Real Schools of Thought with Adam Voigt

Leading 1,400 students across two campuses could easily become an exercise in control. Instead, Wanneroo Secondary College Principal Justine McNaught-Conroy has built a culture where clear structures, high expectations and genuine trust give people the confidence to do their best work. In this conversation with Adam, Justine shares what intentional visibility really looks like, why authentic relat...

For almost two decades at Ocean Road Primary School, Dean Finlay has built his leadership around one deceptively simple idea: people need to know you care. In this conversation with Adam, Dean shares how small, consistent acts have built trust with students, staff and families – and how restorative practice has helped turn those relationships into a culture that is shared and lived across the scho...

Peter Bush, Principal of Kalianna School, joins Adam to challenge some long-held assumptions about special education and what young people with disabilities can achieve. From high expectations and authentic learning to the power of language, predictable routines and repairing relationships, Peter shares lessons that reach well beyond the special school setting. It’s a conversation about looking pa...

What happens when a school stops operating as individual classrooms, teams and campuses – and starts working as one? Baden-Powell College Principal Vicky Minton joins Adam Voigt to talk about building collective ownership of culture, creating genuine collaboration between teachers and giving students the skills to manage relationships and resolve conflict. And amid all the noise about workload, bu...

Adam sits down with Jacqui Fimister, a classroom teacher at Kananook Primary School, for a conversation that spans thirteen years of partnership between Jacqui and Real Schools. It's an easy, honest chat between two people who know each other well, Jacqui is candid about the "performative" teacher she used to be (pegs going up and down, "don't smile till Easter") and how a single piece of sharp, s...

In this engaging conversation, Liz Foster and Adam discuss the profound impact of great teachers, the importance of building trust in educational leadership, and the need for a culture of courage and experimentation in schools. They explore the role of professional associations in supporting educators and the significance of collaboration and connection in fostering a positive school environment....

When Amanda Kowalczyk arrived at Koonawarra Public School in Wollongong, something felt heavy. Kids shuffled through the gates with their heads down. The school was surrounded by barbed wire. Staff were pitying their students. And the culture was one of low expectations dressed up as compassion. Today? Kids skip in. Staff greet families by name from every gate. And the New South Wales Department o...

Tracey Ezard is one of Australia's most respected voices on school culture, leadership and the conditions that help adults do their best work. She is the author of Ferocious Warmth and has worked with over 600 schools and 16,000 educators across Australia. She is also, as Adam makes clear from the outset, his mate. This is one of those conversations that only happens between two people who have be...

Overview Adam Voigt sits down with AFL legend and Hall of Famer Simon Madden for a conversation that covers a lot more than football. Simon is also a former teacher and assistant principal, and in this episode, he brings those two worlds together in the best way. From the teachers who shaped him as a kid to the high-performance habits he developed across decades in elite sport, Simon shares a refr...

Lisa Newland is the incoming CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). She is a former English teacher and school leader who has spent decades in and around Australian schools, and she has arrived in this role with a clear sense of what she wants to change. This is a conversation about compliance culture, teacher autonomy, the pressure of public data, and what happens to innova...

In this engaging conversation, Lee Crockett shares his insights on the importance of agency in education, the role of leadership in shaping school culture, and the necessity of trust and joy in the learning environment. He emphasises the need for professional wellness among educators and discusses the dimensions that contribute to a healthy school culture. The discussion also touches on the myths...

Anita Olegario is a teacher at Berrima Public School in NSW. She joined Adam for one of the most honest conversations Real Schools of Thought has hosted. Anita lost her son Brodie to suicide as a teenager. She carries that loss into her classroom every day, not as a burden, but as a quiet kind of purpose. In this episode, she talks about who Brodie was, what she wishes she had known, and how learn...

In this solo episode Adam opens up the real story behind RP2.0 and the deep influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had on his teaching, leadership and restorative approach. He traces the three knowledge bases that shape the model affect theory, social and organisational psychology and the wisdom gifted to him through First Nations educators, elders and families. Adam shares p...

In this episode, Tina King shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a leader in education, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the education system. She emphasises the importance of leadership, collegiality, and the need for systemic support to meet complex student needs. Rita Pearson TED Talk that Tina referred to - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw Interested in ou...

Adam Voigt is joined by Matt Kenny, Principal of Dodges Ferry Primary School, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and what helps schools thrive. Together, they explore the power of relationships, the importance of staff wellbeing, and why consistency and unity in leadership matter more than ever. The episode reflects on how educators grow over time, how behaviour can be better...

In this solo episode of Real Schools of Thought , Adam Voigt shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of Real Schools . For the first time, Adam traces the formative experiences, pivotal moments, and hard leadership lessons that shaped his philosophy on education, culture, and 'RP2.0'. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools  here. Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-...

In this episode of Real Schools of Thought, we sit down with Nick Dodd, the principal of Clarence High School, to explore his impactful leadership journey. Under Nick's guidance, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student engagement, attendance, and performance. Notably, suspension rates have dropped by 50% in just the first year, and the school achieved its best NAPLAN results ever. N...

In this engaging conversation, Professor John Hattie discusses the profound impact of great teachers, the challenges faced by school leaders, and the importance of fostering a positive school culture. He emphasises the need for teachers to recognise their own expertise and the significance of balancing instructional strategies in the classroom. Hattie also explores the implications of AI in educat...

In this conversation, Adam speaks with Claire Toohey and Jade Leggett from Nepean School about their experiences as educators and the unique culture of their school, which caters to children with physical disabilities. They discuss the importance of restorative practices, effective communication, and the supportive environment that fosters student empowerment and staff collaboration. The conversat...

In this conversation, Darren Brailey, principal of Morisset High School, shares his journey of transforming the school culture through restorative practices. He reflects on the influence of a great teacher in his life, the challenges he faced in student engagement, and the importance of consistency and fairness in creating a supportive environment. Brailey emphasises the need for building relation...

In this conversation, Zoe McKenzie reflects on the profound impact of teachers and education on her life, emphasising the importance of values, responsibility, and the role of family. She discusses her journey into politics, driven by a desire to improve education and mental health systems. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and education, the challenges posed by AI, and the...

In this conversation, Bern Warburton shares her journey as a principal at Lake Primary School, detailing the transformation of the school's culture through restorative practices. She reflects on the impact of caring teachers, the challenges faced during her leadership, and the importance of engaging staff, parents, and students in the process. Bern emphasises the significance of building relations...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Martine Gill, the principal of Clover Hill State School. Martine shares her journey from aspiring teacher to visionary leader, emphasising the importance of community, connection, and personal growth. Discover how her personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and learn valuable insights on fostering a sense of belonging in education...