House Captains

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Where leaders plot the future of education. Presented by the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English medium international education in Hong Kong.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    #6 – Brenda Yuen: Slowing Down to Drive Meaningful Change

    Early Years teacher Brenda Yuen is a champion of change. She is excited by the transformation reshaping education and the possibilities it brings. But she also recognises a simple truth: there are only so many hours in a school day, and the life of a teacher is already full.In this episode, the Primary Years Programme Coordinator at ESF Hillside International Kindergarten reflects on leading through fast-paced change - and why there is strength in knowing when to slow down.She defines slowing down as thinking with intention: creating the time and space to focus on what will make the biggest difference for students, and what may need to change - or even stop - to make that possible.With warmth and clarity, she returns to what works in early years education: play-based learning, strong relationships, and the development of self-regulation and social-emotional skills. In a profession that never stands still, Brenda highlights the shared values and trusting culture that allow both children and staff to thrive.

    47 min

  2. JAN 28

    #5 – Kirun Goy: The Art and Science of Making Learning Stick

    In this episode, Kirun Goy challenges educators to think differently about how learning actually takes hold in classrooms. A Harvard Leadership facilitator, keynote speaker, and co-founder and host of the BrainTool podcast, Kirun draws on behavioural and cognitive science to explore how habits, tools, and learning environments shape students’ ability to think deeply, remember clearly, and learn with confidence. He reflects on how small shifts compound over time, the need to unlearn practices that no longer serve today’s classrooms, and why educators must approach tools like AI with clarity - spending more time defining the learning problem than reaching for the technology. Fun, fascinating, and firmly rooted in brain science, this conversation offers educators fresh thinking that lingers long after the episode ends.

    46 min

  3. JAN 16

    #4 - Kendall Zoller: Rethinking Communication in Schools

    Drawing on his global experience as an author, trainer, and researcher, Kendall Zoller explores how shifts in the way educators think, talk, and work together can directly enhance student learning. He highlights why school leadership should be as intentional with adults as teachers are with students - designing clear purposes, structures, and processes that foster meaningful communication and collaboration. With passion and humour, Kendall brings complex ideas to life, sharing insights from the Adaptive Schools framework, challenging assumptions about psychological safety, and encouraging leaders to move teams beyond their comfort zones to inspire real growth. As the author of The Choreography of Presenting, he also offers practical strategies to harness the power of verbal and nonverbal communication patterns to strengthen professional interactions. Engaging and thought-provoking, this conversation invites leaders to rethink how communication and relationships shape school culture and drive better outcomes for the whole community.

    57 min

  4. 11/21/2025

    #3 – Rod Field: Learning Without Limits

    What happens when learning moves beyond the classroom - and far outside the comfort zone? In this episode, Rod Field, founder and CEO of Higher Ground, reflects on why creating his organisation was not simply an aspiration but a calling he felt compelled to follow. Rod shares insights from one of the projects he is most proud to lead: Limitless, ESF’s six-week experiential learning programme in rural Queensland for Year 9 students. With no digital devices, immersed in a new community, and undertaking major expeditions, students are challenged to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems in an unfamiliar environment. Drawing on his philosophy of following a compass, not a map, Rod explores how time, space, contrast, and reflection help build young people’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of purpose. He also considers how these principles can shape learning experiences that enable children to thrive now - and in the future.

    41 min

  5. 10/30/2025

    #2 - Beth Stark: Intentional Teaching for an Inclusive Future

    How can thoughtful design and emerging technologies help every learner thrive? In this episode, renowned educationalist and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert Beth Stark reflects on how intentional approaches can create classrooms where every learner’s unique strengths and needs are supported, and each student is equipped to succeed. Drawing on her global experience, she discusses the power of small design shifts that build learner agency - and how LUDIA, an award-winning app she co-created, uses AI to help teachers reduce barriers and reimagine inclusion. With warmth and optimism, Beth considers what it means to teach in an age of limitless information and constant change, suggesting that the future of education isn’t about doing more, but about going deeper - designing learning that empowers every student.

    50 min

  6. 10/20/2025

    #1 - Belinda Greer: Shaping Education into the Future

    Belinda Greer is in a position most education leaders would envy.  As CEO of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), she leads 22 schools that are full, with long waiting lists and students who consistently achieve above the global average in their academic results. So why is she driving change? In this launch episode, Greer argues that standing still means falling behind. She sets out a bold vision for how education must evolve - embracing innovation, empowering teachers as changemakers, and staying agile to ensure students gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

    49 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Where leaders plot the future of education. Presented by the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English medium international education in Hong Kong.

Information

  • Creator
    ESF
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ESF
  • Show Website
    House Captains