Koen is an award winning educator, lecturer, researcher, author and speaker.  He is the founder of global educational projects like the Kakuma Project, Climate Action project and the Innovation project.  In 2018 Koen launched the Innovation SDG labs in collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall.  He is a founding SDG ambassador and was a Global Teacher Prize top 10 finalist in 2018 and top 50 finalist in 2017.  

Tatiana explores how Koen's passionate commitment to global education has had worldwide impact.  By taking education to some of the most challenging learning environments Koen has shown the way for others to follow.  His work with refugees is an inspiration to educators everywhere and demonstrates how the universal language of learning knows no borders or limitations.

Credits: https://youtu.be/PVRIRTQg14s Climate Action Project -Koen Timmers; https://youtu.be/en4qEy0DQYg Kakuma Project; Dr Jane Goodall's message for Climate Action Project

@BacktoGlobal - Tatiana Popa

Additional music: Divine Life Society - Jesse Gallagher

A Bucket of Coal is a rare opportunity to explore the life and career of Les Jones.  From the North Welsh coalfields, the pits and through the heartbreak of the Gresford tragedy, Les went on to receive a scholarship to attend Magdalen College, Oxford - taking his voice and passionate commitment to social justice with him.  In this podcast he shares some of his experiences and explains how he became a teacher.  His wisdom, knowledge and humour shed light on a range of topics including equality, global citizenship, wealth, wellbeing, academic life, love and and the eternal bonds of friendship.

Thank you to Rob Ford and Tatiana Popa for bringing this project to life.

Artwork - thank you to Shaun Slifer for kind permission to use his original artwork 'Original Redneck, 1921' - for prints and to see Shaun's work visit https://justseeds.org/product/original-redneck-1921/

Additional music - thank you to Dowlais Male Choir, Grimethorp Coliery Band,  The Pheonix Welsh Male Voice Choir, clip from “How Green Was My Valley” thanks to Rick Davi.

A Bucket of Coal is a rare opportunity to explore the life and career of Les Jones.  From the North Welsh coalfields, the pits and through the heartbreak of the Gresford tragedy, Les went on to receive a scholarship to attend Magdalen College, Oxford - taking his voice and passionate commitment to social justice with him.  In this podcast he shares some of his experiences and explains how he became a teacher.  His wisdom, knowledge and humour shed light on a range of topics including equality, global citizenship, wealth, wellbeing, academic life, love and and the eternal bonds of friendship.

Thank you to Rob Ford and Tatiana Popa for bringing this project to life.

Artwork - thank you to Shaun Slifer for kind permission to use his original artwork 'Original Redneck, 1921' - for prints and to see Shaun's work visit https://justseeds.org/product/original-redneck-1921/

Additional music - thank you to Dowlais Male Choir, Grimethorp Coliery Band,  The Pheonix Welsh Male Voice Choir, clip from “How Green Was My Valley” thanks to Rick Davi.