Naylor's Natter Podcast- an education podcast .

This week I am joined by Sam Strickland, Principal of The Duston School . Sam describes himself as:Principal, martial artist, historian, believer in knowledge. Organiser of ResearchED Northampton.  In this weeks podcast we chat about Sam's new book 'Education exposed' . The book is described as: The ultimate guide to understanding how a school can be led, managed and run, written by an author with extensive experience, and drawing heavily on research around knowledge-based curricula. Clearly and honestly stating the challenges of leading a school, Samuel Strickland focuses on approaches to the curriculum, teaching and learning, teacher workload, behavior, staff morale, leadership and Ofsted. The book is designed to serve as a dip in and dip out guide to a wide array of varying aspects of whole-school life, though it can be read in one full sitting, and the author is not afraid to challenge some of the suggested norms that educators are expected to accept as a profession or to consider how things can potentially be otherwise done. <P> Each chapter is self-contained, providing a short and sharp insight into a specific aspect of school improvement. The book is divided into five sections, with each section taking a major driver for school improvement. Section 1 focuses on leadership, Section 2 on behaviour, Section 3 on the curriculum, Section 4 on teaching and Section 5 on workload and professional development. The natter: This was the first ever, unscripted natter with Sam more than happy to answer any questions I had! Podcast pedagogy This week, I revisit the seminal 'The Road to Wigan Pier' by George Orwell. I recommend More.Again.Forever by The Courteeners and in film we look at 1917.  PS EDIT Lowborn is by Kerry Hudson, Kerry Ellis is a singer .......apologies!

There is a significant problem in our schools: too many boys are struggling. The list of things to concern teachers is long. Disappointing academic results, a lack of interest in studying, higher exclusion rates, increasing mental health issues, sexist attitudes, an inability to express emotions.... Traditional ideas about masculinity are having a negative impact, not only on males, but females too. In this ground-breaking book, Matt Pinkett and Mark Roberts argue that schools must rethink their efforts to get boys back on track. Boys Don’t Try? examines the research around key topics such as anxiety and achievement, behaviour and bullying, schoolwork and self-esteem. It encourages the reader to reflect on how they define masculinity and consider what we want for boys in our schools. Offering practical quick wins, as well as long-term strategies to help boys become happier and achieve greater academic success, the book: offers ways to avoid problematic behaviour by boys and tips to help teachers address poor behaviour when it happens highlights key areas of pastoral care that need to be recognised by schools exposes how popular approaches to "engaging" boys are actually misguided and damaging details how issues like disadvantage, relationships, violence, peer pressure, and pornography affect boys’ perceptions of masculinity and how teachers can challenge these. With an easy-to-navigate three-part structure for each chapter, setting out the stories, key research, and practical solutions, this is essential reading for all classroom teachers and school leaders who are keen to ensure male students enjoy the same success as girls. Questions: Gentle introduction- tell listeners a bit about you and your career to date .   Tell us about the genesis of this book and how it started with you blog ‘balance for boys’    In chapter 2 on disadvantaged students , could you start with your definition of disadvantaged students then tell listeners why you feel our education system is ventured on middle class values?    What solutions do you offer for school leaders and teachers particularly around setting?   In the final thought of the chapter , you say the main thing holding back working class students is attitude. What do you mean by this?  In chapter 4 on mental health , you set up the chapter with an insight into how Romeo and Juliet is about male mental health, how do you link this to 21st century Britain?    Could you outline some of the key research on suicide , anger and self-harm   What advice would you offer to school leaders ?    In chapter 6 on sex and sexism , the stories at the start of the chapter paint a depressing picture about the harassment that female teachers face daily , what does the research say in the area of sex and sexism?    Why does there need to be absolute clarity for school leaders on the issue of sexism and sexist behaviour?   In chapter 8 on violence tell us the story about the remnants of a half-eaten kebab.  What is the testosterone fairy tale and why is testosterone such a complicated beast?    Again what advice do you give to school leaders and teachers?   In the last chapter ‘what next’ , You tell readers that years of gender socialisation cannot be undone by reading your book but we have all made a positive change by picking up the book . What next then for school leaders and NQTs?   Finish off by telling us where we can find out more about you and where you will be speaking next . Podcast pedagogy is featuring Sarah Mullin's excellent 'What they didnt teach me on my PGCE" 

Matthew Evans is a headteacher, author and blogger. Leaders With Substance: An Antidote to Leadership Genericism in Schools is available now on Amazon. Follow @head_teach on Twitter. Gentle introduction- tell us about your journey to this point and how you came to write this book .   As you say at the start , despite the millions of words written on the subject , is leadership even a thing?    What remains of leadership and where does that leave this book?    Does a belief in generic (hollow) leadership skills serve as a false set of expertise?   Do we need need clever leaders and how robust is the evidence in this area ?    In the chapter on transient turnarounds , you outline some questions that leaders should be asking teachers right now ? Could you share some of this?    How do we lead best in distracting times ?    In chapter 7 what do you mean by curricular genericism?   How do we leave genericism behind?    Are schools led by experts? Should they be?    In portraying purpose you talk about vision citing martin Luther king . Tell us about the good and bad of vision    Outline what you mean by scripts and cultural memes . I was particularly struck by the deputy and the nqt in the car park .   How important is the duning-kruger effect in leadership?    How do we develop the next generation of leaders ? What skills should leadership programs develop?    In the indicators of change chapter why should school leaders have their finger on the pulse and not the trigger .   Could you tell listeners where they can find out more about you and where you will be speaking next ? Leadership literature is drowning in abstract theories and models of heroic leadership, but an agreed definition of the term is elusive. School leadership suffers from this lack of clarity and consensus. Generic approaches to school improvement dominate the sector, which have left the workforce feeling anything but 'well led'. What exactly should school leaders know and do? How do we put 'substance' back into school leadership? This book draws on research evidence to explore the specific things that expert leaders know and do, arguing for a notion of school leadership rooted in the realities of leaders' daily experiences. It presents a case for how school leaders can develop their expertise and, in doing so, places domain-specific knowledge at the heart of school improvement efforts. Leaders With Substance is not a handbook. It sets out to change the way we think of leadership and school improvement. It is both a critique, a manifesto, and a call to arms. Podcast Pedagogy Lowborn- Kerry Hudson and so much more this week! TDT Section Bethan and Polly talk about pedagogical coaching. 

Welcome to the first Naylor's Natter of 2020. This is also our 1 year anniversary so a great opportunity to thank those of you that have been on the journey since 4th January 2019 and to welcome those of you new to the podcast. This weeks sees the introduction of our new format to sustain the podcast moving forwards.  We will still have the excellent valued input from the team at TDT to kick off the show each week (once they are back in the office) . This will be followed up with our main interview which will be presented by me or our team of presenters , including Kathryn Morgan, Emma Turner (TBC) and members of team TDT (David,Maria,Bethan, Ian or Michelle) . This will increase our capacity, diversify our interviews and interviewees and hopefully make this even more interesting for you the listeners.  I will be continuing with the podcast pedagogy section and I still very much welcome listeners reflections on what you are reading this year . So  if your New Years resolution is to read more , why not share this with a community of supportive educators? There is a button on the anchor app to send this directly . Alternatively , why not email p3nay91@gmail.com or via the website: www.naylorsnatter.co.uk The interview: Kathryn Morgan makes her debut , interviewing Vivienne Porritt on a range of topics from #womenEd and #10%braver to leadership and the importance of professional learning and development. Podcast pedagogy I discuss my takeaways and questions from the marvellous Leaders with Substance from Matthew Evans who will be a guest on the podcast very soon Shameless plugs  BrewEd Science 28th March  BrewEd Ossy 1st February  rED Birmingham March ***sold out*** rED Blackpool March ***sold out*** I am also taking bookings to speak at conferences for 2020 so please get in touch via the website listed above

This week I am in conversation with Director of Teaching School partnerships at the Alliance for Learning Lisa Fathers. Lisa has taught English and Drama for a number of years in several schools and was a middle leader, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher then Associate Headteacher. In this wide ranging interview , we talk about my favourite subjects namely professional learning and culture . We also have a a natter about the huge importance of mental health and Lisa's work in this area. We also discuss the importance of School to School support , the use of SLE's and of course Alliance for Learning's links with Research Schools and the use of evidence in their work.  At the end of the podcast Lisa turns the tables on me and we finally present our big reveal! Stay tuned. The questions: 1. Tell me career journey to date  2.How important was creating professional learning culture when you were deputy head  3.Tell us about mentally healthy schools Pilot   4. How important was collaboration to this programme?  5. How does school to school support work fit into the teaching school work ? 5B and what about SLEs? 5c and what about deploying SLEs  6. What experience of research work have you had etc?  7. Finally - why are you so passionate about PE when you are an English teacher ? Shameless plugs SSA Teach Meet, rED Brum and Blackpool . We also give a very early plug for 'Insights from 2 men in a cupboard' , our new book coming 2020! Also plug for https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brewedscience-liverpool-tickets-86610457209 #BrewEdScience  Happy New Year!

This week I am in conversation with Mary Myatt on her book Curriculum- From Gallimaufry to coherence Mary Myatt is an education adviser, writer and speaker. She works in schools talking to pupils, teachers and leaders about learning, leadership and the curriculum. She maintains that there are no quick fixes and that great outcomes for pupils are not achieved through tick boxes. She writes and speaks at conferences about leadership, curriculum and school improvement. 'Mary Myatt combines encyclopedic knowledge of schools with crystal-clear description of curriculum principles – a must-read for all those involved in improving education. Globally, new attention is being given to curriculum principles and curriculum practice. Mary Myatt’s book is major contribution to this debate. Few books range so effectively across curriculum theory and day-to-day practice in the classroom – Mary Myatt does this with huge authority and extreme clarity.' Tim Oates CBE, Group Director of ARD,
 (Assessment Research and Development) ‘This book weaves together theory, research, policy, and practice to provide educators at every stage of their career a practical guide to coherent curriculum design. Chapters divided by subject and strategy make it easy to keep coming back to, whilst Mary’s humorous and intelligent prose make it a pleasure to read.’ Claire Hill, Head of English and Media Studies, Dover Grammar School for Girls ‘This book has been invaluable and really balances theory, critical argument and practical applications for how we can achieve this in our curriculum planning and subject CPD.’ Aja Cortizo, Professional development Team Lead, Glyn School ‘This is exactly what I needed to read before the team goes to rewrite the curriculum this term. It is definitely a must read to completely rethink the curriculum because it covers all aspects to truly ensure ‘high challenge and low threat’ across all subjects. I’m so excited about redesigning the teaching and learning to ensure children are engaged and inspired.’ Flora Barton, Headteacher, Crowmarsh Gifford CE Primary School Teacher Development Trust Section  This week Bethan is in conversation following TDT's work with Ignite TSA . http://www.welcometoignite.co.uk/about-us/ Podcast Pedagogy Section Matthew Evans talks to you, the listeners about his new book ahead of a full podcast in the New Year. Leadership is an ill-defined domain, drowning in abstract theories and models of expertise. School leadership suffers from this lack of a satisfactory and useful definition of leadership, and has of late been drawn in to generic approaches to school improvement which have left the workforce feeling anything but `well led'. How do we put `substance' back in to school leadership? This book draws on the lessons of cognitive science and explores the specific things that school leaders do, arguing for a notion of school leadership rooted in the realities of leaders' daily experiences. It presents a case for how school leaders can develop their expertise and, in doing so, places domain-specific knowledge at the heart of school improvement efforts. Publisher: John Catt Educational Ltd Shameless Plugs I countdown the top 10 Naylor's Natter's of 2019 with a homage to Top of the Pops 

A homage to Top of the Pops , its a lighthearted chart rundown of this years most listened to podcasts. No offence meant , only huge gratitude!  I do not own the music - credit to Paul Hardcastle and his track 'The Wizard' which just happened to be on the radio in the background. All episodes available here.

This week I am in conversation with Primary research and evidence guru Neil Almond . Neil has been on a journey of discovery , from incorporating research into his own teaching through to presenting at rED events . We discuss this journey and the challenges of incorporating evidence into the primary curriculum. As Neil describes on his blog: "I’m starting my 5th year of teaching and those years have lead to varying degrees of success and lessons that I needed to learn. It’s only in the last 6 to 9 months that I feel that I am actually getting somewhere with it and now my interest in educational research and edu-twitter are turning things that I thought I knew around. The picture is poignant to the profession as a whole. We need to carefully tread the path, often not knowing where the path ends, what twist/turns/obstacles we will encounter on the way or what educational gale force wind will try to blow us off. These are my ramblings as I try to navigate this path. I will not claim that I have answers to anything, or that what I am suggesting will work for you, in your context. These are my ramblings; they will focus on three key areas: teaching and learning, educational research and curriculum. If these ramblings help you navigate your path, then that is a fantastic bonus for me. I hope you enjoy…" Neil's blog site  https://nutsaboutteaching.wordpress.com/ Teacher Development Trust Section  David Weston, CEO of the TDT kicks off this weeks show out on location again in sunny Blackpool. This week , he is interviewing St George's Lead Practitioner Bea Tingey . Bea describes how St George's recent success in outcomes for pupils has been driven by a culture of professional learning . Bea talks about that culture and how it has been developed and the logistics of planning out CPD . Many people have visited St George's recently to see this in action and I know this is something they welcome , so get in touch with Bea here: https://twitter.com/Tingemeister Podcast pedagogy  I am very happy to have received contributions for this feature so this will be returning next week. 

This weeks natter is with Bukky Yusuf and is timed to coincide with the eve of #teacher5aday week starting 2nd December. Bukky Yusuf is a Secondary Science Teacher, Consultant and Qualified Coach. Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and teaches secondary sciences to A level. She has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching and learning and effective implementations of Educational Technology. As part of her commitment to increase diverse leadership within education, Bukky participates with a number of initiatives including WomenEd and BAMEed. She is a London Regional Leader for WomenEd and is registered as a leadership coach as part of a pilot programme run by the Department for Education. Bukky’s keenness for education and the impact that educators can make is reflected in the presentations that she delivers at local and national levels. Furthermore, Bukky supports the development of educators at all levels and promotes projects that help colleagues to maintain their well-being. Podcast Pedagogy This week I have been reading Martyn Reah's blogs on his experience of launching #teacher5aday and the upcoming week . In Martyn's words: Five years on from launching #teacher5aday at the SSAT National conference https://martynreah.wordpress.com/2014/12/06/teacher5aday/ instead of presenting at the teachmeet this time #teacher5aday has reached the main stage. A five day focus for leaders and teachers to develop a positive approach to well-being. A start of something which will hopefully become a regular event in school calendars across the country. The aim of the week is to celebrate the successes of the previous five years. To bring all of the best elements of #teacher5aday from social media and into as many staff rooms across the country as possible. To curate and create a festival of well-being and provide a one stop shop for busy teachers and leaders across the country to find resource which will have an impact on their well-being and that of their colleagues. Working with the amazing team behind National Careers Week #NCW2020 a website is under construction to host all the resources which will allow the well-being conversation to continue after the 6th of December. The week will be themed around the five aspects of #teacher5aday which was based on New Economic Foundations 5 ways to well-being https://neweconomics.org/2011/07/five-ways-well-new-applications-new-ways-thinking . Monday #CONNECT Tuesday #NOTICE Wednesday #LEARN  Thursday #EXERCISE Friday #VOLUNTEER Dr Sue Roffey has started the conversations for leaders and leadership teams to consider about getting invovled in the week. https://martynreah.wordpress.com/2019/10/05/national- Shameless plugs: SSA Teach Meet , BrewEd Ossy and the rED trilogy of Brum, Blackpool and Rugby all get a plug TDT Section  David Weston  kicks off the show  this week with the TDT section. 

Jules Daulby is a literacy and inclusion expert, podcaster of The Inclusive Classroom and co-founder and national leader of #WomenEd, a grassroots organisation created to support existing and aspiring women leaders. She started out her teaching career as an English and Drama teacher and until December, 2018 was Director of Education for literacy charity, Driver Youth Trust.  Jules’ quest is to find a way to make classrooms inclusive and allow all children to thrive.  She has a particular fascination with  inclusive design of knowledge organisers, text books, worksheets and presentations.  All her work is grounded in expert knowledge and experience of literacy and SEND in particularly dyslexia and ADHD. Jules believes that all behaviour is communication and accountability pressures can sometimes create environments where students with SEND are not valued.  It is her ambition to persuade OFSTED to reward inclusion rather than exam results and push the DfE into making exams more accessible for young people who have speed of processing and memory difficulties.  Jules is a prolific blogger and tweeter and co-founder and national leader for the grassroots organisation, @WomenEd created to support existing and aspiring women leaders. https://julesdaulby.com/contact-me/jules-daulby/ We natter about: 1) Potted history of your career to this point - as much as you like .  What is values based education?    2) In one of your excellent blogs on your website , you state that literacy is freedom . What do you mean by this?  3) How do we make our classrooms more inclusive?   4) Is all behaviour communication? What do you say to people who disagree with this ? Do you use your excellent reasons you disagree bingo card?   How do we give send learners an equal shot at education    5) Should parents particularly in secondaries be seen as part of the solution (to whatever issues their child is having) not considered the problem. 6)Into pedagogy , do card sorts get a bad press?   7)in well-being , could you tell us about your blog  ‘the art of imperfection' and the crap-o-meter.   8)Tell is about your work with women Ed and your top 6 books by female educators . Podcast pedagogy This week I am reading 'Building Belonging' by Cathal Lynch TDT Section TDT Head of Education talks to Steve Poland about CPD in post 16 education