Those Who Can

What's the best advice you've ever been given? That's the premise for our latest episode, featuring regular guest to the podcast Jess Lund.

We start Season 5 with a look at applying for jobs, with a particular focus on the lesson. After getting some of our own 'worst experiences' out of the way, Will has a few suggestions for how schools might improve the process for prospective candidates, while we both share tips on what to do to help prepare for interview lessons.

We're joined by Chloe Bateman this week, a recent NQT who shares her experiences and wisdom with us. Paul does his best to recall his NQT year, while Will does his best to recall being a teacher. 

Featuring an array of tips that we hope are useful for any Newly Qualified Teachers, mentors and leaders, we also hope this prompts a few trips down memory lane to where it all began for all who listen!

This week we discuss the relationship between middle and senior leaders: when it goes well, where potential issues arise and how to get the most out of talented HoDs/manage upwards when necessary. 

We also discuss the nature of results and the examination system, which was a lot more pressing at the time of recording but is hopefully still of interest!

With the gaps between seasons becoming longer and slightly more erratic, our return sees a reflection on the past year. We consider the value of educational conferences in the context of Will's growing stardom, talk about Ed Tech and blogs vs journals, while Paul gets slightly grumpy about Twitter. 

Most importantly - we're back!

We talk this week about the list put forward by Ben Newmark last term, outlining all of the activities and approaches he felt hadn't worked in the classroom. The list drew upon his extensive experience and was extremely well-received, so we felt it would be a great starting point for discussion and reflection from our own time at the chalkface.

Given Will's role and the on-going challenges facing PGCE courses across the country, we thought it worth spending a little bit of time unpacking exactly what it is that Will does for a living. 

Featuring an insight into teacher training at university, some thoughts around the strengths and drawbacks of the PGCE and its alternatives, as well as a full blown introspective meltdown on Will's part, we hope you enjoy this week's episode on a slightly different area of teaching.

The second episode of this season sees us debating the worth of extra-curricular activities. Often a large part of school life, do they distract too much from the core work of teachers, and is enough done in recognition of the efforts that are put in?

This podcast marks perhaps the first time we disagree on an issue, as well as straying in to other areas of school life, for instance the role of the form tutor and how to best support students outside the classroom.

As summer winds to a close, alarms get set and pencils are sharpened up and down the country, we want to open Season 3 with a few thoughts on how to get the new school year underway in the best possible way. 

From considering the impact and purpose of INSET, to offering thoughts to those starting in new roles or kicking off their careers in teaching, we hope this will be useful in setting the right tone for the coming months!

Heads of Department should be the engine room of any school. Ensuring that this is the case, without becoming overburdened by admin or losing trust in colleagues is the topic we unpick this week. 

Guest starring Jess Lund, Head of MFL at Michaela School, and very long-winded questions from Paul, we look at the best parts of being a HoD, the pitfalls to look out for, and general advice to anyone who is looking to make their mark as a middle leader.