Brighter Thinking Pod

Today we're going to be talking about reading! Across languages and cultures, reading looks different. It might be silent or shared aloud. It might happen on paper, on a screen, or through memory, performance and storytelling. For millions of people, reading is multilingual, communal and deeply woven into everyday life. Some recent reports suggest, however, that fewer people are reading long texts...

Today, we're exploring the skills that prepare learners for life. These are abilities that go far beyond the classroom, such as critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, independence, and empathy. We'll be focusing on two brilliant initiatives that nurture these skills: Cambridge Global Perspectives and the Junior Duke Award. Together, they're equipping learners around the world with the confi...

Today, we're going to be talking about digital literacy, taking a closer look at our updated Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Digital Literacy curriculum. Specifically, we'll be asking the question: how do we help young learners thrive in a world shaped by AI without losing their curiosity, agency, or authentic voice? Your host for this episode is Cambridge Education Futures Manager, Laura Ka...

Today, we're discussing knowledge and skills in preparing students for the future – which is more important? Can they be separated? And do we still need subject knowledge in the age of AI? Your host for this episode is Education Futures Manager, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by Abbi Barnett, Director of Cambridge 3–19 Curriculum, and Irenka Suto, Head of Secondary Curriculum. Show notes: Preparing...

At Cambridge, we recently published a report titled Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world . The report captures the voices of thousands of teachers and students from around the world, offering a wealth of perspectives on readiness for the future from those at the heart of education. Today, we're speaking to two Cambridge students – Nadine and Stepan  –  who contributed to the report. We...

Today, we are launching a new report looking at how students across 150 countries are prepared for the next step in their education journey and for the future beyond education in a rapidly changing world. Navigating the future: Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world , draws on responses from 3,021 teachers and 3,840 students worldwide and 50 experts with profound insight.  Here to talk u...

Welcome back! Today we're talking all about Early Years education and will be giving you tips on topics from play-based learning to language support.  Your host for this episode is Jemma Joakim, Head of Early Years and Primary Curriculum at Cambridge. She is speaking to two special guests about their experiences of teaching the Cambridge Early Years programme. Aisha El-Sayed is KG Principal at Eng...

Today, we're talking about inclusive education - what is it? What are the benefits of it as a teaching approach? And what are the misconceptions?   Our host for this episode is Education Futures Manager, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by Lilian Dogiama, Head of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Lauren Woods, Assessment Accessibility Advisor – both from the International Education gro...

In this episode we hear from teachers around the world about their perceptions on artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Are they more excited or sceptical? And where do they think it can provide the most value to teaching and learning?  Our host for this episode is our very own Education Futures Manager, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by two special guests. Rachel Logan, School Liaison &  I...

In this episode we explore online schools, taking a closer look at the benefits, the challenges and the students who flourish there.  Our host for this episode is producer of the podcast, Adam Steele. He is joined by Louis Bone, Online Schools Development Manager at Cambridge, and Catriona Olsen, Executive Head Teacher of the online school, King's InterHigh. Show notes: kingsinterhigh.co.uk Global...

Today, we're going to be taking a closer look at student wellbeing in schools and how you can create a wellbeing framework for your class. Along the way, we also discuss the importance of considering oracy and resilience. We also explore the development of our new primary and lower secondary curriculum and resources. Although the focus of this episode is on primary and lower secondary level, there...

Today we're going to be taking a closer look at teaching the climate emergency; we look at what the impact is for the planet and our classrooms. Plus, we introduce you to our climate and sustainability teaching ideas that work alongside books in the our Cambridge Reading Adventures series.  Our host for today is Tamsin Hart. She is joned by Cindy Forde and Eddie Rippeth. Cindy is an author, activi...

Today, we're going to be taking a closer look at predicted grades – dispelling misconceptions and giving advice for how your school can create an effective predicted grades policy.  Our host is Laura Kahwati, Education Manager for Thought Leadership at Cambridge. She is joined by two special guests. Simon Child is the Head of Assessment Training at the Cambridge Assessment Network and Kevin Ebenez...

In today's episode we are discussing one of the most important stages of a child's development: early years.  For this episode, we're joined by Abigail Barnett, Director of Cambridge 3-19 Curriculum, who has overall responsibility of the Cambridge Early Years Programme. We're also joined by Alison Borthwick, International Education Advisor and Cambridge Author.  Our host today is Senior Marketing...

Following on from Ep 43: Introduction to Climate Change, in this episode we look more closely at how teachers, school leaders and learners can nurture sustainability education in their school.  Our host for this episode is Head of Thought Leadership at Cambridge, Paul Ellis. He is joined by special guest, Dr Mona Chiriac. Mona is an educational consultant, international lead trainer and online tut...

Welcome back to the Brighter Thinking Pod from Cambridge.  In today's episode, we're starting to think about climate change education, moreover, what is education's role in tackling the climate crisis ? Our host for this episode is Head of Thought Leadership at Cambridge, Paul Ellis. He is joined by special guest, Chrsitine Özden. Christine is the Global Director for Climate Education at Cambridge...

In this episode, we discuss a topic that is never far from teachers' lips: technology! From ChatGPT to Wolfram Alpha, we look at how teachers are still the most valuable asset a student has, even in this world of rapidly-advancing technology. Our host for this episode is Commissioning Editor for our maths titles at the Press, Arifah Khan. She is joined by two special guests, Karen Morrison and Nic...

In this episode, we look at mental fluency in maths and how teachers can support their students when preparing for non-calculator questions.  Our host for this episode is Commissioning Editor for our maths titles at the Press, Arifah Khan. She is joined by two practising teachers, Jasmine Teo and Nick Asker.  Jasmine graduated with a Master of Science, specialising in Mathematics for Educators. Sh...

In this episode, we are discussing project work in maths lessons. What are the benefits? How can you facilitate a successful project-based lesson in maths and what kinds of skills do projects teach? Our host today is Arifah Khan, Commissioning Editor for our Mathematics titles. She is joined by two special guests with ties to NRICH. NRICH is an innovative collaboration between the Faculties of Mat...

This is a special five part mini-series where we are focusing on how best to eat healthily throughout our lives and encourage other people to do the same.  In this fifth and final episode, we discuss what students can learn from elite athletes when preparing for their examinations. Your host for this episode is Paul Ellis – Head of Teaching and Learning Strategy at Cambridge Assessment Internation...

This is a special five part mini-series where we are focusing on how best to eat healthily throughout our lives and encourage other people to do the same.  In this fourth episode, we discuss healthy eating for minoritized ethnic communities. Your hosts are Paul Ellis – Head of Teaching and Learning Strategy at Cambridge Assessment International Education – and Dr Chris McLeod – an academic at Loug...

This is a special five part mini-series where we are focusing on how best to eat healthily throughout our lives and encourage other people to do the same.  In this third episode, we continue up the ages and look at how best to educate adults when it comes to healthy eating. Your hosts are Paul Ellis - Head of Teaching and Learning Strategy at Cambridge Assessment International Education - and Dr C...

This is a special five part mini-series where we are focusing on how best to eat healthily throughout our lives and encourage other people to do the same.  In this second episode, we look at understanding how adolescents could eat more healthily. Your hosts are Paul Ellis - Head of Teaching and Learning Strategy at Cambridge Assessment International Education - and Dr Chris McLeod - an academic at...

This is a special five part mini-series where we are focusing on how best to eat healthily throughout our lives and encourage other people to do the same.  In this first episode, we look at how to educate young children and caregivers about healthy eating. Your hosts are Paul Ellis - Head of Teaching and Learning Strategy at Cambridge Assessment International Education - and Dr Chris McLeod - an a...

Are you looking for some top tips for helping students to build their skills in the Global Perspectives classroom? Then this episode is for you!  Our host for this episode is Commissioning Editor for Global Perspectives and Commerce at the Press, Julia Fusi. She is joined by two special guests. Nancy Budler is a teacher at Brighouse High School in Calderdale, UK. She is also a teacher trainer and...