The Alternative GCSE Podcast: Recent Episodes
Emma Jane Howe
Hello and welcome to the Alternative GCSE podcast … … I am your host Emma Howe, teen coach, advocate of education reform and I have a successful business within the education sector which I started 8 years ago … I started this as a way to help as many teens and parents of teens as possible to get talking and thinking about some important subjects that will help to carry them through the rest of their lives and help you all to be better and achieve more in your personal and professional lives.
Most teenagers who underperform in exams aren't lazy. They're not unprepared either, not in their own minds. They revised. They felt ready. And then the exam hall revealed something their revision sessions didn't.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, Emma Jane Howe unpacks why this happens so often and what's actually going on when revision feels productive but isn't. She explains the cognitive science behind why certain strategies like AI summaries, passive YouTube watching, re-reading notes create the sensation of learning without the substance of it. And she explains what genuine revision looks like, why it feels harder, and why that difficulty is precisely the point.
This is a calm, practical episode for any parent who has sat across from their teenager the night before an exam and wondered whether all those hours of work are actually going in. It won't make you panic. It will give you something useful to do.
Download the free GCSE Parent Survival Guide at emmajanetutoring.com. Link in show notes.
After nearly6 months away from The Alternative GCSE Podcast, this episode returns with a timely and reassuring conversation for parents navigating exam season with their teenagers.
Emma explores why GCSEs and other exams can feel so overwhelming for both teens and parents, explaining what is happening in the teenage brain during periods of stress, pressure and uncertainty. Drawing on cognitive science, she explains why teenagers may struggle with planning, motivation, emotional regulation and starting revision, even when they do care.
The episode offers practical, compassionate advice for parents, including printing exam timetables, crossing off papers as they are completed, using small celebrations, building in proper breaks, and helping teens reset when they are stuck in their own heads. Emma shares the example of a parent who takes regular Starbucks trips with her teen to create a change of environment, reduce pressure and help her focus.
There is also guidance for supporting teens who appear disinterested or avoidant, with a focus on reducing nagging, offering structure, using positive reinforcement and reconnecting before correcting.
Above all, this episode reminds parents that exam season is intense but temporary. The aim is not to create a perfect revision household, but to become a calm, steady presence who helps their teen take one paper, one reset and one day at a time.
Exam season has a way of taking over the whole house. The tension rises, everyone gets tired, and even a well meant “How’s revision going?” can land like an attack. I’m Emma, a GCSE teacher, tutor, and mum, and I’m sharing a calmer way through the GCSE exam period that supports your teen’s grades without crushing their confidence or your relationship.
We dig into what’s happening in the teenage brain, especially why executive function skills like planning, prioritising, and self regulation can wobble under pressure. We also unpack how stress impacts working memory, which explains why a teen can know content at home but freeze in the exam hall. The goal isn’t a mythical stress free exam season. It’s a regulated exam season, where routines, food, sleep, breaks, and reassurance keep pressure at a level where learning can still happen.
You’ll get practical, parent friendly strategies you can start tonight: printing the exam timetable and crossing papers off to reduce cognitive load, focusing on the next three days instead of the whole month, and using resets that actually shift state, like a change of environment or a short coffee shop study session. We also talk revision methods backed by cognitive science, like retrieval practice and spaced revision, plus what to do when your teenager acts like they don’t care, including how to break the nagging loop and use “minimum viable revision” to get momentum back.
If you know a parent who’s whispering in the kitchen wondering whether to offer support, snacks, silence, or a small lecture, share this with them. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell me: what’s the hardest part of exam season in your home right now?
In this episode, Emma explores the psychology behind what really makes students succeed — and why talent alone isn’t enough. Drawing on Angela Duckworth’s research on grit and Carol Dweck’s theory of growth mindset, she unpacks how perseverance, practice and feedback can help GCSE students move from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.”
You’ll hear inspiring classroom stories of two very different students — one who pushed through with consistent effort and one who relied on natural ability — and what their outcomes reveal about mindset.
Emma also shares a powerful moment from a recent tutoring session, where a student became emotional about “losing” her downtime to revision. It’s an honest look at how change can feel uncomfortable, but how reframing sacrifice as self-investment can empower young people rather than exhaust them.
Expect practical tools and evidence-based ideas, including:
- The interest–practice–feedback cycle that builds grit.
- How parents can change language to encourage progress, not perfection.
- Why balance and rest are essential parts of real growth.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, Emma Howe explores why so many teenagers put off their homework and revision – and what families can do to stop the cycle before GCSEs suffer.
Far from being simple laziness, procrastination is explained as a failure of self-regulation driven by brain chemistry and emotion. Emma draws on UK survey data showing that teens manage, on average, just 14 minutes of focused revision before phone distractions kick in, with around 40 % reporting constant social-media interruptions. She discusses research linking procrastination to lower grades, higher stress and anxiety, and tackles common myths such as “some people work better under pressure” and “taking the phone away fixes it”.
Listeners learn how to:
- Use micro-tasks and Pomodoro-style bursts to shrink the gap between intention and action.
- Create a low-friction environment – e.g. charging phones outside bedrooms and using visual checklists.
- Separate planning from doing and build positive accountability with friends or parents.
Real-life student examples illustrate how small tweaks can make a big difference. The episode ends with a five-day family challenge and a free downloadable Procrastination Breaker Plan to turn these insights into daily habits.
🔗 Show Notes – Key Studies & Data MentionedPrevalence and impact
- Meta-analysis of 96 studies (55,000 participants) showing procrastination’s negative effect on academic performance: Education Sciences, 2024.
- Review of academic procrastination in children and adolescents linking it to stress, anxiety and depression: PMC, 2023.
- UK survey reporting average 14 minutes of focused revision before distraction and 40 % constant social-media interruption: The Times education feature, 2023.
Psychological mechanisms
- Temporal Motivation Theory explaining how we discount distant rewards and favour instant gratification (Steel & König).
- Research on fear of failure and perfectionism as drivers of procrastination: Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 2023.
- European study linking high self-regulation with lower procrastination and stress: Frontiers in Psychology, 2023.
Practical angles
- Evidence supporting short, timed work–break cycles (e.g. Pomodoro) for sustained attention and lower cognitive load, summarised in multiple cognitive-psychology reviews.
A calm morning isn’t just nice to have—it’s brain fuel. In this 25-minute episode, Emma reveals the science and real-life strategies behind smoother school mornings.
Discover how teen biology, sleep cycles, and even the mere presence of a phone can make or break attention and memory. Learn practical steps to cut stress the night before, build a foolproof morning checklist, and create routines that work for both parents and teens.
What you’ll take away:
- Evidence on teen sleep needs and why early starts can derail focus.
- The link between evening screen use, melatonin, and next-day energy.
- A ready-to-go student morning plan: tech taper, single alarm, smart breakfast, and a two-minute memory warm-up.
- Parent playbook tips for fewer arguments and on-time exits.
Emma ends with a fun five-day family challenge and a free printable Morning Routine Checklist to make great mornings the new normal.
Perfect for GCSE students, parents, and anyone who wants a calmer, sharper start to the day.
Show notes — cited research Sleep duration guidance (teens 13–18: 8–10h): American Academy of Sleep Medicine; AASM/AAP consensus. AASM+1 * School start time evidence (sleep & outcomes): AAP policy; CDC/peer-reviewed review of 38 reports. AAP Publications+1 * Evening screens & sleep: Reviews linking light-emitting device use to delayed melatonin/poorer sleep. PMC+1 * Smartphone presence & attention: Review and empirical studies on cognitive costs of phone presence. PMC+1 * Breakfast & cognition: Systematic reviews on breakfast’s short-term benefits for attention/memory. PMC+1 * Social jetlag / weekend shift considerations:* Consensus and expert commentary on circadian alignment in adolescents. Sleep Health Journal
In this episode of the Alternative GCSE Podcast, host Emma Howe discusses the emotional rollercoaster of GCSE results day, offering practical advice for students awaiting their results. She emphasizes the myriad of options available now compared to previous years, such as college, apprenticeships, and direct entry into work. Emma highlights the importance of understanding grade boundaries and discusses strategies for remarking exams or retaking them if necessary. Throughout the episode, Emma encourages a proactive approach to post-GCSE life, focusing on personal goals and the diverse paths available to today's students.
Why do so many teens feel lost, unmotivated, or totally disconnected from school — even when they’re doing well academically?
In this opening episode of the new season, Emma explores why teens so often say: “What’s the point?” — and what we can do about it.
You’ll hear real stories from students who’ve left school, stayed in school, or hit a wall despite good grades. From Ruby, who found freedom through home ed, to Josh, who could get the marks but couldn’t find the meaning — this episode looks beneath the surface of teen disengagement.
We’ll also explore:
- 🧠 How the teenage brain really handles motivation
- 🌍 What we can learn from innovative schools like High Tech High in California
- 🤖 Why AI-supported learning and collaborative education may hold answers for the future
- 💡 A reframed question that could help teens rediscover their ‘why’
Whether you're a teen, a parent, or a teacher — this is your reminder that disconnection isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of asking better questions.
🎧 Listen now — and don’t forget to share with someone who needs this episode.
Are you unintentionally holding your teen back? 🚦 Many teenagers struggle with problem-solving, time management, and resilience—not because they’re not smart, but because they haven’t had the chance to develop real-world skills.
In this episode, we explore how chores, part-time jobs, and real-life responsibilities shape strong, independent young adults. 📚💡 Backed by scientific research, we discuss why many teens today:
🚗 Struggle with problem-solving because they’re driven everywhere.
💰 Don’t know how to budget because they’ve never had to save.
📅 Find time management hard because they’ve never had to juggle work and responsibilities.
We’ll share practical strategies for parents to:
✅ Introduce chores that build resilience and responsibility.
✅ Encourage their teen to earn their own money and develop financial independence.
✅ Step back so their teen learns to problem-solve and make decisions.
If you want to set your teen up for success—academically and in life—this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧💡
In this ultimate GCSE survival guide, we cover everything you need to prepare for exams with confidence! Whether you’re in Year 10 gearing up for your first mocks or Year 11 deep into revision, this episode is packed with motivation, proven study hacks, stress management techniques, and exam-day tips to help you succeed.
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ The power of mindset – How to stay positive and motivated, even when exams feel overwhelming.
✔ Smart revision strategies – Discover active recall, past paper practice, spaced repetition, and the Pomodoro technique to make your study time count.
✔ Beating stress & staying focused – Learn how quality sleep, good nutrition, and exercise can boost brain function and keep you sharp.
✔ Exam-day confidence hacks – What to do the night before, how to stay calm, and why focusing only on your own paper is key.
✔ How to reflect and move forward – Turning your results into a growth strategy for future success.
Imagine having a teaching assistant who works tirelessly 24/7, never asks for a pay rise, and helps you create bespoke lesson plans, communicate with parents, and even mark assignments. Sounds too good to be true? Well, that’s exactly what AI tools like ChatGPT can do for you. Today, I’ll be sharing practical tips to get started with AI in your classroom, some real-life examples from schools in the UK and the US, and addressing those nagging concerns we all have about using AI in education. So, let’s get started.
In this special holiday episode, we’re tackling an issue many parents face: feeling like they’re losing their teens to screens while struggling to keep them engaged in meaningful learning. Join us as we explore simple, actionable ways to reconnect with your teen over the Christmas season and beyond. From watching thought-provoking films to taking budget-friendly trips, teaching financial literacy, and balancing screen time with real-world activities, this episode is packed with tips to help you strengthen family bonds and nurture your teen’s growth. Let’s turn this holiday season into a time of learning, connection, and joy!
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, we explore cultural poverty and its profound impact on educational outcomes. We discuss how limited exposure to cultural experiences, compounded by the overuse of screens, affects students’ ability to contextualize their learning. Using insights from the Department for Education and real-life classroom anecdotes, we highlight disparities in performance, especially among White British students from low-income backgrounds. Tune in to discover actionable solutions for parents and educators to help students break the cycle and enrich their educational journeys.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, we explore the critical topic of financial literacy and why it’s essential for today’s teens. We’ll answer key questions, such as:
- How much debt is the UK population in, and why do so many people under 40 have no savings?
- What impact does the “Amazon Prime culture” have on how teenagers view money and instant gratification?
- What can parents do to help their teens understand the value of money and become financially independent?
- Why isn’t financial literacy taught in schools, and how is this contributing to larger crises like the housing crisis and rising reliance on food banks?
We’ll dive into real statistics, practical advice for parents, and the gaps in the UK education system that are leaving many young people unprepared to manage their finances. Whether you’re a teen or a parent, this episode will provide valuable insights into how we can all become smarter with our money.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, we explore how hidden biases in schools can affect the support children receive, focusing on a mother’s journey advocating for her son with potential dyslexia. We discuss how teacher assumptions based on class or family background can limit opportunities for students, and how these biases shape interactions with parents. Backed by research from sociologists like Pierre Bourdieu and Annette Lareau, we also tackle why teachers sometimes hesitate to be fully honest with parents and offer practical solutions to foster better collaboration between educators and families.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, we explore a crucial issue affecting many students: the lack of adequate education and career guidance, especially for those from disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds. We start with a personal story about a 16-year-old student who felt directionless, highlighting the broader problem of how certain students fall through the cracks.
We discuss key statistics, showing that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented communities are significantly less likely to pursue higher education. The episode delves into why early and tailored career guidance is critical and how schools can do more to support these students. We offer practical solutions for schools, such as engaging parents, providing more work experience opportunities, and offering mentorship programs to ensure every student receives the guidance they need to succeed.
In this episode of The Alternative GCSE Podcast, we explore a crucial issue affecting many students: the lack of adequate education and career guidance, especially for those from disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds. We start with a personal story about a 16-year-old student who felt directionless, highlighting the broader problem of how certain students fall through the cracks.
We discuss key statistics, showing that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented communities are significantly less likely to pursue higher education. The episode delves into why early and tailored career guidance is critical and how schools can do more to support these students. We offer practical solutions for schools, such as engaging parents, providing more work experience opportunities, and offering mentorship programs to ensure every student receives the guidance they need to succeed.
“Feeling overwhelmed by revision or big projects? In this episode, we’re going to tackle how breaking your work into small, achievable goals—what I call ‘small wins’—can make a huge difference in your study routine. Whether you're aiming to improve your grades, learn a new skill, or just stay on top of homework, focusing on these small victories will help you build momentum and confidence. I’ll also share examples from athletes like Serena Williams, musicians like Ed Sheeran, and even fashion designers and engineers who used this technique to reach their goals. Tune in to learn how small steps can lead to big success in your studies!”
n this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges students face after a long summer break: procrastination. If you’ve ever found yourself putting off schoolwork, overwhelmed by the idea of getting back into a routine, this episode is for you. We dive into the neuroscience behind procrastination, exploring why our brains push us to avoid tasks and how to overcome that instinct.
Learn practical strategies like the two-minute rule, setting specific goals, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks—all based on scientific research. We also cover the power of routines and how building consistent habits can help you stay on track, using techniques like the Pomodoro method to boost focus and productivity.
Whether you’re a student struggling to start studying or just looking for ways to beat procrastination, this episode offers actionable steps to break the cycle and make this school year your most productive yet. Tune in and take control of your time!
In this episode I will explore some of the case studies of the students who I work with and what they have ended up doing ... the joy of watching someone grow and realise they can achieve things that they never imagined,
It has been a while!
I am so sorry - life has caught up with me but now I am back!
Let's look into a deep dive of current research and findings from the UK select committee on the effects of screen time and what it means for our kids!
I have been toying with the idea about speaking up on this but I think it is time. I have read enough posts to know that this year's year 11's are probably one of the most let down by our education system but also by Covid and the impacts on this.
I will be covering topics such as depression, anxiety, phone addiction and it may not be the best for your teen to hear this one until after the exams.
Today we will be going through quite a bit!
Establishing a Motivational Routine
Mastering the Art of Taking Breaks
Shaping Your Revision Strategy
How Parents Can Support Teenagers
Overcoming Procrastination
Maintaining Motivation Through Challenges
I hope you enjoy it and it helps you and your teen!
Throughout this episode I unpick a range of different youtubers and why they are great for helping you fill in the gaps!
So you have just finished your mocks ... and now you have 7 weeks left!
It feels like it is never going to end ... so here is a podcast to set you up for the next 7 weeks!
Did you know it takes ten thousand hours to become an expert in anything? Well today, I talk about how you can use this concept to become great at anything. I also give some practical advice to parents about how they can help their children on a path to be great ... whatever that looks like (and it can look different for everyone!)
In today's episode we will be talking about the importance of counting down whilst also managing stress - its a short one aimed at those sitting exams to get you ready!
In today's podcast I talk about positive self talk and how self talk can either support or hinder your growth. I am not just going to be talking about academic growth but also growth as a person ...
In today's episode I delve into what it means to be overwhelmed and how to deal with being overwhelmed. It can happen to anyone and often does happen to teenagers (and their parents) around this time of year.
So hopefully this episode will help to extrapolate it and also help you with how to manage feeling overwhlemed.
In today's episode I take a look at the benefits of mono tasking and how this approach to revision and working in general leads to better productivity and better results in whatever you are choosing to do.
The episode also covers ways that parents can help their teens to carry out monotasking away from their phones in a positive and balanced way!
In this episode I share some thoughts on the positive effect difficult conversations have with teenagers - and families as a whole and some fun ways to bring conversations back into the main frame of everyday life!
In 2024 the format to this podcast is going to shift and centre more on how parents can help their teens through their GCSE's
I have had a great reponse so far since setting the podcast up and from now on I will be offering an episode a week to you parents about how to help your teen manage their lives through secondary school.
Today's episode focuses on the parents of year 11 students as they enter their 'final year' of year 11!
I offer some practical things you can do to help your teen all in a brief episode and some small things to do to help them achieve their potential.
Do you know how many times recently I wish that ... firstly procrastination didn't exist ... and secondly how ... if we were made a little more accountable ... it probably wouldn't exist?
Well today is a little exploration into that ... being accountable and halting procrastination in the process ...
In Today's episode we talk motivation and I share my own personal story of how I got motivated from a failing student in maths - to passing and now teaching it! I also talk about motivating yourself when no one is pushing you and how to help motivate your kids to aspire to be more and do more if they are stuck!
Today we talk about the importance of managing your expectations - being realistic with how much time you can study, and put into your work goals and the issues that can arise when you demand too much from yourself in a short space of time.
Throughout this episode I talk about the importance of getting things done. It may seem harder to start ... but it has major implications if you never start ...
This episode is SO great for those starting year 11 this week ... those starting year 10 and those in sixth form ... or anyone stuck in post summer blues :)
In this conversation, I talk about the importance of having a bigger picture vision and what it is you want to achieve with that vision ... without one it can be really hard to motivate yourself at the best of times ... even harder if it is something that you HAVE to go through ... like school ... or a difficult part of your job.
I hope you enjoy the conversation ...
During this episode we will explore the idea of failure.
Why it is necessary and wht could happen if you do everything to avoid failure. Often failure is what builds a person and without set backs there is no chance of growth ...
Have you ever truly thought about the habits you have stuck with for years? Are they benefitting you and your life or are they hindering you? It doesn't matter what age you are but you have all formed them and in today's episode, we dissect the importance of crafting habits from an early age.
Throughout this episode we will be discussing why it is so common for people to revise and revise and then they are unable to remember ... anything as soon as they step inside the exam hall ...
As a society we are constantly being marketed ideas of ehat our lives should look like and feel like - we are told you hve to have these exams, do this subject and without it you won't be successful but where does that mentality come from? We live in a world full of creatives and disrupters ... surely there is something else than the current system we have.
Throughout this episode I take you back to the 1800's and explore where schooling in the UK came from - the good people involved in its cvreation and where it should be going to support young people in heir endeavours to be fully successful adults in the next 30 years ...
Throughout this episode, we will be exploring why, throughout the education system elements of curiosity and what it means to be a curious learner have been reduced and taken away in pursuit of exams and data ... Also, we will be delving into why it is so important to fister and nurture curiosity beyond reception and extend it into KS2, KS3 and KS4 ...
Throughout the show today I discuss
*The importance of a sleep for a healthy mind and body
*The impact of a lack of sleep
*How to ensure you get the best sleep ever
*Why teens naturally wake up later
I hope you enjoy :)
Throughout this episode we will be delving into the world of SATs - this discussion will speak specifically of the year 6 sats in particular and why we still have them ... what they are for and who are they serving ...
Today's episode is all about breathing and the secrets it can hold to work on your parasympathetic nervous system which is CRUCIAL during times of intense stress ... something many year 11's and 13's are dealing with right now.
I also reference the work of Guy William Fincham, Clara Strauss, Jesus Montero-Marin & Kate Cavanagh and their findings on Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials
You can find out more about breath work from the Humberman lab which I absolutley love here; https://hubermanlab.com/how-to-breathe-correctly-for-optimal-health-mood-learning-and-performance/
Throughout this episode we will be discussing exercise.
We will be looking at research into the effects of exercise on memory and also releasing stress and how exercising for teens improves their memory function whilst also helping them to get into healthy habits which can grow and flourish over a lifetime. This not only leads to healthy people but also happier people which can surely only be a good thing?
Self care - Independence
One of the things schools fail to do is to help teens steer themselves on the right path and as part of the discussion today we will be focusing on the realm of independence.
For many teens a lot is done for them – whilst on the other end of the spectrum teens are expected to do too much for their families and themselves.
Today we will be looking at the importance of independence to maintain a good sense of who they are through:
The world of work
The ability to take on responsibilities (cleaning – chores)
The ability to nourish themselves (Cooking) – Courses for this
The ownership of money
Navigating through transports
Having their own space
All of these things are acts of self care – in understanding how to manage a range of things at one time and why doing everything for your teenager is probably doing themselves a disservice
There has been so much research about journaling. Not only has it been proven to help people manage their stress and anxiety on a whole host of topics from exam streess righ up to illnesses, but it has been found to be a great way to own your own story and narrative. In this episode we will be exploring the ways in which it is beneficial and why you should start a journal today!
We will also delve into the world of grattude and what one Californian University has discovered about students who complete gratitude letters daily - the findings are impressive!
Throughout this episode we will be looking at the benefits and drawbacks of Exams. We are RIGHT in the middle of exams for hundreds of thousands of teens in every country and whilst I will be focusing on the UK exam system, it has applications to others too.
But did you know exams can be helpful and beneficial, not just in gaining a certificate but also in character building?
Well, over the next episode you will find out why!
Throughout this episode I will be exploring homeschooling - giving you some insight into working in the field - debunnking some of the myths around it and why, if you can do it, then it might be worth considering ... All these opinions are absolutely my own but all of the children and teens I discuss are real examples of homeschooling situation. Let me know what you think!
This short is all about working towards an end goal ... inspired by the writer of atomic habits; James Clear
This short gives you some ideas about how to tackle the subjets you would rather forget
This episode looks at the best environments to work in to maximise your revision and also boost your final exam grade.
This short covers 3 top tips to achieving your best grade and avoiding feeling like you are not getting anywhere in your revision ...
Today I discuss the reasons for the teachers strikes. Some parents may view at s selfish whilst others can see their perspective but are just not sure what the government can do.
Teachers are in crisis and today, I will be explaining why.
Today we talk about exam stress and anxiety. It can be debilitating, it can cause you to forget things but how is it than you can overcome it and be in control?
Today we talk about it!
Throughout this episode, I look at why school's fail to support parents and teens in their revision and what you can do to support them.
I will cover ...
-
What revision should look like
-
Revision envronments
-
Screen time
-
Should music be involved
*Studygram and why it isnt that important
- Why quality is better than quantity.
Great if you are in year 10 - 13 or you are a parent of a teen in secondary school!
Enjoy,
Emma
Throughout this episode we will be exploring what it means to know your brain and how it can benefit all of you throughout your life!
So this week it is a slight deviation from the regular
podcast -I would like to offer you some wise old words from my ten years
experience as a tutor in how to help your teenager effectively manage their time,
their mental health and their goals to help them through the next 4 months as
they go through their GCSE exams.
In this episode - I discuss the problem of giving your kids too much. Being a parent is an absolute mindfield and no one gives you a handbook. Is there really anything wrong with giving your kids the life you didn't have?
Today we will look at New Year's resolutions - why they often fail and how having a growth mindset could be your key to a successful 2023.
A quick episode today all about my business! The things I have learnt along the way and the challenges I have had to face and what it really takes to run a business!
Today I spoke with Hannah!
Hannah has worked in education over the course of the past ten years and she has just completed her MA in Education with Psychology.
Throughout the course of this conversation we spoke about her inspirations in life, her school experiences and how her research is going to change the way that we will teach kids in the future!
I can't wait for you to listen :)
Christmas is fast approachihng and I wanted to add a few little bonus episodes over the christmas break!
The first episode is all about my Hero - the great Sir Ken Robinson.
You may never have heard of him but he was the amazing voice which contributed to the rise in popularity of TEd talks and his research in education has made global tracks.
In this Podcast I'll share why this guy is my hero and why his work is still so important.
In today's episode, I will be looking into the issues of labelling and the problems surrounding it. Often, when kids are labelled as being in the bottom set, or not being good at sports that can stick! And who can relate to that? But it can be overcome!
In this episode, I explore screen time. It is something that a lot of parents are still getting their heads around and the information around screen time can be confusing. I look at science, studies and data to uncover the benefits and also the drawbacks of it and how we can all work together to set healthy boundaries for our kids and teens.
Today we look at Bullying and the meaning of it ... I include personal stories about the effects of bullying and how it has effected people close to me and also unpick why bullies bully ...
An episode all about how we can drive education to become more community based in it's approach and also help drive change within the education system to inspire children and teachers to love learning again.
Throughout this episode, we explore the idea of what happens within the first 2000 days of a child's life and we also explore the ways in which nurseries are great places but also out of reach for many people because of the finance involved. If this did change and the playing field was level then surely it would benefit all?
Throughout this episode, we explore why reading is fundamental in everyone's lives. The eye watering statistics on how many people are illiterate in 2022 and how we can turn it around.Key ThemesCultural povertyRoald DahlReading for pleasureReading levels across the worldSocial media and going down the rabbit holeHow reading can benefit your outlook
Today I am discussing all things apprentiships. What is one? Why they are growing in popularity and why many people are taking this route rather than University!
In today's episode we will be exploring the choices around going to University. We will be delving into the cost, what you can gain from it and why go.
An episode all about why school counsellors and raising awareness of mental health conditions is absolutely vital for our society and in helping our young people to grow and become aware of others and support them too.
In this week's podcast, we continue with the theme of topics in school's which should be taught. This week we will delve into the importance of teaching financial literacy and the impact it could have on all our children and teens as they enter adulthood.
Communication isn't something we teach our kids specifically ... it should just be something that flows through every area of the curricular right? But is that happening ... and what if it isn't? How is that effecting the way our kids and teens are growing up in an every changing and evolving world and where communication is constantly shifting. Today ... we will unearth a few of these ideas.
Looking at the root causes of why some schools are 'better' than others and why the 11+ is, in my humble opinion, outdated and instead, we should be favoring a system in which every pupil, no matter their background or ability, is able to flourish and succeed. Be prepared for an episode that may just change your mind about testing your 10 and 11 year old's for the 11+ test ...
Emma explains the wider issues of dyslexia and how a radical shake up of how dyslexia is seen within the education system, could radically change society right from a child's motivation to the state of the prison system.
SATs, GCSE's and ALevels ... not to mention the endless stream of mock exams and mini tests in between but what is the point of them? Who do they serve anymore and with google ... and the internet Are they outdated?
Why is it that the UK seems to put the profession of teaching pretty low down on the pecking order? Aren't these the very people that are supposed to help nurture and raise the next generation? This podcast will explore the reasons why and offer possible solutions.
Some of you may have read the title of this week's podcast and be thinking; 'I am not really good at anything'. But what if I told you you are actually the best in the business at something ... you just haven't figured it out yet. What if I told you how to find out what you're good at and how to use it ... well that is what you are about to hear!Enjoy! Please like, rate and review my podcast! It let's others find us!
How many times have you given up on something .. or had an idea only to watch it fall to the wayside. How many times have you proclaimed someone's genius and felt inferior to them? Well grit may be the missing element in your life and today, I talk to you about how to unravel it and make it work for you in achieving your true potential.
Milton Hershey was a poor man like any other during the Gilded age in America during the late 1800's. But his pioneering work in chemistry led to his fortune ... which in turn has awarded students from the toughest backgrounds the best formal education for free. I discuss the School's methods and how they have transformed the lives of the poor through growth mindset.
Hello and welcome to the Alternative GCSE podcast
I am your host Emma Howe, teen coach, advocate of education reform and I have a successful business within the education sector which I started 8 years ago … I started this as a way to help as many teens and parents of teens as possible to get talking and thinking about some important subjects ...
Today I briefly introduce myself and what you will gain by listening every week!