Primary Focus

Kapow Primary
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Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers, diving into the topics that shape classroom life. Each episode explores one big question with educators and experts, offering practical ideas, honest discussion, and fresh perspectives.

Episodes

  1. What's the difference between teaching puberty and sex education?

    APR 30

    What's the difference between teaching puberty and sex education?

    What actually needs to be taught in primary RSE - and what’s optional? In this episode of Primary Focus, we tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in primary education: the difference between puberty education and sex education. Because they’re often blurred together, it can create confusion for schools, staff, and parents - especially when it comes to what is statutory in RSE and what isn’t. Together, they unpack: - What must be taught in primary schools - What schools can choose to include - How the science curriculum overlaps with RSE - Why parents sometimes misunderstand their right to withdraw - What age-appropriate sex education actually looks like in Year 5/6 - How to build staff confidence when teaching sensitive topics Learn more about our panel: 👉 Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/ 👉 Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/ 👉 Zoė Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow Primary The episode also explores practical classroom strategies, including: - Using correct scientific vocabulary (and why it matters) - Creating safe discussion spaces with clear ground rules - Handling tricky questions with confidence - Whether to teach in mixed or single-sex groups In this video: 00:00 - Introductions 01:12 - Defining Puberty vs. Sex Education 04:13 - School Policies and Parent Engagement 07:02 - Foundational Learning in Key Stage 1 08:17 - Using Correct Terminology 14:43 - Teacher Preparation and Confidence 19:14 - Helping Pupils Feel Comfortable 26:52 - Grouping Strategies (Single-sex vs. Mixed-sex) 30:37 - Final Advice and Conclusion primary RSE, puberty education, sex education primary, statutory RSE, PSHE primary, RSHE UK, teaching puberty KS2, year 5 RSE, safeguarding schools, teacher podcast UK

    33 min
  2. Why does parent communication in RSHE matter more than ever?

    APR 16

    Why does parent communication in RSHE matter more than ever?

    In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore the updated RSHE guidance for 2025 and beyond, and what upcoming changes mean for primary schools. We look at how schools can build transparent, trusting relationships with parents while delivering a clear and confident RSHE curriculum. Experts Rebecca Jennings and Russell Stanley break down: - what RSHE actually means in practice - the legal right for parents to view RSHE curriculum materials - how RSHE supports safeguarding in primary schools - practical strategies for communicating sensitive topics with confidence Learn more about our panel: 👉 Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/ 👉 Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/ 👉 Zoė Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow Primary 🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders.New episodes released fortnightly! 📩 Get practical RSHE guidance and new episodes straight to your inbox:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLg In this video: 00:00 - Introductions 01:36 - New legal rights and curriculum transparency 02:43 - Key updates: Digital safety and personal hazards 04:56 - How RSHE supports school safeguarding 08:10 - Formal consultation vs. everyday engagement 11:00 - Giving parents a voice in the curriculum 13:06 - Taking the "awkwardness" out of sex education 16:31 - Tips for the classroom: "Ask-it baskets" and ground rules 18:42 - Building staff confidence and using consistent words 20:15 - Running successful parent meetings 23:03 - Agreed vocabulary as a "safety net" 25:01 - Making the curriculum work for your school 27:57 - Closing the loop with Parent FAQs 29:56 - Final advice for schools right now RSHE 2025 | RSHE guidance | RSHE curriculum | what is RSHE | what does RSHE stand for | primary school RSHE | UK RSHE 2026 | RSHE statutory changes 2026 | Parental engagement

    34 min
  3. Media Literacy: What is it and how do we prepare children?

    MAR 19

    Media Literacy: What is it and how do we prepare children?

    Media literacy is becoming an essential part of primary education - but what does it actually mean, and how can schools approach it with confidence? In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question: What is media literacy and how do we prepare children Drawing on classroom experience and curriculum expertise, this conversation breaks down what media literacy looks like in a primary context - and how it can be embedded meaningfully without adding to workload. In this episode, we discuss: what media literacy means (beyond online safety)how children are engaging with content earlier than eversimple ways to build critical thinking in the classroomhow it links across subjects like English, History and Sciencepractical strategies teachers can use straight away This episode is designed to support teachers and school leaders looking to build confident, thoughtful approaches to media literacy - helping children navigate the world around them with curiosity and care. Featuring: Helen Mulley - Education Specialist and Communications ConsultantAdam Sumner - Curriculum Designer at Kapow PrimarySarah Johnson - Senior Marketing Executive at Kapow Primary 🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly! 📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/... Content in this video: 00:00 – Introduction 1:57 – Defining media literacy 04:17 – Media literacy within the National Curriculum 06:37 – Navigating the challenges of an unregulated online landscape 09:49 – Identifying motivations: Algorithms, misinformation, and critical questioning 15:13 – Scaffolding media literacy skills 18:56 – Applying critical thinking to AI-generated content and historic media 24:02 – Practical classroom strategies 30:04 – Final summary - key to strong media literacy

    31 min
  4. Wellbeing: What does teacher wellbeing actually look like?

    MAR 5

    Wellbeing: What does teacher wellbeing actually look like?

    Supporting teacher wellbeing isn’t just important for staff - it directly impacts the experience pupils have in the classroom. In this episode of Primary Focus, the team at Kapow Primary reflect on their own time in primary teaching and explore one big question:What really supports teacher wellbeing - and what makes the biggest difference day to day? Drawing on their experiences across classrooms and leadership roles, they share honest reflections on what helped their wellbeing, what made things harder, and what schools can do to create environments where teachers - and pupils - can thrive. In this episode, we discuss: why teacher wellbeing matters for children’s learningwhat positive school culture looks like in practicehow leadership decisions can strengthen (or strain) staff moralepractical habits that helped us manage workload and pressuresmall changes that can make a big difference🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly! 📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLg In this video: 00:04 - Introduction 01:26 - Stress and burnout experiences 04:13 - What does wellbeing actually mean? 06:24 - Experiences with senior leadership team (SLT) 08:45 - The balance of responsibility (Leadership and teachers) 11:12 - School culture and perception 13:18 - How to support wellbeing 15:53 - The important of modelling wellbeing 18:46 - Key takeaway to support teacher wellbeing

    22 min
  5. EYFS: How do we give every child the best start in school?

    FEB 12

    EYFS: How do we give every child the best start in school?

    Explore what really matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - from those first days in Reception to supporting children as they transition into Year One. What does school readiness actually mean? Should children be ready for school - or should schools be ready for children Drawing on classroom experience and leadership insight, the panel discusses: What school readiness really means (and common misconceptions)Why play is essential for learning - not just a “nice extra”The importance of oracy and language-rich environmentsSupporting children’s transition from Reception into Year OnePractical advice for EYFS teachers and school leaders Featuring: Sophie Pickles – Education Consultant and Early Years specialistGeorge Simmonds – Cluster Lead, Kapow PrimaryYvette Zinger-Gothelf – Content Creator, Kapow Primary 🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly! Never miss an episode — subscribe: 🔔 Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resourceshttps://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletter Content in this video: 00.00 - 2.25 Introduction and big question 2.25 - 5.24 The challenges of Reception 5.24 - 8.16 What is school readiness? 8.16 - 14.58 Transitioning from EYFS to Year One 14.48 - 17.46 Creating a welcome and inclusive EYFS classroom 17.46 - 22.03 Advice for new EYFS teachers and educators 21.39 - 23.12 What is key to giving children the best start?

    23 min
  6. Diversity: What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion look like in primary education?

    JAN 29

    Diversity: What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion look like in primary education?

    Conversations about diversity in primary education can feel daunting - especially when teachers want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to start. In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question: What does diversity, equity and inclusion look like in primary schools? Drawing on classroom experience and specialist expertise, the conversation focuses on taking the fear out of DEI and grounding it in everyday practice. You’ll hear practical ideas for embedding inclusive approaches across the curriculum, handling sensitive conversations, and reflecting the communities children belong to - and those they don’t yet see. Featuring: Khatija Shakir – Kapow Primary Rosa Legeno-Bell – Director, Diverse History UK Kaytie Holdstock – Primary Art Specialist, University of Worcester 🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly during term time. 📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletter In this video: 00:00 – Introduction 01:28 – Why teachers can feel unsure about DEI 05:36 – What do diversity, equity and inclusion really mean? 08:05 – Practical ways to embed DEI across the curriculum 14:45 – Teaching DEI in less diverse school communities 18:16 – Moving beyond DEI to anti-racism 20:24 – Handling sensitive or challenging conversations in the classroom 26:26 – Top tips for building confident, inclusive practice 29:19 – Decolonising the curriculum: what it looks like in practice 30:41 – Final reflections and key takeaways

    34 min
  7. AI: Where does AI belong in primary education?

    JAN 14

    AI: Where does AI belong in primary education?

    AI is showing up more and more in schools - but many teachers are still unsure what it actually means for teaching and learning. In this episode, we explore one big question: Where does AI belong in primary education? The conversation looks at: why AI has become such a big topic in educationthe concerns and hesitations many teachers are feelinghow AI is already being used in schoolswhat pupils need to learn about AI and digital literacyrealistic ways teachers can start exploring AI The episode explores AI in education in the UK and what it means in practice for primary schools. Featuring: Miles Berry (Professor of Computing Education, University of Roehampton)Sophia Elhamid (Computing Content Creator, Kapow Primary)Adam Sumner (Curriculum Designer, Kapow Primary) Have your say! How is your school using AI? ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠X/Twitter⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ 🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly. Never miss an episode - subscribe:🔔 Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resourceshttps://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletter Content in this video - 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - Why is AI a huge discussion point 03:36 - Three dimensions of AI in schools 05:47 - The problem of hallucination and critical thinking 10:24 - Teacher concerns and professional development 13:02 - Practical strategies for getting started with AI 16:00 - Accountability, safety and AI in the classroom 17:50 - AI education for children 26:35 - Progression and embedding AI across the curriculum 30:15 - Getting started with AI 32.22 - Final thoughts and key takeaways

    34 min
  8. Oracy: How can schools help children find their voice?

    11/26/2025

    Oracy: How can schools help children find their voice?

    Oracy is more than speaking - it’s about helping pupils communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. In this episode, our panel unpack what oracy really means, why it matters, and how teachers can build oracy into everyday classroom practice. Meet the panel: Neil Mercer - Director, Oracy CambridgeCaroline Hall - Head of Curriculum Design, Kapow PrimaryMarie Thornby - Pedagogy Lead, Kapow Primary Have your say! How does your school teach oracy? Facebook X/Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Explore more: 📘 Neil's new book: Oracy 🎓 New course from Oracy Cambridge: Implementing Oracy 2026 🔔 Never miss an episode! Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resources.

    37 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers, diving into the topics that shape classroom life. Each episode explores one big question with educators and experts, offering practical ideas, honest discussion, and fresh perspectives.

Information

  • Creator
    Kapow Primary
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kapow Primary
  • Show Website
    Primary Focus