Changing Conversations

Having held a variety of roles in education, Ollie is currently a Director with the Lego Foundation and will soon join Education Scotland. Here he discusses the importance of play in learning, the further potential for digital technology to transform education and his hopes for the future. Ollie tweets @olliebray.

New year, new beginnings - or groundhog day? Sarah and Billy reflect on the highs and lows of 2020 and hopes for the year to come. What will you keep hold of and what will you let go? Find out their 'word for the year' and advice on how to step up to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Dr Pauline Stephen is a Director at the General Teaching Council for Scotland. In this episode Pauline chats with Sarah and Billy about her reflections on 2020, key areas for teachers to consider for the future and the revision of Scotland's standards for teachers. Pauline tweets @GTCSPauline

Kate Wall is Professor of Education at University of Strathclyde and is passionate about how practitioner enquiry can be a bridge between theory and practice. In this episode Kate shares her views on what enquiry is, what it is not and how it can be an effective tool for all teachers and practitioners. Kate tweets @kate_wall98

Diarmaid is Associate Director at the Scottish Future's Trust. He is passionate about place and all that means. He shares how early experiences have shaped his purpose and passion and how he uses his super power of being able to see and find patterns. We reflect on how we can make use of all spaces within and around school buildings and consider the impact of Covid-19.

Mark Priestley is Professor of Education at Stirling University and a leading voice on school curriculum. Mark discusses his recent review of how SQA qualifications were delivered in 2020 and wider issues related to teacher agency and curriculum change. Mark blogs https://mrpriestley.wordpress.com/ and tweets @MarkRPriestley. Get involved with the conversation https://twitter.com/Changingconver1?s...

Don Ledingham describes himself first and foremost as a teacher. Founder and CEO of the Ceannas Group, Don has held roles as a director of education and head Teacher. In this episode we talk about wise leadership and how values need to be lived through actions and behaviours. Find out more about Don’s work at https://www.ceannas.com/

Professor Rachel Lofthouse is Director of the CollectiveED at Leeds Beckett University. Rachel talks with Sarah and Billy about coaching, leadership and identity work. Rachel tweets @DrRLofthouse

David Cameron is a presenter, trainer and consultant with a distinguished career in Scottish education. In this episode David reflects on past changes in, and future hopes for, education and wider society. David tweets @realdcameron and find out more http://therealdavidcameron.net

Anna Neubert established Wander Women Scotland in 2018 to encourage women into the outdoors, facilitating adventures including hiking, sea swimming and forest bathing. Anna talks to Sarah and Billy about the ‘why’ of her work, the importance of the outdoors and gives advice on how to embrace this in our lives. Find out more https://wander-women.co.uk/

What does courage mean to you and why is it necessary? What gets in the way of it and how can we grow in courage? Share your thoughts with Billy and Sarah @Changingconver1

Mark Burns is author of three best selling books: 'Engaging Learners', 'Teaching Backwards' and :The Learning Imperative'. Mark is passionate about creating the conditions for effective learning for both the children and young people and the adults in school communities. Marks talks to Billy and about 'Cathedral Building' and reflects on how we can continue doing this during turbulent times. Conne...

Jenni Donohoo is a three times best selling author. She is passionate about bridging the gap between theory and research for - and with - school communities. Jenni brings clarity to our understanding of the power and impact of the collective and the difference between this and collaboration. In this episode she helps us understand the 'why' and the 'how' of collective efficacy. Jenni tweets @Jenni...

This week Billy and Sarah chat with the CEO of Education Scotland, Gayle Gorman. Reflecting on the impact of COvID-19 on schools and the system's response to it, Gayle shares her gratitude and hopes for the future. Gayle tweets @GayleGgorman

Dr. Paul Bloomberg is the founder and Chief Learning Officer for The Core Collaborative, a learning network that specialises in student-centered approaches to learn­ing. Paul is the co-author of the best-selling book, Leading Impact Teams: Building a Culture of Efficacy. Paul is passionate about empowering all students to take ownership of their learning. He is deeply committed to enhancing studen...

As editor of the times Educational Supplement for Scotland Henry Hepburn has a unique perspective and insight on Scottish education. In this episode Billy and Sarah ask Henry for his reflections on the strengths and challenges in the system, focussing on areas of change and, in particular, exams. Also - hear stories from his 'wilderness years' . . Henry tweets @Henry _Hepburn

In this episode Sarah is flying solo as she reflects on some of the key messages from previous guests and the feedback received from listeners. She also provides thoughts on how we can all look after our own wellbeing - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Check out the framework Sarah uses: https://mailchi.mp/7eb143fcef6b/self-care-framework

In 2014 Madeleine Black shared her story in public for the first time. Now an international speaker and best-selling author, she spreads a message of strength and hope over violence and trauma. In this episode she chats with Sarah and Billy about why she speaks up, the power of sharing stories, connectedness and hooe. Connect with Madeleine: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/

Michael Fullan is a legend in the world of educational leadership. A prolific author, he is driven by his commitment to leadership in education so that all children and young people can learn. Michael recently published ‘Education Reimagined’ which supports educators to navigate their way through the disruption resulting from COVID-19. You can access the paper here https://edudownloads.azureedge.n...

Sarah Martin is Principal of Stonefields School in Auckland, a School unique in its approach to learning and teaching and innovative use of learning spaces. Sarah discusses how her vision for learners shaped the approach to home learning, what they learned from this and what now lies ahead. Find out more about Stonefields at www.stonefieldsschool.nz

Billy and Sarah discuss learning and leadership with Peter DeWitt, leading author, blogger and education consultant. Peter’s latest book, Instructional Leadership: Creating Practice From Theory is available from amazon. You can read his blog Finding Common Ground on EdWeek. He is also now hosting a live online weekly show ‘A Seat at the Table' with Education Week.

In this episode Billy “speaks from I” reflecting on some of the professional and personal impact of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah and Billy pose some reflective questions to listeners and would love to hear your responses.

Sarah and Billy are joined in conversation by Drew Drummond of Drummond International to discuss wellbeing, self-care and hopes for positive change for the future.

In this episode Billy and Sarah talk with Ken Muir, Chief Executive of The General Teaching Council for Scotland, about implications of lockdown, opportunities for positive change and thoughts on the forthcoming reopening of schools in Scotland. 

Billy and Sarah have joined forces to create this podcast as a space and an opportunity to engage in conversation, ask questions and ultimately change conversations. In this introductory episode Billy and Sarah introduce themselves and reflect the circumstances and situation we are in (COVID19) and the questions this brings to the fore. Subscribe for updates. Find out more about Billy Burke: Twitt...