Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

James Walker is the co-founder of Young Film Academy (YFA), one of the UK's leading filmmaking organisations for young people. For over 20 years, James and the YFA team have helped thousands of teenagers develop storytelling, communication, leadership, teamwork, creative confidence and practical filmmaking experience through hands-on outreach projects, workshops and their flagship residential summer programme. YFA's philosophy is simple: the best way to learn is by making films. James has a wealth of knowledge and passion to share about helping young people discover their creative potential, pathways into the creative industries and how filmmaking can build the most essential skills for the modern world. Key takeaways Storytelling is the way in. Film is just another medium for telling stories, and that skill matters in every career. Passion starts early. We expect athletes and musicians to start young, so take young people’s creative interests just as seriously. Ownership beats instruction. No student is handed a script. They write their own and care far more about the result. Real humans, real spaces. Doing a hard creative task in person builds the “four Cs and an R”: confidence, communication, collaboration, creativity and resilience. Learn from the edit. Students cut their own films, so they see their own mistakes and learn from them. Resilience isn’t a poster word. Every film goes through excitement, a dark patch, then “we actually did it”. Getting through it is what resilience means. Chapters: 00:25 - Learning by Making: The Young Film Academy's Philosophy 01:26 - Origins of the Young Film Academy 10:54 - How to Get Involved with Young Film Academy 18:37 - Summer School: Structure, Roles, and Hands-On Learning 25:35 - A Student's Journey: From Ballet to Film (Project Paradiso) 27:30 - The Young Film Academy Podcast — Opening Eyes to Film Careers 34:21 - FIRE — Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience & Empowerment 40:45 - Conclusion — Impact, Learning, and How to Find Young Film Academy https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/ https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/podcast/ @youngfilmacademy 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids – Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12 Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & more Personalised feedback on your child’s work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Real estate investor Jonathan Greene grew up learning about money not through lectures, but through exposure — walking rental properties with his dad, watching cash change hands, and having open conversations about deals from the age of 10. In this episode, Jonathan and Mark explore why today's frictionless, cashless world makes financial understanding harder for kids, and share practical ways parents can bring money into everyday conversation — from allowances and borrowing to the empowering value of letting kids make (and learn from) their own financial mistakes. Jonathan is the founder of Streamline and host of the Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing podcast, he challenges hype-driven strategies in favour of discipline, integrity, and long-term thinking. Key Takeaways Exposure beats lectures. Jonathan learned about money by tagging along with his real-estate-investor father — collecting rent, seeing cash change hands — rather than through formal money talks. Make money tangible again. Digital payments have made spending "frictionless" for kids; cash, bank books, or visible transactions help them grasp value and consequence. Allowance can teach real financial concepts. Splitting weekly allowance into spend/save/invest portions introduces investing and compound growth early — and fronting money with a bit of "interest" teaches how borrowing really works. Mistakes are part of financial education. Letting kids make (and lose money on) small purchasing decisions builds resilience, judgement, and — crucially — empowerment. Everyday moments are teaching moments. Car repairs, laundry costs, grocery runs, even real estate spotted on a drive — ordinary life is full of low-stakes chances to talk about money. Chapters: 00:02 - Interview with Jonathan Green: Start Money Conversations Early — A Different Approach 00:52 - Welcome to Education on Fire 16:05 - Real Estate as a Vehicle for Teaching Kids About Money 23:22 - Everyday Money Lessons: Laundry, University and Car Costs 28:49 - Valuing Time: A Laundry Lesson 35:02 - Raising Financially Empowered Children https://www.trustgreene.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-greene-re/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids - Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12 Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & more Personalised feedback on your child's work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Jamie Moseley-Sarsfield is the Deputy Head Academic at Fairfield Prep School, part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation. He focuses on enhancing pupil experience and academic engagement, recently leading initiatives such as adapting IAPS pupil voice surveys for younger years and implementing STEAM-based enterprise education. Key Takeaways High engagement changes what a survey means — a 90%+ response rate across 31 schools and 4,500+ children gave Fairfield genuine confidence in the results, not just a token gesture. Reading came out lower than expected nationally — prompting Fairfield to design their own follow-up survey, tailored by age, to understand why . Children who saw fewer adults reading at home still valued and enjoyed reading just as much, challenging an assumption the school expected to confirm. AI and screen-time debate is polarising schools — Fairfield's approach is deliberately cautious: gather evidence, avoid rash decisions, keep tradition and innovation both on the table. STEAM grew from a single enrichment week into a whole-school strategy — including a standalone DTE (Design, Technology & Engineering) subject and a staff-led STEAM committee. Parent-led Engineering Days work because they're personal, not prescriptive — asking parents "how did your passion begin?" builds far deeper buy-in than a generic "come and help" request. Careers work shifted from academic to practical — pupil feedback drove a redesigned careers fair connecting children with real workplace journeys, not just university pathways. Chapters: 00:02 - Interview: Jamie Mosley Sarsfield — Deputy Head Academic, Fairfield Prep 00:35 - Podcast Welcome & Show Overview 07:09 - Unexpectedly Low Reading Scores in the Survey 13:25 - Building a Reading Culture: Library, Librarian and Survey-led Initiatives 23:50 - Broadening the Curriculum: Integrating STEAM and the Arts 30:39 - Engaging Parents and Community in STEAM and Careers 37:12 - Introducing FIRE: Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience & Empowerment 42:27 - Getting Involved: How to Find Out More About Fairfield Prep https://lborofairfield.org 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids - Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & morePersonalised feedback on your child's work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, an organization dedicated to connecting scientific research with education. Over the past 25 years, she has grown PAST into a nationally recognized leader in transforming teaching and learning, impacting millions of students and thousands of educators across the U.S. She also launched the Learning Unboxed podcast to explore innovative approaches to education and the future of workforce development. Key Takeaways The 5 Kevlar Threads: student agency, cultural relevancy, mastery, transdisciplinary learning, and problem-based learning STEM "affinity" research: kids light up around math and science when learning feels tangible — mastery-based learning, real problem-solving, and social-emotional connection are the three levers that spark that engagement. Silos have their place — a focused mini-lesson works beautifully when it's triggered by an immediate, meaningful need within a bigger project, giving students exactly what they need, right when they need it. Graduation is just the beginning — the real opportunity is helping students discover who they're becoming, not just getting them across the finish line. Relationships are what last — ask any adult about a profound learning moment and they'll light up describing a person who believed in them, not a lesson plan. That's the impact educators get to have every day. "It takes a village" is coming back into focus — as more people recognize how much parents, grandparents, mentors and coaches contribute to a child's growth, there's real momentum to give that learning the credit it deserves. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Dr. Annalies Corbin — Founder & CEO of the PAST Foundation 01:53 - About the Foundation: Origins & Mission 19:13 - Translating Research into Support: In‑Person, Online and Mobile Lab Services 27:04 - Rethinking Schooling: From Buildings to Community Learning 36:30 - Memorable Learning: People and Experiences Over Curriculum https://www.pastfoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/annalies.corbin/ https://www.instagram.com/annaliescorbin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Tony Gustin is the founder of The Gateway Science Project, Inc. and the educator behind Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, also known by the trade name The Bug Whisperer. Since 1995, he has used insects, spiders, and other invertebrates to spark curiosity in students and show that science begins with observation, questioning, and wonder. His live programs reached more than 1.5 million students and introduced children to entomology as a gateway into broader scientific thinking. Tony also created the award-winning video Who Wants to be an Entomologist? and wrote My Science Diary, a student activity book focused on observation and critical thinking. After the pandemic ended live programming, Tony developed a specialized 8K macro 360-degree camera system to bring students inside real habitats through virtual reality. That work became Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0, an immersive VR science experience that continues his mission to Excite! Educate! Inspire! and turn curiosity into scientific literacy. Takeaways: Tony Gustin has utilized insects and invertebrates to ignite curiosity in students since 1995. His live programs have introduced over 1.5 million students to entomology and scientific inquiry. The pandemic catalyzed the development of an innovative virtual reality experience for educational purposes. Tony's Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 offers immersive experiences that aim to foster scientific literacy. He emphasizes that scientific curiosity can lead children down diverse educational paths beyond entomology. The transition from live shows to virtual reality exemplifies adaptability in education amidst unforeseen challenges. Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Tony Gustin and His Work 01:43 - The Evolution of Tony's Creepy Crawly Zoo 15:12 - The Birth of an Idea: Inspiring Future Entomologists 28:52 - The Journey of Discovery: Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Passion 35:11 - Inspiration and Empowerment in Virtual Reality https://creepycrawlyzoo.com/ https://www.meta.com/experiences/tonys-creepy-crawly-zoo-20/26476390235366322/ https://www.facebook.com/creepycrawlyzoo https://www.tiktok.com/@thebugwhisperer https://www.instagram.com/creepycrawlyzoo20 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling. He’s also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co‑created worlds in education. Takeaways: The Night Zookeeper program fosters creativity in children through engaging storytelling and character creation, allowing them to express their imagination freely. Joshua Davidson emphasizes the importance of play in education, arguing that children should be empowered to see themselves as creators rather than mere consumers. The integration of technology in the Night Zookeeper platform enhances learning experiences by making writing and creativity enjoyable and interactive for children. Through collaboration and feedback, the Night Zookeeper community facilitates a supportive environment where children can share their ideas and learn from one another. The approach of using project-based learning in the Night Zookeeper curriculum allows children to connect their creativity with educational outcomes, enhancing their overall engagement. By providing a platform where children's ideas shape the content, Night Zookeeper instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of learning. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Night Zookeeper and Its Impact on Children's Creativity 05:44 - The Journey of Night Zookeeper: From Concept to Reality 11:52 - The Importance of Engagement in Learning 19:40 - The Importance of Creativity in Education 24:15 - The Impact of Arts Education on Learning 34:10 - Transitioning to Language Arts Curriculum 37:37 - The Importance of Community in Education Get a 7 day FREE trial and 50% of a subscription with my affiliate code: http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper https://www.instagram.com/nightzookeeper/ https://www.facebook.com/NightZookeeper https://www.tiktok.com/@nightzookeeperofficial https://uk.pinterest.com/nightzookeeper/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Boundless Outdoors is a Worcestershire-based outdoor learning provider with centres in Malvern and Bell Heath, supporting schools, groups and young people through residentials, activity days, DofE, STEM programmes and tailored outdoor learning experiences. A key part of Boundless Outdoors' work is helping schools create inclusive, confidence-building experiences for all pupils, including those with SEND or additional needs. The team works closely with each school to understand its pupils, adapt activities as needed, and shape packages around the group's needs, abilities, and learning outcomes. With woodland settings, accessible facilities, experienced staff and a nurturing approach, Boundless Outdoors helps pupils build confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience and self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment. Safety is always a first priority, with an AALS licence and quality marks including Adventuremark, LOtC and AHOEC Gold. Takeaways: Outdoor education promotes essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience. Boundless Outdoors customizes educational experiences to meet the specific needs and abilities of students. The importance of allowing children to engage in risk assessment through outdoor activities cannot be overstated. Children today often lack the freedom to explore and engage with nature, resulting in a need for structured outdoor education. The concept of 'challenge by choice' empowers children to set their own personal success markers in outdoor activities. COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity of outdoor education as children become increasingly disconnected from nature. Chapters: 00:19 - Creating Inclusive Outdoor Learning Experiences 00:36 - The Importance of Outdoor Education 13:11 - The Importance of Individual Achievement in Outdoor Education 20:42 - The Importance of Outdoor Education Funding 23:24 - Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Trips in Education 33:27 - Understanding the Nature Deficit Disorder 37:53 - Empowerment Through Outdoor Education https://boundlessoutdoors.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/boundless-outdoors-malvern-bell-heath/ https://www.instagram.com/boundlessoutdoorsuk/ https://www.tiktok.com/@boundlessoutdoorsuk 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Boris Walbaum is the founder and president of Forward College, an innovative higher education institution built for the AI era. Students study across Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin over three years, earning a University of London degree while never setting foot in London — all in a university with no lecture halls. Boris is also an AI and future skills expert, a former government advisor, and author of Excellent Isn't What You Think? A Book on Education and Parenting in the Age of AI . Boris explains why AI is a fundamentally different disruption than Covid — because it's an "imitation technology" designed to replicate what we do — and why that forces us to ask not just how we teach, but why we learn at all. We talk about the loss of curiosity in classrooms, the reproductive nature of education systems, nonviolent communication and feedback, and how the deepest driver of learning has always been human connection. Takeaways: Forward College offers a degree designed for the AI era, incorporating studies across three major European cities: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin. The educational model emphasizes real-world skills and critical thinking, moving away from traditional industrial-era paradigms of learning. AI is viewed as a disruptive force in education, necessitating a reevaluation of what and how we teach to prepare future generations. The college promotes a relational pedagogy, focusing on small group learning and personal development rather than traditional lecture hall formats. Boris Walbaum, as the founder, advocates for education that fosters adaptability and emotional intelligence to meet future challenges. The emphasis on human connection in learning is viewed as essential for fostering curiosity, creativity, and engagement among students. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Forward College and Its Unique Approach 04:43 - The Impact of AI on Education 11:15 - The Need for Educational Reform in the Age of AI 17:41 - The Future of Education and Job Market Dynamics 23:35 - Navigating Educational Experiences: From Regattas to Ocean Racing 29:24 - The Importance of Personal Development in Education 35:42 - The Role of AI in Education 41:37 - The Importance of Environment in Learning 46:04 - The Art of Feedback in Education https://forward-college.eu/our-vision/ Excellence Isn’t What You Think: Education and Parenting in the Age of AI https://www.facebook.com/ForwardCollegeOfficial 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Today I'm chatting with Amanda Lee Falkenberg, an internationally acclaimed Australian composer, pianist and creator of The Moons Symphony — a groundbreaking orchestral work recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop, with choral forces recorded separately at Abbey Road Studios. Amanda's work bridges science, music and storytelling, developed in close collaboration with NASA planetary scientists and astronomers. She's also the founder of Lunar (Learning under New Artistic Regimes), an immersive educational platform blending planetary science, music and art to spark curiosity in learners of all ages. In this conversation we trace the whole journey: from stumbling across an article on the "ten weirdest moons," through a cold email to a NASA scientist that led to a presentation at JPL, to the pandemic-era twist that finally brought the LSO, Marin Alsop and Abbey Road into alignment. We talk about why she built Lunar as a course rather than a one-off concert, what she's learned from planetary scientists about resilience and the long game, and how a childhood love of John Williams became the unlikely throughline for a project rooted entirely in science fact. Key Takeaways A cold email can change everything. Amanda's project only reached NASA because she sent an unsolicited message into what she calls "the black hole email" — with no expectation of a reply. Passion projects don't need permission to start. She began researching and composing years before she had a scientist, an orchestra, or a plan for education — the vision came first. Interdisciplinary learning resonates because real life isn't siloed. Music, science and storytelling aren't separate subjects to her — they're one experience, and that's exactly why Lunar works across age groups from teenagers to retirees. Resilience is the throughline of both music and science careers. Amanda draws a direct parallel between the decades-long timelines of NASA missions and the "10,000 hours" of a musician's path — both require staying in it for the long game. Setbacks can create the conditions for a breakthrough. Covid cancelled her original recording dates — and then, months later, cleared Marin Alsop's schedule enough to make the recording finally happen. You don't need a background in either subject to benefit. Lunar is designed so that participants need no prior knowledge of music or science — just curiosity. Chapters: 00:02 - Exploring the Moon Symphony with Amanda Lee Falkenberg 01:54 - The Journey of the Moon Symphony 12:48 - Interdisciplinary Education: Bridging Science and Art 15:15 - The Journey of the Lunar Program 24:21 - The Journey to Collaborate with NASA 29:21 - The Impact of COVID on the Project 34:31 - The Journey of Passion Projects 39:55 - The Long Game: Resilience in Music and Science https://www.moons-symphony.com/ https://www.moons-symphony.com/gateway-to-lunar ▶️ YouTube 👉 @moonssymphony www.facebook.com/moonssymphony/ 📸 Instagram @amandafilmmusic www.linkedin.com/in/moons-symphony 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Elanie Ademokun, Programmes Director at Jigsaw Education Group, joins Mark Taylor to unpack one of the most pressing issues facing schools right now: the rise of the "manosphere" and its impact on misogyny, safeguarding, and school culture. Drawing on over 20 years in education — including 11 years teaching English and PSHE in secondary schools, teacher training with Teach First, and safeguarding work with Frontline — Elanie shares what she's hearing directly from schools: shifting attitudes among boys towards female teachers, misogynistic language creeping into corridors, and growing concern from primary schools too, not just secondary. Mark and Elanie explore why this is happening so fast, how algorithms and online "lifestyle coach" influencers exploit adolescent needs for belonging and self-esteem, and why a whole-school, framework-led approach — rather than a reactive one — is essential. They discuss the balance between universal preventative education and targeted, safeguarding-led intervention, why shame and punishment backfire, and how every child needs at least one trusted adult in their corner. This is a thoughtful, practical conversation for teachers, school leaders, and parents navigating a fast-moving cultural issue with real consequences for children's wellbeing. Takeaways: Elanie Ademokun emphasizes the significance of a whole school approach in addressing sensitive topics within the curriculum, particularly in the realms of personal, social, health education, and religious education. The pervasive influence of social media has dramatically shaped the behaviour and perceptions of students, necessitating a proactive response from educators to mitigate its adverse effects. It is vital to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their experiences and questions regarding complex societal issues like misogyny and digital misinformation. Educators are encouraged to focus on building resilience and critical thinking skills in students, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the challenges posed by contemporary online influences. The importance of fostering strong relationships and communication between teachers and students is highlighted as essential for addressing the nuances of modern educational challenges. Awareness and proactive discussions around sensitive issues must begin early in a child's education to establish a foundation for healthy relationships and self-esteem. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Elanie Adamokun 01:12 - Understanding the Manosphere's Impact on School Culture 19:03 - The Importance of Early Awareness and Mentoring in Youth Development 23:20 - Navigating Conversations with Children about Social Media 33:46 - Building Resilience and Empowerment in Education https://jigsaweducationgroup.com/ www.facebook.com/jigsaweducationgroup 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Lisa Pinkerton is Head of Education at Widget, a symbols-based communication software company, and a former deputy headteacher, inclusion lead, and NPQ SENCO course facilitator with 26 years in primary education. Lisa makes the case for SENCOs sitting on the senior leadership team, not as a bolt-on role but as a strategic voice shaping decisions from the outset. With over 1.7 million pupils in England currently identified as having SEND, she argues inclusion has shifted from a specialist issue to a leadership one, and explains why designing environments for the child who needs the most support tends to benefit every child in the room. We talk through the shift from a medical to a social model of disability, the "curb-cut effect" as a way of thinking about universal design in classrooms, why visual scaffolds like Widget's symbols work best when they're everyday practice rather than reserved for a few pupils, and why real inclusion means being willing to let a sparkly pink pencil sit next to standard ones. Lisa also shares a powerful story of a pupil whose severe dyslexia had been masked as behavioural difficulty, and how embedding visual support into ordinary classroom life changed his trajectory. Takeaways: Inclusion must be embedded within the decision-making processes of educational institutions, not treated as an afterthought. The integration of symbols and visual aids can significantly enhance communication and comprehension for all students. Effective educational leadership requires the inclusion lead to have a strategic role within the senior leadership team. The approach to education should prioritize the individual learning journey of each student, fostering their unique strengths and needs. Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Lisa Pinkerton and Widget 04:17 - The Importance of Inclusion in Education 20:40 - The Need for Flexibility in Educational Practices 36:23 - The Curb Cut Effect in Education 39:51 - Creating Accessible Classrooms: The Importance of Inclusion https://www.widgit.com/ https://www.facebook.com/widgitsoftware26 https://www.instagram.com/widgitsoftware https://www.linkedin.com/company/widgit-software/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Danielle Vandehei is a world-schooling sailor mum who, with her husband and son, spent the last four years building a life around sailing, exploration and learning through experience. Danielle shares how a breaking point on land — a demanding job, a young child, and a longing for more intentional time together — pushed the family to sell their home, their farm animals, and nearly everything they owned to learn to sail from scratch. She's honest about the messy, non-linear reality behind that decision: budget overruns, a house that took a year to sell, a stint in a minivan through Mexico, and plenty of "we're not in alignment yet, that's okay" moments along the way. How does education actually works aboard their boat — starting not with a curriculum, but with deschooling themselves as parents first. Danielle explains how her son learns numbers through fishing, reading through his fish identification book, and social confidence through navigating world-school hubs full of kids of every age and language. Danielle has created Water World Micro Expeditions, the family's new venture inviting other families aboard to experience sailing, marine life, and reconnection with nature in San Blas, Panama — plus where their vision is headed next. Key Takeaways Deschool the parent first. Before a child can learn differently, the adult often has to unlearn their own assumptions about what "proper" education looks like. Follow the interest, not the age bracket. Danielle's son learns to read through a fish identification book and does mental math through abacus — because those are his interests, not a set curriculum. Learning is 0 to 99, not 5 to 18. There's no finish line — removing the pressure of a deadline changes how both kids and adults relate to learning. Nothing about this life was linear. Selling a 40-acre property took eight months; the house took a year to sell; they went from camper to minivan to boat and back again. Alignment came in its own time. Resilience is the standout FIRE value here — the willingness to stay in motion through setbacks (a blown transmission, a slow house sale) rather than let fear shut the plan down. Social confidence grows through real exposure , not curriculum: Danielle's son now approaches kids and adults of any age or language unprompted, something she attributes directly to years of varied, real-world interaction. Community over content. Water World Micro Expeditions isn't about replicating school on a boat — it's about giving families a lived experience of sailing, marine life, and reconnecting with themselves and each other. Chapters: 00:02 - Introduction to World Schooling 04:15 - Transition to a New Way of Living 09:51 - Transitioning to a New Lifestyle 16:38 - Deschooling and Adapting to New Learning Environments 27:47 - Nurturing Well-Being in Education 34:22 - Connecting with Nature and Learning through Experience 37:50 - Building a Vision for Water World https://waterworldmicroexpeditions.com/ Facebook Danielle Marie Vandehei IG- Legacy_throughmotherhood 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Zafra Lerman is a scientist, educator and humanitarian. She received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel and conducted research on Isotope Effects at Cornell and Northwestern Universities in the U.S. and the ETH, Zurich, Switzerland. She developed an innovative approach of teaching science through art, music, drama, dance, and rap which was successful with underprivileged students around the globe. She worked on human rights cases in the former Soviet Union, Russia, China, Guatemala, Cuba, Peru, and South Africa and was successful in preventing executions, releasing prisoners from jail and bringing dissidents to freedom. She is the President of the Malta Conferences Foundation, which uses science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East by bringing scientists from all countries in the Middle East together with Nobel Laureates. This five-day conference puts scientists under the same roof to develop collaborations and friendships that overcome the chasms of distrust and intolerance. She received over forty international awards, including the Presidential Award for Mentoring from President Clinton (1999), AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy (2015), American Physical Society Andrei Sakharov Prize for Human Rights (2016), Peace and Justice prize from the UN NOVUS summit (2016), Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (2017), and she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a member of the US Congress and a member of the French Parliament (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025). Her book “Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey” was published in August 2024. On March 6, 2025 she received in New York the International Advocate for Peace Award from the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution. Previous awardees include Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Paul McCartney. Chapters: 00:19 - Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science 01:05 - The Journey into Education and Science 20:49 - Innovative Teaching Methods in Chemistry 36:46 - Human Rights and Science Education 44:33 - Focusing on the Middle East: A New Direction https://zafralerman.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Mark Taylor talks with Patrick van der Burght — business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini and founder member of the Cialdini Institute — about the science of ethical persuasion and what it means for teachers, parents, and school leaders. Patrick explains why 90-95% of our decisions are made by the brain's fast, automatic "System 1" rather than deliberate reasoning, why human attention spans have now dropped below that of a goldfish, and how Cialdini's seven universal principles of persuasion (reciprocity, liking, unity, social proof, authority, consistency, and scarcity) can help educators build trust, motivate students, and lead more effectively — without ever resorting to manipulation. Along the way: a study that took student success rates from 14% to 86%, why asking for "advice" beats asking for "feedback," and why public commitment is a far stronger motivator than private commitment. Guest: Patrick van der Burght, co-author of How to Hear Yes More Often (2024) and host of Ethical Persuasion Unlocked . Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Patrick Van der Burght 05:08 - The Science of Decision Making 11:24 - Understanding Decision-Making: System One vs System Two 16:40 - The Impact of Attention Span on Decision Making 26:52 - The Importance of Early Persuasion Skills 31:19 - The Power of Compliments and Relationships 41:14 - Principles of Influence and Authority 48:59 - The Impact of Appearance on Perception 56:12 - The Importance of Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowerment https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/ https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/free-influence-persuasion/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasion Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethical_persuasion/ Twitter: https://x.com/yesmoreoften TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethicalpersuasion Book: https://yesmoreoften.com/ Profile: https://patrickvanderburght.com 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Dr. Sophia Nicole Morgan is an educator, author, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on career literacy, academic advising, and helping students make intentional decisions about their futures. Her career spans Jamaica, the United States, and China. She is the founder of Explore Career Academy, a platform dedicated to helping schools integrate career exploration and college planning into everyday learning. Dr. Morgan is the author of several career development resources, including The High Schooler's Guide to College and Career Planning and Reflections: A College and Career Journal for Middle Schoolers. Her work equips students with the tools to reflect on their strengths, explore career possibilities, and plan meaningful academic pathways. Originally from Williamsfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica, Dr. Morgan is passionate about helping schools ensure that every student graduates with clarity, purpose, and direction. Takeaways: Dr. Sophia Morgan emphasizes the importance of career literacy in education, equipping students for their future. Explore Career Academy aims to provide tailored resources to ensure every student has a post-secondary plan. The podcast discusses the need for continuous career support for students beyond one-off career days. Dr. Morgan shares her journey from Jamaica to China, highlighting cultural differences and commonalities. The importance of involving parents, teachers, and administrators in supporting students' career paths is underscored. Career literacy should start early, integrating career awareness into learning from kindergarten through grade 12. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Dr. Sophia Morgan 00:31 - Navigating Cultural Transitions and Career Guidance 20:25 - The Importance of Career Literacy in Early Education 22:19 - Exploring Career Awareness in Education 31:39 - Exploring Career Literacy and Global Opportunities https://www.explorecareeracademy.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophia-morgan-1a784671 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show - hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Adam Adler is a Charleston-based founder and investor focused on building technology that creates healthier, more sustainable systems — for families, communities, and the next generation. The idea for Wyzly didn't come from a pitch deck or a boardroom. It came from Adam's daughter, Isla. At seven years old, Isla proposed a simple idea that every parent instantly understands: what if kids could earn screen time by learning first? That moment sparked the creation of Wyzly — a learn-to-earn screen time platform designed to eliminate daily screen battles without punishment or restriction. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in private equity, data-driven businesses, and systems design, Adam built Wyzly from the ground up. The platform uses AI to generate curriculum-aligned learning challenges tailored to each child's age, grade, and school district. Key Takeaways It's the only app with this level of iOS integration. Two years working with Apple let Wyzly act as a true gatekeeper for all apps — unlocking them only after kids answer curriculum-aligned questions. The AI adapts to each child. Questions adjust in difficulty based on performance and are tailored to age, grade, and school district. It interrupts "doom scrolling," not just screen time. Built-in breaks prompt learning moments during long stretches of passive use — his daughter's idea. Built with real experts, not guesswork. The team includes 14 in-house staff, teachers, a school principal, and a licensed child mental health counselor. His daughter helped design it firsthand. She tested features, flagged confusing questions, and shaped the UX from a kid's point of view. Currently U.S./iOS only, K–6. Android and more grades/countries are planned for next year. Chapters: 00:13 - The Inspiration Behind Wyzly 02:50 - The Birth of Wisely: A New Approach to Screen Time 09:27 - Introducing the App and Its Unique Approach to Screen Time Management 17:33 - The Importance of Sports in Education and Life 22:26 - Navigating Technology and Parenting 29:11 - Empowering Children: A New Approach to Parenting https://www.wyzly.app https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamadler-charleston 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/ Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Dyslexia, which affects an estimated 15 to 20% of learners, often leads to the frustrating advice of waiting and seeing from educational professionals. Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia researcher and advocate, challenges this complacency by presenting actionable solutions for parents and educators. His innovative approach, grounded in structured literacy methods, aims to transform the educational experience for dyslexic students, evidenced by his program that has successfully elevated students from middle school writing levels to college readiness in a remarkably short time. Multi-sensory routines surpass conventional worksheets, enabling observable progress before the next report card arrives. Takeaways: Dyslexia affects a significant portion of learners, often leading to delayed intervention and support. Russell Van Brocklen utilizes structured literacy methods to effectively assist dyslexic students. His innovative program has demonstrated remarkable improvements in writing skills for dyslexic teens in a short time. Understanding the neurological differences in dyslexia is crucial for effective teaching and learning strategies. A focus on multisensory routines can yield better results than traditional methods like worksheets. Engaging students in topics they are passionate about greatly enhances their learning outcomes. Chapters: 00:07 - Introduction to Dyslexia and Its Challenges 07:57 - The Journey of Overcoming Dyslexia 23:31 - The Case of Casey: A Unique Learning Journey 28:01 - Understanding Dyslexia and Effective Learning Strategies 45:53 - Navigating the Future: Education and AI https://dyslexiaclasses.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-van-brocklen-2007ab87/ https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiaclassesus/ https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiaclasses/ https://twitter.com/dyslexiaclasses https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cqwfxn9FqFx1Idl0YbeHg 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/ Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Kevin Cripe was a teacher in Modesto City Schools for 27 years and during that time created an award winning after school chess program for students who came from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. He took students to 200+ tournaments and 14 national chess championships and watched as students used chess to become first generation college graduates. After retiring he moved to Central America, continued to teach chess and wrote a "Child Moral Development Trilogy" . Takeaways: Kevin Cripe dedicated 27 years to teaching and created an award-winning chess program for underprivileged students, demonstrating a profound commitment to educational equity. Through chess, Kevin facilitated the participation of his students in over 200 tournaments, resulting in numerous students becoming first-generation college graduates. After retiring, Kevin continued his passion for teaching chess in Central America and authored a trilogy focused on moral development for children. Kevin emphasizes the importance of celebrating every student's progress, not just those who achieve the highest scores, fostering a culture of encouragement and resilience. Kevin's approach to education revolves around providing emotional support and understanding that effort is as important as the results, helping students to feel valued beyond academic performance. We highlight the transformative power of exposure and opportunities, illustrating how students can aspire to greater futures when given the right support and encouragement. Chapters: 00:03 - Kevin Cripe: Transforming Lives Through Chess 01:30 - The Journey Begins: Inspiring Change Through Education 21:04 - The Impact of Parental Support on Student Success 29:20 - The Journey of Learning and Growth 36:23 - The Impact of Caring in Education https://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/ Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Jacob Adams is an education leader committed to transforming schools into places of joy, belonging, and critical thinking for Black and Brown youth. He coined the term “disconnection crisis” to describe how traditional education separates young people from their purpose, community, and creativity. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now Inner Spark Learning Lab, which has reached over 40,000 young people and generated insights shaping the broader education field. Jacob began his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching 1st and 2nd grade before serving as an instructional coach for three years. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is also an alum of fellowships including the Simons Foundation’s inaugural Science Sandbox Fellowship, 4.0 Schools, LA Leads, and the Black Equity Collective Build Fellowship. Takeaways: The disconnection crisis in education highlights how traditional schooling alienates students from their true potential and creativity. Inner Spark Learning Lab aims to transform educational environments into nurturing spaces that foster joy and a sense of belonging. By engaging students in participatory action research, they learn to address community needs and develop critical thinking skills. The importance of feedback loops is emphasized, ensuring that the voices of students and families shape the educational experience. Empowerment in education is achieved when students feel their contributions are valued and their identities are recognized. The initiative aims to create a network of schools that adapt to the needs of their communities, fostering relevant and engaging learning experiences. Chapters: 00:21 - The Disconnection Crisis in Education 00:29 - The Birth of Inner Spark Learning Lab 10:52 - Transitioning Educational Paradigms 19:27 - Transforming Education: The Role of Dreamweavers 35:15 - Navigating the Map of Life: Teaching Self-Awareness and Skills 37:23 - The Importance of Feedback in Education https://www.innersparklab.org/ instagram.com/innersparklab https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

In this final episode of the Ger Graus Gets Gritty series, Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE and I wrap up our 10-episode journey through education from early years to higher education and beyond. We explore the difference between schooling and education , the role of universities in an AI-driven world, and whether lifelong learning could — or should — move beyond traditional institutions. Learning doesn't stop at 18, 45, or even 99. The future of education isn't about replacing what we have, but expanding the menu — so that every curious learner, at every stage of life, can find their own path. And no matter how education evolves, the people around us remain at the very heart of it. 'Everyone can only aspire to what they know exists' Takeaways: The importance of continuous education beyond traditional schooling cannot be overstated, as it is essential for personal development throughout one's life. Our discussions highlighted the critical distinction between education and schooling, emphasizing that true education can occur at any age and in various contexts. The relationship between higher education institutions and students must be fundamentally redefined to prioritize student needs and outcomes over financial motivations. Lifelong learning is not limited to formal education; it encompasses all forms of personal growth, driven by individual curiosity and life experiences. The necessity for a nuanced understanding of educational pathways is paramount, as different individuals require different approaches to learning and development. In our exploration of higher education, we must recognize the evolving needs of society and the role of institutions in adapting to these changes. Chapters: 00:04 - Introduction to Episode 10 02:15 - Overview of Further Education and Lifelong Learning 24:02 - The Complexity of Accountability in Education 36:18 - The Role of Degrees in Professional Success 39:37 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning https://www.gergraus.com Get the book – Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape