Magnify Matters

Catholic Education Sandhurst
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Magnify Matters, a podcast proudly produced by Catholic Education Sandhurst. Magnify Sandhurst is a bold, evidence-informed initiative designed to bring system-wide improvement to teaching and learning across 51 Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. Grounded in the science of learning, Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns best, how literacy is effectively taught, and how calm, predictable classrooms can maximise learning time for every student. We’ll be sharing our story and speaking with educational leaders from our world class partners; organisations like StepLab, Ochre Education, MultiLit, the Knowledge Society and LME Global. You’ll get a front row seat to hear from respected educators as they work with us to create lasting change and growth in a real school system, with real classrooms, real teachers and real students. This won’t just be academic, you’ll hear from people involved at all points of the project - the joys, the trials and tribulations of those us working together to ensure lasting learner growth across every school, for every teacher and every student, on every day. Make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode. And if you’ve enjoyed what you hear, let us know by leaving a review or connecting with us online @catholiceducationsandhurst. Now stay with us, as we magnify what truly matters.

  1. How great teachers keep getting better with Josh Goodrich

    4 DAYS AGO

    How great teachers keep getting better with Josh Goodrich

    What does it take for teachers to keep getting better? In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Tim Edwards is joined by Josh Goodrich, founder and CEO of StepLab, for a conversation about instructional coaching, professional growth and the science of improving teaching practice. Drawing on his own experience as an early career teacher in some of England’s most challenging schools, Josh reflects on the coaching model that transformed his practice and ultimately shaped the development of StepLab, now used by schools and systems around the world. Together, Tim and Josh explore: • Why instructional coaching is one of the most effective forms of professional learning • The difference between direct instruction and discovery learning • How rehearsal, feedback and deliberate practice support teacher growth • Why teachers must sometimes learn like novices again • The six-step StepLab framework and its growing impact in schools and systems This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring the science of learning, evidence-informed practice and the work underway through Magnify Sandhurst across 51 schools in regional Victoria. Whether you are in the classroom, leading a team or supporting system improvement, this is a thoughtful conversation about coaching, expertise and keeping improvement simple enough to sustain. Now join us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education SandhurstJosh GoodrichSteplabGet Better FasterTeach like a championRosenshine Principles ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement. ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,298 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10). Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    36 min
  2. Making every lesson count with Dr Nathaniel Swain

    17 APR

    Making every lesson count with Dr Nathaniel Swain

    Effective teaching is deliberate, informed and refined over time. In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Tim Edwards is joined by Dr Nathaniel Swain - teacher, instructional coach and founder of Think Forward Educators - for a conversation on what effective teaching looks like in today’s classrooms. Drawing on his experience across schools, universities and instructional coaching, Nathaniel explores how the science of learning can support teachers to make better decisions — not by adding complexity, but by bringing clarity to what works. Together, Tim and Nathaniel explore: Why time is the most precious resource in the classroom and how to use it well.The importance of explicit, whole-class instruction as a starting point for learning.How knowledge builds knowledge and why strong foundations matter.The role of working memory, cognitive load and structured teaching.How to build challenge and extension without creating multiple lessons.The power of checks for understanding and responsive teaching.Why great teaching is both structured and adaptive. Whether you are in the classroom, leading a team or supporting system improvement, this is a conversation about making every minute of learning count. Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education SandhurstDr Nathaniel Swain ABOUT DR NATHANIEL SWAINDr Nathaniel Swain is a teacher, instructional coach and writer. He produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium and is co-host of the Chalk Dust Podcast with Rebecca Birch. Nathaniel works directly with schools and systems and through an online learning platform called Luminary. Having worked at universities and government school systems in Victoria, Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and tertiary settings. In 2019, Nathaniel founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 30,000 members and growing. He also has a book titled 'Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement'. ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement. ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,298 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10). Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    52 min
  3. Building better teaching through practice and feedback with Teach Well

    15 APR

    Building better teaching through practice and feedback with Teach Well

    Teaching should not be as hard as it sometimes feels, for teachers or for students. In this episode of Magnify Matters, Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) is joined by Katie Webster and Katie Roberts-Hull from Teach Well for a conversation about what it takes to translate evidence into everyday classroom practice. Drawing on their work across more than 900 schools, Katie Webster and Katie Roberts-Hull reflect on the realities of school improvement, from early career teaching experiences to system-wide professional learning, and what it takes to move beyond one-off professional development to something that genuinely shifts teaching. As partners in the Magnify Sandhurst journey, they connect research to practice, exploring how modelling, feedback and sustained support build teacher confidence and create the conditions for every student to learn. Together they explore: Why calm, orderly and predictable learning environments are the foundation for effective teaching and learning.What doesn't work in professional learning, and why one-off workshops rarely lead to sustained change in practice.Why teachers need to see what effective instruction looks like, not just hear the theory behind it.How retrieval practice, review and full participation strengthen learning and support long-term memory.Why system improvement relies on coherence, shared language and continuous learning over time. Whether you’re in the classroom, leading a school or working across a system, this episode offers practical insight and a clear reminder that improving teaching is not about doing more, but about doing what works, consistently and well. Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education SandhurstTeach WellOchre EducationClassroom Mastery ABOUT TEACH WELLTeach Well create life-long learning opportunities for teachers and school leaders, that translate research into action, improving outcomes for all students. Across Australia, 8,800+ educators and 650+ schools have improved student learning and engagement through its programs. In 2025, Teach Well joined forces with Ochre Education to deepen its collective impact, bringing together Teach Well’s expertise in professional development and Ochre Education’s comprehensive curriculum offerings. Ochre Education is a national not-for-profit, that supports teachers and expands student access to comprehensive high-quality curriculum through a free online library. ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement. ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURSTCatholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,298 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10). Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    48 min
  4. Dr Pamela Snow on why literacy is a social justice issue

    16/12/2025

    Dr Pamela Snow on why literacy is a social justice issue

    Literacy is not a matter of luck, postcode or chance; it’s a matter of equity, access and social justice. In this episode of Magnify Matters, Distinguished Professor Pamela Snow, one of Australia’s leading voices in literacy, language and the science of learning, joins Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) for a conversation about what it takes to ensure every child learns to read well. Pam reflects on the personal, professional and research journey that has shaped her national leadership in literacy, from speech pathology and brain injury rehabilitation to her advocacy for evidence-informed reading instruction and the establishment of La Trobe University’s SOLAR Lab. As a trusted contributor to early Magnify Sandhurst conversations, Pam helps connect decades of research to the lived realities of classrooms, teachers and systems working to lift learning outcomes for every student. In this episode, Tim and Pam explore: Why learning to read is a social justice issue, not an individual outcome.What cognitive science tells us about how children learn to read and why the debate went on for so long.Why the first three years of school matter more than any later intervention.How strong Tier 1 instruction supports both learning and wellbeing.The role of speech pathologists and interdisciplinary collaboration in schools.Why lifting teacher expertise lifts the profession itself. Whether you’re teaching in the early years, leading a school, shaping system-wide improvement or supporting learning at home, this episode offers clear principles, grounded insight and a strong case for doing fewer things — better — for every learner. Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode Professor Pamela SnowThe Snow ReportThe Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) LabMagnify SandhurstCatholic Education Sandhurst ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement. ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across rural and regional Victoria, educating more than 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story. Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    1hr 10min
  5. Rethinking classroom tech with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath

    09/12/2025

    Rethinking classroom tech with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath

    Neuroscientist and educator Dr Jared Cooney Horvath returns to Magnify Matters for a fast, practical check-in on what lifts learning from knowledge-rich curriculum and whole-class instruction to cutting through the noise on EdTech. In conversation with Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning & Teaching), Jared reflects on Sandhurst’s momentum since his three-day intensive earlier this year, and also previews his new book The Digital Delusion including that now-famous Hugh Grant blurb. Together, Tim and Jared explore: What knowledge-rich, low-variance looks like in real classroomsWhy whole-class instruction builds empathy, synchrony and deeper understandingHow background knowledge speeds new learning and boosts creativityPractical ways to align teachers, students and parents around the same learning languageWhere EdTech helps, where it harms, and how to keep people at the centreWhat’s next for Magnify Sandhurst in 2026. Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a school, this episode offers clear principles, memorable stories and next steps you can use tomorrow. Now join us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education Sandhurst  LME GlobalThe Digital Delusion ABOUT DR JARED COONEY HORVATH  Dr Jared Cooney Horvath is a cognitive neuroscientist and educator with expertise in human learning, memory, and brain stimulation. He is the co-founder of LME Global, a company dedicated to bringing the Science of Learning to schools and learning communities worldwide. Jared has published four books, including the bestseller 'Stop Talking, Start Influencing', and has been featured in The New York Times, WIRED, and The Economist. Jared is passionate about bridging the gap between laboratory research and classroom practice, helping teachers and students achieve better outcomes through applied brain science.   ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.   ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across rural and regional Victoria, educating more than 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.  Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    29 min
  6. Magnify Sandhurst turns the dial up for 2026

    26/11/2025

    Magnify Sandhurst turns the dial up for 2026

    Welcome back to Season 2 of Magnify Matters, as we explore what’s next for teachers and leaders as Magnify Sandhurst moves from launch to sustained impact. In this episode, Kate Fogarty (Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director)and Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) look back on a big year and set the course for what’s next in Magnify Sandhurst. From UK insights to local action, this episode maps how we "go hard, go early" and go together in 2026. Together, Tim and Kate explore: What we learned from visiting high-performing UK trustsWhy early identification and intervention matter Writing, spelling and literacy priorities for 2026Expanding Ochre beyond maths into science and strengthening a knowledge-rich pathway into secondaryWhat's ahead in 2026 including syste, wide oral language screening, a tiered wellbeing curriculum and explicit culture statement for Catholic Education Sandhurst. Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a school, season two sets out the next steps for lifting learning across the Sandhurst Diocese. Now join us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode: Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education Sandhurst Classroom MasteryKnowledge Society Learning Made EasySteplabOchreAERO reports ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.   ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.  Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    39 min
  7. Inside the first semester of Magnify Sandhurst

    25/06/2025

    Inside the first semester of Magnify Sandhurst

    It’s been just six months but the impact of Magnify Sandhurst is already clear. In this season finale of Magnify Matters, host Kate Fogarty (Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director) is joined by Tim Edwards (Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) and Ashley Marsh (Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding) for a wide-ranging conversation on the progress of Magnify Sandhurst across Terms 1 and 2. From the rollout of evidence-informed programs like MultiLit, Ochre and Classroom Mastery to the introduction of Steplab and the new Source of Life curriculum, this episode unpacks what’s working, what’s changing and what’s coming next. We also look ahead to an exciting study tour to the UK, where Catholic Education Sandhurst will visit leading multi-school systems and trusts, gathering insight to shape the future of learning across our diocese. In this episode, we explore: How teachers and schools are engaging deeply with literacy, curriculum and coachingThe shift from lesson design to intellectual preparationHow low-variance practices are building consistency and connectionThe early signs of student learner growth and why that mattersWhat Sandhurst hopes to learn from UK school systems in its next evolution Whether you're a school leader, classroom teacher or parent curious about how system change actually works — this episode captures the momentum of Magnify and the shared commitment behind it. Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters in education. Mentioned in this episode: Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education Sandhurst Classroom MasteryKnowledge Society Learning Made EasySteplabOchre ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.   ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.  Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    58 min
  8. Leading the change: school leaders reflect on Magnify Sandhurst

    24/06/2025

    Leading the change: school leaders reflect on Magnify Sandhurst

    What are school leaders noticing as Magnify Sandhurst comes to life in our schools and classrooms? In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Tim Edwards, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching at Catholic Education Sandhurst, sits down with Catholic Education Sandhurst Learning Leader Craig Simpson to reflect on the insights gathered from four school principals: Lorraine Willis, Principal, Catholic College WodongaMatt Carver, Executive Principal, Saint Mary of the Angels College & St Francis Primary NathaliaJasmine Ryan, Principal, St Mary’s Primary EchucaAlannah Darmody, Principal, St Liborius Primary Eaglehawk Each principal shares how Magnify Sandhurst is unfolding in their school community – from clearer school expectations and positive routines to the growing impact of coaching and curriculum coherence.  In this episode, we explore: How consistency is building momentum and confidence among teachersWhat leaders are noticing as clarity and shared approaches take rootThe shift from individual effort to collective practiceWhy culture change is built through relationships and high standardsWhat’s next for 2025 and beyond Whether you're teaching, leading, supporting system change, or listening in as a parent, this episode captures the early impact of Magnify Sandhurst from those closest to the work. Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters. Mentioned in this episode: Magnify SandhurstCatholic Education Sandhurst Classroom MasteryKnowledge Society Learning Made EasySteplabOchreCatholic College WodongaSaint Mary of the Angels College NathaliaSt Francis Primary Nathalia St Mary’s Primary EchucaSt Liborius Primary Eaglehawk ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.   ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.  Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Magnify Matters, a podcast proudly produced by Catholic Education Sandhurst. Magnify Sandhurst is a bold, evidence-informed initiative designed to bring system-wide improvement to teaching and learning across 51 Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. Grounded in the science of learning, Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns best, how literacy is effectively taught, and how calm, predictable classrooms can maximise learning time for every student. We’ll be sharing our story and speaking with educational leaders from our world class partners; organisations like StepLab, Ochre Education, MultiLit, the Knowledge Society and LME Global. You’ll get a front row seat to hear from respected educators as they work with us to create lasting change and growth in a real school system, with real classrooms, real teachers and real students. This won’t just be academic, you’ll hear from people involved at all points of the project - the joys, the trials and tribulations of those us working together to ensure lasting learner growth across every school, for every teacher and every student, on every day. Make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode. And if you’ve enjoyed what you hear, let us know by leaving a review or connecting with us online @catholiceducationsandhurst. Now stay with us, as we magnify what truly matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Catholic Education Sandhurst
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Catholic Education Sandhurst
  • Show Website
    Magnify Matters

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