Teachers Talk Radio

94:33

What Gamified Reading Does For Readers: The Saturday...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/15

Darren looks at research by Li and Chu (2021) which analysed a specific platform for gamifying reading. While many would argue that reading doesn't need to be gamified, motivation is as important in reading as in any other skill acquisition, so the question becomes: is this the best way to motivate?

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84:33

Is 'disadvantaged' a useful label? Constructing an...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/15

Meena Wood joins Tony to share her thoughts on inclusivity in education. Drawing on her wealth of experience as a former teacher, Principal, HMI and now author, Meena shares her passion and vision for a more inclusive curriculum. With her background in a range of settings in the UK and globally, expect some valuable insights and strong opinions on the current issues in education.

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80:00

Should primary schools really be predicting which...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/14

Primary schools could be asked to identify children at risk of becoming NEET – not in education, employment or training – years before they actually leave school. Alan Milburn, who is leading a government review into Britain’s growing youth worklessness crisis, argues that the warning signs can appear from a very early age and that schools should play a bigger role in identifying pupils who may need additional support. But is this sensible early intervention – or another huge responsibility being

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123:52

Are teachers entitled to a private life? : Points of...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/11

Teachers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, both inside and outside the classroom. But where should the line be drawn between personal freedom and professional responsibility? The expectations set out in the Teachers' Standards include the requirement to maintain public trust and demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct. To what extent is this at conflict with a teacher’s right to enjoy a private life? Social media has blurred the boundaries

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95:35

Do We Belong Here?: The Saturday Breakfast Show with...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/08

The concept of belonging to a group is a vital part of adolescent development. In this show, Darren looks at why young people are so desperate to belong somewhere, how this impacts behaviour and whether our efforts to create "school culture" to foster belonging actually work.

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177:11

Toilet Rules, Silent Lessons & Reflection Rooms: Did...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/06

A BBC Panorama investigation has put the spotlight on the Athena Learning Trust after parents, pupils and former teachers raised concerns about its behaviour policies. The programme features allegations including strict toilet rules, silent music lessons, extensive use of reflection rooms and claims that some neurodiverse pupils were disproportionately affected. Athena says its schools are built on high expectations, that behaviour policies are applied with professional judgement, and that calm,

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71:09

Does the summer holiday really need to be six weeks...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/03

The summer is finally upon us! Teachers are decompressing. Students are celebrating. Holiday companies have tripled their prices. Childcare arrangements become complicated for many families. The summer holidays continue to be a contentious issue, with many differing views within education, let alone outside of it. Join Jo Fox, Maud Waret and Liz Webb to share your opinions on the summer break - or tell us how you’ll be spending it!

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69:41

Teaching English in China, Japan and Korea: The...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/02

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley have a chat about teaching English in China, Japan and Korea.

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81:44

What's really behind the rise in school exclusions?:...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/02

Permanent exclusions continue to rise across England, but why? Are schools dealing with the consequences of increasingly difficult home lives, weaker parental support and wider social problems? Or is the education system itself failing children through outdated classrooms, oversized classes and unrealistic expectations? Should exclusions remain a necessary last resort to protect learning, or are they evidence that mainstream education needs fundamental reform? Also on the show, A major new NFER

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94:13

The Alpha School Debate: Is AI about to reinvent...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/01

Alpha School has become one of the most talked-about education models in the world. Supporters say AI-powered learning can dramatically improve outcomes while reducing classroom teaching time. Critics question the evidence, the role of teachers, and whether the model can or should be replicated elsewhere. Joining Tom Rogers are Samantha DePalo (Alpha School), Neil Almond (teacher development lead and AI enthusiast) and Donald Clark (AI expert) for what promises to be an important and eye opening

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90:42

Exploring the Brat Aesthetic: The Saturday Breakfast...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/01

The term "brat" has been reclaimed by a subset of young people and social media influers and turned into an aesthetic that some sociologists claim prioritises hedonism and superficiality. In this show, Darren explores the modern "brat" identity and wonders how this aesthetic might be impacting our young people.

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83:03

Should the Education Secretary be a teacher? : Points...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/08/01

With a new Prime Minister comes a new cabinet, and this week we saw Lucy Powell replace Bridget Phillipson as Secretary of State for Education. As the 8th Education Secretary since 2020, the education sector is understandably wary about yet another appointment to the role. While Lucy Powell’s predecessor has not left the role with successful reviews, what can we expect with the change at the top? As ever, the question has bounded to the forefront: should secretaries of state have at least SOME

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73:32

Belonging or Boundaries? The Behaviour Debate: The...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/31

Tim Smale is joined by Jayne Lowe OBE, the DfE's Attendance and Behaviour Ambassador, for his final show of the year: Belonging or Boundaries? The Behaviour Debate. Connection, culture, discipline and exclusions, put to the person shaping national policy on all four. Live on Teachers Talk Radio.

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89:55

AI, Engineering and Coding at 14 - Is Key Stage 4...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/31

The government has announced plans to introduce new technical education pathways for Key Stage 4 from 2028, allowing pupils to study subjects such as AI, engineering, coding, manufacturing and mechanics alongside their core GCSEs. The reforms aim to give young people more choice, strengthen links with local employers and equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing economy. But could this represent one of the biggest shifts in secondary education for a generation? Is 14 the right age

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69:34

Schoolboy accused of stabbing teacher after asking...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/31

A teacher allegedly attacked in her own classroom. Increasing reports of abuse against school staff. Many teachers say the job has become more dangerous than ever before. This week we ask why. Is this simply a reflection of wider societal problems, or have schools become less able to enforce boundaries and protect staff? We also discuss whether young women teachers are particularly vulnerable and what schools should do differently.

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88:57

Designing Effective A level English Literature NEA...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/26

Christopher offers an insight into how he manages the teaching and supervision of A level English Literature NEA work in the department he leads; presents a walkthrough of how to apply critical theory to the Brothers Grimm story 'The Four Skilful Brothers'; and explains how to maintain academic integrity through careful departmental authentication strategies.

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59:19

How much more can schools do?: The Late Late Show...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/25

Lee and his guest David Perkins discuss the events of 2025/26 and the additional pressures placed on schools!

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93:18

Tsarturday Breakfast: The Saturday Breakfast Show...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/25

In this show, Darren looks at the role of ministers and tsars in education, considering what the roles involve and how the government can use them to work more effectively with teachers.

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61:24

Listening beyond the answer - Creating space for...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/24

What happens when we stop listening for the "right" answer and start listening to truly understand? Join host Famida Choudhary as she welcomes educator and parent Saira Saleem for a heartfelt conversation on the power of authentic listening. Together, they explore how creating emotionally safe spaces allows children to express themselves honestly, strengthening trust, relationships, wellbeing, and learning. From student voice and emotional literacy to parenting, classroom culture, and meaningful

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59:21

Rethinking Education: Building a Modern School for a...

Teachers Talk Radio ·

2026/07/18

Join Tom Rogers and Tim Smale for a special show with Charu Kashyap, Founder & CEO of The O Education Group, as they explore whether traditional models of schooling are keeping pace with the needs of modern learners. The discussion examines the thinking behind Ohana, a new relational online school, and looks at how flexibility, belonging, safeguarding, academic ambition and technology can work together to create different routes into learning. Is education ready to evolve, and what might the

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