In this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Leisa Grace Wilson, an educator and leader based in Abu Dhabi. We discuss Leisa's journey from the UK to the Middle East, the challenges and opportunities of leading in a culturally diverse environment, and the rapid pace of educational reform in the region. Leisa shares insights on the importance of community for educators, the role of her platform Teach Middle East, and the impact of her podcast. The conversation also touc...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 273
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Dan Fitzpatrick to discuss the evolving landscape of education in 2025. We explore the challenges and innovations in global education systems, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for strategic thinking to prepare students for the future. The conversation goes into the necessity of both revolutionary and evolutionary changes in education, emphasising the importance of innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. In this c...
Jan 06, 2025•56 min•Season 274Ep. 3
In this final episode of 2024, we reflect on the year's highlights, discussing significant themes in education, including assessment, innovation, and the role of technology. We review key podcast episodes, including conversations with influential guests and their experiences at events like BETT and the Brilliant Festival. The discussion emphasises the importance of contextualising technology in education and looking forward to the opportunities that 2025 will bring. In this conversation, we refl...
Dec 30, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 273
In this episode, we chat with 2024 Edufuturists' AI Pioneer of the Year, Matthew Wemyss, about the sensible integration of AI in education, the importance of community building, and the challenges of personalisation and equity in learning. Matthew shares his journey in education, his role in a British overseas school in Romania, and how he utilises AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance teaching strategies and support teachers. The conversation also touches on the need for investment in educational te...
Dec 23, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 272
In this episode of the podcast, it's a mashup of our conversations from the Brilliant Festival in Liverpool back in October. Our live interview on the main stage with Nachelle Crowther, Hugh Viney and Tom Rogerson has already gone out (check that out here). This one is from our little booth at the show where we got to chat with some incredible guests and speakers. (Don't judge Ben for being on his phone - he is sharing on social media live from the show!) Chapters 00:00 Introductions 02:20 James...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 270
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by David Cameron and Mick Waters to discuss the legacy of Sir Tim Brighouse, a significant figure in UK education. They explore Tim's influence, personal stories, and the concept of 'unfinished business' in education, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement and community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for actionable steps in education and the lasting impact of Tim's work. The conversation reflects on the legacy of peopl...
Dec 18, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 273
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Neelam Parmar and Duncan Verry to discuss the upcoming BETT UK event, its significance in the education technology landscape, and the importance of community engagement. Duncan Verry is the Portfolio Director for BETT and Dr Neelam Parmar is Director of Professional Learning and Online Education at AISL Harrow Schools, as well as being a judge for the BETT Awards. Neelam shares her extensive experience attending BETT, emphasising the value of lear...
Dec 02, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 269
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Louise Attwood, the subject lead for design technology and computer science at AQA. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of education, particularly in the areas of curriculum development and assessment. Louise shares her journey from being a design and technology teacher to her current role, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary connections in education. The discussion also looks into the challenges of keeping curricula relev...
Nov 25, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 268
In this episode, Ben and Steve recap the past TEN episodes and discuss the exciting future of education around some of the themes they have discussed with their guests. They cover a range of topics, including the role of AI in education, digital transformation, the importance of human connection, botheredness, a curriculum fit for purpose and the need for a holistic approach to learning. They also highlight the significance of supporting educators whilst championing the need for a more flexible ...
Nov 18, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 266
In this episode of the podcast, which is audio only, we showcase the incredible panel from Brilliant Festival in Liverpool on 15th October 2024. Ben & Steve are joined by Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, Nachelle Crowther, Founder of Evolve Generation and Tom Rogerson, Headmaster of Cottesmore School on the keynote stage at Brilliant. The conversation explores the future of education, focusing on emerging trends such as holistic education, the importance of culture in ...
Nov 11, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 266
In this episode of the podcast, Ben speaks with Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO of Engineering UK, about the future of engineering education and the importance of diversity in the field. We discuss the challenges young people face in pursuing engineering careers, the need for practical experience in STEM education, and the significance of role models in inspiring the next generation. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Tomorrow's Engineers Week and the importance of aligning young people's pass...
Oct 28, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 265
In this episode of the podcast, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Jo Hardy, Director of Innovation at TTS (formerly RM). We explore the evolving landscape of education, emphasising the importance of innovation, the need for a supportive culture, and the role of technology in modern learning. Jo shares her insights on the challenges faced by educators, the significance of coding and computational thinking, and the impact of community engagement through charity work. The discussion hig...
Oct 21, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 264
In this episode, we get to engage with Martin Griffin, an experienced educator and author, to discuss the critical role of mindset in education. We explore the psychological components of learning, the importance of resilience, and the VESPA framework (Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice, Attitude) that can help students succeed. The conversation digs into practical strategies for fostering motivation, setting effective goals, and the influence of parental expectations on student achievement. Mart...
Oct 13, 2024•58 min•Ep. 263
In this episode of the podcast, we speak with Hywel Roberts about his journey as an educator and the themes explored in his new book, 'Botheredness.' We discuss the importance of nurturing practice in teaching, the need for passion and compassion in education, and the role of creativity and context in engaging students. Hywel, in his inimitable and wonderful manner, shares insights on how to get kids to care about their learning and the significance of oracy and conversation in the classroom. Th...
Oct 09, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 262
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Gemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education and Innovation in Portsmouth. We discuss the impact of technology on education, the importance of personalisation and accessibility, and Gemma's journey through various educational roles. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among schools, the significance of equipping students with the right tools, and the ongoing transformation in the educational landscape. Gemma ...
Sep 30, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 261
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with Naomi Toland to further explore the concept of holistic education and the importance of understanding the whole human in the educational process. We discuss personal journeys, the creation of the Whole Human Hub, and the need for systematic change in education. The conversation emphasises the significance of rewilding education (as per a few other episodes!), building confidence, and fostering community connections. Naomi shares her exper...
Sep 23, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 260
In this episode, we interview Nic Ponsford, the founder and CEO of the Global Equality Collective (GEC). We discuss the importance of collecting accurate data in education and how the GEC is using AI to gather intersectional data on inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing in schools. Nic shares her journey from being a teacher to starting the GEC and explains how the GEC platform is helping schools create action plans based on the data collected. We also discuss the need to shift from a deficit mode...
Sep 16, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 259
In this episode, Ben Whitaker and Steve Hope are joined by Shonogh Pilgrim, CEO of Whole Education, to discuss the importance of holistic education. They explore the biases in society towards academic achievement and the undervaluing of skills and holistic development. They also discuss the need for a shift in the education system to focus on personalised education and the use of technology to enable individualised learning. The conversation highlights the collective illusions that perpetuate th...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 258
In this episode, Ben and Steve recap the past six episodes and discuss the exciting future of the podcast. They cover a range of topics, including the role of AI in education, digital transformation, the importance of human connection, and the need for a holistic approach to learning. They also highlight the significance of igniting the inner rebel in young people and the need for a more flexible and risk-friendly education system. The conversation is filled with humour, passion, and a commitmen...
Sep 02, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 257
In this episode, the boys are joined by Ian Phillips to discuss the challenges of implementing digital strategies in education. They explore the cultural barriers and the need for change in organisations, particularly in independent schools. They also touch on the role of gatekeepers in decision-making and the importance of influencing them effectively. The conversation explores the importance of recruitment, retainment, and resourcing in education. It emphasises the need to equip decision-maker...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 256
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, the hosts interview Jill Matterface, an educational specialist within the military. Jill shares her journey from being a PE teacher to working in the Air Force and her passion for creating innovative training programmes. She discusses the importance of developing a 21st-century learning environment and fostering a culture of psychological safety and independent learning. The conversation also touches on the balance between compliance and innovation in...
Aug 19, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 255
In this episode, Ben and Steve are joined by special guest David Cameron, who has a background in education and children's services. They discuss the importance of creating a better future for young people and the need to move away from an education system focused solely on attainment and exams. They also touch on the challenges of delivering education in rural areas and the importance of collaboration and joint working between schools and other agencies. The conversation highlights the need for...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 254
In this episode, Ben & Steve are joined by Kern Kelley, a Technology Integrator in central Maine, USA at R.S.U. #19. Kern started as a fifth-grade teacher and loved the ability to integrate different subjects and build a community in the classroom. He started involving students in tech support, which led to the creation of a tech help show and workshops. Kern became a technology integrator for the district, where he had the freedom to use his time and energy as he saw fit. He focused on buil...
Aug 04, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 253
In this conversation, Steven and Ben are joined by Global's Penny Lee Taylor-Brown to discuss the role of AI in education and the importance of human intelligence. They explore the need for skills such as critical analysis, communication, empathy, and storytelling in the workplace. Penny Lee shares her experience as a creative director in the media industry and how AI can be used to analyse documents and save time. They also discuss the potential of AI in personalising education and adapting tea...
Jul 29, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 252
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, Ben and Steve interview Johnny Wathen from TransforMATive about digital transformation in the education sector. We discuss the meaning of digital transformation and its importance in creating value for individuals and organisations. We also explore the current state of digital transformation in the education sector, with some organisations still in the early stages of digitisation while others are embracing digital leadership and maturity. The convers...
Jul 22, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 251
In this episode, Ben and Steve celebrate the 250th episode of the podcast and discuss their recent activities, including speaking engagements and workshops. They express gratitude to their partners, judges, and the community for their support. They also announce the renaming of the Outstanding Achievement Award in honour of David Price. The main themes discussed in the Trends booklet are holistic education, culture and strategy, lifelong learning, and enabling technology. The conversation covers...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 250
In this episode, Ben and Steve are joined by Claire Tamplin, The Mindful Movement Coach. Claire shares her journey from being an English teacher to becoming an innovator in holistic education. She talks about the importance of emotional health and fitness in schools and the need to move beyond a narrow focus on academic subjects. Claire introduces the concept of mindful movement, which is about getting out of your head and into your body, and explains how it can help manage stress and improve em...
Jul 08, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 226
In this episode, Ben and Steve discuss the impact of AI on education with guest Donald Clark. They explore the rapid progress of AI in education, the shift from text-based learning to multimodal learning, and the potential for AI to revolutionise assessment. They also discuss the role of teachers in the age of AI and the need for a shift in teaching methods. The conversation highlights the growing importance of AI in education and its potential to enhance learning experiences. AI in education ha...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 248
In this episode, Darren Coxon from Coxon.ai discusses his background in education and his work in helping schools integrate AI. He emphasises the importance of creating a positive and purposeful use of AI tools in education. Darren breaks down AI in schools into three categories: AI that replaces what humans can do, AI thats data, and AI that enables new possibilities. He also shares his strategic approach to using AI tools and recommends tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, and Notebook LM. Th...
Jun 24, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 245
In this conversation, we invited Alex Gray on to discuss the education system in the Middle East, specifically in Dubai. We talk about the high expectations and demands placed on teachers in international schools, as well as the importance of continuous professional development and collaboration. Alex shares his personal journey from teaching in the UK to working in Dubai, highlighting the benefits and challenges of the international education system. We also touch on the issue of work-life bala...
Jun 17, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 244
