Creative Minds; Shaping the Future

Emma Palastanga
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

This podcast is a space to discuss creativity: in society, in the workplace, in education.  In each episode we explore definitions of creativity with guests from a range of backgrounds and ask whether or not creativity has a place in education. If you enjoy the podcast you might also like my book 'A creative primary curriculum for all' https://amzn.eu/d/0UTTfsk Background music provided by:  Chloe Clayton

  1. 6d ago

    If you're too frightened to take risks, nothing is ever going to happen! (CC Ep3)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Five Acre Wood school in Maidstone, Kent (affectionately known as FAW) is the largest special needs school in the UK; currently catering for 878 pupils aged between 4 and 19 with a wide range of needs such as those with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Medical needs, sensory challenges and those on the autistic spectrum. Pupils at Five Acre Wood School are grouped into one of eight learning approaches, which provide a personalised curriculum and learning environment that reflects their individual learning style, strengths, needs and priorities, supporting their holistic development and preparation for a fulfilling adult life. The School operates across four distinct sites and it boasts a range of bespoke facilities to meet their learner’s needs. They currently employ 525+ staff and are supported by an NHS school nursing team, NHS physiotherapists and have their own therapy team (Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists), a Social Worker and family support team. I discovered FAW through a post on LinkedIn where ITV news were celebrating the school’s achievements and what I was particularly drawn to was the innovative approach to the development of life skills through a partnership with Costa, where children roast coffee beans and sell them in a retail space as well as developing hospitality skills, confidence and practical knowledge in the FAWrient express, a café set within a beautifully restored former train carriage. With a little more investigation, it turns out that this is just one of many innovative projects which the school have developed to offer pupils new and exciting ways to access the curriculum. I was also fascinated by the varied learning spaces on offer, some schools have an old double decker bus as a library or a train carriage perhaps but how many have a retired Airbus, a 7 FAW 7 no less, a freefall lifeboat as a counselling space, and I mustn’t forget ‘Maidstone Radio Faw All’ a community online radio station funded and run by the school. The purpose of this forward-thinking school is ‘To achieve new possibilities whilst preparing pupils for their life journey’ through an inclusive culture of ‘One Wood, Many Trees’ and I am sure you will be unsurprised to learn that the school has been nominated in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize 2026 by T4 education ‘in recognition of its innovative approach to inclusive education and life skills development.’ The sentinel pines and canopy guardians who with their far-sighted leadership, stand strong in the storms and nurture their community include: Peggy Murphy, the Principal at Five Acre Wood School, Tim Williams Headteacher at the Loose site and Kirstie Hemingway Headteacher of Satellite Provision.  Useful links: Five Acre Wood School  RadioFAWall Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    If you're too frightened to take risks, nothing is ever going to happen! (CC Ep3)

  2. Sep 24

    How can we 'bounce back' from challenges? (S3 Ep2)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Suzanne Miles is a Social Scientist, personal and performance coach, author and trainer. She is also the creator of Trick box.  Trick Box believe that individuals of all ages can thrive by developing personal Happy Life Habits to get the most from life whilst navigating life’s challenges both in the here and now and the future. All we need are a few tricks up our sleeves!  Suzanne and I connected over our passion for creative thinking and helping children to thrive and I’m delighted to say that she is here with me today to share some of her tricks.  Useful links from the show: https://trickbox.co.uk/ages-4-11/infants-juniors-first-and-primary-overview/ Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    How can we 'bounce back' from challenges? (S3 Ep2)

  3. Sep 15 ·  Bonus

    Reading for Pleasure, a Creative Conversation (CCEp2)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Reading for pleasure is reading which someone has chosen to do for fun in their free time, with no tests or school rules. The National Literacy Trust’s annual survey showed that the proportion of children reading in their free time had sunk to its lowest in 20 years and stood at under one in three children.  The UK-wide National Year of Reading 2026 is a major government and charity-backed campaign led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. Under the banner "Go All In", it aims to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure by connecting books with personal passions like music, gaming, and sports. The House of commons report actually recommends a National Decade of Reading to ensure that reading for pleasure remains a long-term priority and suggested that school libraries should be statutory.  I’m joined today by a group of people passionate about books and reading. My panel is made up of parent, teacher and bookworm, Richard Simpson aka @richreadalot, Author and tutor KD Greaves, and Hannah Clover, School Library Lead for the School Library Association.  Connect with my guests: Karen: LinkedIn   Instagram    www.kdgreaves.com    Richard: LinkedIn    Instagram                        Hannah: LinkedIn    School Library Association  Useful links mentioned in the show:  ABC Reading for pleasure has been shown to significantly enhance a child's development more than any other activity. At ABC, we give children access to books and libraries by collecting and donating great quality pre-loved books and creating beautiful inspiring reading spaces in primary schools. ABC Authorfy - FREE for the National Year of Reading 2026! Browse the largest library of author videos in the world, get unlimited access to thousands of book extracts, resources and writing challenges, and connect with hundreds of children’s authors and illustrators at the touch of a button. AuthorFy School Library Association The School Library Association is a national education charity and membership organisation that supports all schools to develop and deliver effective school library provision, and to build vibrant reading and learning communities, ensuring that all pupils can reach their full potential. Supporting everyone building a school reading culture. School Library Association Comments on ed select committee - A library in every school – Education Committee recommends statutory school libraries Webinar link for Claire Roberts - Case Study: Using Audio in School, Claire Roberts, Neston High School NYOR webinar - National Year of Reading Webinar - Engaging Readers Across The Academic Year NYOR toolkit - National Year of Reading NLT research referenced- Improving the literacy skills of disadvantaged teenage boys through the use of technology | National Literacy Trust Book recommendations:  ‘Foster Care For Florence Bear’ by Ellie Pulze introduces young readers to the foster care system, and boosts understanding to those in and outside of the system that families can look different and that this is okay. 'The Unadoptables' by Hana Tooke – supports the acceptance of differences (Lotta has six fingers), explores feelings of being devalued, celebrates resilience and that families can look different. 'Oranges In No Man’s Land' by Elizabeth Laird and 'Goodnight Mr Tom' by Michelle Magorian – are books through which we see some hard, emotional truths about physical and mental illness whilst also dealing with the upheaval caused to families through war conflicts. 'The Big Umbrella' by Amy June Bates, which illustrates that strong communities are inclusive. 'Skellig' by David Almond, deals with family illness, anxiety, change, and growing up. 'The Boy At the Back of the Class' by Onjali Q Rauf is a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, at first being bullied for being different then highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness leading to a heartfelt adventure.  'Varjak Paw' by SF Said - Varjak is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives high up in an old house on a hill. He's never left home, but then his grandfather tells him about the Way - a secret martial art for cats. This story is about being different and isolated and finding bravery within.  'The Boy in the Suit' by James Fox - Addresses mental health issues and financial struggles and how a mother and son survive day to day. 'The Truth of Things' a Trilogy by Anthony McGowan - Life is pretty tough for Nicky and Kenny. Their mum is gone and their dad has had his troubles. Money is tight and people can be cruel about Kenny's learning difficulties. But through it all, the brothers stick together, sharing adventures and their love of the natural world, while finding humour in the most difficult of circumstances. 'Six Weeks' Matt Goodfellow (author of 'The Final Year' and 'The First Year') - A boy's mother has died at the start of the six week Summer holiday - how will he manage? Author Suggestions:  Jacqueline Wilson - Our home lives are all different Benjamin Zephaniah - He was excluded from school and writes about this topic, representing a range of experiences for children. Ellie McNicoll - Writes about neurodiverse children's lives.  Tom Palmer - Most of my stories are researched and set in real places. Eoin Colfe  - Real life experiences Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    Reading for Pleasure, a Creative Conversation (CCEp2)

  4. Sep 8

    How can you be a curious co-creator? (S3 Ep1)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Dr Jacqueline Harding, is an international child development and education expert, recognised for her work advising government, practitioners and parents.  She is a former Headteacher, Government Consultant, and BBC Education Editor, for shows such as Peter Rabbit, Teletubbies and Bing. She is also the founder of Parentchannel.tv, director of 'Tomorrow's Child' and author of best-selling books about children's learning and development. Her latest book is called The Brain that Loves to Play which examines how play affects the holistic development and brain growth of children from birth to five years.  The focus of today’s episode will reflect her latest book, but learning is connected and so we are privy to insights from all aspects of Jacqueline's work. Useful Links: https://www.drjacquelineharding.com/ Books: https://www.routledge.com/search?kw=Jacqueline+Harding Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    How can you be a curious co-creator? (S3 Ep1)

  5. Aug 20 ·  Bonus

    What is the focus of Series 3? (CS11)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Why is there a pause in the scheduling? Listen to this micro episode to find out! Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    What is the focus of Series 3? (CS11)

  6. Aug 4

    Can cramming for tests have negative consequences? (S2 Ep10)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Prof. Adele Diamond, PhD, FRSC is the Canada Research Chair, Pioneer and Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. She holds a PhD from Harvard and was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale Medical School. She has been named one of the “2000 Outstanding Women of the 20th Century,” and has been listed as one the 15 most influential neuroscientists alive today.  Prof. Diamond is a world leader in Psychology and Neuroscience and has given over 600 keynote addresses and invited talks, including at the White House and to the Dalai Lama. Her CV is mind-blowingly impressive. Her work in executive functions has demonstrated ways to help children succeed and has changed how people think about cognitive development. What particularly grabbed my attention was her statement that focusing exclusively on training cognitive skills is less successful than also addressing social, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.  Useful links: Molyneux, T. M., & Diamond, A. (2025). Integrating social and emotional learning into mathematics education: A multiple case study of JUMP Math’s approach to creating socially and emotionally supportive learning environments. Behavioral Sciences (Special Issue on Social and Emotional Learning in Schools), 15, 1426 https://doi.org/ 10.3390/bs15101426    Diamond, A. (2013). Executive Functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135-168. [Epub Sept 27, 2012 ahead of print]   doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750   Diamond, A. (2012). How I came full circle from the social end of psychology, to neuroscience, and back again, in an effort to understand the development of cognitive control. In R. F. Subotnik, A. Robinson, C. M. Callahan, & P. Johnson (Eds.), Malleable Minds: Translating Insights from Psychology and Neuroscience to Gifted Education (pp. 55-84). Storrs, CT: The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, U. of Conn.   doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.2972.3284 (pdf) Diamond, A. (2010). The evidence base for improving school outcomes by addressing the whole child and by addressing skills and attitudes, not just content. Early Education and Development, 21, 780-793.   doi:10.1080/10409289.2010.514522  Publications are available for free download from: http://www.devcogneuro.com/AdeleDiamond.html#Pubs Further links to articles cited in this episode are available on request.  Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    Can cramming for tests have negative consequences? (S2 Ep10)

  7. Jul 21

    How can we avoid being 'cookie cutter humans'? (S2 Ep9)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Rachael Hall is a trained Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet teacher, Master Matwork Pilates teacher, Franklin Method Educator and Biomechanics Coach.  At the age of 11, she attended the Royal Ballet School and received full-time professional classical ballet training, which she says taught her to be conscientious, strive for the impossible and to push her limits. After graduating from The Royal Ballet School, she danced professionally with several companies, including The Royal Ballet, The Birmingham Royal Ballet and Ballet Im Aalto in Essen, Germany. In this episode we discuss the beauty of dance and the wider lessons it can teach us.  Useful Links: You can connect with Rachael in the following ways... Rachael's Website     Rachael's Instagram     Rachael's Facebook Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    How can we avoid being 'cookie cutter humans'? (S2 Ep9)

  8. Jul 9

    How can rap help you to discover who you are? (S2 Ep8)

    What sparked your curiosity in this episode? Please send a text or voice note here... Martin is a Live Poet, Creative Educator, Musician, Writing Tutor: Young People's Laureate for Wales 2013-16. He is also in a global folk band.  Martin began his practice as a creative educator in Liverpool in 1996 when he was put on a scheme for artists claiming unemployment benefit. Since then, he has facilitated workshops with 40 000+ participants in a very wide range of settings including Schools, Youth Groups, Youth Detention Centres and Adult Prisons to LGBTQ+ Groups, Homes for the Elderly, and Psychiatric Wards to mention a few.   Martin's work is centred on his belief that through creative practice we build key life skills such as self esteem, resilience and the confidence to communicate in a range of ways. His most popular workshop is on rap music which he can tailor to address any specific topic, theme or issue.  I’m delighted to have met Martin at a gathering of creative minds in London and so pleased that he has joined me today so that we can dig deeper into why he feels poetry, rap and creative expression in general is important for us all. Interesting links: A spoken word archive:  https://www.spokenwordarchive.org.uk/content/category/resources Farrago Poetry  http://london.e-poets.net Support the show Subscribe today: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2140148/supporters/new Thanks to Chloe Clayton - @clomyster on Instagram for creating the music for this podcast.  Please remember to follow so that you stay up to date with monthly episodes from 'Creative Minds; Shaping the Future'. You can also find me on various social media platforms, click here for signposts: https://flow.page/t5jnq-1668599555434

    How can rap help you to discover who you are? (S2 Ep8)
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This podcast is a space to discuss creativity: in society, in the workplace, in education.  In each episode we explore definitions of creativity with guests from a range of backgrounds and ask whether or not creativity has a place in education. If you enjoy the podcast you might also like my book 'A creative primary curriculum for all' https://amzn.eu/d/0UTTfsk Background music provided by:  Chloe Clayton

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