The Leading, Language and Literature Podcast
A podcast for leaders, teachers, and potential educators looking to teach at home or abroad, focusing on language and literature.
Episodes
Doug Lemov - What does evidence-based reading instruction look like? - New York
In this episode I am speaking with Doug Lemov. Doug is one of my all time teaching heroes and an incredible person in the world of education. He is the founder and leader of Teach Like a Champion, an organisation that studies exceptional teachers and translates their practice into replicable techniques. Most notably, these are shared via the Teach Like a Champion books which are now on their 3.0 v
Dr. Claire Badger - Can we teach creativity? - London
In this episode I am speaking to Dr. Claire Badger. Claire is the Head of Teacher Professional Development at InnerDrive, a UK-based education and coaching company that specialises in bridging the gap between cognitive science, psychology, and the classroom. She is also a former assistant head and now specialises in helping schools develop their evidence-informed practice.Claire has also co-author
Gaurav Dubay - Trust Director of English - Birmingham
In this episode I’m talking with Gaurav Dubay. Gaurav is a Trust Director of English and Evidence Lead in Education based in Birmingham, England. He is an active and passionate voice both online and in-person when it comes to enhancing all students outcomes through the Key Stage 3, literacy, oracy and much more.I have followed Gaurav for a long time now but what prompted our chat was a post I rece
WILF: Making Good Progress? The Future of Assessment for Learning by Daisy Christodoulou
In this episode, I’m explaining What I Learnt From: Making Good Progress? The Future of Assessment for Learning by Daisy Christodoulou. This is the fourth episode that sees me go through my annotations and notes for a book that explores an area of English teaching or leadership.This time, it’s a text that I think is absolutely fundamental to understanding assessment and therefore curriculum design
Gemma Keating - English and Maths’ interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode I am speaking to Gemma Keating. Gemma is a specialist in IBDP Mathematics, EdTech enthusiast and public speaker here in Hong Kong.Our chat is the sixth conversation ina series of discussions designed to learn more about secondary subjects and their possible interdisciplinary links with English. My intrigue in doing these is to see whether there are possibilities for connections acr
Richard Wheadon - How do we develop students’ learning habits? - Chester
In this episode, I’m speaking to Richard Wheadon. Richard is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), a former senior leader and author of Learning Habits: How to Develop Independent and Successful Learners.It was regarding this book that I most wanted to chat with Richard in the first place. For a while I have been considering the role of metacognition and self-regulation in the clas
Christopher Such - How to develop students’ reading ability - Peterborough
In this episode, I’m speaking to Christopher Such. Chris is a primary school teacher by trade but has also served as a school leader, teacher educator and consultant. He has worked with many schools, multi-academy trusts and English organisations to develop teachers’ understanding of reading and implement evidence-informed classroom practice. He is also an author, having written The Art and Scienc
Costas Constantinou - How to Provide Effective Professional Development - London
In this episode, I’m speaking to Costas Constantinou. Costas is the co-founder and Director of Education at Veema Education, an organisation that provides professional development and school improvement programs internationally. A former London-based school leader, he specialises in training, coaching, and supporting educators globally. He is also the author of "A School Leader’s Guide to Leading
Gina Davies - English and Science’s interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode, I am speaking to Gina Davies. Gina is an experienced educator of Science with expertise in instructional leadership, coaching and serves the charity WomenEd as regional lead here in Hong Kong.Our chat is the fifth conversation in a series of discussions designed to learn more about secondary subjects and their possible interdisciplinary links with English. My intrigue in doing the
Li Bin - English and Chinese’s interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode, I’m speaking with Li Bin. Bin is a Deputy Head of School here in Hong Kong and formerly Asia-Pacific Regional Manager for the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme. On top of that, she is a deeply experienced teacher of Chinese and has worked with many schools that offer bilingual instruction.Our chat is the fourth conversation in a series of discussions designed to
Shanice Welsh - English and Design’s interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode, I’m speaking with Shanice Welsh. Shanice is a director of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum here in Hong Kong and an active sharer of good teaching practice on the likes of X where she posts under the handle @Edu_byCreation. She is an experienced Middle Years Programme teacher and has done lots of work to integrate the framework into her own department’s output but also across the
A Zoom with a View #6
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the latest in a running series of conversations between Eoin and I, where we share 3 things each from the world of education that have been causing us some consideration.We discuss:1. Eoin’s pedagogical priorities for the new year2. Why everything is downstream from a concept-led curriculum3. How schools should approach the challenge of in
Tama Karena - English and Music’s interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode, I am talking to Tama Karena. Tama is a Director of Music at an international school here in Hong Kong and has 30 years of experience in the classroom, twenty of which have been spent in international schools. My chat with him is the second conversation in a series of discussions designed to learn more about secondary subjects and their possible interdisciplinary links with English
Louis Wong - English and STEM’s interdisciplinary links - Hong Kong
In this episode, I am talking to Louis Wong. Louis is a STEM Coordinator, DP Physics teacher, IB Examiner, author and speaker. My chat with him is the first conversation in a series of discussions designed to learn more about secondary subjects and their possible interdisciplinary links with English.My intrigue in having these chats is seeing whether there is possibilities for connections across s
Richard Bustin - Powerful knowledge and the capabilities students need - West Sussex
In this episode, I’m speaking with Richard Bustin. Richard is a Geography teacher as well as being Director of Pedagogy, Innovation and Staff Development at Lancing College in the UK. Most recently, he has authored a book entitled: What Are We Teaching? Powerful Knowledge and a Capabilities Curriculum.It was an interview I’d heard between Richard and James Mannion that led me to Richard’s work and
Morgan Whitfield - What is Challenge for All? - Ho Chi Minh
In this episode, I’m talking with Morgan Whitfield. Morgan is an author, consultant, CPD trainer and senior leader. Her recent book, Gifted?, advocates for challenging all students through an inclusive approach to teaching, whereby every student is given the opportunities to reach mastery.I really wanted to chat with Morgan having read her book, which is possibly the most robustly researched piece
Mary Myatt -Education adviser, Writer and Speaker - Wales
In this episode, I’m talking with Mary Myatt. Mary is nothing short of a patron saint of curriculum design in the uk, with her books including The Curriculum: Gallimaufry to Coherence, Huh: Curriculum Conversations Between Subject and Senior Leaders and Back on Track: Fewer Things, Greater Depth.I find myself quoting things Mary has said in discussions with colleagues on a regular basis and was el
A Zoom with a View #5
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the latest in a running series of conversations between Eoin and I, where we share 3 things each from the world of education that have been causing us some consideration.We discuss: 1. The challenges of instructional coaching2. The challenges of achieving improvement in education3. Handbooks versus playbooks and what this means for profess
Sam Gibbs - Curriculum / Development Leader for The Greater Manchester Education Trust and Author - Manchester
In this episode I’m talking with Sam Gibbs. Sam is a former English teacher and curriculum / development leader for a school trust in Manchester. Additionally, she co-authored the brilliant The Trouble with English and How to Address It: A Practical Guide to Designing and Delivering a Concept-Led Curriculum. As we go onto discuss, making the shift to concept-led curriculum in English is a paradigm
Dr James Mannion - Director of Rethinking Education, Author and Podcast Host - Brighton
In this episode I’m talking to Dr James Mannion. James is co-author of Fear is the Mind Killer a book designed to guide, implement and evaluate a Learning Skills curriculum in schools. More recently he has written Making Change Stick, a book that brilliantly synthesises research on school improvement so that is can be practically implemented in a sustainable way. James is also a fellow podcaster,
WILF: Reduce Change to Increase Improvement by Viviane Robinson
In this episode, I’m explaining What I Learnt From: Reduce Change to Increase Improvement by Viviane Robinson. This is the third episode that sees me go through my annotations and notes for a book that explores an area of English teaching or leadership.This time, it’s a text that I was actually assigned as part of a Masters I did a few years ago. Amidst all the theoretical reading, Viviane Robinso
Chris Youles - How to teach story writing - Taipei
In this episode, I’m taking to Chris Youles. Chris has experience being an assistant head, english lead, writing moderator, and a specialist leader in primary education. He is also a published author having penned: Sentence models for creative writing: A practical resource for teaching writing and more recently Teaching Story Writing in Primary: Curriculum-aligned, classroom-ready resources and st
David Didau - How to assess in middle school English - Somerset
In this episode I’m speaking to David Didau. David is a well-known and well-respected consultant in the world of English teaching and teaching more broadly. He has authored numerous books about education and the subject of English more specifically. Most recently, his book Bringing the English Curriculum to Life: A Field Guide for Making Meaning in English, with contributions from Claire Woozley,
A Zoom with a View #4
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the latest in a running series of conversations between Eoin and I, where we share 3 things each from the world of education that have been causing us some consideration.We discuss:1. The purposes for teaching English and what this subsequently means for writing instruction2. My attempts at suggesting the core concepts at the heart of Engl
Tom Sherrington - Mode A and Mode B Teaching - London
In this episode, I’m talking to Tom Sherrington. Tom is a former headteacher, current education consultant and author. He writes the popular blog teacherhead.com and his books include The Learning Rainforest and best-seller Rosenshine’s Principles in Action. He also co-authors the Teaching WalkThrus series with Oliver Caviglioli and edits the In Action series of education books.I was really excite
Anthony Cockerill - Director of the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE) - York
In this episode I’m speaking to Anthony Cockerill. Anthony is the new director of NATE, which is the National Association for the Teaching of English. NATE is an independent, non-funded, not-for-profit educational charity that provides publications and training for English teachers at all key stages that has helping English teachers from around the world since 1963. I wanted to talk to Anthony fol
Dr Jovita Castelino - Curriculum Leader of Science, Author and Homework Guru - Leeds
In this episode I’m talking to Dr Jo Castelino. Jo is is a curriculum leader for Science at a school in the UK and author of The Homework Conundrum, a guide for how a successful homework culture can be built in a school and within the classroom.I was so keen to speak with Jo after reading this brilliant book and as a result of always feeling a little insecure about the quality and quantity of home
WILF: ‘Book of Rhymes - The Poetics of Hip Hop’ by Adam Bradley
In this episode, I’m explaining What I Learnt From: Adam Bradley’s ‘Book of Rhymes - The Poetics of Hip Hop’. This is the second episode that sees me go through my annotations and notes for a book that explores an area of English teaching or leadership. This time, it is the first part of the eye-opening and eminently readable ‘Book of Rhymes’ by Adam Bradley. As a teacher of the IB’s DP Language a
Joanna Kolota - Curriculum Leader for Multilingual Learners and Author - Leeds
In this episode, I’m talking to Joanna Kolota. Joanna is the Curriculum Leader for Multilingual Learners at Trinity Academy Leeds, in the UK. She has written, spoken and worked to support multilingual students in primary, secondary and tertiary education and is now a published author after completing the brilliant Empowering EAL Learners in Secondary Schools.As someone who works in an internation
Alison Yang - MYP Coordinator - Hong Kong
In this episode, I’m talking to Alison Yang. Alison is MYP coordinator here in Hong Kong and prolific blogger of all things MYP at https://alisonyang.com. It was due to this prodigious output that I became aware of Alison’s work and reached out with a few questions that I have always harboured about the framework in the hope that I can improve these aspects of my practice.We discuss:How to support
WILF: Mary Oliver’s ‘A Poetry Handbook’
In this episode, I’m explaining What I Learnt From: Mary Oliver’s ‘A Poetry Handbook’. This is the first in a hopefully long list of shows that sees me go through my annotations and notes for a book that explores an area of English teaching or leadership. This time, it is the unsurprisingly beautiful writing of Mary Oliver who shares with the reader her thoughts and considerations after a lifetime
A Zoom with a View #3
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the latest in a running series of conversations between Eoin and I, where we share 3 things each from the world of education that have been causing us some consideration. We discuss: Why ‘white tables’ are better than ‘white boards’ in EnglishHow we can better address issues with reading fluency in the English classroomThe different stages
Jennifer Webb - Trust Director for English and Literacy - Leeds
In this episode I’m speaking to Jennifer Webb. Jenny is nothing short of a legend in English teaching after writing a number of hugely beneficial books ranging from how to teach reading and writing to metacognition as well as grammar instruction for secondary professionals. On top of this, she is a constant source of insight via her in person and virtual CPD events, which encompass advice on almos
A Zoom with a View #2
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the second in what we hope will be a long line of episodes focused on issues in and around English teaching. For anyone who hasn’t listened before, we bring forth 3 unknown issues to be discussed each, relating to things that we’ve thought, learnt or considered lately.We discuss:Uncertainty around the purpose of grammar and language teachi
Shane Leaning - Organisational Coach - Shanghai
In this episode I am speaking to Shane Leaning. Shane is an organisational Coach, international educator, author and podcaster. As a prolific creator in a number of different spaces, I was keen to get Shane on to discuss what it takes and what it’s like to make the switch from teaching students to advising schools around the world.We discuss:1. What made Shane transition from the classroom to cons
A Zoom With A View #1
In this episode, I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. This is the first in what we hope will be a long line of episodes focused on issues in and around international English teaching. It’s important at the outset to explain that this is an unapologetic rip off another podcast that I personally love, namely Craig Barton and Ollie Lovell’s Tips and Tools for Teachers. For anyone who hasn’t heard this s
Guy Claxton - What is school for? - Sussex
In this episode I’m speaking with Professor Guy Claxton. Guy is a cognitive scientist, author and one of education’s foremost experts on practical ways of expanding young people's relationship with and capacity for learning. His most recent book, The Future of Teaching, And the Myths that Hold it Back, a work that seeks to reclaim the nuanced middle ground of teaching that develops both rigorous k
Nutsa Kobakhidze - The ‘Shadow Education’ Industry - Hong Kong
In this episode I’m talking to Professor Nutsa Kobakhidze. Nutsa is a Director at the Comparative Education Research Centre and Assistant Professor at Hong Kong University. Her areas of expertise include comparative education; privatization of education; globalization and education and large-scale international assessments. I wanted to speak to Nutsa particularly in regard to the privatization of
Sarah Cottingham - Ausubel's Meaningful Learning in English - London
In this episode I’m talking to Sarah Cottingham. Sarah is Associate Dean at Ambition Institute, author of Ausubel's Meaningful Learning In Action, a Professional Development Consultant and former English teacher.I was really eager to speak with Sarah after reading her work about Ausubel’s theory and applying it to recent discussions about how English can be approached in a more conceptual manner.
Drew Perkins - Inquiry Based Learning - Louisville
In this episode I’m talking with Drew Perkins. Drew is Director of Thought Stretchers Education and host of the ThoughtStretchersEducation Podcast. I wanted to speak to Drew as I continue my exploration of what inquiry looks like in the classroom and particularly how it applies to English. Drew is an active advocate for implementing inquiry in a meaningful manner within education and has helped th
Zach Groshell - Inquiry Based Teaching and Direct Instruction - Seattle
This week I’m talking to Zach Groshell. Zach is an instructional coach, teacher in the American school system, has a PhD in instructional design and hosts the Progressively Incorrect Podcast. I have listened and loved Zach’s podcast for a long time now, particularly as the first season deals with the tension of progressive ideas and ideologies around inquiry based teaching as well as direct instru
Sarah Donarski - Head of Department and Author - Chester
In this episode I’m speaking with Sarah Donarski. Sarah is a Head Of English Department, PGCE & NQT mentor, speaker, blogger, researcher and author of The researchED Guide to Assessment. I recently relistened to an episode of Craig Barton’s Tips for Teachers with Sarah and immediately jotted down a number of questions and I had about assessment in English, which she has been kind enough to com
Kirun Goy - Podcaster and Leadership Facilitator - Singapore
In this episode I’m talking with Kirun Goy. Kirun is the co-founder and co-host of the BrainTools podcast, a show dedicated to sharing practical brain science for everyday people. Additionally, he is a Leadership Facilitator with Harvard Business Publishing.I was lucky enough to have Kirun run a workshop for teachers at my school recently and after looking up his podcast, I realised it was rare t
The IB English Guys - IBDP English A Paper 2 - Bangkok
In this episode I’m speaking with Andrew and Dave of the IB English Guys. 2023 saw the first roll out of the IBDP English A course’s Paper 2. As such, teachers across the world rallied to prepare students for a comparative literature essay that featured unseen prompts and the opportunity to select any of the studied texts from across their two years of study. I was keen to chat with Andrew and Dav
Chris Youles - Year 5 Classroom Teacher and Author - Taipei
In this episode, I’m speaking to Chris Youles. Chris is a Classroom Teacher at Taipei European School and author of Sentence models for creative writing: A practical resource for teaching writing. Chris’ book is one of the most instantly applicable teaching books that I’ve come across in recent years and coupled with a robust grammatical understanding for students, it can really help students
Craig Barton - Author, Podcaster, Consultant - Manchester
In this episode, I’m speaking with Craig Barton. Craig is an author, maths consultant, former Secondary Maths Adviser to TES and OG podcaster who originally hosted a TES podcast before going on to produce the Mr Barton Maths Podcast and Tips for Teachers podcast. For me this was an enormous highlight of my own podcasting experience so far given that Craig’s was the first teaching fo
Carly Leung and Vinci Tam - Teaching Low-Carbon Local Tourism - Hong Kong
In this episode I’m speaking with Carly Leung and Vinci Tam. Carly and Vinci are Development Director and Business Executive respectively at V’air, Hong Kong. V’air is a youth-initiated environmental education organization with the mission to promote low-carbon local tourism as a means to mitigate climate change. V’air uses its digital platforms, ecotours and public education events to recomm
Kate Beatty - MYP Unit Review - Munich
In this episode I’m speaking with Kate Beatty. Kate is the first returning guest I’ve had on the podcast and one I’m always very pleased to speak with about all things MYP. Kate is an IB Consultant, workshop leader, IB school accreditation team leader and programme leader, executive coach and author of educational resources including the INTHINKING MYP English Language and Literature website.For t
Leon Furze - AI and Writing in Education - Victoria
In this episode, I’m speaking with Leon Furze. Leon is an international consultant, author, and speaker with years of experience as an teacher in the UK and Australia. Leon is currently studying his PhD in the implications of Artificial Intelligence on writing instruction and education and as an English teacher is very well placed to advise how recent innovations in AI may affect the subject. 
Julie Stern - Conceptual Learning and Transfer - Washington D.C.
In this episode I’m speaking with Julie Stern. Julie is a four-time, best selling author with titles that include: Learning that Transfers, Visible Learning for Social Studies, The On-Your-Feet Guide to Learning Transfer and Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding. She is an advocate for sustainability, equity and well being in education and has spoken internationally to help facilitate t
Ben Walker - Head of CAS and English / TOK Teacher - Hong Kong
In this episode, I’m speaking to Ben Walker. Ben is an English and TOK teacher here in Hong Kong as well as the current CAS coordinator. Next year he will be taking up the Head of Secondary English role at his current school.We discuss:1. The best book he’s ever read, taught or been taught2. The advantages and disadvantages of running the 5 year MYP course all the way up to the DP3. His perspectiv
Cathryn Berger Kaye - Service Learning in Schools - LA
In this episode I’m talking with Cathryn Berger Kaye. Cathy is president of CBK Associates, ABCD Books and travels globally to provide professional development on the likes of service learning, 21st century competencies and environmental sustainability.She is the author of 'The Complete Guide to Service Learning', 'Going Blue' and 'Make a Splash!', which are student guides to Protecting Our Oceans
Benita Chick - Sustainable Development Goals and Schools
In this episode, I’m talking to Benita Chick. Benita is the CEO and Founder of Encompass, a social enterprise in Hong Kong, which supports different social causes and NGOs financially as well as advocating for how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be better implemented in businesses and schools. Benita is also a Board Member at KELY Support Group and Youth Arch Foundation, Education Directo
Nadia Abdallah - Interdisciplinary Units - Amman
In this episode I’m speaking with Nadia Abdallah. Nadia is a former Head of Department for English, Director of Teaching and Learning and MYP Principal in Jordan. She has also worked as a workshop leader for the IB and is currently Chief Education and Development Officer for Junior Achievement Worldwide, a nonprofit organisation providing hands on learning in financial literacy, work readines
Eoin MacCarthaigh - Head of Department - Bangkok
In this episode I’m talking to Eoin MacCarthaigh. Eoin is a Head of Department in Bangkok, teaching the IGCSE and IBDP. He is an active participant on Twitter and can be relied upon to ignite, continue and support conversation for international teachers. We discuss:- The best text he’s ever read, taught or been taught- A quick introduction to his career to date- What he has seen or read
Amber Rhinehart - MYP Coordinator - Accra
In this episode I am talking to Amber Rhinehart. Amber is an MYP Coordinator in an international school in Accra, an MYP Workshop Leader, an IB Site Visitor, MYP Personal Project Examiner and teaches Language and Literature as well as individuals and Societies. I was really keen to speak to someone as experienced and knowledgable as Amber owing to the many valuable but demanding aspects that the M
Tanay Naik - Secondary School Deputy Principal - Hanoi
In this episode I’m talking with Tanay Naik. Tanay is Secondary School Deputy Principal for Teaching and Learning at United Nations International School of Hanoi. He has recently co-authored an article in The International Educator and is a contributor and advocate for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color. In the show we discuss:- A quick introduction to Tanay’s ca
Dr Daniel Rosen - Head of Secondary - Düsseldorf
In this episode, I’m talking with Dr Daniel Rosen. Dan is currently Head of Secondary at St George's Düsseldorf. He also writes a brilliant blog entitled Musings of a Dr and more recently hosted the International version of TeachMeet Icons. Over the course of the conversation, we discuss:A quick introduction to Dan’s career in teachingHow recruitment for schools in Germany has been affected by the
Dr Rick Smith - Counsellor and Education Consultant - Hong Kong
In the episode I’m talking with Dr Rick Smith. Rick is a former teacher and now provides individual counselling for students working with stress and anxiety. He specialises in ADHD and attention-related disorders and has helped a great many students from his practice in Hong Kong and beyond. The conversation with Rick came about due to watching him in a fantastic seminar he did earlier this year a
Trevor MacKenzie - Inquiry-Based Learning
This is the latest in a series of podcasts where I focus on a particular part of English instruction or English related matters in detail. In this episode I’m talking with Trevor MacKenzie. Trevor is a world-renowned speaker and author and is best known for his work with inquiry based teaching approaches. As an IB educator, inquiry is a word, strategy or concept that comes up on a daily basis with
Rosie Georgiou - KS5 Lead and English Teacher - London
In this episode I’m speaking with Rosie Georgiou. Rosie is an English teacher, KS5 Lead and PhD student living in London. She first came to my attention during the most recent TeachMeetEnglishIcons event, in which she discussed the process and benefits of creative writing in English. During our conversation we discuss:The best text Rosie’s ever read, taught or been taught?The ways in which creativ
Natalie Obiko Pearson - Journalist - Vancouver
In this episode I’m talking to Natalie Obiko Pearson. Natalie is a journalist and bureau chief at Bloomberg Vancouver. Natalie’s work came to the attention of lots of International educators this year after writing an article entitled: Elite International Schools Have a Racism Problem. This provoked a lot of discussion online as well as amongst my colleagues and friends in the industry. Havin
The IB English Guys - English Teachers and YouTubers - Bangkok
In this episode I’m speaking to The IB English Guys, otherwise known as Andrew Cohen and David Giles. Andrew and Dave are both English teachers at the International School of Bangkok and moonlight as YouTubers in their spare time. Andrew and Dave’s channel has grown far and wide in such a small amount of time, in no small part thanks to their engaging manner on camera and concise, practical advice
Elaine McNally - Head of Department - Hemel Hempstead
In this episode I’m speaking with Elaine McNally. Elaine is an English Head of Department and enthusiastic presence on Twitter, where she she tweets @mrsmacteach33. I reached out for a chat with Elaine after seeing her speak at the TeachMeetEnglishIcons event earlier this year. Her presentation - ‘Powerful Voices: A Year 8 Curriculum’, tackled the topic of how she had tried to deliver d
Sarah Davies - Assistant Headteacher and Author - Oldham
In this episode I’m talking with Sarah Davies. Sarah is, amongst other things, an Assistant Headteacher, Early Career Teacher Mentor and Author of Talking about Oracy. After a conversation I had with Donal Hale a few months ago, I began searching for resources or guidance on how best to implement oracy in my own practice. Sarah’s was the first and best book I came across in a field that
Kate Anderson - Head of EAL - The Hague
In this episode I’m talking to Kate Anderson. Kate is the Head of the EAL department at The British School in the Netherlands and as such leads on English as an Additional Language provision across the secondary phase. I was looking to talk with someone like Kate after giving a lot of thought to how I work with EAL teachers in my own school and the obvious deficits in regard to my understanding an
Chris Shaw - Assistant Headteacher and Head of Department - Swansea
In this episode, I’m talking with Chris Shaw. Chris is Assistant Headteacher and Head of English at a Welsh-medium school in Swansea. In addition to that he is a regional advocate for @LitdriveUK and a vocal presence on Twitter, where he tweets under the handle - Athro Saesneg. We discuss: 1. The best text he’s ever read, taught or been taught2. The teaching and learning initiatives he’s
Brad Philpot - Teacher, Author and Workshop Leader - Frankfurt
In this episode I am speaking with Brad Philpot. Brad is an English teacher in Frankfurt but is best known for his brilliant range of textbooks and instructional courses for teaching the IBDP. Brad is someone who has worked within IB education for a long time, holding numerous roles, affording him a massive amount of experience and knowhow when it comes to English instruction and curriculum design
Amy Staniforth - Acting Head of Department and Author - Norfolk
In this episode I’m speaking with Amy Staniforth. Amy is an Acting Head of Department, Assistant Principal and co-author of the amazing Ready to Teach Macbeth. We discuss:1. The best text Amy’s ever read, taught or been taught2. What kind of timescale and process goes into planning the books in her ‘Ready to teach…’ series3. What made Amy and Stuart choose Macbeth and A Christmas Carol
Bridie McPherson and Josie Sacks - Head of Department and National Curriculum Lead - London
In this episode I’m speaking with Josie Sacks and Bridie McPherson. Bridie is Head of Department at Oasis South Bank Academy and Josie is National Curriculum Lead for Oasis Community Learning. This interview came off the back of me watching Josie and Bridie talk as part of a ‘We are in Beta’ presentation. The ideas and insights offered around the likes of whole class feedback and standards within
Alethea Bleyberg - IBDP Core Consultant - Hong Kong
In this episode I’m speaking with Alethea Bleyburg. Alethea is the Director of Learning Curve Education Consulting Ltd and an IBDP Core Consultant. I was particularly keen to talk to Thea about the IBDP Extended Essay, about which she has extensive knowledge. We discuss:Her experience with international schooling and the EE specificallyThe ways in which an English EE differs in difficulty or
Kathrine Mortimore - Literacy in Secondary Schools
This is the third in a series of podcasts where I focus on a particular part of English instruction or English related matters in detail. In this episode I’m talking to Kathrine Mortimore. Kathrine is the Associate Assistant Principal at a secondary school in Torquay and author of the book: Disciplinary Literacy and Explicit Vocabulary Teaching: A whole school approach to closing the attainment ga
Donal Hale - Head of Department - York
In this episode I’m talking to Donal Hale. Donal is an English Head of Department at a secondary school in York and respected voice in English teaching on Twitter and beyond.We discuss:The best book he’s ever read, taught or learnt whilst at schoolWhere Donal and his department stand on planning the curriculum according to concepts, texts or skillsHow formative feedback, summatives and marking wor
Alice Gibbons - IBDP English Coordinator and Textbook Author - Hong Kong
In this episode I’m talking to Alice Gibbons. Alice is the IBDP Coordinator for English at West Island School Hong Kong and also one of 3 contributors to a 2019 textbook for the IBDP Language and Literature course. We discuss:- The best book she’s ever read, taught or been taught- Alice’s experience as a teacher at home in the UK and abroad- How the opportunity to write a textbook come about
Kate Beatty - International Education Consultant - Munich
This week I’m talking to Kate Beatty. Kate is a former Head of Department in English and now spends her time communicating with people around the world as an MYP English Language and Literature consultant. Having recently made the move into an IB world school that teaches the MYP I was really keen to ask someone like Kate a number of burning questions regarding planning a sequenced curriculum. Tha
Zoe Enser - Generative Learning in the English Curriculum
This is the second in a series of podcasts where I focus on a specific area of English instruction. In this episode I’m delighted to be talking to Zoe Enser about how generative learning can be implemented in the English classroom. Zoe and her partner Mark have offered the education world a number of fantastic publications, including their most recent book The CPD curriculum. But it is their
Dr. Liana Silva - Teacher of IB English - Houston
This week I’m talking to Dr. Liana Silva. Liana is an English teacher in Houston Texas, Chair of the Modern Language Association’s Committee on K-16 Alliances and Managing Editor of Sounding Out blog. We discuss:The best book she’s ever read, taught or learntA brief introduction to her career to date and her school’s recent switch to IBLiana’s initial impressions of the IB curriculum and how
David Didau - A Knowledge Rich English Curriculum
This is the first in a series of podcasts where I focus on a specific area of English instruction. In this episode I’m delighted to be talking to David Didau about how to construct a knowledge rich curriculum. David has authored numerous books on a wide range of school topics, including literacy, accountability and psychology. But his most recent publication, Making Meaning in English is the one t
Rebekah Ricketts - Head of English and Radio Host - Dubai
In this episode I’m talking to Rebekah Ricketts. Rebekah is Head of the English Department at Safa British School in Dubai. In addition to that, she hosts The Drive Home show for Teachers Talk Radio every Monday. We discuss:- The best book Rebekah’s ever taught, read or learnt in school and why- A text or unit that she’s been keen to introduce to the classroom but isn’t quite ready to do so y
Fiona Mulholland - Head of English - Hong Kong
In this episode I’m talking to Fiona Mulholland. Fiona is Head of the English Department at West Island School in Hong Kong.We discuss:- The best book Fiona’s ever taught, read or learnt in school and why- A text or unit that she’s been keen to introduce to the classroom but isn’t quite ready to do so yet- An introduction to her career to date and why she took the opportunity to teach abroad- The
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