Around the Table with George Eadie: Recent Episodes
The Answer Series
Since 1975 The Answer Series, often called TAS, has been empowering high school learners. We’ve become the best-selling study guide series in South Africa.
TAS study guides are comprehensive and easy to use. They are written – and frequently updated – by teachers, examiners and subject specialists. The Answer Series is – and has always been – a family-run business. Our purpose with The Answer Series is to impart the gift of confidence.
TAS has just launched, it’s second podcast series named: Around the Table with CEO George Eadie.
Our intent with this podcast is to go on a journey to deepen our understanding of the education system in South Africa. In each episode we will talk all things education, innovation and inspiration with 8 brilliant guests from around the country and further afield.
TAS has contributed to improved SA education outcomes since 1975, however, this podcast series is an expression of TAS’ intent to continue learning. George has the beautiful responsibility to lead TAS into its next generation. We knew that education was on the cusp of significant change pre-Covid. The pandemic has served as a great accelerant and as a catalyst for adaptation.
What we already know is that improving education in SA requires a team effort. We would like to invite anyone who is passionate about affecting positive change in Education to join us on this learning journey. Let’s work together to fuel the spirit of education in South Africa.
Around the Table with George Eadie is a podcast dedicated to telling stories of success and scale relevant to the South African Education system.
Here we speak with Stacey Brewer the courageous and wildly competent leader who has led Spark to where it is today with 24 schools and 15,000 learners. Have you ever thought about starting a school? This podcast is for you.
In the conversation, we speak about the pros and cons of incorporating as a for-profit versus a not-for-profit entity. We go into the learning model and how this model was a departure from the norm of what made a good school in South Africa 10 years ago, but which soon became the point of difference for Spark enough to drive tremendous interest and demand in the market for the schools.
Stacey and her team have engaged intimately with the benefits and limitations of technology along the way.
She shares how Covid was a truly tough time for the school where collections dried up, without a 'big brother' government element, it was stressful. However, despite this, the deep alignment between the school leadership and the funders as to the position this school holds in society allowed it to navigate those times and last much longer and scale further than any non-profit equivalent schools that were started at a similar time.
Stacey also speaks about their commitment to teacher professional development at over 200 hours a year per teacher to underpin the academic standards of the school.
00:00 Introduction
02:16 What was the founding story, how did it start?
04:45 Rationale for non-profit versus for-profit business models for schools?
13:10 Spark's Fly assemblies, culture, core values, and Spark Creed.
15:03 Learning Model.
19:25 Social and Emotional Learning & Character Development.
19:45 Use of Technology.
23:00 Helping parents understand the new model.
24:50 Big turning points and hardest moments along the way?
27:35 Future Outlook.
30:55 Learning about learning, & teacher professional development
33:30 How does SA solve the schooling and teacher supply crisis?
35:30 Cost to open an SA school versus Spark school.
36:45 Advice for someone starting out creating a school.
39:25 Final comments open to shared learning The Answer Series Website · Spark Schools Website
The modern version of career guidance is here and not a moment too soon.
Yenza have found a way to create an in-depth and data-informed journey of career discovery for high schoolers. Whether you are a teacher, parent or learner, this new and important field of expertise is at the heart of what needs improving as we improve schooling.
https://www.yenzacareers.com/
https://www.theanswer.co.za/
The Around the Table Podcast has the intention of harvesting insights across the education in South Africa, mostly form success stories, to foster shared learning and overall improvement. www.yenzacareers.com · www.theanswer.co.za
Around the Table is a podcast dedicated to all those who have a passion to improve the standard of primary and secondary education in South Africa.
Sponsored by The Answer Series www.theanswer.co.za
In this episode David Fair addresses the success story of recurringly supporting 18000 learners in numeracy and literacy in rural situations with technology and with an innovative funding model.
00:00 Intro to David Fair and Edulution
10:32 The use of coaches instead of teachers
12:00 Power of tech needs human connection
13:50 Maths teachers may not be what we need
15:14 Model of success for coaches
18:45 Organisational culture and design of Edulution
20:00 AI supported content pathways
22:18 Unintended benefit in literacy
25:16 Human connection by design
27:00 Learner energy management tactics
32:38 Have you ever had to make a big pivot?
35:32 Edulution's partnerships
40:00 Edulution's free-market principles that support high-performance
41:50 Edulution outcome funded model
44:15 Ways to join forces or help Edulution
46:12 Dream to augment teachers, not replace them
47:57 Cause for grounded optimism Edulution Website · The Answer Series Website
Around the Table with George Eadie is a podcast dedicated to better understanding education and how it might be improved in South Africa.
More info for e-books for schools from The Answer Series as mentioned in the ad: https://www.theanswer.co.za/subscriptions/ebooks-b2b/
Tim Viera is the CEO and Founder of Brave Generation Academy. BGA Is a global school network with 53 hubs around the world. Tim and his team used common sense to create this new version of schooling that is better adapted to modern times.
https://bravegenerationacademy.com/home
00:00 Teasers; Intro and Ad
3:19 Origin Story of Brave Generation Academy (BGA)
07:12 Emphasis on the use of common sense to chart the course change
7:50 Balancing the demands of life while starting BGA
11:04 Type of kids that were attracted to BGA
11:37 More about the use of the British International Curriculum
12:00 How BGA adapts to the learner
14:05 Peers inspiring peers to find their passion
14:30 The role of learning coaches
15:25 No set holidays
15:50 Your academic timeline and your learning coach
16:28 The role of learning coaches
17:13 The Tech Platform and the structure of academic progression
19:27 The teenage brain and the capability to cope with this model
22:00 Traditional schooling is fine for kids under 12.
20:57 Preparing for beyond school
22:58 Incorporation of 1st University into BGA
24:09 Self-paced learning removes excuses and slow is fine!
25:21 More detail on the hubs and their integration into the community
28:35 Brave and Beyond Curriculum (Social and Emotional competencies)
29:34 Results they're getting
30:47 No failures, only experiences (Vet Story)
29:00 no failure, only stories - funny job shadow story
31:40 Integration of hub into the community
31:55 Why teachers aspire to be a learning coach
32:21 Opinions on how to improve education in South Africa
33:08 National education systems, globally are under pressure
33:39 Business model of BGA: Purpose project
34:10 Technology to deliver a minimum standard of learning
34:50 Declining standard of a South African matric, globally
35:30 Globally relevant skills mean you can live in Kenya and earn in the US
36:13 Re-thinking assumptions, e.g. holidays
36:40 SA needs an extra year for an A-level equivalent
37:06 How does the broader system migrate from where it is now?
38:56 How do schools need to be more relevant?
39:25 What about Microsoft certifications at 15?
40:20 Universities should be including 1st year within school
42:15 Match the adaptability of schooling to the speed of change in the working world
42:58 We need to create wealth creators, not workers
43:37 Was there ever a reckoning moment in the creation of BGA?
46:20 The efficiency of hubs versus the cost-heavy schooling model
50:18 Wrap, thank you and details for following BGA
50:48 SA Hubs: Tygervalley, Waterfront, Sunninghill, Nelspruit For more about All-Access E-books for Schools · For more info on Brave Generation Academy
Did you know that 78% of South African Grade 4 learners can’t read for meaning and 63% of grade five learners show no basic mathematical knowledge? Unfortunately, weak student performance in literacy and numeracy in Foundation Phase (Grades 1-3) constitutes one of the major factors leading to poor learning outcomes in later grades.
Founder of the Click Foundation, Nicola Harris, is changing these statistics with her NGO. She joins TAS CEO and podcast host, George Eadie in this episode of Around the Table to share how Nicola and her team have the amazing reputation of leading one of South Africa's most scaled ed-tech rollouts as an NGO. After 10 years of leading the Click Foundation, she has a wealth of learnings to share.
Be inspired by Nicola’s incredible story and how her organisation overcome COVID-related restrictions, as well as the socio-economic issues South African schools face in relation to implementing ed-tech programs like hers. Make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss any upcoming episodes.
Important links:
Get access to all Answer Series e-books with just one license: https://www.theanswer.co.za/subscriptions/ebooks/
Get access to free e-Books for teachers: https://www.theanswer.co.za/teacher/free-e-books-for-teachers/
Contact TAS if you're a teacher for group benefits when buying for your class: info@theanswerseries.co.za
The Click Foundation: https://clickfoundation.co.za/
Follow George Eadie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeeadie/ or on Twitter @GeorgeEadie
Visit TechWays www.techways.online and use the voucher code “TheAnswer” to get a 10% discount. The Click Foundation · free e-Books for teachers · · Transcript — PDF (160.0 KB)
“How best to prepare for the real world?” is a question often posed to everyone involved in education. A South African company, iXperience, has thought a lot about this question and offers solutions, both locally and internationally, to help learners prepare for and make more informed decisions about their futures.
Joining TAS CEO and Podcast Host, George Eadie, to share their story and perspective on the above question is Senior Vice President of Growth at iXperience: Westleigh Wilkinson, and Vice President of Education: Cordene Midgley.
They touch on what the most important things are that everyone in the education space (teachers, parents, policy-makers and learners) must consider in order to be well-prepared for the “real world”. Please visit our website for:
SA’s best-selling study guides Teacher discounts for study guides Access to all our e-books with just one license Gr 12 Maths Support & Maths Literacy Community Free e-books for teachers Access to Grade 12 videos Helpful blog resources for learners, parents, teachers and many more exciting things to come.
If there’s anything more you think we can do for you that will make a difference in your classroom, school or at your desk please let us know.
Follow us on social media for more updates:
Facebook: The Answer Series - Study Guides Instagram: @theanswerseries LinkedIn: The Answer Series Get access to all Answer Series e-books with just one license · Get access to free e-Books for teachers · Grade 12 Maths Videos · Follow George Eadie on LinkedIn · Visit iXperience and get access to learning experiences that level up your career · Visit TechWays and use the voucher code “TheAnswer” to get a 10% discount. · ATT Ep 8_Transcript draft - Edited 11 April.pdf — PDF (139.2 KB)
In episode 7, George Eadie interviews Prof John Volmink, Chairperson at Umalusi Council.
John started his teaching career as a high school teacher and later held various University teaching positions including the University of Western Cape, University of Cape Town and Cornell University.
George and John consider the fundamental role of curriculum in a successful education system. They also discuss the history of curriculum in SA, and in what ways the curriculum must evolve into the future based on what we’re learning in SA and globally.
Key take-outs: Intro: 00:00 to 8:00
The fundamental role of curriculum: 8:00 to 10:55
History of the curriculum in South Africa: 10:55 to 16:33
Outcomes-based education in context: 19:00 to 21:52
The context of the introduction of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS): 21:52 to 27:30
How CAPS might adapt due to lost learning time from Covid: 27:30 to 30:05
The role of teacher support material and textbooks 30:05 to 33:16
Will subjects continue to be the structure of learning in future: 33:16 to 38:00
Views on the role of assessment: 38:00 to 41:05
Final remarks from John address change fatigue and the resistance to curriculum evolution 41:05
George’s take-outs 45:35 Follow John Volmink on LinkedIn · · Get access to free eBooks for teachers · The Grade 12 Maths video · Transcript .pdf — PDF (126.0 KB)
In episode 6 George Eadie interviews Robert Paddock, Founder and CEO of Valenture Institute.
Valenture Institute was launched in 2019 as one of Africa’s first dedicated online high schools and has recently achieved superb traction in their collaboration with UCT in the creation of the UCT Online High School.
George and Robert discuss how physical limitations can be turned into digital opportunities, and why education technology is our best bet to educate Africa's youth bulge.
Important links:
Grade 12 Maths Videos: https://www.theanswer.co.za/course/grade-12-mathematics/
Contact TAS is you're a teacher for group benefits when buying for your class: info@theanswerseries.co.za
Follow George Eadie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeeadie/ or on Twitter @GeorgeEadie
Follow Robert Paddock on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-paddock-4110251b Grade 12 Mathematics videos · www.linkedin.com · www.linkedin.com · ATT Ep 6_Transcript .pdf — PDF (163.4 KB)
In episode 5 George Eadie interviews Graham Sayer. Graham is in his fifteenth year of service to Somerset College in the Western Cape, and his fourth as both Head of the Senior School and Executive Head of the whole College, he is the youngest person to have been appointed to either role.
Graham and his team have conducted some research into the case for in-person education. In episode 5 George and Graham are therefore discussing the value of in-person education. This theme is in response to the many hopes out there of a technological panacea to our education challenges.
They conclude, amongst other things, that character and resilience are the real goals of education and methods for building these are unique to adolescents; what we consider to work for us as adults may simply not apply to a young person.
Important links:
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The benefits of in-person education https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-08-26-for-the-good-of-the-child-benefits-of-in-person-schooling-far-outweigh-those-of-online-learning/
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Grade 12 Mathematics Videos https://www.theanswer.co.za/course/grade-12-mathematics/?fbclid=IwAR278fSRuBQRvRAWQpSlDZti7_Czi7_dJqeYjYW9wZZ6ZQEpKgYQqQvgp3Q
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Contact TAS is you're a teacher for group benefits when buying for your class: info@theanswerseries.co.za
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Follow George Eadie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeeadie/ or on Twitter @GeorgeEadie
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Follow Graham Sayer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-sayer-438a22100/
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Book recommendation from Graham: The Righteous Mind - Jonathan Haidt https://www.bookmall.co.za/products/the-righteous-mind?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-NaJBhDsARIsAAja6dNeKkY1YhQDqxVayKJFggmCZhy39PW94LifVlSGB7LrPv1RTy7t2EgaAu5vEALw_wcB
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Cleverlands - Lucy Crehan https://www.bookmall.co.za/products/cleverlands
John Hatti’s list of effects; evaluation of accomplished teaching scale https://visible-learning.org/backup-hattie-ranking-256-effects-2017/ The benefits of in-person education · Grade 12 Mathematics videos · linkedin-George Eadie · Linkedin-Graham Sayer · The Righteous Mind - Jonathan Haidt · Cleverlands - Lucy Crehan · John Hatti’s list of effects; evaluation of accomplished teaching scale · Transcript.pdf — PDF (155.8 KB)
In the third episode George Eadie interviewed Sizwe Nxasana, the Chairman of the National Education Collaboration Trust and founder of the Sifiso Learning Group. They have attempted to address the broad theme: “How should we think about the role of schools in South Africa?”
In the fourth episode George Eadie interviews Sarah Gravett, Dean of Education at UJ. In this episode they focus on important distinctions in understanding the national structure of accountability in teacher development. They also discuss the importance of school leadership to embrace continuous professional development through communities of practice and mentoring teachers.
Embracing initiatives to foster lifelong learning in teachers is the name of the game. If we all rally together to make our contribution to supporting the schools we are involved in, then it is possible to change the system, one teacher and one school at a time.
TAS would like to thank you for the role you play in developing and improving education in South Africa, not only in our current setting, but also for future generations.
Let’s work together to impart the gift of confidence in 2021 and beyond.
Important links 1. https://www.theanswer.co.za/gr-12-mathematics-past-papers-toolkit-is-here/
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Contact TAS if you're a teacher for group benefits when buying for your class: info@theanswerseries.co.za
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Follow George Eadie https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeeadie/ or on twitter @GeorgeEadie
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Follow Sarah Gravett on twitter @GravettSarah www.theanswer.co.za · www.linkedin.com · Transcript.pdf — PDF (136.3 KB)
In the second episode podcast host and TAS CEO, George Eadie, and John Sanei, Futures Strategist, unpacked the future of education in South Africa. This conversation lit up the space of the future of work and sparked some ideas on how we can be thinking about education.
In the third episode George Eadie interviews Sizwe Nxasana, the Chairman of the National Education Collaboration Trust and founder of the Sifiso Learning Group. Sizwe has earned the right to talk about education as he took the bold step to put his opinions into practice via a school network. Tune in to listen to this insightful interview where Sizwe shares how his passion for education evolved, as well as some of his personal, and very inspiring, experiences along the way. George and Sizwe also discuss the role of schooling and teacher development in South Africa.
TAS would like to thank you for the role you play in developing and improving education in South Africa, not only in our current setting, but also for future generations. The purpose of education and schooling is to realise full potential and enable tools for someone to move freely through different and evolving contexts.
We believe together we can adapt, learn, grow, and fuel the spirit of education in this country. Our learners, parents and teachers need us – let’s work together to impart the gift of confidence in 2021 and beyond.
The links you need to know about: News Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlZ_jqLGMeM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiEUu-Is0Ao https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GaPDB2iLw
Please visit our website for: SA’s best-selling study guides Teacher discounts for study guides Free e-books for teachers Free access to Grade 12 videos Helpful blog resources for learners, parents, teachers and many more exciting things to come.
Follow us on social media for more updates @theanswerseries and follow George Eadie on Twitter on the handle @georgeeadie news clip 1 · news clip 2 · news clip 3 · Transcript — PDF (151.7 KB)
In the first episode we addressed the question “What is the status of education in South Africa?” It was nevertheless an enlightening and sobering exercise, which left us pondering whether South Africa’s education can be turned around. In the second episode we are therefore addressing the following question: “What is the long-term future of education in SA?”
Tune in as podcast host and TAS CEO, George Eadie, and John Sanei, Futures Strategist, unpack the future of education in South Africa and the challenging, yet very exciting, changes it is continuously facing. They also discuss the important role structure plays in schools and how it is influenced by technology these days.
TAS would like to thank you for the role you play in developing and improving education in South Africa, not only in our current setting, but also for the future generation. Even though the future may often seem uncertain, we hope that together we can adapt, learn, grow, and fuel the spirit of education in this country.
Our learners, parents and teachers need us – let’s work together to impart the gift of confidence in 2021 and beyond.
The links you need to know about:
Peter Diamandis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUm5KURQfkw 0:12 TO 1:09
Sir Ken Robinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt0rN8Im1I8 3:25 to 3:52
Please visit our website for: SA’s best-selling study guides Teacher discounts for study guides Free e-books for teachers Free access to Grade 12 videos Helpful blog resources for learners, parents, teachers and many more exciting things to come.
If there’s anything more you think we can do for you that will make a difference in your classroom, school or at your desk please let us know.
Follow us on social media for more updates @theanswerseries and follow George Eadie on Twitter on the handle @georgeeadie Sir Ken Robinson clip · Peter Diamandis clip · Around the Table_ Episode 2_ What are the (long term) futures in Education in SA? Transcript .pdf — PDF (160.2 KB)
In this first episode, the question we’re addressing is “What is the status of education in South Africa?”
Tune in as podcast host and TAS CEO, George Eadie and Giles Gillett CEO of New Leaders Foundation unpack the status of education in South Africa, the challenges it’s facing, how covid has impacted it and some proposed solutions for a brighter future. There is hope and there is a way, we’ve just got to do it together.
TAS would like to thank you for the role you play in education in South Africa. We hope that together we can learn, grow and fuel the spirit of education in this country.
Our learners, parents and teachers need us – let’s work together to impart the gift of confidence in 2021 and beyond.
The links you need to know about:
Please visit our website for: SA’s best-selling study guides Teacher discounts for study guides Free e-books for teachers Free access to Grade 12 videos Helpful blog resources for learners, parents, teachers and many more exciting things to come.
If there’s anything more you think we can do for you that will make a difference in your classroom, school or at your desk please let us know.
Follow us on social media for more updates @theanswerseries and follow George Eadie on Twitter on the handle @georgeeadie
News clip links: Reverse basic education budget cuts: 00:39 -00:53 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=890KlDv_QHk Equal education reacts to Tito Mboweni's budget speech 02:43-03:21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukIkSg5Khyo President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses basic education sector Lekgotla 01:00-02:09 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2r12BLAB4w · Equal education reacts to Tito Mboweni's budget speech 02:43-03:21 · President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses basic education sector Lekgotla 01:00-02:09 · ATT-Ep1. What is the status of Education in SA? .pdf — PDF (146.9 KB)