The Dynamic Deputies Podcast: Recent Episodes
Russell Pearson and Steve Eastes
An uplifting and informative podcast for teachers, support staff and school leaders from two Deputy Heads, Steve & Russell (@DynamicDeps). The Dynamic Deputies Podcast covers a wide range of topics and includes regular guest-episodes. Guaranteed to lift your mood and bring you some much-needed calm.
A new episode is typically released every two weeks.
In Part 2 of 'Journey into Headship', Russell describes the first term in the role. Are you ever ready? What are the challenges and rewards of Headship? What's next?
In this episode, Russell shares insights about his trials and tribulations in going from a Deputy Headship into leading a school as a Head for the very first time.
Join Russell and Steve as they launch into the brave new world of AI in education. They're joined by Michael Clegg, founder of RockettAI, a website which aims to save teachers time, boost their creativity and support them to deliver an excellent education for their pupils.
Should school leaders teach? What are the potential benefits or drawbacks to senior leaders getting back into the classroom? In this episode we delve into this topic, drawing upon the opinions of our followers online.
After a quiet spell, Russell checks in to reflect on the human element to working in education. There is always more going on for you and your colleagues, and it's time we appreciate this fact. Trigger warning: Russell refers to the sad news of the death of Headteacher Ruth Perry in this episode.
With thousands of teachers set to strike over the issue of pay and school funding, we discuss the reasons so many teachers and leaders are feeling both frustrated and undervalued at the moment.
Take a short pause with Russell as he reflects on the natural fluctuations we all experience in our moods whilst navigating the many challenges of education.
Andrew Percival returns to the podcast to discuss behaviour. We learn about how a curriculum for behaviour transformed his school, creating a calmer, happier environment for both staff and children. Lots of great advice for leaders and teachers.
In this episode, we take an honest look at Russell's recent Ofsted experience. We unpick advice drawn from both successes and failures, in the hope of supporting other teachers and leaders to have as positive inspection experiences as possible in future.
Executive Headteacher Nick Hart joins us to discuss a helpful framework for thinking about the impact leaders can make in schools. Lots of sage advice and useful insights from a passionate and experienced leader in education.
In this episode, we look at why being a reflective practitioner is so important - whatever your role is in school. We then examine some specific scenarios teachers and leaders might face and consider what a reflective, useful response might be.
A unique episode as Russell reflects at the end of a long week. In a profession full of highs and lows, what is it that keeps him going?
Emma Turner returns to the podcast to talk about primary curriculum design and effective subject leadership. This is a brilliant interview with someone who fully appreciates the complexity and beauty of teaching and leading in primary schools. Emma's new book is called Simplicitus and we highly recommend!
In this episode, we're joined by Adam Boxer to consider why it's useful for teachers to spend more time thinking about how to make their explanations as effective as possible. Adam shares insights from his book 'Teaching Secondary Science', which we believe is full of sound advice for teachers of any age-range, and any subject.
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Rob Coe to discuss the topic of 'proxies for learning'. How do we know if children are learning? What are some unreliable indicators that learning is happening, and where might we focus instead? How might this understanding affect the way we plan our lessons?
It is essential that young people have a healthy relationship with their emotions, and are able to express them in a way that is positive for them, and those around them. In this episode, we explore 8 ways to develop emotional literacy in your schools. Lots of advice for both leaders and teachers.
Assistant Headteacher Jade Pearce joins us to talk about making an evidence-informed culture work in your school. We address lots of issues around this topic, including workload, teacher-autonomy and whether the 'art' of teaching is compatible with this focus on evidence.
Gareth Metcalfe returns to the podcast to talk about mathematical problem-solving. What knowledge underpins effective problem-solving? How can we scaffold to success? How would we model solving different types of problems? A fantastic discussion with lots of great advice from the creator of the brilliant 'I See Reasoning' and 'I See Problem-Solving' resources.
This inspiring interview with Elly Chapple is all about the importance of inclusion, and valuing a truly diverse society. We explore the power of positive relationships with parents, seeing beyond labels, and embracing the true 'complexity' of every human being. An uplifting and informative listen!
In this fantastic conversation with Lekha Sharma - an experienced teacher, senior leader and author - we delve into some big issues of curriculum design and implementation. How can we ensure we keep a sense of the 'big picture', while also being immersed in the fine detail? How do we get teachers on the ground to understand the complex links in and across our curricula? How do we effectively enact the curriculum that has been designed?
In this interview with experienced teacher and senior leader, Aidan Severs, we look at how our teaching can be effective, whilst also being efficient and manageable. With a particular focus on planning and managing our workload, this is must listen for both teachers and the leaders who have such an enormous influence over in-school policies.
In this episode, Russell and Steve explore 8 scaffolding strategies that any teacher can use in their lessons as alternatives to setting different work for different groups of children. By combining a range of these strategies, teachers can ensure that all learners get access to the same rich curriculum content. These techniques are shared within the 'Differentiation' chapter of our upcoming book: 'Talking Teaching with the Dynamic Deputies: Inspiring CPD for Every Teacher'.
John Walker returns to the podcast to talk about Etymology and Morphology. We explore why they are useful, interesting and eye-opening for children. We also look at the extent to which they connect to the work we do with children on spelling. In the episode, John makes reference to the following recommended reading: 'Prefixes and Other Word- Initial Elements of English and Suffixes' and 'Other Word- Final Elements of English' (Laurence Urdang, Verbatim Books.)
In our final episode of 2021, we catch-up in person to reflect on the year we've had as a profession. Lovely for the two of us to speak in person for the first time in two years! This episode will be the last under the name of 'Don't Shoot the Deputies', with new episodes in 2022 being released under the new podcast name, 'The Dynamic Deputies Podcast'.
This episode delivers some cracking History CPD thanks to our incredible guest, Stuart Tiffany. Stuart provides a wealth of valuable information about curriculum design, local history studies, chronology and misconceptions in History. Essential listening for subject leads or anyone involved in curriculum development.
In this episode we talk to Shannen Doherty and Neil Almond - both teachers (and leaders) who have written about education, as well as speaking at CPD events. We cover a variety of topics, including teacher-led CPD, leadership, curriculum and Variation in mathematics. A wonderful conversation with two teachers who are hugely passionate about the work that they do.
In this episode we interview the creator of TTRS and Numbots, Bruno Reddy. This is an excellent discussion about mathematical fluency and how TTRS/Numbots can work alongside strong classroom practice to ensure our children become the confident mathematicians they ALL deserve to be.
We're joined by Christopher Such, author of 'The Art and Science of Primary Reading' to explore some big issues related to the leadership of Reading in schools. This is an essential listen for English, Curriculum or Senior leaders.
We are joined by Nic Ponsford and Graham Andre to continue the conversation about gender equality in schools. Nic is co-founder of the Global Equality Collective (GEC) and Graham is a primary teacher who featured in the 2017 documentary 'No More Boys and Girls: Can Our Kids Go Gender Free?'.
Headteacher Sonia Thompson joins us to unpick the disadvantage issue. We explore the reasons for the stubborn 'PP/Non-PP' gap, the vital role of developing strong literacy skills for pupils, and the importance of working collaboratively with your school community. An inspiring listen.
In September 2021 a new Early Career Framework comes into place. In this episode we're joined by Nicola Podd and Sophie Morgan-Williams from Ambition Institute, who guide us through the changes and what schools need to get in place. An important listen for school leaders, mentors, tutors and ECTs themselves!
In the episode we mention Ambition Institute's Instructional Coaching guide, which you can find here: https://bit.ly/3kk3nml
Andrew Percival is a Deputy Headteacher who is extremely passionate about effective curriculum design. Listen to him reflect on his own curriculum journey, as well as sharing insights about his school's teaching of Latin and their Whole-Class Feedback policy.
Award-winning writer, broadcaster and TED speaker Carl Honoré is the voice of the global 'Slow Movement'. In this episode we pause to reflect on how different the world of education could be if we focused on giving our relationships the time they deserve. We also examine the idea of doing fewer things in greater depth and how this could make school such a richer experience for young people.
What does it mean to teach like a physio? Class teacher, Jane Clapp, used to be a physiotherapist. In this episode we reflect on the parallels between her past and present careers. A fascinating interview with a passionate and inspiring teacher.
Mary Myatt says we should be spending more time on the stuff that really matters, and be ruthless in cutting out the stuff that has no impact. This is an episode that is sure to resonate, whatever stage of your career.
Daisy Christodoulou joins us to talk through Comparative Judgement - a different way of assessing Writing than is perhaps conventional in most schools. Full of helpful insights about the need for more reliable and useful writing assessment information.
John Walker (director of Sounds-Write) joins us to answer some big questions about the 'why' and 'how' of teaching phonics. Whatever your level of experience, you're bound to learn a huge amount from John's incredible expertise in this area.
What is mathematical reasoning? Why is it important? What are the common barriers for children and how do we overcome them? We're joined by the wonderful Gareth Metcalfe (www.iseemaths.com) to explore all these questions, and more.
Are you looking to secure your first teaching role? Don't worry - we've got you covered with advice about the whole process from start to end. Make sure to share this with any other teachers who may benefit.
For this episode we're joined by the amazing Gareth Morewood - an experienced SENDCO and inclusion advisor - to discuss inclusive practice in schools. There is so much to learn in this episode, whatever your level of experience.
In 2017, teacher Graham Andre featured in a BBC documentary called 'No More Boys and Girls'. How did the experience change Graham's views and behaviours, and how far has the teaching profession come regarding the issue of gender equality? A must listen for every teacher.
Tom Percival is the author and illustrator of many popular children's books, including 'Ruby's Worry', 'Perfectly Norman' and 'Ravi's Roar'. In this episode, Tom gives us some fascinating insights into what motivates him to write, where he gets his inspiration from and he also tells us about his newest book, 'The Invisible'. An incredibly interesting interview with a wonderful man.
The start to 2021 has been one heck of a ride for everyone working in education. You've shown incredible resilience and adaptability during this time. In this episode we reflect on some of these challenges and spend some time acknowledging those who've helped us through. With special contributions from our listeners
A bit of light relief to make you smile as Russell and Steve recreate their worst nightmares associated with live teaching.
We all want our students to engage positively with remote learning. In this episode we explore some ideas that we encourage teachers and leaders to reflect on during this time.
A satirical take on the January school inset... all via Zoom of course. Our little offering to make the profession smile at a tough time for everybody.
We recorded a short wellbeing webinar with Liz Scott and Stu Newberry on Dec 23rd 2020. This was our small offering of support to colleagues who might be having a tricky time this Christmas. We hope the episode helps you to feel reconnected with your inner resilience and wellbeing.
Kathryn Morgan helps us to understand what it means to be an 'evidence-informed' practitioner. Lots of sound advice for teachers and leaders about how to use evidence in your daily practice.
Kathryn is an experienced teacher and leader who now works for the Teacher Development Trust as an Expert Advisor.
Rae Snape (Headteacher and National Leader of Education) helps us to reflect on what it means to have a 'human-first' approach to curriculum-design. Enjoy the powerful insights and thoughtful reflections from this 'radical optimist'...
Nick Hart is a Headteacher who has led a school from Requires Improvement to Good under the new inspection framework. He gives us some sound advice on curriculum development, how best to prepare for an inspection and the things to look for when gauging the impact of a curriculum.
In this episode we're talking Science with teacher, leader and Science specialist Beth Budden. We reflect on how we best introduce scientific concepts to children, while also exploring other important issues such as assessment, curriculum design and what cultural capital looks like in this subject.
Russell and Steve may be 'dead on their feet', but they're happy. In this episode, they take some time reflect on the first term of 2020-21, sharing some of the reflections of their members from their group, 'Make an Impact Education', on Facebook.
In this episode with teacher and author Mark Enser, we explore the subject of Geography. We look at features of effective Geography teaching, common misconceptions and advice for curriculum-design. Mark's precise explanations are enlightening and helpful whether you're a teacher or leader in education.
This episode examines diversity within the History curriculum. What is it? Why is it important? How can we make sure that when we teach History we reflect a diversity of perspectives?
With help from Karin Doull and Paul Bracey, we explore these big questions. A helpful episode for all teachers, those with a responsibility for curriculum-design are those who simply have an interest in the past!
This episode features our first ever author/illustrator guest, and it is the wonderfully talented David Litchfield; author of many beautiful books including 'The Bear and the Piano'. In our interview we find out more about the man behind the books, as well as gaining a fascinating insight into his sources of inspiration and the processes behind the books we love. A must listen for anyone interested in children's literature.
This is the first in a series of subject-specific episodes looking to support you with your ongoing curriculum development. In this episode we walk about PSHE (and RSE specifically) with Lucy Marcovitch, who specialises in the world of PSHE and is the series editor of Discovery Education's Health and Relationships scheme. Ideal for teachers, leaders and those with an interest in this subject area.
Here's a link to a very helpful blog by Lucy: https://www.discoveryeducation.co.uk/what-we-offer/discovery-education-health-and-relationships/curriculum/5-ways-to-teach-RSE-with-confidence
In this episode we talk to Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli. They tell us about how their combined areas of expertise have enabled them to create a brilliantly helpful book called 'Teaching Walkthrus'; ideal for anyone working in education. A must-listen for anyone interested in teachers' professional development.
It is so important to ensure there is diverse representation in the books we offer our young people. For this podcast we're joined by Jazz Newton, Doaa Alsoraimi and Ashley Booth (three colleagues based in Liverpool) to discuss this important issue. We really hope that their passion and expertise gets you thinking about the diet of literature you provide for the children in your schools.
In Episode 21, we are joined by two great minds from education: Daisy Christodoulou and Clare Sealy. We talk about the value of knowledge, how cognitive science has helped us to understand how we learn and the implications for how technology could be used more effectively in schools. There is so much to take away from this conversation, regardless of your level of experience or your role within education.
In this episode we meet an absolute gem of a human being: Jaz Ampaw-Farr. Jaz is living-proof of the difference that 'every day heroes' (educators) truly make in a young person's life. Be prepared to laugh, cry and to be truly inspired.
For more information about Jaz, and the work that she does, visit www.jazampawfarr.com
This is the fifth and final webinar in a series aimed at supporting educators during a particularly extraordinary time. This episode looks in particular at the theme of anxiety. This is a perfect listen for anyone wanting to understand their own anxiety, or for those wanting to understand how they can best serve others who might be experiencing anxiety.
What does a 'dynamic learning community' look like? Headteacher and author of 'The Thinking School', Dr Kulvarn Atwal, explains how he went about creating a culture in which teachers feel trusted, empowered and challenged to think about their practice. Be prepared to feel inspired and motivated to make a real difference in your school community...
In this fourth wellbeing webinar we explore how we can best support colleagues and our school communities at times of difficulty. We look at the importance of pointing people back in touch with the resilience they already have, rather than innocently getting lost in their stories.
This is the third in a series of wellbeing webinars exploring our innate wellbeing and how we can remain in touch with this even at times of extraordinary uncertainty. In this episode we particularly focus on the unusual working patterns educators find themselves having to adapt to and question whether the pressure we so often feel is really coming from the 'outside'.
In this second wellbeing webinar we explore the relevance of the inside-out understanding of wellbeing when it comes to speculation. We also explore the idea of control: are we ever really in control of our circumstances? When is it best to make important decisions?
What if our wellbeing wasn't so dependent on exterior factors? What if wellbeing is part of our make-up rather than something we have to chase?
This is the first recording from a set of wellbeing webinars looking at the idea of resilience in the midst of uncertainty. This series of webinars is run alongside Liz Scott and Stu Newberry, who run an organisation called 'Inner Compass': https://innercompassguide.com/
Get in touch with us if you are keen to attend future Zoom webinars.
Are you an educator who is thinking of moving on? Perhaps you're looking for your first teaching role, or maybe you're about to make that next move to a new school... In this podcast we take you through the whole journey, helping you to decide when the time is right and how to perform to your very best throughout the whole process. Happy job-hunting!
We talk to Emma Turner, author of 'Be More Toddler' - a book about school leadership inspired by our littlest friends. We cover many aspects of leadership, including wellbeing, being brave, flexible working and not being afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and old-man pajamas...
This episode is an audio-version of a blog we wrote for Third Space Learning. It examines whether we have to 'make' maths fun in order for learning to take place in our lessons. We propose a different approach, based on engagement rather than fun. You can read the original blog here: https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/making-maths-fun-or-engaging/
In this episode we explore the idea of 'difficult' conversations. Do they have to be difficult? What advice do the DynamicDeps give for having these conversations? How can we learn from the advice given in Emma Turner's new book, 'Be More Toddler'?
Why is Clare Sealy so interested in Curriculum? What reflections does she have about the importance of a 'knowledge rich' curriculum? Listen to this second episode on curriculum to find out more...
In this first episode of two parts, we explore the thinking processes we've each been going through as deputies responsible for developing the curricula in our schools.
In this episode we catch up in Kent and talk about... 1) The debate over whether SATs should be scrapped 2) What it means to have a moral compass in leadership and 3) The importance of teamwork in a school culture
Enjoy and please get in touch via Twitter @DynamicDeps or in our facebook group - Make an Impact Education. #dontshootthedeputies
An interview with Chris Dyson, Headteacher of the incredible Parklands, Leeds. Followed up with Steve interviewing Russell about his experience of visiting the school. A great episode for any educator who wants to be inspired by an amazing educational setting achieving great things for its pupils.
A passionate conversation about the role of technology in the classroom (and at home!) with 'ICT with Mr P', Leeroy Parkinson.
In this episode we explore some of your worries about the year ahead, including vulnerable leaders, funding and the spinning-plate game of the curriculum.
Sometimes you need to 'Hear the Call' once again. Shake off those blues and remind yourself why you do what you do. Listen, enjoy and have a great week.
In this episode we welcome @coachconnectSTU to discuss wellbeing in greater depth, including the implications for our young people. Enjoy!
In our first podcast we give you some background about us both and we have a good discussion about Wellbeing in schools. In particular, we explore the distinction between 'overwhelm' and 'overload'.
Please give us feedback at @dynamicdeps and using the hashtag #dontshootthedeputies