Education Matters

Education Matters
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Hannah and Lucy talk about teaching through the winter.

  1. Teaching Matters | Sixth forms, Parental Pressure & Subtitles Myths

    MAR 31

    Teaching Matters | Sixth forms, Parental Pressure & Subtitles Myths

    ๐Ÿ“ŒWhat happens when schools are asked to do more โ€ฆ with less? ๐Ÿ“ŒAnd what happens when trust between schools and society begins to fray? In this sharp, thought-provoking episode of Education Matters, host Paul Hazzard is joined by the ever-insightful John Gibbs for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation on some of the most pressing issues facing education today. From sixth-form funding pressures to the growing demands of parental engagement, this episode cuts through headlines and gets to the heart of what teachers and school leaders are really experiencing on the ground. Sixth-Forms are under increasing strain. Despite rising student numbers and promises of investment, funding tells a different story. Schools are being asked to stretch resources further than ever, raising difficult questions about curriculum breadth, class sizes and the very purpose of post-16 education. Drawing on decades of experience, John offers a powerful reflection on how sixth-form education has changed, from small, seminar-style teaching environments rooted in exploration and independence โ€ฆ to a more pressured, performance-driven model shaped by austerity and accountability. Paul and John explore a deeper shift in the relationship between schools, parents and society. ๏€ญ Why does parental contact now feel unmanageable for so many teachers? ๏€ญ Have schools become โ€œcall centresโ€โ€”and if so, why? ๏€ญ What happens when parents are positioned as consumers and schools as service providers? ๏€ญ And criticallyโ€”where has trust gone? There is a powerful idea running throughout this programme - while information has increased, understanding has declined. In a world of instant updates, live data, and constant communication, schools are navigating a paradox and expected to provide more visibility than ever, while managing the complexity of real classrooms, real children and finite time. Education has, in many ways, been reshaped by wider economic and political forces. Austerity has left deep, lingering marks and not just on budgets, but on culture. The professional voice of educators is too often diminished or overlooked. Key themes explored: ๏€ญ The long-term impact of austerity on sixth-form provision ๏€ญ The shift from education as a public good โ†’ to a market-driven model ๏€ญ Rising teacher workload and the pressure of constant parental communication ๏€ญ The erosion of professional trust in education ๏€ญ Why more data does not necessarily mean better understanding ๏€ญ The lived reality of teachers working within increasingly constrained systems With humour, insight and striking honesty throughout John and Paulโ€™s message is clear - Education is being asked to carry more than it can sustain. Key Takeaway When trust declines, workload rises. When systems become transactional, relationships suffer. And when funding falls short, something fundamental is lost. Whether you are a school leader, classroom teacher, policymaker or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this is essential listening. If this resonates, share it with colleagues, discuss it in your staffroom, and subscribe to Education Matters for more conversations that go beyond the surface and speak to the reality of education today. Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 26

    Education Matters | Anne Anderson

    What does it really feel like to lead a school through inspection? Anne Anderson, principal of New-Bridge Integrated College, in Loughbrickland, tells Paul all about it in this episode of Education Matters. Together they explore leadership under pressure, the evolving inspection landscape and the reality behind the headlines. Anne, Principal of Newbridge Integrated College in Northern Ireland, brings honesty, warmth and clarity as she reflects on her journey from early career teacher in England to leadership in the integrated sector. Anne shares what it means to build a school rooted in inclusion, intentionality and peace building. At the heart of this conversation is a rare, if not first, inside look at the new inspection model in Northern Ireland. Anne takes us step-by-step through the experience, from the moment that email lands, through preparation, staff dynamics, leadership decision-making and the emotional intensity of inspection week itself. But this is more than a story about inspection. This is a conversation about people and how great schools are built on trust, clarity and culture, about the emotional weight leaders carry and how they support others through it, about the difference between performing for inspection and living your values every day. Anne describes a model of leadership that is calm, intentional and grounded in purpose. Anneโ€™s concept of the leader as a โ€œcalm anchorโ€ is one that will resonate with everyone in leadership in education in todayโ€™s world. Together, Anne and Paul explore: โ€ข What makes integrated education in Northern Ireland unique and why it matters โ€ข How schools can turn controversial or difficult issues into meaningful learning โ€ข The shift from inspection done to schools to inspection done with schools โ€ข The importance of self-evaluation as a lived, ongoing process, not a paper exercise โ€ข How leaders manage staff wellbeing, uncertainty and anxiety during high-stakes moments โ€ข Why ethos, not performance, should drive improvement โ€ข What it means when an inspection truly reflects and affirms the reality of a school There are moments of humour, honesty and real leadership insight throughout, from music-filled staff briefings to pancake celebrations with students who proudly declare, โ€œbecause we were amazing.โ€ This episode offers not just reassurance, but challenge: Are we ready, not for inspection, but for the work that inspection is meant to reveal? Are we leading in ways that build confidence, or compliance? And are we telling the story of our schools clearly enough for others to see it? Whether you are a school leader awaiting inspection, a teacher navigating change, or someone interested in the future of education systems, this is essential listening. Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    54 min
  3. Teaching Matters | Ban setting, Vital enrichment, Neurodiverse staff

    MAR 22

    Teaching Matters | Ban setting, Vital enrichment, Neurodiverse staff

    Paul Hazzard is joined by Dr Shauna McGill and John Gibbs for a sharp and thoughtful discussion across bold issues in education: What if... setting by ability was banned in schools? https://www.tes.com/magazine/leadership/tips-techniques/what-if-setting-ability-was-banned-schools Enrichment is a vital ingredient that gives school its full flavour https://schoolsweek.co.uk/enrichment-is-a-vital-ingredient-that-gives-school-its-full-flavour/ What other sectors can teach education about supporting neurodiverse staff https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/general/other-sectors-teach-education-supporting-neurodiverse-staff What if setting by ability was banned in schools? The idea challenges one of the most established features of the English education system. Setting remains widespread, yet the evidence behind it is far from clear. Research suggests it may benefit higher-attaining pupils but can disadvantage those placed in lower sets, particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds. Shauna reflects on the lived reality in schools, where setting often shapes expectations, confidence and opportunity. John raises a deeper concern. Once pupils are placed in sets, movement between them is limited, and assumptions about ability can become fixed. The discussion moves beyond structure and into culture. If schools removed setting, teaching would need to adapt. Greater emphasis would fall on differentiation, adaptive teaching and high expectations for all learners. The panel discuss how mixed-attainment teaching brings its own challenges, particularly around workload and classroom management. Yet there is a shared sense that the current system can cap potential rather than unlock it. The question is not only whether setting works, but what kind of learning culture schools want to create. Enrichment is a vital ingredient that gives school its full flavour Attention then shifts to enrichment and its place within the school experience. Too often seen as an โ€œextraโ€, enrichment is reframed as something central to education. Shauna talks about the importance of giving pupils access to experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Trips, arts, sport and wider opportunities help young people discover interests, build confidence and develop a sense of identity. John adds that enrichment can be the difference between school feeling functional and school feeling meaningful. For some pupils, these experiences are what make education memorable and motivating. Without them, learning risks becoming narrow and transactional. The discussion highlights a growing concern that accountability pressures and curriculum demands are squeezing out the very activities that make school life rich and engaging. What other sectors can teach education about supporting neurodiverse staff? The final strand explores how education can better support neurodiverse staff. Drawing on examples from other sectors, conversation explores a broader view of inclusion. In many industries, there is increasing recognition that neurodiversity brings strengths as well as challenges. Flexible working, clearer communication and adjustments to environments are becoming more common. Paul invites reflection on whether schools are keeping pace with this thinking. Teachers are expected to meet the needs of diverse learners, yet may not always receive the same level of understanding or support themselves. Shauna highlights the importance of openness, professional trust and leadership that recognises difference without stigma. John points out that small changes in culture can make a significant difference to staff wellbeing and retention. Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    1h 12m
  4. Theory Matters | What Are We Teaching?

    MAR 12

    Theory Matters | What Are We Teaching?

    Join Dr. Shauna McGill in a profound conversation with educator and author Dr. Richard Bustin as they dismantle the traditional "content-delivery" model of education. Drawing on Richardโ€™s book, What Are We Teaching? Powerful Knowledge and a Capabilities Curriculum, this episode moves beyond the "knowledge vs. skills" binary to ask a more urgent question: How can what we teach truly empower students to navigate an uncertain world? Key Themes Explored: Defining "Powerful Knowledge": We dive into curriculum theory to understand why knowledge shouldn't just be a fixed body of facts, but a tool for liberation and intellectual depth. The Capabilities Approach: Richard argues for a curriculum that explicitly connects academic knowledge with the human capabilities students need to think, participate, and contribute to society. Social Justice & Opportunity: Why curriculum decisions are never neutral. We discuss how traditional academic hierarchies can exclude learners and how a capabilities-focused approach can expand student agency. Curriculum Coherence: Learn how a unified vision can help schools overcome the fragmentation caused by policy shifts and assessment pressures. The Future of Schooling: In an era of rapid technological change and global uncertainty, how do we strengthen the role of education through better judgment and human capability? Why Listen? For teachers, student teachers, and education leaders, this episode is both a challenge and a reassurance. It moves curriculum design away from a purely technical task and restores it as one of the most powerful ways to shape equity, opportunity, and intellectual growth. Listen now to rediscover the "why" behind what we teach.

    43 min
  5. Teaching Matters | 60s kids, Dressing up & Frying up GCSE Maths

    MAR 9

    Teaching Matters | 60s kids, Dressing up & Frying up GCSE Maths

    Education is changing quickly. Childhood looks different. Reading habits are shifting and even the structure of GCSE mathematics is under debate. Paul Hazzard is joined by education experts John Gibbs and Shane Leaning for a wide-ranging discussion about resilience, literacy and curriculum reform, and what these changes mean for teachers, schools and learners. A familiar question starts the conversation. Did children growing up in the 1960s and 1970s develop a kind of resilience that many young people today struggle to build? Earlier generations often spent hours outdoors, negotiated friendships without constant adult supervision and learned independence through unstructured play. Many educators argue those experiences helped build confidence. Paul invites John and Shane to reflect on whether that idea holds up. Childhood has clearly changed. Digital technology shapes how young people spend their time. Families face different pressures. Schools also operate in a far more complex social and cultural landscape. John reflects on how earlier childhood experiences involved negotiating boredom, creating games and building friendships in local communities. Shane adds another perspective. Young people today may be developing resilience in different ways. Online spaces allow creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship that previous generations never experienced. The question for educators is not whether childhood is better or worse, but how schools can support independence, curiosity and self-belief in the world pupils actually live in. The conversation then turns to World Book Day, a tradition celebrated in schools across the UK and internationally. Recent reports suggest some schools are moving away from dressing up as literary characters. Concerns about cost and social inequality have raised questions about whether costume-focused celebrations exclude some pupils or place pressure on families. Shane shares experiences from schools where pupils often arrive dressed as characters from films or television rather than books. That raises an interesting point. Does dressing up genuinely encourage reading, or does it mainly engage pupils who already enjoy books? John emphasises that reading for pleasure remains one of the most powerful educational influences a child can experience. Independent reading allows young people to explore ideas, develop empathy and build language skills that support learning across every subject. Teachers modelling their own enthusiasm for reading can make a powerful difference. Libraries, storytelling and strong reading cultures within schools also play an important role. The final discussion looks at a proposal that could reshape secondary education. Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry has suggested dividing GCSE mathematics into two qualifications. One pathway would focus on practical numeracy and data skills for everyday life. The other would develop more advanced mathematical thinking for students planning to study mathematics at higher levels. The idea raises important questions about curriculum design. Many students struggle with GCSE maths. A large proportion leave school without achieving a standard pass. Shane Leaning suggests that focusing on fewer mathematical concepts but exploring them in greater depth could strengthen long-term understanding. Mastery of core skills may be more valuable than covering a wide range of topics that students quickly forget. John Gibbs points out that exam systems influence far more than classroom learning. Qualifications shape university admissions, employment pathways and perceptions of academic success. Any reform would need to ensure students retain opportunities to progress if their interests change later in life. ๐—˜๐—ฑ๐˜‚๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐— ๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ด๐—ต๐˜๐—ณ๐˜‚๐—น ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜† ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฐ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€ ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐˜€. ๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ถ๐˜ด, ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ'๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ต. #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    1 hr
  6. The Hannah & Lucy Show | Navigating global events in the classroom

    MAR 5

    The Hannah & Lucy Show | Navigating global events in the classroom

    Join Lucy and Hannah freshly back from their trip to Dublin. Share in their adventures. But remember much that happened in Dublin is staying in Dublin ... till next time. Beyond that they explore the importance of media literacy, empathy and open conversations in education. Tonight specifically they look at how we teach children in times of world crises. ๐Ÿ”ธ The importance of media literacy and misinformation awareness ๐Ÿ”ธ The role of empathy and open conversations in education ๐Ÿ”ธ Reflections on travel, culture, and current global issues ๐Ÿ”น "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." ๐Ÿ”น "Teaching ethics and the importance of truth in media." ๐Ÿ”น "Resources to help students recognise misinformation." Chapters 00:00 Dublin Adventures: A Night to Remember 04:52 Teaching in a Changing World 10:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations in Classrooms 15:40 The Impact of Global Events on Education 21:08 Media Literacy and Misinformation 26:54 Empathy and Understanding in Education 36:44 The Impact of War on Children 39:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations in Education 42:10 The Sensationalisation of Trauma 44:48 The Role of Humour in Education 48:13 Teaching History and Current Events 51:29 The Importance of Connection and Support Resources & Further Notes Marianna Spring - BBC Disinformation and Misinformation Reporter - https://twitter.com/marianna_spring Little Troopers Resources for Schools - https://littletroopers.co.uk/ Book of Mormon Musical - https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/shows/the-book-of-mormon Blue Peter Shoebox Appeal - https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-shoebox-appeal Jason deCaires Taylor - Underwater Sculptures and Reefs - https://www.underwatersculpture.com/ One World School Initiative - Films on Global Issues - https://www.oneworld.org/ Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    1h 8m
  7. Teaching Matters | Swedish English, Zero Tolerance & Teaching Unappealing

    MAR 1

    Teaching Matters | Swedish English, Zero Tolerance & Teaching Unappealing

    In this week's Teaching Matters, panellists, Dr Shauna McGill, Lucy Neuburger, John Gibbs and host, Paul Hazzard explore the English language proficiency of Swedish young people, the implications of zero tolerance policies in schools and the declining appeal of the teaching profession. The panel discusses cultural perceptions of language learning, the mental health impacts of punitive school policies, and the need for a shift in how teaching is viewed in society. They emphasise the importance of fostering a positive image of teachers and the profession as a whole, advocating for better support and recognition for educators. A fine ridge of daffodils - https://www.visitisabergsregionen.se/en/season/spring/fageras/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics 01:23 The Proficiency of Swedish Youth in English 15:21 The Impact of Language Learning on Cognitive Development 22:56 Rethinking Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools 41:13 The Impact of Emotions on Learning 43:18 The Role of Parents in Education 44:48 Parenting Challenges and Support 47:02 Restorative Practices in Schools 48:35 Public Perception of Teaching 50:46 Gender Dynamics in Teaching 54:47 The Media's Role in Teacher Reputation 59:15 Raising the Prestige of Teaching 01:03:29 Celebrating Teacher Successes 01:05:41 Community Engagement in Education 01:10:27 The Importance of Spring and Renewal Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #leadership #education #teacher #school #schoollife #inspiration #support #podcast #video

    1h 24m
  8. Teaching Matters | Spanish:French, Attendance:Behaviour, Breaking Bad

    FEB 22

    Teaching Matters | Spanish:French, Attendance:Behaviour, Breaking Bad

    ๐—ง๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐— ๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐˜ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฌ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜Œ๐˜ฅ๐˜ถ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜”๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ด, ๐˜ข ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ข๐˜ถ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ. https://education-matters.org/ ๐˜๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ | ๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฑ | ๐˜š๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ด ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ด, ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ'๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ต. Follow us, we're worth it: ๐Ÿ”— Website ๐Ÿ”— Spotify ๐Ÿ”— Instagram ๐Ÿ”— Bluesky ๐Ÿ”— X (Twitter) #Shorts #Education #LearningTips #YouTubeShorts #KnowledgeNuggets #EduShorts #GlobalEd #Trending #QuickLearning #LearnOnYouTube #Educational #Viral #StudyMotivation #SkillUp

    1h 3m
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About

Hannah and Lucy talk about teaching through the winter.

Information

  • Creator
    Education Matters
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ยฉ Education Matters
  • Show Website
    Education Matters

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