Teach

What if the secret to better learning isn’t just reading and writing, but talking?   In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, join Dr Yael Leibovitch from the University of Queensland Critical Thinking Project and Professor Ian Wilkinson from the Ohio State University as they discuss how dialogic teaching can spark critical thinking, boost engagement, and help stude...

How does talk shape learning? In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, Dr Debra Myhill and Dr Rupert Wegerif dive into why oracy, the ability to speak and listen effectively, is at the heart of literacy. They explore how teachers can create rich classroom discussions that build confidence, critical thinking, and inclusion. Join us as we discuss how dialogue can be both a means...

In this episode we hear from student Willow and Wellbeing Leader Taylor about the restorative work Charles Campbell College is doing to support and champion LGBTQIA+ students. Learn how the school fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. We’ll also discuss the Department for Education resources that schools can use to better support LGBT...

What if education was about more than just academic success? In this episode we explore how the expeditionary approach to learning can drive student growth, wellbeing and meaningful outcomes. Ron Berger, Senior Advisor for EL Education and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor, and Gwyn ap Harri, Chief Executive Officer of XP School Trust in the UK, reveal how powerful learning experience...

In this episode, hear from Dr Linda Kaser and Dr Judy Halbert, co-leaders of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education in Canada. Judy and Linda share insights from British Columbia’s education system and their work globally, drawing upon the power of curiosity, networks and the Spiral of Inquiry model in driving transformation and change in our schools.  The conversation covers...

In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School. Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5. Aimed at nurturing a love of reading, the packs include books, user-friendly activity guides and materials for hands-on learning. Al...

In this episode hear from Cathy Cook, Autism Inclusion Teacher and 2024 Public Education Award finalist, and Sue Shywolup, a former Year 3 teacher at Marryatville Primary School. Cathy shares how she fosters inclusivity for neurodiverse students by upskilling staff, introducing sensory tools, and leading the Autism Action Team. She’s built a collaborative approach involving teachers, SSOs, a...

Join us as we sit down with Chief Executive, Professor Martin Westwell as he takes us through 2024’s key achievements and outlines priorities for 2025. Professor Westwell discusses how South Australia’s education system is a learning system centred on relationships and purpose-driven strategy. The conversation also explores how to create an education system that prioritises innovation,...

In this episode we explore how South Australian schools are empowering students to take charge of their learning through the concept of learner agency. Join Brenton Wilson from Kilkenny Primary School, Narelle Christiansen from Avenues College, and students Elliot and Joe as they share their experiences participating in workshops that foster student voice and wellbeing. Hear how these initiatives...

Joining us in this literacy-focussed episode is Dr Kate de Bruin, a senior lecturer in Inclusive Education at Monash University. Dr. de Bruin delves into the research underpinning the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework designed to provide targeted reading instruction and intervention. Drawing from her presentation at the 2024 online Literacy Summit she offers insights into how sch...

In this episode we explore how Naracoorte High School’s work with the New Metrics Project is impacting equity and excellence in education and reshaping the future for students. Principal Lynette Corletto and Senior Leader Felicity Slotegraaf share their insights on this innovative partnership with the University of Melbourne, which aims to expand the ways student learning is assessed and recognise...

In this episode Jodie Zwar, Principal of Gladstone Primary School, unpacks the intricacies of transitioning our young children from preschool to primary school, and how Gladstone’s approach fosters a successful transition. Hear how the collaborative efforts of educators, the benefits of early exposure to the school environment while supporting young learners and their families, help Gladstone Prim...

Miriam Parsons, Manager Languages and Bilingual Schools and Amy Goodrich, Indonesian Specialist Teacher explore how the focus on languages in the new SA Curriculum for public education will have a positive outcome for students’ wellbeing and sense of community throughout their schooling.  Show notes: SA Curriculum website Get involved through upcoming events and workshops See omnystudio.com/listen...

In this episode Professor Sally Robinson, Professor of Disability and Community Inclusion and Professor Gerry Redmond, Professor of Public Policy unpack the crucial topic of supporting the safety and wellbeing of autistic and neurodivergent children in our schools and preschools. They shed light on the concept of neurodiversity, its prevalence in school populations, and the evolving understanding...

Discover what learning trajectories are and how they can support you to help students develop their mathematics abilities. Joining us this episode from the University of Denver are Doug Clements, Professor of Early Childhood Learning and Julie Sarama, Professor of Innovative Technologies. They were the keynote speakers at this year’s Numeracy Summit in Adelaide. Show notes: 2024 Numeracy Summit pl...

This episode provides an insight into how mathematics is more than just a set of skills and how educators can develop a joy and wonder for mathematics. Francis Su is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. He recently presented in Adelaide at the Numeracy Summit on the topic of mathematics for human f...

In this episode we sit down with Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell to discuss what's next in 2024 following the release of last year’s public education strategy. Professor Westwell says it’ll be a year of educators putting things like the areas of impact into practice but not being too judgmental of themselves in the process. Show notes: Helen Timperley – Leading Professional Conversations...

This episode offers insights into the teacher to leader transition and the vital role of high-quality professional development. Join us as Kurt Ferguson from Taparra Primary School (previously South Downs Primary School) shares how Orbis professional learning programs, including Middle Leadership, supported his leadership growth. Meanwhile, Sarah Edwards from Loxton High School discusses how trans...

In this episode, UK cognitive scientist Professor Guy Claxton explores the crucial connection between learner agency and effective learners and how educators can support this in their classroom. We sat down with Professor Claxton fresh from a live online workshop he facilitated with almost 600 students across South Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2009 Mr Rod Bunten, the husband of the Governor of South Australia, left the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and completed a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education. He then started a second career as a secondary school teacher of physics and mathematics. In this episode Mr Bunten shares his thoughts on making science and maths more relevant for students, preparing teachers for manageme...

Join us as Dr Jennifer Buckingham discusses the how and why of teaching synthetic phonics. Dr Jennifer Buckingham OAM is Director of Strategy and Senior Research Fellow at MultiLit, and Director of the Five from Five Project. She explains some of the strategies educators can take to develop efficient reading for all students. Show notes:  2023 Literacy Summit presentations Literacy teaching and le...

From barista training to industry immersion weeks, the Workabout Centre supports Aboriginal students to make a successful transition from school to work, higher education or further training. In this episode, hear from the Workabout Centre’s Senior Project Officer Natasha Chisholm and former Workabout Centre and Mark Oliphant College student Jacob who is now working at the Australian Taxation Offi...

Metacognition is the process of thinking about one’s own thinking and learning. In this episode, clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller explains how metacognition applies to wellbeing and learning and the role it can play in improving student outcomes. Andrew has worked with more than 4,000 schools and identified the concept of The Resilient Mindset. Plus, did you know the department has a Self-Regul...

Discover the advantages of taking your students outside the classroom and how it can help connect their learning to the real world. Joss Rankin is a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University, in Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education Lead. He shares some of the barriers to outdoor learning and how they can be overcome. Show notes: Outdoor learning – Australian Curriculum The Teach Podcas...

From implementing green initiatives to having a say in history lessons students at Craigmore High School in Adelaide's northern suburbs are empowered and supported to play a role in their learning experience.  In this episode Student Agency Leader Georgina talks to us about fostering student agency in the classroom and students Ellie and Elliot tell us why it's made them excited to come to school....