ACT Podcast

Abortion is a sensitive and often controversial topic, but it is one that schools are expected to address as part of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. In this episode of The ACT Podcast, Catherine and Carolyn from the Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform explore how Christian teachers can approach this challenging subject with wisdom, compassion, and faithfulness to their con...

Join us on the ACT podcast as Grant Wootten shares his decade-long experience teaching in rural Thailand. Explore his motivations, challenges faced in the classroom, and the unique opportunities to impact young lives for the sake of the gospel. This episode will be a fascinating listen for those curious about state funded education overseas and anyone interested in cross-cultural education!   List...

In this episode of the ACT Podcast, we share a recording of our recent leadership webinar with Joe Lowther on setting vision and values in schools. Drawing on both practical leadership experience and a biblical perspective, Joe explores how leaders can shape school culture, establish meaningful values, and help both staff and pupils flourish. We hope you find the discussion encouraging and helpful...

Join us on the latest episode of the ACT podcast for our Friday news update! Curious about education's current challenges and opportunities? Join Lizzie and Jo as we dive into crucial topics affecting education – from the NEU's potential strike action to the latest Policy Exchange report "Still Asleep At The Wheel." We also share valuable information on upcoming events such as...

The main teaching unions seem to be becoming increasingly progressive in outlook, which can leave Christian teachers feeling at odds with elements of their stance. But can Christians help influence union culture from within? In our latest podcast episode, we speak with a teacher who has sought to do exactly that. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities of union membership, why he is a unio...

Why has reading lost its spark among young people, and how can Christian stories jumpstart their love for literature? In our latest podcast episode, Lizzie chats with Janet Wilson of Dernier Publishing about this pressing issue. From the power of engaging narratives to the impact on spiritual and educational levels, this episode covers it all. Links: The coupon code for a 10% discount off the Prim...

How do Scottish educators navigate the balance between personal faith and professional responsibilities under the Curriculum for Excellence? Our latest ACT podcast episode features a conversation with Megan Patterson and Lynn Macmillan of CVE Scotland. Learn about the evolving educational landscape in Scotland, and how Christian teachers are making a difference in Scottish schools. A must-listen f...

How should Christian teachers approach the topic of creation and evolution? Is it possible to teach the scientific curriculum with integrity while also acknowledging a Christian perspective? In this latest episode of the ACT Podcast, primary teacher Matthew Pickhaver—now with the Biblical Creation Trust—joins us to explore these questions. Together, we discuss how teachers can handle these convers...

In this episode pf the ACT podcast, Lizzie Harewood speaks with Ed Robbins, CEO of Fresh Start in Education, about the growing need for alternative provision for pupils unable to remain in mainstream education due to SEND, exclusion, the impact of traumatic events and mental health issues. Fresh Start provides one-to-one outreach tutoring, often beginning at home, to help re-engage young people an...

In 'What's News' this week,  Jo and Lizzie unpack two major government publications this week: the SEND White Paper and the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance which incorporates detail on how to support gender questioning children. Here's a link to the article on gender questioning children And do join us to pray on Monday evening: Book here to receive...

Join Lizzie Harewood and Jo Boorne on the ACT podcast as they discuss the latest ACT Journal, focusing on the growing special educational needs crisis in schools. This edition explores the issue from the perspectives of parents, teachers and medical professionals, reflecting on recent government reforms, and offers biblical encouragement for those carrying the weight of these challenges. Tune in t...

In this episode of the ACT Podcast, Lizzie Harewood is joined by Alistair Reid from the Independent Schools Christian Alliance (TISCA) to explore the role of independent Christian schools within the wider education landscape. Alistair shares his journey into Christian education, the challenges facing school leaders and chaplains, and the impact of recent VAT changes. They tackle the importance of...

In this episode of ACT’s What’s News Roundup, we explore the government’s push for phone-free school environments following new guidance from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Sam Brown and David Smith from Fulham Boys’ School share why they acted early to ban smartphones, the impact on pupils’ behaviour and relationships, and the moral and theological questions this raises about children, t...

What's News?  School Readiness, SEND, and Faith in Schools In this new series of the ACT Podcast, Jo and Lizzie unpack the latest education headlines. With a new survey showing that one in four children are starting school still in nappies, what does this reveal about school readiness in the early years?  They reflect on current issues facing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, including...

In this New Year episode of the ACT podcast, Jo and Lizzie reflect on the past year and introduce the new Living for Jesus in Education appeal. Listen as they outline plans for a new resource to help Christian teachers navigate cultural and legal challenges while remaining faithful and professional.  Tune in now to hear how you can pray and support the project. Listen here: podcast.christian-teach...

In this episode of the ACT Podcast, we explore the issue of toxic masculinity in schools—what it is, what it isn’t, and how Christian teachers can respond with wisdom and compassion. Reagan King joins us to share insights from mentoring young men and to set out a Christ-centred vision of healthy masculinity. With a focus on the realities of school life, the conversation offers practical, biblicall...

In this episode of the 'Teaching Christianly' podcast, Lizzie is joined by Joe Lowther, CEO of Kick—a ministry using sport to transform young lives in schools and communities across the UK. Joe shares how Kick helps embed Christian values and the gospel message into PE through coaching, mentoring, and chaplaincy, now working in 107 schools across 8 regions. Together they explore how phys...

Fostering resilience in young minds: How can Christian educators respond to the growing emotional needs of students?  Join Lizzie Harewood as she explores this vital topic with Livy Gibbs from TLG in our latest podcast episode. Hear about effective models for emotional support and how teachers can provide hope and stability to the children who need it most. Listen now! https://www.tlg.org.uk Liste...

In this recording of an ACT online session, we were joined by Steve Beegoo (Christian Concern), Hemara Earl (Oxford Schools Chaplaincy), and Martin Thornley (chair of governors) to explore a Christian perspective   of school governance. Together, they unpacked the biblical foundations for serving in this vital role, offering encouragement, practical wisdom, and the chance to ask questions on all i...

Teaching RE might sound like a natural fit for Christians—but the reality is far more complex. Today, Religious Education isn’t just about explaining biblical beliefs or comparing world faiths. It’s a subject shaped by competing ideas about its purpose, evolving national frameworks, and political debates over who decides what should be taught, and whether non-religious worldviews should carry stat...

In this short episode Jo and Lizzie chat about the plans for the Imago Dei conference on 27th September, hear a sneak peak from Professor John Lennox and Jeremy Peckham and see why you might like to join us on the day. Further information and booking details can be found here.   Listen here: podcast.christian-teachers.org.uk  or on your usual podcast player. Why not join our growing network of Chr...

In this episode, we sit down with John Westwell MBE of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics to explore what it means to teach maths Christianly . Drawing on years of experience and his involvement with the Stapleford Centre’s early work on spiritual and moral development in the curriculum, John reflects on how mathematics points to the order, consistency, and beauty of...

"Truth, Grace, and the PSHE Lesson: Talking Porn in Schools" In an age where explicit material is more easily available than ever, we explore how Christian teachers can navigate the challenging task of addressing pornography in schools. How do we hold firm to biblical convictions in a permissive culture, while avoiding both naivety and fear-driven messaging? Joined by Ian and Mandy from...

Lizzie speaks with Paul Harrison from Christian Safeguarding Services about how Christian teachers and school staff can uphold a truly biblical approach to their most vital duty: keeping children safe. What does the Bible say about protecting the weak and vulnerable? Where might a Christian perspective on safeguarding differ from contemporary cultural narratives around risk? And how can our attitu...

Join Lizzie as she talks with former MP and Christian teacher Miriam Cates about her time on the Education Select Committee, her efforts to challenge ideological materials in RSHE, and the realities of living out her faith in Westminster. Listen here: podcast.christian-teachers.org.uk  or on your usual podcast player. Why not join our growing network of Christian educators. Find out more www.chris...