The Learning Landscape

In the latest episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO meets with Paul Watson, principal of Emmauel Catholic College in Western Australia. Paul's school is flourishing thanks to focusing on purpose, agency and student contribution and in this podcast he discusses how other schools can use this to improve their culture. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Learni...

In the latest episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews meets Dale Murray, Executive Director of Education at Life Without Barriers. Dale is known as someone that want's to do schooling differently. In our latest podcast, he and Simon discuss the ways we could make education more accessible, and reduce the number of young people becoming disengaged with...

In the latest episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews meets with author, speaker and educator Vince Ford. Together they discussed the importance of storytelling in school settings and how educational leaders can harness it to boost their schools culture. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Learning Landscape on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. F...

In the latest episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews met with Professor Daryl Higgins, Director of the Australian Catholic University's Institute of Child Protection Studies. Daryl has over 30 years experience in researching the sources of childhood abuse and neglect. In this podcast episode, he discusses how access to technology and the internet is...

In this weeks episode of The Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews sits down with Brad Gaynor, author of From Burnout to Breakthrough. The two discuss the impact burnout has on educational leaders, both personally and professionally, and how people can take steps to avoid it. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Learning Landscape on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and S...

How does professional supervision benefit educational leaders, and ensure they are performing at the best of their ability? In the latest episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews talks to UTAS Associate Professor in Education Mary Ann Hunter about how professional supervision is benefiting Tasmanian teachers. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Learn...

In this weeks episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews sat down with Data Expert, Author and Educational Leader Dr Selena Fisk to discuss how data can be used to influence schools, teachers and students. On 23–24 June Dr Fisk will be running a two-day in-house leadership program looking at how schools can use data to drive growth. Follow the link below to...

In this week’s episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews talks to Toni Hatten-Roberts, Co-Founder of Mastery Schools Australia. Toni is one of Australia’s most accomplished teachers, and in this podcast she talks about the importance of explicit and direct instruction in education, and the pitfalls schools encounter when trying to incorporate it into their...

In this weeks episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews talks to Circular Head Christian School Principal Ara Popowski and teacher Bronwyn House. The three discuss how Bronwyn’s Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Certification (HALT) has benefited not only the students of Circular Head Christian School, but also the middle and upper management.  Don’t for...

In this week’s episode of the Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania CEO Simon Matthews talks to Owen Carter, Co-Founder and Director at ImpactEd Group. Australia is facing a significant attendance challenge, with 40% of students only attending school 90% of the time. In this podcast, Simon and Owen explore the work of the Education Engagement Taskforce and the work going in to improve t...

This week on The Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania Executive Director Simon Matthews met with Dr Rosie Nash, co-founder of HealthLit4Kids and CEO of HealthLit4Everyone. Through HealthLit4Everyone Rosie and her team work to support the development of health literacy in Australian communities. HealthLit4Kids brings these skills and knowledge to students across the country. In this pod...

For the first episode of our second season of The Learning Landscape, Independent Schools Tasmania Executive Director Simon Matthews met with Tasmania's Minister for Education, the Honourable Jo Palmer to discuss the recent social media ban for under people under 16. The two delve deep into how the ban is already affecting students, the role platforms play in policing users, the positive impac...

Well, that's a wrap on Season 1 of The Learning Landscape! Thanks so much for your support for Season 1! What was your favourite moment from our episodes? Who inspired and invigorated you the most? An who would you like to hear again or for the first time in our 2026 season? Let us know what resonated with you by sending me an email - smatthews@ist.tas.edu.au

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Steve, the Tasmanian Manager for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards. They discuss the significance of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award as a framework for recognising non-formal learning and its impact on young people's confidence, leadership, and educational outcomes. The conversation highlights how the program is integra...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Pat Coleman, the Director of Learning at Launceston Church Grammar School. They discuss the evolving purpose of education in a rapidly changing world, emphasising the need for schools to prepare students for uncertain futures. Pat shares insights on engaging students in their learning journey, balancing instructional approaches,...

In this episode of the Learning Landscape podcast, host Simon Matthews engages with Chris Summers, Deputy Principal at Farn School, discussing his journey into educational leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of the Aspiring Principals Program. Chris shares insights on leadership authenticity, the significance of school climate versus culture, and his deep hopes for the student...

Summary In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with school principal Stuart Kent about the transformative power of storytelling in education. They explore how storytelling can shape school culture, enhance leadership, and foster deeper connections among students and staff. Stuart emphasises the importance of listening to stories as much as telling them, and he provides pr...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape , Simon Matthews speaks with Education Consultant Trudy Ward about the transformative power of data in schools. Trudy shares how data, when used well, becomes more than numbers—it becomes a tool for improving teaching practice and unlocking student potential. Together, they explore practical ways school leaders can harness data to make evidence-informed de...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Dr. Paul Kidson about the critical issue of principal wellbeing in Australian schools. They discuss findings from the Australian Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey, highlighting the increasing pressures faced by school leaders, the role of parents in the educational environment, and the importance of constructive relationship...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Ben Sacco, Managing Director of Education Economy and author of 'Disruption in Schools'. They discuss the urgent need for change in education, particularly in response to disruptions like COVID-19. Ben emphasises the importance of understanding disruption from multiple perspectives, including students, teachers, and pare...

Summary In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Dr. James Mannion about innovative approaches to education, particularly the concept of 'Making Sense Lessons.' Dr. Mannion emphasises the importance of helping students understand themselves and the world around them, moving beyond traditional assessments to foster intrinsic motivation and deeper learning. He di...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, host Simon Matthews engages with Dr. Chris Rayner, an experienced educator, discussing his journey in education, the impact of reading on leadership, and how reflective reading can shape personal and professional growth. Chris shares insights on encouraging reluctant readers and expresses his hopes for educators to foster a sense of community and purpose...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Steven Trotter, a school principal and author of 'The Art of Skimming Stones'. They discuss the importance of leadership in education, the SKIM model for school improvement, and the need for intentionality in leadership practices. Steven shares insights on how to effectively lead teams, the balance between people-focused...

Summary In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews and leadership coach Jakob Bovin discuss the four essential quotients for effective leadership: Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Strategic Quotient (SQ), and Execution Quotient (XQ). They explore the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the need for a compelling vision and strategy, and the discipl...

In this episode of The Learning Landscape, Simon Matthews speaks with Leanne McLean, Director of the Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment. They discuss the current state of education in Tasmania, the importance of systemic reform, and the need for a collaborative approach among educators. Leanne emphasises the significance of focusing on literacy, the role of student voices in shaping...