Literacy Works with Bedrock Learning Bedrock Learning

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Alex Hibble from EdProof, who draws on her psychology expertise from the University of Oxford and her experience with innovative educational practices. We delve into the integration of technologies like ChatGPT in schools and discuss how EdProof helps measure key aspects of student well-being and engagement. Alex shares insights on adopting a holistic approach to student development that transcends traditional academic metrics.
We also explore the broader impacts of a grade-focused education system and a competitive job market on student well-being and motivation. The episode examines the links between addictive behaviors, as outlined in "Dopamine Nation," and academic achievement pressures. We discuss EdProof's pioneering methods for assessing and enhancing student growth beyond test scores, including strategies for aligning student competencies with national benchmarks.
Furthermore, we highlight the crucial role of teacher-student relationships in fostering student engagement and addressing individual needs, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The conversation covers the importance of personalized teaching approaches and maintaining inclusivity in the classroom to ensure all students have the necessary support to succeed.
Join us for an in-depth discussion on transforming educational practices to better support every student's potential.


For more insights from Alix:
Visit the EdProof websiteFollow her on LinkedIn

In this episode, Sarah and Megan from St. Thomas More Catholic Academy discuss their experiences with implementing Bedrock Mapper, our subject specific tier 3 vocabulary solution, across the school. They share how Mapper is making strides in addressing literacy gaps and increasing learner engagement, highlighting both the successes and obstacles encountered in incorporating the platform into everyday school activities. Our guests focus on how Mapper is helping to overcome the educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly in closing attainment gaps.
The conversation includes an in-depth look at the Mapper's role in fostering learner success, especially for learners from underprivileged areas, and its broader impact on the school's approach to education. Sarah and Megan outline future plans for staff development and strategies for easing learners' transitions between primary and secondary. Their stories underscore St. Thomas More's dedication to not only education but also to empowering learners, aiming to create lasting educational improvement that reaches beyond the school environment. This episode offers a deep dive into how St. Thomas More Academy is setting a precedent for educational advancement with Bedrock Mapper.

In this episode of Literacy Works with Bedrock Learning, Teresa Cremin, a leading figure in literacy research and education, shares insights from her career - from classroom teaching to research. The conversation focuses on how meaningful discussions can shape literary identities and extend literacy's influence beyond traditional subjects into daily life. Teresa emphasizes the importance of developing a genuine love for reading and writing beyond formal education settings, advising educators, parents, and mentors on creating environments that foster a joy for reading.
The episode explores the role of reading for pleasure in broadening students' perspectives and enhancing their academic and emotional development. Teresa provides practical tips for sparking a lifelong reading interest, highlighting choice and autonomy in making reading engaging for young people. The discussion addresses the challenges that disadvantaged youths face, discussing how access to a wide range of reading materials can promote social justice and equality.
Further, the conversation delves into the impact of the digital era on literacy, considering the challenges and opportunities presented by social media and digital devices. Teresa discusses strategies for balancing technology use with the benefits of reading for pleasure. The episode concludes with a reflection on the relationship between imparting knowledge and fostering immersive learning experiences, underscoring literacy's transformative power in shaping learner identity and education's evolving narrative.
For more insights from Teresa:
Read her booksFollow her on X

We are joined by Lekha Sharma, School Improvement Lead for Curriculum and Assessment at the Avanti Schools Trust. Lekha navigates the complexities of weaving together curriculum and assessment across the trust, while maintaining and cherishing the unique identity of each individual school. Lekha shares her wisdom on crafting a high-quality, equitable education system that resonates with the individual character of diverse learning environments. Through her experiences and published work, we uncover the art of collaborative curriculum development and the nurturing of a culture that supports educators in their pivotal roles.

With Bedrock as our exemplar, we dissect the profound impact of fully comprehending the intent behind educational tools, transcending mere procedural checklists. We discuss how literacy serves as a linchpin in educational outcomes and how a robust grasp of purpose can crystallise educational goals, refine teaching strategies, and utilize data to steer classroom practices. The episode paints a vivid picture of our duty as educators to meticulously curate content that propels student advancement and bridges the cultural capital divide.

Finally, we turn the spotlight on the pivotal role of psychological safety within the academic realm, emphasising its significance in the empowerment of teachers and the autonomy that comes with curriculum ownership. Stories from the trenches illustrate literature's power in social mobility and the profound influence of a supportive environment where staff can thrive. We also take a look into the dynamic world of leadership, shedding light on initiatives to enhance middle leadership programs and underscore the cultural and relational dimensions of leadership. Join us as we impart actionable insights for leaders looking to foster a flourishing school culture that benefits all.

For more insights from Lekha:
Read her books:Curriculum to Classroom: A Handbook to Prompt Thinking Around Primary Curriculum Design and DeliveryBuilding Culture: A handbook to harnessing human nature to create strong school teamsVisit her website, teacherfeature2.comFollow her on X

It's a Mini-sode! Always under 30 minutes, these shorter episodes are a perfect lunchtime listen.

In the first of our Mapper deep dive episodes, Haili Hughes takes us through her top 10 keywords/concepts that are essential for your learners to understand when studying An Inspector Calls. 

From 'dramatic irony' to 'squiffy', and from 'bourgeoisie' to 'structure', Haili's choice of words gives us a fascinating dip into the universe that this play inhabits and how we can help our learners to immerse themselves in it and fully understand what it's all about.

For Haili's full list of words you can read the blog that she has very kindly written for us to accompany this episode: 

For more from Haili: 
Follow Haili on X: @HughesHailiCheck out Haili's blogs, books and other projects here.Follow IRIS Connect on X: @IRIS_Connect

Explore the future of education through the eyes of Dan Fitzpatrick, a trailblazer for AI in education and former secondary school teacher and SLT member. Our conversation with Dan traverses seismic shifts in teaching methods, highlighting how grassroots efforts with AI and technology within schools can lead to significant time-saving, and engaging learning experiences. 

We delve into ChatGPT, a tool that's not just buzzworthy but also a harbinger of change in educational settings and we share how to leap from awareness to application, transforming AI from a novel idea into an authentic classroom ally. And we explore how Dan's own viral journey through social media to a book deal underscores the burgeoning fascination and real-world impacts of AI.

Looking towards the future of education, we tackle the crux of generative AI technology and its role in shaping our communicative future. As educators, we have a pivotal role in fostering literacy and collaboration skills that students will need to navigate an AI-centric world. We ponder the relationship between AI advancements and human connection, emphasizing that AI is not a substitute for human connection, but a tool to enhance our collective capabilities. 

Join us for an episode that's not just informative but a compass for navigating the evolving landscape of education!

For more insights from Dan:
Read his book, The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in EducationVisit his website, The AI EducatorFollow him on X (@theaieducatorX), LinkedIn and Facebook