Pivotal Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pivotal Education
JUST FOR KIDS LAW exists to help children and young people overcome all the difficulties they face, from problems at school and issues with immigration status to trouble with the police. They work with and for young people to ensure their legal rights are respected and promoted, and their voices heard and valued. Last time, … Continue reading Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – Part 2 – PP258 →
JUST FOR KIDS LAW exists to help children and young people overcome all the difficulties they face, from problems at school and issues with immigration status to trouble with the police. They work with and for young people to ensure their legal rights are respected and promoted, and their voices heard and valued. Aika Stephenson and Shauneen … Continue reading Why young people need lawyers Just For Kids – PP257 →
Kiran began her career in inner-city London, as an English teacher in schools serving the most deprived postcodes in the country. After five years on the frontline, Kiran left to work in education policy, searching for solutions to the rising number of vulnerable children who fall through the gaps. Kiran was working at Social Mobility … Continue reading How Kiran Gill is continuing to make ‘The Difference’ in PRUs and AP PP256 →
This week, a new presenter to the Pivotal Podcast, Cathy Duncan, spoke to the Scottish former football star, Kris Boyd. After a very successful career, Kris now works to help improve the mental health of those in need. Kris grew up in the South Ayrshire village of Tarbolton and started his senior football career with … Continue reading How Kris Boyd moved from scoring goals to supporting children’s mental health – and why it matters PP255 →
This week, Lynsie Monro speaks to Harrow International School Hong Kong‘s Deputy Head of Lower School (Pupil Wellbeing), Serena Clark. Serena is an award winning mentor and the recipient of outstanding leadership judgements from Ofsted in 2014 and 2018. With extensive experience of delivering the highest professional standards of educational and parochial care, she has … Continue reading How to maximise lockdown learning with Serena Clark PP254 →
Mark Bocker picks the brains of Wellness champion, Adrian Bethune this week. Adrian Bethune is a Healthy Body and Mind Leader and Teacher at a primary school in Hertfordshire. He was awarded a ‘Happy Hero’ medal at the House of Lords on the UN International Day of Happiness in 2013, and has been on stage … Continue reading Why wellbeing is more important than curriculum coverage with Adrian Bethune PP253 →
This week, Mark Bocker speaks to Shahana Knight, Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Specialist. Shahana is the Founder and Director of TPC therapy Ltd. A mental health service for children and young people. She manages a large team of play therapists who work with vulnerable children in schools, adoption, fostering and homicide across the UK. She … Continue reading What are Therapeutic Schools and why should all schools follow this pattern? Shahana Knight explains. PP252 →
This week, new presenter Lynsie Monro speaks to Dr Harry Hope about how he has led his Primary School through the opening stages of the Coronvirus emergency. It’s a fascinating interview and Harry shares a huge amount about his approaches and stresses what he thinks is most important for everyone to remember at times like … Continue reading Dr Hope – Learning Packs before Six Packs – PP251 →
This week, Huw talks to the amazing Baby J about the alternative provision in Derby he runs called Baby People. We use the term ‘inspirational’ a lot but Baby J is definitely an inspiration to the many young people who have benefited from what he has achieved. Baby J is an established record producer who … Continue reading Baby J and the Baby People – UK’s first Hip Hop school! PP250 →
This is a compilation episode with clips from the following episodes: Sarah Wild on girls and autism…it’s not just a boy thing – PP159 Autistic? Genius! with Tom Bowes – PP192 Do we know enough about Inclusion? Tara Elie speaks to Emma Brown – PP204 Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210 … Continue reading What all teachers should know about Autism and learning – PP249 →
Benita is Founder of Place2Be and a qualified counsellor. Benita was CEO for 20 years until 2014 when she stepped down and was appointed life time President and continues to support the organisation enthusiastically through her role as President. Benita received an OBE for Services to Children and Families in 2007; was awarded an Honorary … Continue reading Why we should get our Heads Together in APlace2Be to tackle child mental health issues – with Dame Benita Refson DBE – PP248 →
Rachel Lofthouse is Professor of Teacher Education in the Carnegie School of Education. She has a specific research interest in professional learning, exploring how teachers learn and how they can be supported to put that learning into practice. Rachel joined Leeds Beckett University in July 2017, and has established the Research and Practice Centre ‘CollectivED: … Continue reading Coaching, Mentoring – what’s the difference? Rachel Lofthouse explains – PP247 →
Gavin is a truly motivational speaker. His inspiration for what he does comes from where he started out his career—primary school teaching. He is a firm believer that we as adults can be every bit as inspired by young children as they can by us grown-ups. Gavin transports his audience back to when they were … Continue reading Give Yourself Permission To Be Playful at Christmas – and At Any Time! Gavin Oattes – PP246 →
This week, Tara was invited onto Voice of Islam Radio to take part in a programme about the link between exclusions and crime, including knife crime. About Voice of Islam Voice of Islam Radio is a new Digital DAB 24hr radio station which offers news, views, discussion and insight on Islam’s Perspectives on the world … Continue reading Tara talks exclusions and crime on Voice of Islam Radio – PP245 →
This week, Mark talks to Kirstie Mackey from Barclays Life Skills which provides: Tool tips and learning resources for you to help yourself or to support you in the development of others For students, educators and parents, the scheme provides City and Guilds approved activities and resources covering a huge range of work/life topics. https://barclayslifeskills.com/ … Continue reading Kirstie Mackey – Barclays Life Skills – for life! PP244 →
This week, Tara speaks to three guests about Maths in the classroom and how technology can help or hinder learning. Dr Christian Salas (below centre) is a Maths Lecturer from Waltham Forest College, Stephen Farmer (below left), is Headteacher at Cranbrook Education Campus and Dan Sandhu (below right), is from Sparx Maths. The conversation goes … Continue reading Technology in the Maths Classroom – helpful or harmful? PP243 →
This week, Mark speaks to Mary Meredith, Head of Inclusion at Lincolnshire County Council. In an engrossing and detailed conversation, they cover many different areas of behaviour in English schools – what’s going well, what’s going badly and what should happen in the future. Mary’s in-depth knowledge of research combined with her enormous personal, practical … Continue reading Behaviour Problems in England with Mary Meredith PP242 →
This week, Kevin and Ollie speak to the talented Blair Minchin, a primary school teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Blair has been teaching for 5 years, having previously worked in law, practising in commercial litigation. He says he ADORES his job and has a real passion for developing pupil voice inside the classroom and out. … Continue reading Do you think vlogger Blair Minchin is ‘bad’? PP241 →
Mark has 37+ years’ experience in special, PRU and mainstream education; most recently as a headteacher of a small specialist (ASD/SEMH) residental school and a headteacher of a large pupil referral unit (PRU). Prior to headship, Mark also held positions including Director of Inclusion; Lead Behaviour Professional, Senior Teacher, Head of PE and Classroom Teacher. … Continue reading Mark Bocker – from Head of PE to Pivotal Principal Trainer – PP240 →
Tara Ellie enjoyed speaking to David Miller this week. David is from Glasgow’s Kelvinside Academy which opened Scotland’s School of Innovation, the first of its kind in the UK, in September 2019. “This is a must for Scotland if it is to continue to punch above its weight in the global economy during these challenging … Continue reading Innovation is the name of the game – with David Miller PP239 →
In a great fun episode this week, Tara meets ‘The Jungle Master’ and ‘Kiosk Keef’ AKA Chris and Lewis from Hillcrest Early Years Academy in Lincolnshire. Chris and Lewis are both Key Stage 1 teachers and they make what they describe as ‘fun phonics videos’. The origins of the approach were in a whole-school phonics focus … Continue reading Phonics Fun in the Jungle! PP238 →
Supporting the National Curriculum for Design and Technology and tailored for key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5, the Design Museum offers students and educators world class design education facilities supporting a vibrant and relevant programme connected with the wider ecology of design practice, networks and communities. This week Tara speaks to Sevra Davis and … Continue reading Why Design is crucial for humanity – PP237 →
In our first episode for the new academic year, Tara speaks to Daniel Senn whose background and skills helped him to invent a new reading app called Poio which has helped more than 100,000 children aged 3-8 crack the reading code! Daniel also shares his research and views on the role of fun in education. Daniel … Continue reading Reading? There’s an app for that – Poio with Daniel Senn PP236 →
This week, Tara Elie speaks to the truly inspirational RIP STARS: Here’s how the Disabled Young Researchers describe themselves: We are a group of disabled young people aged 17 – 25 from Coventry, UK. We have been trained by Anita Franklin and Geraldine Brady (Coventry University) to be researchers. We lead our project – research … Continue reading RIP STARS battling for equality! PP235 →
This week, Tara Elie talks to Maxine and Ewan from Haileybury Turnford in Hertfordshire. It’s an excellent chance to hear all about how they have embarked on a process of culture change around behaviour and rates of exclusion – and their successes. https://haileyburyturnford.com/
Despite serious technical challenges at his school, Lee Parry managed to join Tara Ellie to discuss the progress his school has made in behaviour after adopting Pivotal’s approach. Lee is Head of Drama at Netherhall School in Cambridge and also a qualified Pivotal Instructor. Tara and Lee also discuss tips for managing behaviour at the … Continue reading End of Year Behaviour Progress with Lee Parry PP233 →
Greetings pop pickers! This is a rundown of the 10 most downloaded episodes from the podcast in the academic year 2018-19. Will your favourite make it to the top spot? In no particular order, here are the episodes featured: http://pivotalpodcast.com/221 http://pivotalpodcast.com/220 http://pivotalpodcast.com/205 http://pivotalpodcast.com/222 http://pivotalpodcast.com/223 http://pivotalpodcast.com/211 http://pivotalpodcast.com/215 http://pivotalpodcast.com/216 http://pivotalpodcast.com/206 http://pivotalpodcast.com/204
This week, Tara speaks to Katie from the thriving YouTube Channel, ‘For Teachers’. Follow For Teachers: Instagram: @ForTeachers Twitter: _ForTeachers Email: enquireforteachers@gmail.com Katie has a fascinating story – originally a teacher in Manchester, she now teaches in Hong Kong and explains to Tara some of the differences she’s discovered. Katie is also passionate about promoting … Continue reading YouTube For Teachers – and Baby Sharks! – PP231 →
This week, Kevin and Ollie speak to Ricky Massey and hear his fascinating story. As Principal of Glengormley High School in Belfast, he took over a school which was described as ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’. Ricky explains how he approached this new role and gives lots of practical tips on how to … Continue reading Principal Ricky Massey and ‘The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Schools’! PP230 →
In a fascinating interview, Tara Elie speaks to the influential educator, Dr. Todd Whitaker, about phone calls and how to be welcoming to parents. Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of … Continue reading Dr. Todd Whitaker – (E.T.) Phone Home! PP229 →
This week we’re thrilled to welcome two guests to our podcast; Matt Burton, Headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy and Cerys Griffiths, Creative Director, BBC Education. Matt is probably better known as ‘Mr Burton’ from the popular TV series Educating Yorkshire, who, inspired by watching ‘The King’s Speech’, helped pupil Musharaf Asghar with his speech and … Continue reading Matt Burton and Cerys Griffiths- Starting Secondary School – tips and resources for transitioning – PP228 →
Charlie was the inaugural Chief Executive of the National College for Teaching & Leadership (NCTL) where he was responsible for overseeing teacher training and professional conduct. Prior to the NCTL, Charlie was the Headteacher at The Willows Special School and a DfE expert adviser on behaviour. This week, Tara Elie talks to Charlie about how … Continue reading Charlie Taylor from Zen Educate – How to Integrate Supply Teachers – PP227 →
Jamie’s website is http://letsplayuk.com/ With over 15 years experience of the sector, Jamie brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to what we do at Let’s Play. Holder of The UEFA A Licence, the most prestigious qualification available to football coaches, alongside his teaching qualifications – Jamie is a modern and innovative coach, teacher … Continue reading Jamie McDonough – play in the classroom – seriously?! PP226 →
Tara Elie talks to EAL teacher, consultant and resources creator, Kamil Trzebiatow who shares his extensive experience and expertise supporting students with English as an Additional Language in mainstream subject classes. He gives us many practical approaches to try out. Kamil’s blog has been created specifically to help subject teachers who have not had specific … Continue reading Subject Teachers – Try Kamil’s EAL Tips and Tricks in your classroom! PP225 →
Tara Elie recently spoke to the inspirational Adora Svitak. You may have seen the TED talk she gave when she was 12: Adora is now a writer, speaker, and advocate for causes including feminism, youth empowerment, and literacy. She began delivering writing workshops at local schools after publishing a collection of short stories. Later, she … Continue reading Adora Svitak’s youth empowerment inspiration and Russell’s back! PP224 →
In the final of three episodes, Paul concludes his remarkable conversation with the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and behaviour management issues; classroom management; stress and teaching; colleague support; developing peer-support programs for teachers and … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 3 – PP223 →
In the second of three episodes, Paul continues his conversation with the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and behaviour management issues; classroom management; stress and teaching; colleague support; developing peer-support programs for teachers and developing … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 2 – PP222 →
Paul was delighted to have the opportunity to speak at length to the world’s leading authority on behaviour management, Dr. Bill Rogers. They sat down for afternoon tea together and this is the first part of their conversation. Bill Rogers is an education consultant. A teacher by profession, Bill now lectures widely on discipline and … Continue reading Bill Rogers Part 1 – PP221 →
Tara Elie hosts the first ever Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party where three guests get to discuss the education topics of the moment: Callum Wetherill Mark Goodwin Zuzanna McClintock Join us with a beverage of your choice and see if your opinions on the courses match our guests: Starter: ‘Teachers work too many hours’ says education … Continue reading 4 Courses, 3 Guests and a Mobile Phone – The First Pivotal Podcast Dinner Party! PP220 →
Tara Elie spoke to Laura McInerney this week. Laura is a former teacher and education journalist who currently writes a regular column for The Guardian and for the weekly newspaper Schools Week. Laura begins by explaining what Teacher Tapp is. This data-focussed phone app encourages teachers to take a few seconds per day to share their … Continue reading Laura McInerney Encourages Teachers to Tapp Here! PP219 →
It was such a joy to welcome Carrie Grant onto the Pivotal Podcast this week. Carrie is married to David and together they are well known to TV audiences internationally as judges and vocal coaches, on the massively successful TV talent shows, “Pop Idol” (ITV) and the BBC flagship programme “Fame Academy”. They are current judges … Continue reading Carrie Grant – Having children with SEN is a real ‘Boon’ – PP218 →
This week, Ollie went to speak to Headteacher of Hightown Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Russell Ingleby. Russell is going to be sending audio diary entries into the podcast over the coming months so, in this introductory episode, Ollie finds out more about Russell, his school and his philosophy around ‘The Hightown Way’. Hightown School … Continue reading Introducing our new Headteacher Audio Diarist, Russell Ingleby! PP217 →
It was great to welcome Kiran Gill onto the podcast to start our 2019 episodes. Kiran is Founder and CEO of The Difference – an organisation which is creating a new generation of school leaders, specialist in improving outcomes for the most vulnerable children. Kiran began her career in inner-city London, as an English teacher … Continue reading Kiran Gill on how to make ‘The Difference’ in behaviour – PP216 →
You will probably know Vic Goddard from the TV show, Educating Essex but in this week’s episode he talks candidly to Tara Elie about a wide range of topics including: Whether he would agree to filming in his school now His experiences with Ofsted How damaging he thinks overtesting is Tips for surviving in school … Continue reading Vic Goddard on How to Educate Essex, Ofsted, Overtesting…and more! PP215 →
Ollie Frith gives an exclusive insiders’ viewpoint on Pivotal’s Recent Instructors’ Conference this week. There are clips from some of the sessions and lots of inspiration from delegates and organisers. Ollie encourages us all to Stop, Collaborate and Listen, rather than blindly following ‘what we have always done’. The video Paul uses in his session: Tweet … Continue reading Stop, Collaborate and Listen! PP214 →
Siobhan has been headteacher of a Primary school in Morecambe, Lancashire for 14 years. Morecambe is a coastal town with pockets of extreme deprivation from which the school’s intake is drawn. The school has established outstanding Pastoral Support systems and makes excellent use of links with other agencies and sectors. Siobhan works as a member of the County … Continue reading Poverty, closing more than one gap with Siobhan Collingwood – PP213 →
Ashley Mclaren is a criminologist who has recently completed her Master’s thesis. Tara spoke to her about unconscious bias but Ashley has also been influenced by Dr. Karen Graham who has worked on the ‘School to Prison Pipeline’. Ashley’s thesis is entitled, ‘Black and Blue – an exploration of the work and identity as a … Continue reading Criminology, Ethnicity and the School to Prison Pipeline with Ashley Mclaren – PP212 →
Ollie Frith guides us through some of the earliest episodes of the podcast which cover aspects of the Five Pillars of Pivotal Practice: Consistent, calm adult behaviour First attention to best conduct Relentless routines Scripted interventions Restorative follow up The episodes he refers to are: Restorative Practice – PP3 Scripted Behaviour Interventions – PP10 Managing … Continue reading Pivotal Pillars Playlist – The Early Years – PP211 →
Tara Elie welcomes Emma Brown back shortly after her previous visit to answer some questions about autism from podcast listeners. Emma is a Practice Development Coach working in Social Care with clients who have learning disabilities and/or Autism. The answers to the questions posed are equally applicable to those in mainstream settings who come into … Continue reading Emma Brown is back! Listener Questions on Autism – 210 →
This week, Paul speaks to Elaine Halligan. The London director of The Parent Practice, Elaine has been a parenting facilitator since 2006, teaching parents in the Wimbledon and Clapham centres. She works in schools and nurseries, coordinates our corporate and business seminar programme and works with special educational needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. … Continue reading Is your child different? Sam’s Story with Elaine Halligan – 209 →
Ruth McKay is Headteacher at Portobello High School, a large comprehensive in the east of Edinburgh. Ruth began her career as an English teacher and quickly moved into Guidance and Pastoral Care. Following a national secondment looking at new ways to measure progress and improvement in education, she spent time working in a local authority … Continue reading Ruth McKay – Grass roots to open sky – 208 →
Victoria Tait is Education for Sustainability Coordinator at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. As EfS coordinator, Victoria’s role is to ensure that sustainability is an integral part of both staff and students’ experiences and learning whilst at our University. Victoria works with staff to explore how sustainability links to the curriculum, and supports individual staff members to … Continue reading Making Sustainability Sustainable in Schools with Victoria Tait – 207 →
Mike is joined by a former Assistant Chief Constable and a former Chief Constable this week for an extremely helpful update on what schools should be doing around Safeguarding, following some recent changes. Mike Glanville and Martin Baker founded ‘One Team Logic‘ to provide high quality safeguarding software as a service across a wide range … Continue reading Safeguarding in Education – Lessons will be learnt – 206 →
Ollie Frith is back this week and shares a great conversation with Chris Kilkenny. Chris’ Twitter bio is: ‘care leaver – speaker/campaigner – passionate about equality – ACES – I am a black box for the failed system’. Chris came himself from adverse childhood experiences and now uses his experiences to spread the word about … Continue reading The Power of Loving Young People And Haircuts With Chris Kilkenny – 205 →
Tara Elie is back on the podcast this week after about a year away! She speaks to Emma Brown, a Practice Development Coach working in Social Care with clients who have learning disabilities and/or Autism. She shares a great deal of her knowledge which is equally applicable to those in mainstream settings who come into … Continue reading Do we know enough about Inclusion? Tara Elie speaks to Emma Brown – PP204 →
Andy Oliver was appointed as an NQT at Holte School, Lozells, Birmingham in 1998. Holte was graded ‘Outstanding’ in 2009 and 2012, is an Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship School and also recently achieved the Equalities Award. Andy undertook a variety of pastoral posts at the school including Head of Year, Assistant Headteacher and now Deputy Headteacher. … Continue reading Holte School – Transforming Lives through Partnerships – PP203 →
For Mike’s last episode of the academic year, he speaks to the remarkable Clare Erasmus who shares her insights around wellbeing – what a great end to a great year! Clare is Head of Faculty for Mental Health and Wellbeing at Brighton Hill Community School and describes herself as very fortunate to have experienced unconditional love … Continue reading Clare Erasmus – Wellbeing Warriors! PP202 →
As we start a ‘new era’ for the Pivotal Podcast (actually it’s just that we have gone past episode 200…), Jon Tait makes a very welcome return. You can listen to his first interview on the podcast here. Jon is Director of the Acklam Grange Teaching School in Middlesbrough and joined Paul to talk about ‘flipping’ … Continue reading Jon Tait – Professional development and the C bomb – PP201 →
Paul met Tony for the first time as part of the TBAP Multi-Academy Trust. He is a headteacher, a consultant, Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and an expert in working with some of the most vulnerable “and damaged young people. What do teachers most often get wrong when dealing with the most challenging … Continue reading Tony Meehan – Working in the shadow of Grenfell – PP200 →
Pivotal Education trainers visit the office to update colleagues on their experiences and areas of work. This week, Ollie has selected some fascinating clips of Senior Trainers Hannah Hall and Alastair Burnett which cover some diverse topics such as gang culture and the new territories Pivotal is working in!
Pivotal Education’s own Mike Armiger has personal experience of children who find themselves in foster adoption care. This week, he has an opportunity to share his experience and expertise around: The practicalities of being an adpotive parent or carer The challenges faced by adopted children which are not encountered by others How practitioners can best … Continue reading Kids in Care with Pivotal Education’s Mike Armiger – PP198 →
Dr Emma Kell has been teaching for two decades, mainly in inner-London secondary schools. She is now a middle leader with several years of senior leadership experience. In 2016, she completed her doctorate with Middlesex University on balancing teaching and parenthood and in January 2018, her book, How to Survive in Teaching, was published by Bloomsbury. … Continue reading How to Survive in Teaching with Emma Kell – PP197 →
Ollie catches up with one of the pivotal people in his own life story – his old drama teacher, Carole Davies. They discuss the importance of arts subjects, positive relationships and much more in this fascinating episode. Here’s how Carole describes her ‘life in drama’: “It all started when I was quite young at school … Continue reading The drama in positive relationships with Carole Davies – PP196 →
Andrew is a Chartered Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist and co-director of Changing Minds UK. He has over 20 years’ experience in delivering high quality applied psychology provision across a range of settings including; Elite Sport, Business, Mental Health, Social Care and the Criminal Justice System. Andrew has a particular interest and expertise in supporting … Continue reading Custody, Behaviour and Trauma with Dr. Andrew Rogers – PP195 →
Jonathan Clucas is the headteacher of a large, three form entry Primary school in Blackpool with over 600 pupils and 50% in receipt of pupils premium funding. Blackpool is listed as the area with the lowest life expectancy in the UK, with the lowest average wage per household. It is the most deprived large seaside … Continue reading Learning the rules and then breaking them – Taking a school to outstanding with Jonathan Clucas →
It was great to speak to Claire Birkenshaw this week. Claire is a former headteacher and has also done a huge amount for LGBTQ rights. Whilst in post as the headteacher of an alternative provision academy, Claire became (as far as she knows) the fist serving head to go through a transition. Subsequently, Claire decided … Continue reading How to be an equality champion with Claire Birkenshaw – PP193 →
Ollie interviewed the self-proclaimed ‘Autistic Genius’, Tom Bowes this week in a great interview about the condition and what we should, as teachers and human beings, be doing about it. Often, Tom says, people focus on the autism and not the individual. He points out that autism isn’t a behavioural issue but it can cause … Continue reading Autistic? Genius! with Tom Bowes – PP192 →
In one of the most thought-provoking and important episodes we have ever had on the podcast, Paul talks to author, teacher and founder of Independent Thinking, Ian Gilbert. The result is a no-holds-barred, uncompromising critique of the state of education in England today and what we should be doing about it. Listen at your own … Continue reading Re-framing the Education Debate with Independent Thinker, Ian Gilbert – PP191 →
James is Head of Academic Progress for Upper School at Plymton Academy. We were keen to speak to him because he combines a leadership role with being in the classroom himself. How did you learn to support and create a positive climate for behaviour in the classroom? James believes this came quite naturally to him … Continue reading James Yates’ ‘Signature Behaviour Dish’ – PP190 →
Ollie spoke to Kate Milman this week from Wild Things Ecological Education Collective. The organisation has been running as a small grassroots and voluntary managed, not-for-profit social co-operative since 1997, working in the woodland environment with children and young people from Nottingham and Derbyshire. Wild Things provides woodland based environmental learning adventures, Forest School programmes, residential … Continue reading Where The Wild Things Are With Kate Milman – PP189 →
Rae Snape has been headteacher at The Spinney School in Cambridge since 2007. She is also a member of the DfE’s Primary Headteachers’ Reference Group where she has been helping the government reflect on its policies since 2010. What tips would you give to headteachers who are currently implementing change and school improvement? Rae points … Continue reading “Yes We Can!” with Headteacher, Rae Snape – PP188 →
This week, Paul spoke to Susie Speller, Associate Professor of Materials at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford. Susie first came to the University of Oxford as an undergraduate student in Materials Science, staying on to gain a DPhil in the field of high temperature superconducting materials. She was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship in … Continue reading Susie Speller – An ‘Oxbridge’ Too Far For State School Students? – PP187 →
Sky Caves is a Learning Technology Apprentice at Basingstoke College of Technology working as a part of their in-house digital team, BCoT Digital, to curate, research, train and assist with the implementation of digital tools throughout the college. She also works closely with Specialist Provision and, as of this year, has been curating self-directed learning … Continue reading Sky Caves – She Tech knows what it’s all about – PP186 →
We really enjoyed speaking to Thomas Rogers this week. Tom is a Head of History, classroom teacher of 10 years, columnist for the TES and course curator for Udemy. He teaches in an International School in Northern Spain and was first encouraged to go into teaching by his experiences working for Cam America. He has ended … Continue reading Tom Rogers on Sun, Sea and History – PP185 →
Ollie spoke to Mine Conkbayir this week about the brain and why we all need to know so much more about it than we do. She helps to debunk some myths which are still very prevalent in today’s schools and presents a high level of challenge to all educators to examine their practice. Mine is an … Continue reading Why all educators need to care about Mine Conkbayir’s frontal cortex – 184 →
In a week when there was a surprise change of Education Secretary in England, it was a delight to welcome Alison Kriel to the podcast. Alison has the experience of turning round a school which was in a remarkably challenging state and as Mike puts it, ‘leading with compassion’. She also has a focus on … Continue reading Alison Kriel on Leading With Compassion – PP183 →
Mike spoke to an ex-Chief Inspector from Manchester Police, Shane O’Neill. Shane loved Policing but wanted to leave in order to work in different ways to help to avoid criminalising young people who have just made mistakes. Global Policing Ltd helps schools with behaviour, safety and security but at the same time educating children on … Continue reading Policing Our Schools With Shane O’Neill – PP182 →
[box colour=”blue”] Play the Podcast Episode Now [/box] It’s time, once again, for the annual Pivotal Podcast Christmas Quiz. This year, we’ve changed the format a bit so you can play along in your staff meeting or even at your Christmas party! Christmas quiz presenters are: Featured but not participating:
Episode 180! Ollie welcomes Pivotal Principal Trainer, Paul Woodward onto the show this week. Paul Dix interviewed Paul shortly after he joined Pivotal Education and we have included some of that conversation this week. More recently, Ollie had the pleasure of interviewing Paul again to find out a lot more about his educational beliefs and … Continue reading Paul Woodward – Stories from around the world – PP180 →
What an amazing time Nina had in the Time Out Room this week! Paul really enjoyed talking to her about Sherbet Lemons and what she means by describing herself as a Ninja! Nina is She is a former teacher and an International Education Consultant. She has a breath-taking grasp of what makes classrooms, children and their … Continue reading Ninjas and Sherbet Lemons – Nina Jackson in the Time Out Room – PP179 →
Jodie is A Senior Leader at Laurence Jackson Secondary School in North Yorkshire. Last year, she undertook Pivotal ‘s Leading Behaviour Change in School course with a colleague which she describes as: “A bit of a game-changer.” It convinced her to proceed to the Pivotal Behaviour Management Instructor Course: “[The course] gave me the vision … Continue reading On the up and up with Jodie Downs – PP178 →
We speak to Ceri Stokes about her role as a Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at a residential school to find out about how she found herself looking after this crucial area of school life. Ceri works at Kimbolton School, which is a co-educational day and boarding school of 950 pupils aged 4 to 18. In … Continue reading Ceri Stokes – Empowering Safeguarding Leads – PP177 →
In a varied episode, Ollie Frith speaks to Primary Headteacher, Anne Cooper, from Bell Farm Primary. She has taken her school from ‘Serious Weaknesses’ to a ‘Good’ rating and shares some of her successful approaches. She felt that the decision on her school’s original rating was made very quickly at the start of the day … Continue reading Hanging with Miss Cooper in the Time Out Room – PP176 →
This week’s inhabitant of the Time Out Room with Mike Armiger is Daryn Simon. Daryn works in teacher training as well as working in schools. He tells us a little about his classroom philosophy as well as what he would change if he went back into the classroom. Daryn had his own experience of being … Continue reading Daryn Simon’s Education Confessions in the Time Out Room – PP175 →
There’s a new flavour to this week’s episode as we join Hywel Roberts who finds himself in the Pivotal Podcast Time Out Room. Hywel reveals more than ever before about himself and his educational thinking in this fascinating trip into the mind of a man who never ceases to educate and entertain. Paul asks Hywel … Continue reading Hywel Roberts in the Time Out Room – PP174 →
In a very special episode, Chris Dyson returns to the Pivotal Podcast to tell us the full story of his recent Ofsted inspection. Chris is headteacher of the larger than average size Parklands Primary School, on the Seacroft Estate in Leeds where up to a third of the children join or leave the school in … Continue reading Yabba Dabba Dyson! PP173 →
This week, Paul spoke to the headteacher of the school which is at the centre of the Channel 4 series, Educating Greater Manchester, Drew Povey. His school is Harrop Fold in Salford and he became head there at the age of 32. Harrop Fold was infamous for being ‘the worst school in the country’ when … Continue reading Relentless Povey – How to turn around the impossible with less than nothing – PP172 →
After a twenty-year journey to get to headship, via teaching and advising roles, Simon began leading East Whitby Academy in 2014. Simon has leaned a lot about trusting your instincts in a particular role – and particularly acknowledging when a job is not for you and having the strength to make a change. How important … Continue reading Headteacher Simon Smith – Literature and Imagination! PP171 →
Paul interviewed Dr. Ian Cunningham from The Self Managed College in Brighton this week. He has some amazing things to share about handing control of everything over to students. There’s also lots of education news and Pivotal news! The Self Managed College works with children from a variety of contexts and allows them total control … Continue reading Dr. Ian Cunningham – How to Hand Control of Everything to Students! – PP170 →
Before introducing Ben, Ollie shares some thoughts on school uniforms; do share your own views in the comments below. Ben is the new Pivotal Education Head of Sales. He has spent more than 20 years working in International Education. He has a wealth of knowledge about the International Baccalaureate and how it is taught in … Continue reading Ben Toettcher – Stories and connections – No Man is an Island – PP169 →
In our first episode of the new academic year, Paul went to speak exclusively to Ross Morrison McGIll you may well know better as Teacher Toolkit. Ross announces that his situation has changed radically. He has resigned form his job as a teacher and has decided to move into providing the training he has been … Continue reading Teacher Toolkit – Ofsted and beyond! PP168 →
Mike interviews Tim Browse this week for our final episode of the academic year. Tim is headteacher at Hillcrest Primary School in Bristol although he is moving on in September. Mike went on a two-day visit to Hillcrest and was struck by the great learning going on inside but it was in the playground that … Continue reading A head’s reflections on playtime and a job well done – PP167 →
Ollie Frith has spent this week with some amazing educators on Pivotal’s Fast Track residential training. 6 of them volunteered to talk to him for the podcast about the importance of culture change in schools. As Ollie says, ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’. If we get the culture right in our schools and colleges, then … Continue reading Fast Track – Culture Change – PP166 →
Nicholas is assistant head at a large, East London secondary school. After a career of work in areas such as underachievement, he is currently working on a PhD in race and education. Do schools take the understanding of why certain groups underachieve seriously enough? Nicholas believe we generally take it as a ‘given’ that certain … Continue reading Race Against The Odds with Nicholas Taylor-Mullings – PP165 →
Joe is Director of Learner Services at Bridgend College. After realising that Primary teaching wasn’t for him, he did some work experience as a teaching assistant in an FE college, working with learners with complex needs and emotional and behavioural difficulties. He loved this work so decided to do a PGCE. After projects with young … Continue reading How to help young people be all that they can be with Joe Baldwin – PP164 →
Sinéad is Senior Lecturer in Primary English Education at The University of Brighton. She has been involved in very exciting research into creativity in the classroom. As a primary teacher for 15 years, Sinéad has been looking at how we can hold onto creativity in the classroom, particularly around the use of drama, despite the … Continue reading Sinéad Kennedy on how to use drama and creativity in the classroom – PP163 →
Chris Dyson is Headteacher of Parklands Primary School in Leeds. Chris loved school himself and always wanted to be a teacher. He worked in Stoke on Trent and York before moving to several different schools in Leeds and helping one of them move from Special Measures to Outstanding. Finally, he became headteacher at Parklands. How … Continue reading From ‘Tig on the Roof’ to ‘Heroes of Maths’ with Chris Dyson – 162 →
Andrew Swartfigure is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Andy has worked with children and adults with Autism, language difficulties and ADHD for more than 17 years. He has worked as a self-employed ABA Consultant as well as working for organisations such as Childhood Autism UK (PEACH), Jigsaw CABAS School, Ambitious about Autism-(TreeHouse School, Ambitious … Continue reading Andy Swartfigure on Analysing Behaviour – Everyone is Unique – PP161 →
GOAT DISCLAIMER – You may notice some strange changes in the audio quality in this episode. This was in no way connected to us goats eating the sound equipment. This week, Tara Elie visited Varndean School in Brighton. As well as being a co-education state maintained comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds, it’s also home … Continue reading The Varndean Goats – Behaviour, Therapy and Carrots! PP160 →
Sarah Wild is headteacher of Limpsfield Grange School, Surrey, which caters for the needs of girls with autism. She shares some amazing insights into a side of the autistic spectrum which is widely misunderstood. Isn’t autism a boy thing? Sarah points out that the majority of what we have known about autism is based on … Continue reading Sarah Wild on girls and autism…it’s not just a boy thing – PP159 →
Andy founded the Holistic Life Foundation with two co-founders he met at college. They decided that their mission in life was to try to save the world and work out how to get everyone to stop suffering. One of the group’s godfathers agreed to teach them all facets of yoga practice – at 4am each … Continue reading Andres Gonzalez on Mindfulness and Meditation – not Detention! PP158 →
Paul makes a welcome return to the Pivotal Podcast this week and our very special guest is Andy Buck. Originally a geography teacher, head of year and head of department, Andy went on to become a headteacher in east London for thirteen years. In the last year of headship, his school was judged outstanding in … Continue reading You’re in luck – it’s Andy Buck! (On Leadership) – PP157 →
Ollie and Kevin speak to David Bowman, Managing Director of Crown House Publishing, about the educational book market and why it’s booming again. David also talks about how they find educational authors and what makes a great educational book. David was originally in ‘productivity service’ with a gas board but moved into the family business … Continue reading How to get your educational book published with Crown House Publishing’s David Bowman – PP156 →
Oldham Sixth Form College have had two trainers trained by Pivotal Education in Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Pivotal Curriculum. Tara visited the college and recorded some interviews ‘on location’ to find out how the Pivotal Curriculum is affecting staff and students. What has changed? Tara spoke to Louise and Doug and asked … Continue reading How to transform behaviour with staff and students from Oldham Sixth Form College – PP155 →
Pivotal’s own Mike Armiger discusses the state of Mental Health in our children and young people. He suggests a range of ways in which schools can cope with the situation and best support those young people who are struggling with their own mental health. Why are Mental Health issues on the rise in schools and … Continue reading Why Mental Health issues are on the rise and what schools can do about it – PP154 →
In an unusual but very engaging episode, Paul and his son, Bertie, interview Netta, a year 9 student and her mother, Penny. Netta tells us about her personal experiences of whole class punishment and her feelings about it. We also discuss many other aspects of school behaviour and it was great to get a student … Continue reading Whole class punishment – a student speaks out – PP153 →
We welcome Parenting Expert, Sue Atkins, onto the podcast. It’s the first time we have spoken to a parenting specialist and it was a fascinating interview with Sue, who regularly appears on radio and TV – even sharing the sofa with Piers Morgan! Sue is a Parenting Expert, Writer, Speaker, Broadcaster, Parenting Coach and Mum … Continue reading Perfectly Practical Parenting with Sue Atkins – PP152 →
Tara Elie shares with us an amazing interview she recorded with the Dutch Detective Inspector Thorlief. It’s an amazing, thought provoking and deeply affecting episode with lots of parallels in every educational setting. Find out why Thorlief was accused of ‘Rolling out the red carpet for the Jihadis’ and why Tara was immediately by his … Continue reading How to reintegrate radicalised young men with Detective Inspector Thorlief – PP151 →
We had such a fun time this week talking to Juliet Robertson all about outdoor education. We learned some amazing things about settings which spend 90% of their time out of doors as well as a huge heap of tips and strategies for every classroom! Juliet is one of Scotland’s leading consultants on outdoor learning … Continue reading A Yearning for Outdoor Learning with Juliet Robertson – PP150 →
In a different kind of episode to normal, Paul and Kevin discuss a voicemail from Hannah who is looking for inspiration on research topics around behaviour and answer a question about how to persuade the last few children in a school to wear black shoes. The Varndean Goats get a mention as well… Then there … Continue reading Fastrack Behaviour and Black School Shoes – 149 →
Jonathan Lear joined us this week to talk about ‘Guerrilla Teaching’. Jonathan is a practising teacher and deputy head at an inner-city primary school. His Independent Learning bio reads: ‘Jonathan doesn’t so much teach as create an atmosphere in his classroom that is magical, engaging and exciting and that makes the children desperate to get … Continue reading How to Teach Guerrilla Style with Jonathan Lear – PP148 →
Dr. Phil Wood is a former geography teacher, subject leader and AST and is now at the School of Education at Leicester University. His research is about changing pedagogy and challenging organisations and teachers to look at their pedagogy. Phil is also an associate trainer with Independent Thinking. Accountability Phil is concerned that a lot … Continue reading How to Train, Retain and Research with Dr. Phil Wood – PP147 →
Our first guest in 2017 was English teacher and author of ‘Reading for Pleasure‘, Kenny Pieper. Here’s how his author biography describes him: “Kenny Pieper has been teaching English for seventeen years and still loves every minute of it. He stands shakily on the shoulders of giants in the shape of his amazingly inspiring colleagues. … Continue reading How To Get Children Reading For Pleasure With Kenny Pieper – PP146 →
Our first guest in 2017 was English teacher and author of 'Reading for Pleasure', Kenny Pieper.
In the first of a couple of shorter episodes over the festive period, we raid the cutting room floor as well as some of the most interesting episodes of 2016 in search of what’s important in education. We find fun, motivation and creativity! Featuring some additional thoughts from Julia Skinner as well as a whole … Continue reading Fun, motivation and creativity! PP145 →
It was great to have Lisa Ashes as our last guest of 2016. Lisa is an Advanced Skills English teacher, a development trainer, a writer, Independent Thinker, charity worker and a Reflective Learning Geek! Lisa’s latest book is called ‘Manglish’ and she aims to encourage the practice of fusing cross-curricular subjects in a challenging way. … Continue reading Lisa Ashes on ‘doing education to them’ and naked teaching! PP144 →
For the third year in a row, we present the mayhem and madness which is the Pivotal Podcast Christmas Quiz. Play along with our guest participant, Pivotal Education’s own Mike Armiger, as our Mystery Question-master takes us through rounds about Education – past, present and future! What will your score be? Will you … Continue reading It’s the Pivotal Podcast Christmas Quiz 2016! PP143 →
Dr. Mary Bousted, General Secretary of ATL joined us this week to talk about the state of education, initial teacher training, recruitment and retention and a lot more besides! Originally a teacher in Harrow, Mary was a union representative for the National Union of Teachers and eventually became General Secretary of the Association of Teachers … Continue reading Bousted Lets Loose! PP142 →
We were joined this week by Bigfoot Arts Education’s Creative Director, Lizzie Clancy. Lizzie is a passionate advocate for creativity in education but that doesn’t mean just the arts subjects. She believes that creativity should pervade everything we do in schools. How important is creativity in the education system? Lizzie thinks that creativity should be … Continue reading Creativity is Crucial in the Classroom with Lizzie Clancy – PP141 →
This week we tackle one of the most controversial subjects amongst teachers, parents and learners – homework. We are joined by Mark Creasy – Teacher, ITL Associate, author of ‘Unhomework’ and Sky News guest! Mark has completely changed the way he, his classes and a lot of schools think about homework. Mark was a secondary … Continue reading The Great Homework Debate with Mark Creasy – PP140 →
The new President of the National Association of Headteachers, Kim Johnson, joined us this week. It was great to speak to him about what happened when he took the role and what he wants to achieve in his time as President. As an experienced Special School head, Kim is keen to ensure that these schools … Continue reading How to improve education with NAHT President, Kim Johnson – PP139 →
We had a great conversation this week with author, educationalist and Ofsted inspector, Mary Myatt. We talked about why high challenge and low threat are a good combination and we also answered an email question about noisy lunchtimes! Mary works in schools talking to pupils, teachers and leaders about learning, leadership and the curriculum. She advises, … Continue reading How to lower the threat and increase the challenge with Mary Myatt – PP138 →
Paul returned to the podcast this week and we answered an email from an NQT who completed her PGCE recently. She says she is now struggling with her behaviour management. In hindsight, she says, she would have started the year differently by being more consistent and she is now struggling to bring the behaviour back … Continue reading How to make the best of a bad start in behaviour – PP137 →
Ollie and Kevin managed to speak to former headteacher and creator of the 100 Word Challenge, Julia Skinner, this week. Julia ‘rediscovered’ herself via social media and blogging after retiring from teaching. She believes young people can be engaged with reading and writing through the power of blogging and that teachers can benefit hugely from … Continue reading Julia Skinner on how to get children reading and writing – and loving it! PP136 →
Mike and Kevin spoke to Marcus Cherrill this week about how to transform a classroom with music. Marcus is a Digital Champion, educator, trainer and consultant who is also Director of I Can Teach Ltd. Amongst other roles, he spent 15 years as a head of year, teaching science but also maths, ICT and even … Continue reading Marcus Cherrill on how to transform your classroom with music – PP135 →
It was a privilege to speak to TES Blogger of the Year 2016, Natalie Scott, this week. Natalie is a teacher, a senior leaders, currently working as a Specialist Leader of Education and has volunteered in the ‘Calais Jungle’ camp. What did your time at the sharp end of school leadership teach you? Natalie learned … Continue reading Natalie Scott – Blogger of the Year on Jungle Teaching – 134 →
Dr. Carlene Firmin MBE joined us this week to share her wealth of research on and practical experience with gangs, exploitation and violence amongst young people. Carlene is Senior Research Fellow at the International Centre, researching Child Exploitation, Violence and Trafficking and was awarded her MBE for service to women and girls. Does the language … Continue reading Carlene Firmin on gangs, exploitation and violence – research and practice – PP133 →
This week, Ollie Frith spoke to Dave Whitaker, Executive Head at Springwell Special Academy in Barnsley. Unconditional positive regard for students This is something which has been borrowed from the counselling and therapeutic areas. It’s a metaphor, an ethos or a set of values – it should be something you see and feel as you … Continue reading Dave Whitaker on how to create and use ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ in your School →
In an episode packed with news, Paul and Kevin also discuss what’s important in behaviour management when starting a new year. Paul comes up with a brilliant list of advice including some dos and don’ts which will help anyone who finds themselves with a new class. Here’s Paul’s list of tips (in no particular order): … Continue reading Starting with Brilliant Behaviour – PP131 →
This is the sixth week of the Pivotal Podcast Summer Shorts. As we approach the new academic year in the UK, I’ve been looking back through archive and once again I’m amazed to see the breadth of topics and range of speakers we have featured over the past 130 episodes. The clips come from the … Continue reading The Pivotal Podcast Mixtape 2016! Summer Shorts 6 – PP130 →
This is the fifth week of the Pivotal Podcast Summer Shorts. The Pivotal Podcast has always been about bringing you inspirational moments to inspire from educational experts. Sometimes we have to cut parts of interviews out due to time contraints so this week I have been back through what’s on the cutting room floor. I’ve … Continue reading Nancy Gedge and David Cameron on keeping children at the forefront of what we do – Summer Shorts 5 – PP129 →
This is the fourth and final week of the Pivotal Podcast Summer Shorts from the recent TeachMeet London Boat event. More than 100 educators met at Westminster Pier and took to the water to discuss a wide range of issues in education. The fourth session I recorded dealt with issues around English as a Foreign … Continue reading English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and Literacy – Summer Shorts from #TMLondonBoat – PP128 →
The third session I recorded at #TMLondonBoat was based on the question, ‘What job satisfaction do you get from your role?’ It led to a brilliant number of different answers and the focus on positive responses was lovely to hear. It left us all with a warm glow and reminded us what’s great about being … Continue reading Job satisfaction – Summer Shorts from #TMLondonBoat – PP127 →
The third session I recorded at #TMLondonBoat was based on the question, ‘What job satisfaction do you get from your role?’ It led to a brilliant number of different answers and the focus on positive responses was lovely to hear. It left us all with a warm glow and reminded us what’s great about being in education.
In our second Summer Short from TeachMeet London Boat, a group of teachers and educators talk about mental health and mindfulness. They cover areas such as student anxiety around exams, ADHD, how and why to use mindfulness techniques and practical, classroom approaches to making a positive impact on the mental welbeing of their classes. Links … Continue reading Mental Health and Mindfulness – Summer Shorts from #TMLondonBoat – PP126 →
This is first of four Summer Shorts which were recorded at TeachMeet London Boat recently. This one is about Policy and Politics. Over 100 educators gathered at Westminster Pier to board the boat and cruise the River Thames while discussing educational issues. The format was different to many TeachMeets – delegates submitted the questions they … Continue reading Policy and Politics – Summer Shorts from #TMLondonBoat – PP125 →
Over the Summer 2016, we will be releasing 4 sessions from Teach Meet London Boat as ‘Pivotal Summer Shorts’. Paul and Kevin had a fantastic time on the boat this week along with over 100 teachers who talked about a huge variety of topics and enjoyed the views of London as they sailed down the … Continue reading Say goodbye to Garth Smith and sail away on the #TMLondonBoat! PP124 →
This week we have no guest but Paul answers questions from our old friend, Benny Bagels, and an email about how to maximise your classroom display. You might well be surprised by his ideas… There’s also some very exciting news about the new Pivotal Flare in tweet of the week from Ellie Dix and a … Continue reading How to get fantastic displays and reduce your workload – PP123 →
This week Ollie and Kevin spoke to Ros Wilson, creator of Big Writing. Ros has over forty-five years experience in education, including twenty-seven years in schools, ten years in Senior Management positions and fourteen years in advisory and inspection work. She has taught in primary, middle and secondary schools in England and overseas, and has … Continue reading How to teach writing with Ros Wilson: Satisfaction Guaranteed! – PP122 →
We had a great time talking to Heath Monk this week. Heath has just taken over as Executive Director of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. He was previously Chief Executive of The Future Leaders Trust, which he led from a small start-up to its present position as an established and highly regarded … Continue reading Monk’s Transcendental Education – PP121 →
This week, Ellie and Paul had a remarkable conversation with David Cameron – the ‘Real’ one – who is a presenter, trainer and consultant on all areas in education and children’s services. They cover a wide range of topics and there’s plenty of challenging views to get your teeth into! David talks about education in … Continue reading The ‘Real’ David Cameron on education in Scotland and how to improve assessment through trust – PP120 →
In this episode, Rob Carpenter joined us to talk about his work in several Primary Schools in the London borough of Greenwich. Rob is now Executive Headteacher with Woodhill & Foxfield Primary Schools in South East London. He describes himself as ‘passionate about sharing best practice and learning together’. We loved talking to Rob about … Continue reading Rob Carpenter on how to establish fantastic, high expectations…and meet them! PP119 →
We had a great time talking to Rob Jewell this week. Rob is Strategic Leader for Looked-After Children in the Gower consortium covering six boroughs in North Wales. Something of an educational celebrity in Wales, Rob shares his insights into the Welsh educational system as well as his experience of supporting looked-after children for many years. … Continue reading Rob Jewell on looked-after children and why Welsh education has got it right – PP118 →
It was a privilege and a pleasure this week to talk to world-renowned educational thinker Sugata Mitra about his work and his thoughts on an unusually wide range of educational issues. Sugata Mitra is Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, England. You may well know … Continue reading Sugata Mitra on why children need teachers, autonomy and technology – PP117 →
Paul is busy in Wales this week so, in his absence, Pivotal Education Senior Trainer, Mike Armiger, joined Kevin to speak to someone he knows well, Julie Farmer. Before speaking to Julie, Mike describes what he has been doing with the Caerphilly Behaviour Project. Pivotal have been going into all the schools in Caerphilly – … Continue reading Julie Farmer on how to meet the needs of the most vulnerable pupils – PP116 →
It was brilliant to speak to Kathryn Lovewell this week. After university, Kathryn started her career in education by teaching drama and art workshops in the community. She was invited into a school to start off drama classes and so she completed licensed teacher training and had a very difficult first year. She loved working with … Continue reading How to look after your teachers; Lovewell on Well being – PP115 →
We had a great conversation this week with Jill Berry. A teacher for more than 30 years, Jill is former senior leader and headteacher of state and independent schools, has worked for the National College for School Leadership, is currently doing educational consultancy work and has just finished a part-time Doctorate in Education. She also spends ‘a disproportionate … Continue reading Jill Berry on Headteacher supply and why Heads need to be teachers – PP114 →
We were joined today by Hannah Wilson who is co-founder of the #WomenEd movement. She is also a CPD Consultant, an SLE, a facilitator, a coach and an events organiser! Over the years, Hannah has picked up curriculum, pastoral, whole-school and cross-schools responsibilities. She became assistant principal and has led on cross-curricular strands in a variety … Continue reading Hannah Wilson on #WomenEd and How to Promote Equality – PP113 →
It’s great to be back after the Easter break and to kick off the new term with a fantastic guest, Professor Mick Waters. Mick is a former QCA Director of Curriculum, former Chief Education Officer in Manchester, Headteacher in Cumbria and is currently working with schools in The Black Country as part of his role … Continue reading Mick Waters on Centralisation, OFSTED and Brilliant Schools – PP112 →
Next week we welcome Prof. Mick Waters onto the podcast as we start a new series of episodes for the Summer term. In the meantime, Kevin uses a virtual roulette wheel to pick episodes at random from the 110 available. Have you heard the episodes featured? The range of topics is remarkable and the variety of superb … Continue reading Pivotal Podcast Roulette! PP111 →
In a shorter than normal episode, recorded during the Easter holidays, we have a chance to hear Garth Smith’s latest audio diary. Garth is in the middle of a Primary PGCE and has just finished his second placement. As you will hear, it didn’t go as well as he had hoped it would. If you’d … Continue reading Garth Smith’s rocky road to becoming a teacher – PP110 →
This week, Paul, Ellie and Kevin spoke to Headteacher of Oulton Broad Primary School, Jamie White about his school’s journey from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’. Jamie had an unusual route to being a Primary headteacher as he is a Secondary-trained English teacher. He then worked in Middle schools until they were abandoned by the local authority … Continue reading How to move from R.I. to Outstanding with Jamie White – PP109 →
Paul shares some details about Pivotal Curriculum instructor courses across the globe. The next UK Open Pivotal Curriculum courses are on 12th and 13th July 2016 in Watford. Contact ellie@pivotaleducation.com for more details. James Mannion returns to the podcast this week to answer a voice mail question from Danielle about teachers as researchers. She is currently … Continue reading Two dates, a dentist and a boat – PP108 →
Mark Finnis joined us this week to talk about Restorative Practice. Mark was originally a Youth Worker in Liverpool where he did some work with the Youth Offending team and discovered the concepts of restorative justice. He has been working with Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units since 2001, helping them … Continue reading Mark Finnis on How to Implement Restorative Practice for Great Results! PP107 →
David Powell is the Director of Partnership between the University of Huddersfield and 20 Further Education colleges who are delivering Initial Teacher Training across the north of England. The Education and Training Consortium has partners who deliver ‘pre-service’ initial teacher education which is for those without a position and ‘in-service’ teacher education for those working … Continue reading David Powell on how to train teachers properly, Further Education and more! PP106 →
José Picardo joined us this week to talk about technology in the classroom. José is Assistant Principal at Surbiton High School which is an independent school for girls. He teaches Spanish and German but was originally in the logistics industry, deciding to become a teacher more than 15 years ago. José is also in charge of Digital Strategy … Continue reading José Picardo on how to get the best out of technology in teaching- 105 →
Dorothy Trussell is Deputy Head at Flixton Girls’ School near Manchester in the UK. However, she began her career in hospitality before completing a PGCE. Flixton Girls’ School has been given the rating of ‘Good with Outstanding Features’ so why is it important to have behaviour as a focus at this point? Dorothy believes that whatever … Continue reading Dorothy Trussell on how to transform behaviour in your school – PP104 →
Edd Brown is Improving Teaching and Learning Manager at Weston College, where he has been since he started his teaching career as a sports lecturer, nearly 13 years ago. How do you get staff excited about professional development? Edd understands the difficulty of finding time for CPD in FE. Weston has a blended approach to … Continue reading Edd Brown on How to Create Outstanding CPD – PP103 →
Mark Anderson, who is perhaps better known as @ICTEvangelist on Twitter, joined us this week for a wide-ranging conversation about ICT. Mark is an influential, award-winning blogger, author and speaker. Recently recognised in this research as the most influential person in edtech in Europe and then here as the second most influential blogger in the … Continue reading Mark Anderson on How Not to Waste Money on Tech – PP102 →
Our very special guest this week was Pivotal trainer, James Mannion. James qualified as a Teacher of Science in 2006. Since then he has developed expertise in a number of aspects of school life, including Learning to Learn, Evidence-Based Pedagogy; Teacher Research; Behaviour for Learning; Assessment for Learning; Gifted and Talented Education; Widening Participation; Personal, Social … Continue reading James Mannion on Learning to Learn and Teachers as Researchers – PP101 →
We loved speaking to the inspirational Andy Cope for episode 100. Andy trained as a teacher but quickly went into adult education. Then he realised he was ‘doing it wrong’. He discovered a subject called positive psychology which he describes as ‘the science of happiness and wellbeing’. He began a PhD in the science of … Continue reading Andy Cope on Being Brilliant! – PP100 →
In an unusual episode, Kevin presents Garth Smith – ‘Our Man on the Inside’ as he gives us his ‘end of term report’. Garth has finished the first term of his PGCE at an undisclosed location in England and this time he shares his thoughts about the most challenging time he has experienced so far. … Continue reading Garth Smith’s End of Term Report and the Top 5 Episodes of 2015! – PP99 →
Award-winning blogger, teacher and parent Nancy Gedge joined us for an inspirational conversation this week. Nancy qualified as a teacher in 1994 and took a break to have her own family. After returning to primary teaching, she now feels she is relatively fresh, despite starting her career some time ago. What drove Nancy to start … Continue reading Nancy Gedge on how to properly include a child with special needs; as a teacher and as a parent – PP98 →
This year, you can play along with our very special guest, Rodney, our Mystery Quizmaster and our Special Mystery Guest! In what has become a tradition, the Pivotal Podcast Christmas Quiz 2015 is full of festive fun, chaos and very bad jokes. Along the way, there are lots of education-related questions to grapple with, a … Continue reading It’s the Pivotal Podcast Christmas Quiz 2015! – PP97 →
This week we welcomed Brandon Krueger onto the podcast. Brandon is based in Colorado and is Pivotal Education’s Principal Trainer in the US. Brandon has been a teacher, a vice-principal, a principal and then he worked in the central office, supporting school leaders. He also worked at University level in initial teacher education programmes and … Continue reading Brandon Krueger on Behaviour in the US – PP96 →
It was an amazing experience to speak to Everol Halliburton this week. Everol has worked at the Bridge Alternative Provision Academy for several years. He started his career working as a youth worker and started working in mainstream schools which led to being asked to work in a Pupil Referral Unit. He is now the TBAP … Continue reading Everol Halliburton – Skills from the sharp end – tough kids meet terrific adults – PP95 →
Paul spoke to Pivotal Education Head of Training, Ollie Frith, this week about how to get the best out of training companies who you have engaged to come into school and run CPD. What should you expect from CPD? Ollie points out that when you are booking an outside speaker for your organisation’s CPD, it’s a … Continue reading Ollie Frith on CPD, Dodgy Speakers and getting the most from live training – PP94 →
It was great to listen to Garth Smith’s latest audio diary this week. He is now 8 weeks into his PGCE initial teacher training course and has just completed his first ever lesson in a primary classroom! He was asked to prepare and teach a science lesson and his reactions to the experience are fascinating. Garth has … Continue reading Garth Smith on ‘First Ever Lessons’ and the Finest Ever ‘Teachmeet’! – PP93 →
We spoke to Tom Vodden this week about a subject which is not always seen as relevant or exciting. However, as you will hear in this episode, it’s can be very interesting and hugely beneficial to schools! Tom trained as a secondary RE specialist and has taught in mainstream and special schools in England and … Continue reading Tom Vodden on Behaviour Data: Rational, responsive and real – PP92 →
Kevin spoke to David McQueen this week in an inspirational interview. David is a businessman, international speaker and coach. He has worked with blue chip clients in the corporate sector as well as organizations in the third and public sector. He is also a TED Fellow on account of his participation at TED Global in Arusha in 2007 … Continue reading David McQueen – Motivation, Mentoring and Marvellous McQueen! – PP91 →
We learned some amazing things about the Oasis Multi Academy Trust this week when we spoke to John Murphy, CEO. John trained as a primary teacher and became a primary head before taking on two schools for boys who had been permanently excluded. After heading up a school in special measures, John became an academy principle … Continue reading John Murphy – Should we put our trust in Trusts? – PP90 →
It was great to catch up with Nikki Giant this week, after hearing her talk at the Pivotal Conversations Mental Health Conference in the Summer. Nikki is the founder and director of Full Circle. She’s worked in youth development for over a decade, and is 100% passionate about supporting young people to reach for their … Continue reading Nikki Giant – ‘Giant Steps for Equality’ – PP89 →
It was great to speak to Laura Henry this week about many different aspects of Early Years. Laura is an expert, international award-winning Early Childhood trainer and consultant, vice-president of Early Education and national representative for the World Forum in Early Care and Education. For three decades Laura has used her skills to support those … Continue reading Laura Henry on Starting Right, Baseline Testing and the Seeds of Behaviour – PP88 →
This week, Paul started off by telling us about: ‘Fantastic Walking’ This is something he saw at Belfield School in Rochdale. Individual children, groups of children and staff all walk around the corridors doing ‘Fantastic Walking’ which involves putting your hands behind your back, puffing your chest out and having your head nice and high … Continue reading Jaz Ampaw-Farr on Teaching Literacy, Ninjas, Blind Date and The Apprentice – PP87 →
Guy Holloway is Headmaster at Hampton Court House which is an independent school in Surrey, UK. Guy became involved with the charity, Save the Children, while he was still at University and from that moment on knew he wanted to work with children. He felt he could make a difference to these disadvantaged children. Guy believes … Continue reading Guy Holloway on The Longest Lie-In In Britain – PP86 →
As we reach the beginning of our 3rd academic year in the UK, we take a look back at the top 5 most downloaded episodes of the podcast so far. If you have listened to all the episodes so far, can you guess which ones will be in the top 5? If you are newer … Continue reading The Pivotal Podcast Top 5 Episodes – PP85 →
Kevin Bachan-Singh is a co-head at a Pupil Referral Unit in London, UK. In this interview, he shares with Paul some of the most important aspects of working in a PRU, as well as his own, fascinating life story. Unfortunately, the audio in this interview isn’t as good as our normal quality but I hope … Continue reading Kevin Bachan-Singh – ‘Our Man From The PRU’ (Pupil Referral Unit) – PP84 →
we eavesdrop on two of Barry Stay's plenaries after his sessions on complex needs. Then Paul brings the day to a close and delegates give us their feedback.
In this 'Pivotal Summer Short', we take you inside another of the discussion sessions from t he conference. This time it's a session led by John Reece, who chooses to focus on sharing positive success stories. Colleagues from a wide variety of settings talk about aspects of their work which often get overlooked - the things which have gone really well.
This 'Pivotal Summer Short' features the fascinating session led by two colleagues from TBAP - The Tri-borough Alternative Provision (TBAP) multi academy trust.
This 'Pivotal Summer Short' features the remarkable session which was run by Youth Cymru's Trans*Form : Challenging Hate Crime, a new project working in communities across Wales.
Part 1 of our Pivotal Summer Shorts, this is a selection of clips from the recent Pivotal Conversations conference in Bridgend, Wales. The main clip is from the session on self harm.
Assistant Head at Cheney School, Amjad Ali joins us to talk about his approach to inclusion, creative ways to use the Pupil Premium and how he got his current job thanks to Sir Tim Brighouse!
Liam Collins is a headteacher who has created a group called the Headteachers' Roundtable. We had a terrific discussion with him this week about his approach to leading schools, that roundtable and the importance ofbeing visible around the school site.
We enjoyed a fascinating interview with Tim O'Brien this week which covered a wide range of topics including behaviour, psychology and Kafka!
We catch up with what went on at the Festival of Education via some vox pops Paul collected while he was there and Educational Technology Correspondent, Chris Mayoh, joins us to talk about how to avoid breaking copyright in the classroom by using brilliant, free tools.
Jarlath O'Brian is a Special school head in Surrey and he joined us to talk about his role, Special schools and what we can all learn from them.
'Our man on the inside', Garth Smith, joins us to give us and update on his journey to becoming a teacher. What stage is he at now? Also, Paul expalins why we should be rewarding those who go 'over and above' in behaviour - and not just the children...
US educator and author, James Sturtevant, joins us to talk about the powere of creating great relationships with students and Paul expalins what a Cheeky Nando's is...
It was great to be joined by Sue Cowley this week to find out about her background and pick her expert brains about education and behaviour!
Darlene Fisher from SKOLA joined us for a fascinating interview about her work in international schools and teaching the International Baccalaureate.
Ellie shares some insights from her Australian trip, Paul talks about passing the buck in behaviour managements and there are more exciting announcements than you could imagine!
We welcomed Phil Beadle back to the podcast this week. He shared some controversial and often hilariously-delivered views on how we should be teaching Literacy. Hold onto your hats - we tried to keep Phil on track but I'm not sure we succeeded!
David Taylor shares the remarkable story of Stanley Park High where he is headteacher. It has an innovative approach to many things including curriculum and school organisation. We are sure you'll agree that Stanley Park is the school you wish you worked in!
David Lisowski joins us for an episode on the practical application of the Restorative appraoch in his academy in Coventry, UK.
Sean Harford from Ofsted joined us to answer some questions about the role of Ofsted, inspections and the future. It was great to have the opportunity to speak directly to someone 'on the inside' of Ofsted.
Garth Smith joins us again to update us on what he's been up to since we spoke to him last time. He has applied for and it about to begin a PGCE so we have engaged him as 'Our Man on the Inside'. Garth will be coming back onto the podcast to tell us about his progress through his PGCE and we are really looking forward to hearing first hand what the experience like!
Ewan McIntosh founded the global consultancy, NoTosh. It was great to hear about his story and the work NoTosh does with creative businesses and schools around the world.
Actor, writer and FE teacher, Sarah Simons, joins us for a fascinating conversation about her experience and how CPD works in Further Education.
Paul tells us why he thinks Golden Time might have had its time, Edtech Correspondent, Chris Mayoh shares some insights into Early Years and Foundation Stage educational technology and what is #GoggleGate all about?
An important episode on the topic of restraint. Paul has a huge amount of experience with the approaches schools and other institutions use for restraining children - and shares some uncomfortable truths and hard lessons.
As Paul is unwell, here are two previously unreleased discussions about NQTs and engaging those who find it difficult to listen to instructions.
Our newly-designated Technology Correspondent joins us for an essetial discussion of e-safety and cyberbullying. Chris shares a huge amount of practical information on what schools and teachers can do to safeguard children and themselves.
Kate Quigley and Alison Ryan from the ATL union join us to talk about what makes great CPD for school staff and how it can be evaluated.
What do you do when a learner in your class 'kicks off'? Paul explains the dos and don'ts.
Is it better to be a problem solver or a process monkey in behaviour management? Paul answers a question form a listener.
Chris Mayoh is an award-winning teacher, educational technology expert and now independent consultant. We cover a huge range of edtech topics in this week's episode.
Arnie Skelton is our special guest this week. He shares his wealth of knowledge on leadership in all its facets, including how to lead teachers.
Special guest, Ellie Dix, training manager at Pivotal Education, joins us to talk about the origins of Pivotal, its current activities and exciting plans for the future.
Paul explains practical strategies and approaches to low level disruption in your classroom.
John Wootton joins us to talk about one of his areas of specialism, SEN and Behaviour Management. He shares lots of practical approaches and tips and also helps to answer a voicemail question about low-level disruption.
Paul explains how important it is to be relentless about establishing and embedding routines for behaviour management in your class.
We are joined in the first episode of the new year by Isabella Wallace, inspiration author of two books about classroom practice and founder of an amazing educational charity.
For our last episode of the academic year 2014, we present a selection of clips from all the great guest interviews we have featured so far.
An episode packed with practical approaches to improving your behaviour policy in only a few tweaks.
Jon Tait has done some amazing things using Skype to create a Global Classroom. He describes how every classroom can take advantage of the opportunities - for free!
Ross McGill joins Paul and Kevin for a fascinating discussion around teachers' use of social media. Ross is a prolific and hugely successful teacher blogger and Tweeter so he is able to provide an authoritative view.
We were delighted to welcome practising teacher and passionate campaigner, Tait Coles, onto the podcast this week to talk about his idea of 'Punk Learning'.
Paul outlines his 5 or 6 steps in a 'ladder' of sanctions. He also makes the case for as slow as possible progress up this ladder and shares many useful tips and experiences on how to manage the use of 'punishments' most effectively in your classroom.
What makes a great reward system? In answer to a question sent in by a listener, Paul explores the features of great reward systems and the nature of effective rewards.
We are joined by Hywel Roberts, consultant and drama teacher for a fun and inspirational conversation about inspiration in teaching and how to find the right 'hooks' to encourage learning.
Paul and Kevin discuss the importance of developing and maintaining the right kinds of relationships with learners and how getting it right can have huge benefits for behaviour management.
Does managing girls' behaviour differ from boys? Pivotal Trainer, Helen Day, explains how to manage female behaviour and explores some of the reasons behind girls' needs and development.
James Williams joins us to talk about his extensive experience of intial teacher training, the current situation in England and his inspirational ideas about the future.
In this second selection from the Pivotal Podcast archives, we present clips which demonstrate the importance of encouraging all staff to take responsibility for behaviour in a school.
In a different kind of episode, we present the value and power of positivity in behaviour management. This is an inspiring collection of clips from the Pivotal archives all on the theme of how positive actions, positive notes and attitudes can transform r
David Mitchell joins us to share his experiences with blogging in the classroom, including the concept of 'quadblogging' where four schools enter into a partnership to share blog posts across the globe.
We are joined by active learning behaviour specialist, Tara Elie, who shares a wealth of useful tips and techniques. How do you make sure active learning doesn't turn into chaos and all learners and teachers can get the best out of the approach? Tara has
In the middle of the Spring term in the UK, a lot of schools are beginning to wonder where to go next with the 2% - the trickiest learners. Paul explains practical advice for schools and individual teachers who need to cater for the needs of the 2%.
In any kind of interview, Paul has the top tips and strategies to make you amazing! based on years of personal experience of being interviewed and sitting on interview panels, Paul shares some fool-proof ways to succeed.
Stuart Garbutt shares his experiences of being on the School Direct route into teaching. He shares some fascinating insights into what it's like to train directly in primary schools in England and explains his reflective approach to training to teach.
This week we were delighted to be joined by Pivotal Trainer and middle leadership specilaist, Darrell Williams to discuss leading behaviour from the middle.
A special episode in which Paul Dix introduces the Pivotal Trainers who take time out of their working weekend to talk about amazing schools, advice for NQTs and working with 'the 5%'.
We are joined by the inspirational Phil Beadle this week for a wide-ranging discussion on classroom culture, anger and expectations. An exciting and challenging episode!
This week we discuss the serious problems with using isolation as a behaviour management strategy. Paul also a number of very exciting announcements including a TeachMeet on a bus!
We welcome Deputy Head Teacher, Russell Ingleby, to the podcast to talk about the great work his school has done in moving beyond behviour management to behaviour for learning.
Why is the management of behaviour treated differently by some staff outside the classroom? Paul explains the importance of consistency and preparation when dealing with behaviour incidents around the whole site of the institution and shares some great re
What makes a supply teacher or cover lesson great? What are some of the common mistakes? Paul shares a wealth of tips and strategies from his own practical experience as a supply teacher.
We were delighted to welcome Garth Smith to the podcast to discuss his approaches to behaviour management with his sports teams - and their parents. Garth shared a wealth of tips and advice on how to run inclusive, differentiated activites based on his wo
This is part two of another of Paul's exclusive audio seminars. This time it's all about sanctions and how to use them most effectively.
This is part one of another of Paul's exclusive audio seminars. This time it's all about sanctions and how to use them most effectively. Look out for part two of this content next week in episode 17.
As we approach the Christmas break, we need to be mindful of the needs of all children. Paul presents some helpful challenge around the experiences of those who don't or can't participate fully in the celebrations at this end of the year.
Behaviour management in FE and HE is becoming more important. Paul shares a range of strategies which will help with any size of group. We have a voicemail from an HE lecturer and Paul teases everyone with a hint about something huge which is coming from
We welcome Ollie Frith, Pivotal Trainer, onto the podcast this week. The topic is the teacher as performer and Ollie gives us the benefit of his years of experience as an educational trainer as well as actor, writer and director. There's a huge amount to
The second of our exclusive audio seminars. This week the topic is 'Managing your own behaviour'.
In a change to the usual format, we present an exclusive audio seminar given by Paul on the topic of 'making praise meaningful'. The seminar is freely available on the podcast for the first time ever. We also include reminders of forthcoming events.
One of the most important behaviour management techniques for your classroom is the 30-second scripted intervention. Paul describes how to plan and execute scripted interventions and we also have a lot of very exciting announcements and exclusive news!
Have you ever felt you need to reset the behaviour management in your classroom? Paul sets out a variety of helpful and encouraging approaches.
In another packed episode, Paul outlines a whole host of advice for trainee teachers which is also applicable to established teachers who want to
This time our topic of the week is Teaching Assistants / Learning Support Assistants and behaviour management.
Paul outlines his top 7 habits of highly effective behaviour management and we have some great suggestions from listeners as well. We also find out how to implement the 7 habits in another packed episode.
This week Paul goes into a great deal of detail on how and why to teach behaviours, particularly taught self-reflection and 1-to-1 mentoring. We also have a voicemail about how to launch a rapport and relationship project and a question about complacency.
Whether your setting is a primary, secondary or further education college, this episode is packed with useful tips and whole-school strategies from Paul's experiences of helping staff and pupils improve. Learn about the importance of consistency for the a
What is restorative practice and how can it be used to transform behaviour management in your school? Paul takes us through the basic principles behind this remarkably powerful approach.
Our first episode! Paul is currently working in international schools and shares some of his experiences. In the Q&A section there are fascinating questions from international school colleagues from across the globe.
As many schools start back, we discuss baehaviour management for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs). There are some challenging questions from NQTs and those who work with NQTs to support them at this difficult but potentially rewarding time.