Diary of a Working Woman

Why The Education System Is Failing Our Kids: A Discussion with Bunmi Richards and Johnette Barrett On Preparing Students For The Real World


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Bunmi Richards, a seasoned head teacher with over two decades of dedication to the field, joins me, Johnette, on this episode of the Diary of a Working Woman. Together, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of how the UK education system is—or perhaps isn't—preparing young people for the multifaceted challenges of modern life. Grounded in our unique cultural narratives, Bunmi and I reflect on our British Nigerian and  British Caribbean roots and how they shape our educational philosophies. We question whether academic achievements alone are enough and highlight the indispensable role of family values in nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss a pioneering school model that beautifully blends local learning with a global outlook. Imagine a curriculum where children as young as two are immersed in a bilingual education, learning in French to enhance cognitive skills and cultural empathy. This approach gives parents the liberty to choose between a bilingual path and an enterprise stream, each designed to foster leadership, teamwork, and a global mindset. Bunmi and I believe that instilling these values early on can open doors to opportunities across the globe, ensuring that today's students are tomorrow's leaders.

Finally, we tackle the pressing need for financial independence and literacy in education. With initiatives like the Tycoon Enterprise project, students dive into the world of business, experiencing firsthand the nuances of financial management and social responsibility. We don't shy away from addressing the post-pandemic challenges schools face, such as increased anxiety and absenteeism, and how a forward-thinking curriculum can reignite student engagement and ambition. Join us as we challenge traditional education models and advocate for a system that equips young people with the skills to navigate life's complexities, from financial planning to visionary leadership, ensuring they are prepared not just for exams, but for life.

A new podcast in which Johnette Barrett, educational psychologist, seeks out inspirational working women who have transformed their lives and that of others through their courageousness and compassion.
The conversations that follow are sometimes eye-opening, sometimes heart- breaking and sometimes humourous.

Diary of a Working Woman (DOAWW) is hosted by Buzzsprouts .com.

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Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2227789

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Diary of a Working WomanBy Johnette Barrett