The School of School

Fireworks, 'BBR2's' and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss the impact of the interactive whiteboard in the classroom. Are they a waste of money? Can a whiteboard replace a musical instrument? Plus, the importance of learning from materials you can explore and touch by yourself.

Rainbow marking, destroying paintings and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam debate whether marking is worth it for anyone. Who is it most important for? Do teachers have time for it? Plus, Adam speaks of the best writing he ever came across, from an 11 year old.

Trampolines, sandboxes and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss the importance of play. Does it need a rebrand? Is it a waste of time? Plus, a mention of Jean Piaget's learning theory.

Hologram teachers, behavioural issues and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss the best ways to organise pupils. Is facing each other a problem? What happens in a class with no tables? Plus, advice on organising a new class of students for a newly qualified teacher.

The Cold War, leaking pipes and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss where they'd use funding in education. Is a certain area more important to invest in? What would the impact be? Plus, what happened when Singapore focussed on a particular area of funding - what was the impact?

Robots, getting in the 'Flow' and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss the value of working in groups and as individuals. What's the purpose of group work? How often do we need to evaluate it? Plus, discussion on whether certain learners can be naturally better in groups or on their own.

Starting a 'Rumpus', a 'Ruckus' and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam talk about learning languages and expanding pupil's vocabulary. How many words are enough words? What is the 'Island of the spoken word'? Plus, practical advice on things that schools need to ensure are happening in the classroom.

The cat and orange juice incident, scared schools and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam discuss the impact that testing has on children, teachers and schools. Do we gauge a child's success on tests? Is testing even needed? Plus, the importance of teaching to the five core competencies.

International experts, behavioural problems and more. In this episode Emily and Adam share a ‘day in the life’ of publishing and creating content for the Maths — No Problem! books. Who is involved in the publishing process? What do people need to be mindful of? Plus, insight on how one weak question could lead to multiple issues in the class.

Ice rinks, endless laughter and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam advise on whether teachers should write their own novels. Is it a yes or a no? Is Emily still on the fence? Plus, advice on what kinds of writing is okay to display to students.

Charles Dickens, Michael Jordan and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam ponder why teachers don’t write their own novels if they write their own maths lessons. Do they have the expertise? What even makes a lesson good? Plus, tips for teachers on creating their own lessons.

Bike stabilisers, conference experiments and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam wonder if children should be using lined or unlined paper in school. Is it a personal preference? Does one have more benefits than the other? Plus, the research to support this debate.

Adult brains, prior knowledge and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam talk about working memory. How useful are basic maths facts? Can you decrease mental load? Plus, the difference between rote learning and deeper conceptual understanding.

Harry Potter, multisyllabic words and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam cover Lev Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. How can you find balance between challenge and support? Does comprehension matter more than speed? Plus, top reading tips for parents.

Post-lockdown planning, preparations and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam advise on how to best manage the return to the classroom. How disruptive has lockdown life been to students? Should teachers be splitting their class into ability groups? Plus, top tips for assessment.

Babies, ballet teachers and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam try to figure out where the inspiration for learning comes from. Is learning innate? Why does learning feel so satisfying? Plus, the real issue of barriers to learning and the importance of strong role models.

Tight crumb, granny’s old pudding and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam whip up some tasty opinions. Are bakers the greatest scientists of all time? What culinary skills could you develop in a few months? Plus, top tips to help children use their problem-solving skills in the kitchen.

Giant chalk, moments of contemplation and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam cover a controversial topic. Who’s on team Pencil? Who thinks Pens are the way to go? Plus, top tips for teachers with tight resource budgets (say that five times fast!).

Sundials in Manchester, cashless Monopoly sets and more. In this episode Andy, Emily and Adam chat about learning under lockdown. What is the media saying? Why is metacognition important to develop at home? Plus, lots of practical distance learning tips for parents.