Advertise on podcast: Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

James Walker is the co-founder of Young Film Academy (YFA), one of the UK's leading filmmaking organisations for young people. For over 20 years, James and the YFA team have helped thousands of teenagers develop storytelling, communication, leadership, teamwork, creative confidence and practical filmmaking experience through hands-on outreach projects, workshops and their flagship residential summer programme. YFA's philosophy is simple: the best way to learn is by making films. James has a wealth of knowledge and passion to share about helping young people discover their creative potential, pathways into the creative industries and how filmmaking can build the most essential skills for the modern world. Key takeaways Storytelling is the way in. Film is just another medium for telling stories, and that skill matters in every career.Passion starts early. We expect athletes and musicians to start young, so take young people’s creative interests just as seriously.Ownership beats instruction. No student is handed a script. They write their own and care far more about the result.Real humans, real spaces. Doing a hard creative task in person builds the “four Cs and an R”: confidence, communication, collaboration, creativity and resilience.Learn from the edit. Students cut their own films, so they see their own mistakes and learn from them.Resilience isn’t a poster word. Every film goes through excitement, a dark patch, then “we actually did it”. Getting through it is what resilience means. Chapters: 00:25 - Learning by Making: The Young Film Academy's Philosophy01:26 - Origins of the Young Film Academy10:54 - How to Get Involved with Young Film Academy18:37 - Summer School: Structure, Roles, and Hands-On Learning25:35 - A Student's Journey: From Ballet to Film (Project Paradiso)27:30 - The Young Film Academy Podcast — Opening Eyes to Film Careers34:21 - FIRE — Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience & Empowerment40:45 - Conclusion — Impact, Learning, and How to Find Young Film Academy https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/ https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/podcast/ @youngfilmacademy 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids – Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & morePersonalised feedback on your child’s work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Real estate investor Jonathan Greene grew up learning about money not through lectures, but through exposure — walking rental properties with his dad, watching cash change hands, and having open conversations about deals from the age of 10. In this episode, Jonathan and Mark explore why today's frictionless, cashless world makes financial understanding harder for kids, and share practical ways parents can bring money into everyday conversation — from allowances and borrowing to the empowering value of letting kids make (and learn from) their own financial mistakes. Jonathan is the founder of Streamline and host of the Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing podcast, he challenges hype-driven strategies in favour of discipline, integrity, and long-term thinking. Key TakeawaysExposure beats lectures. Jonathan learned about money by tagging along with his real-estate-investor father — collecting rent, seeing cash change hands — rather than through formal money talks.Make money tangible again. Digital payments have made spending "frictionless" for kids; cash, bank books, or visible transactions help them grasp value and consequence.Allowance can teach real financial concepts. Splitting weekly allowance into spend/save/invest portions introduces investing and compound growth early — and fronting money with a bit of "interest" teaches how borrowing really works.Mistakes are part of financial education. Letting kids make (and lose money on) small purchasing decisions builds resilience, judgement, and — crucially — empowerment.Everyday moments are teaching moments. Car repairs, laundry costs, grocery runs, even real estate spotted on a drive — ordinary life is full of low-stakes chances to talk about money. Chapters: 00:02 - Interview with Jonathan Green: Start Money Conversations Early — A Different Approach00:52 - Welcome to Education on Fire16:05 - Real Estate as a Vehicle for Teaching Kids About Money23:22 - Everyday Money Lessons: Laundry, University and Car Costs28:49 - Valuing Time: A Laundry Lesson35:02 - Raising Financially Empowered Children https://www.trustgreene.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-greene-re/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids - Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & morePersonalised feedback on your child's work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Jamie Moseley-Sarsfield is the Deputy Head Academic at Fairfield Prep School, part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation. He focuses on enhancing pupil experience and academic engagement, recently leading initiatives such as adapting IAPS pupil voice surveys for younger years and implementing STEAM-based enterprise education. Key TakeawaysHigh engagement changes what a survey means — a 90%+ response rate across 31 schools and 4,500+ children gave Fairfield genuine confidence in the results, not just a token gesture.Reading came out lower than expected nationally — prompting Fairfield to design their own follow-up survey, tailored by age, to understand why.Children who saw fewer adults reading at home still valued and enjoyed reading just as much, challenging an assumption the school expected to confirm.AI and screen-time debate is polarising schools — Fairfield's approach is deliberately cautious: gather evidence, avoid rash decisions, keep tradition and innovation both on the table.STEAM grew from a single enrichment week into a whole-school strategy — including a standalone DTE (Design, Technology & Engineering) subject and a staff-led STEAM committee.Parent-led Engineering Days work because they're personal, not prescriptive — asking parents "how did your passion begin?" builds far deeper buy-in than a generic "come and help" request.Careers work shifted from academic to practical — pupil feedback drove a redesigned careers fair connecting children with real workplace journeys, not just university pathways. Chapters: 00:02 - Interview: Jamie Mosley Sarsfield — Deputy Head Academic, Fairfield Prep00:35 - Podcast Welcome & Show Overview07:09 - Unexpectedly Low Reading Scores in the Survey13:25 - Building a Reading Culture: Library, Librarian and Survey-led Initiatives23:50 - Broadening the Curriculum: Integrating STEAM and the Arts30:39 - Engaging Parents and Community in STEAM and Careers37:12 - Introducing FIRE: Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience & Empowerment42:27 - Getting Involved: How to Find Out More About Fairfield Prep https://lborofairfield.org 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape English Program for Kids - Night Zookeeper Award-winning reading & writing program for ages 6-12Improves vocabulary, spelling, grammar & morePersonalised feedback on your child's work http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper

Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, an organization dedicated to connecting scientific research with education. Over the past 25 years, she has grown PAST into a nationally recognized leader in transforming teaching and learning, impacting millions of students and thousands of educators across the U.S. She also launched the Learning Unboxed podcast to explore innovative approaches to education and the future of workforce development. Key Takeaways The 5 Kevlar Threads: student agency, cultural relevancy, mastery, transdisciplinary learning, and problem-based learning STEM "affinity" research: kids light up around math and science when learning feels tangible — mastery-based learning, real problem-solving, and social-emotional connection are the three levers that spark that engagement.Silos have their place — a focused mini-lesson works beautifully when it's triggered by an immediate, meaningful need within a bigger project, giving students exactly what they need, right when they need it.Graduation is just the beginning — the real opportunity is helping students discover who they're becoming, not just getting them across the finish line.Relationships are what last — ask any adult about a profound learning moment and they'll light up describing a person who believed in them, not a lesson plan. That's the impact educators get to have every day."It takes a village" is coming back into focus — as more people recognize how much parents, grandparents, mentors and coaches contribute to a child's growth, there's real momentum to give that learning the credit it deserves. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Dr. Annalies Corbin — Founder & CEO of the PAST Foundation01:53 - About the Foundation: Origins & Mission19:13 - Translating Research into Support: In‑Person, Online and Mobile Lab Services27:04 - Rethinking Schooling: From Buildings to Community Learning36:30 - Memorable Learning: People and Experiences Over Curriculum https://www.pastfoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/annalies.corbin/ https://www.instagram.com/annaliescorbin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Tony Gustin is the founder of The Gateway Science Project, Inc. and the educator behind Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, also known by the trade name The Bug Whisperer. Since 1995, he has used insects, spiders, and other invertebrates to spark curiosity in students and show that science begins with observation, questioning, and wonder. His live programs reached more than 1.5 million students and introduced children to entomology as a gateway into broader scientific thinking. Tony also created the award-winning video Who Wants to be an Entomologist? and wrote My Science Diary, a student activity book focused on observation and critical thinking. After the pandemic ended live programming, Tony developed a specialized 8K macro 360-degree camera system to bring students inside real habitats through virtual reality. That work became Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0, an immersive VR science experience that continues his mission to Excite! Educate! Inspire! and turn curiosity into scientific literacy. Takeaways: Tony Gustin has utilized insects and invertebrates to ignite curiosity in students since 1995.His live programs have introduced over 1.5 million students to entomology and scientific inquiry.The pandemic catalyzed the development of an innovative virtual reality experience for educational purposes.Tony's Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 offers immersive experiences that aim to foster scientific literacy.He emphasizes that scientific curiosity can lead children down diverse educational paths beyond entomology.The transition from live shows to virtual reality exemplifies adaptability in education amidst unforeseen challenges. Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Tony Gustin and His Work01:43 - The Evolution of Tony's Creepy Crawly Zoo15:12 - The Birth of an Idea: Inspiring Future Entomologists28:52 - The Journey of Discovery: Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Passion35:11 - Inspiration and Empowerment in Virtual Reality https://creepycrawlyzoo.com/ https://www.meta.com/experiences/tonys-creepy-crawly-zoo-20/26476390235366322/ https://www.facebook.com/creepycrawlyzoo https://www.tiktok.com/@thebugwhisperer https://www.instagram.com/creepycrawlyzoo20 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling. He’s also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co‑created worlds in education. Takeaways: The Night Zookeeper program fosters creativity in children through engaging storytelling and character creation, allowing them to express their imagination freely.Joshua Davidson emphasizes the importance of play in education, arguing that children should be empowered to see themselves as creators rather than mere consumers.The integration of technology in the Night Zookeeper platform enhances learning experiences by making writing and creativity enjoyable and interactive for children.Through collaboration and feedback, the Night Zookeeper community facilitates a supportive environment where children can share their ideas and learn from one another.The approach of using project-based learning in the Night Zookeeper curriculum allows children to connect their creativity with educational outcomes, enhancing their overall engagement.By providing a platform where children's ideas shape the content, Night Zookeeper instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of learning. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Night Zookeeper and Its Impact on Children's Creativity05:44 - The Journey of Night Zookeeper: From Concept to Reality11:52 - The Importance of Engagement in Learning19:40 - The Importance of Creativity in Education24:15 - The Impact of Arts Education on Learning34:10 - Transitioning to Language Arts Curriculum37:37 - The Importance of Community in Education Get a 7 day FREE trial and 50% of a subscription with my affiliate code: http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper https://www.instagram.com/nightzookeeper/ https://www.facebook.com/NightZookeeper https://www.tiktok.com/@nightzookeeperofficial https://uk.pinterest.com/nightzookeeper/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Boundless Outdoors is a Worcestershire-based outdoor learning provider with centres in Malvern and Bell Heath, supporting schools, groups and young people through residentials, activity days, DofE, STEM programmes and tailored outdoor learning experiences. A key part of Boundless Outdoors' work is helping schools create inclusive, confidence-building experiences for all pupils, including those with SEND or additional needs. The team works closely with each school to understand its pupils, adapt activities as needed, and shape packages around the group's needs, abilities, and learning outcomes. With woodland settings, accessible facilities, experienced staff and a nurturing approach, Boundless Outdoors helps pupils build confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience and self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment. Safety is always a first priority, with an AALS licence and quality marks including Adventuremark, LOtC and AHOEC Gold. Takeaways: Outdoor education promotes essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience.Boundless Outdoors customizes educational experiences to meet the specific needs and abilities of students.The importance of allowing children to engage in risk assessment through outdoor activities cannot be overstated.Children today often lack the freedom to explore and engage with nature, resulting in a need for structured outdoor education.The concept of 'challenge by choice' empowers children to set their own personal success markers in outdoor activities.COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity of outdoor education as children become increasingly disconnected from nature. Chapters: 00:19 - Creating Inclusive Outdoor Learning Experiences00:36 - The Importance of Outdoor Education13:11 - The Importance of Individual Achievement in Outdoor Education20:42 - The Importance of Outdoor Education Funding23:24 - Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Trips in Education33:27 - Understanding the Nature Deficit Disorder37:53 - Empowerment Through Outdoor Education https://boundlessoutdoors.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/boundless-outdoors-malvern-bell-heath/ https://www.instagram.com/boundlessoutdoorsuk/ https://www.tiktok.com/@boundlessoutdoorsuk 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Boris Walbaum is the founder and president of Forward College, an innovative higher education institution built for the AI era. Students study across Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin over three years, earning a University of London degree while never setting foot in London — all in a university with no lecture halls. Boris is also an AI and future skills expert, a former government advisor, and author of Excellent Isn't What You Think? A Book on Education and Parenting in the Age of AI. Boris explains why AI is a fundamentally different disruption than Covid — because it's an "imitation technology" designed to replicate what we do — and why that forces us to ask not just how we teach, but why we learn at all. We talk about the loss of curiosity in classrooms, the reproductive nature of education systems, nonviolent communication and feedback, and how the deepest driver of learning has always been human connection. Takeaways: Forward College offers a degree designed for the AI era, incorporating studies across three major European cities: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin.The educational model emphasizes real-world skills and critical thinking, moving away from traditional industrial-era paradigms of learning.AI is viewed as a disruptive force in education, necessitating a reevaluation of what and how we teach to prepare future generations.The college promotes a relational pedagogy, focusing on small group learning and personal development rather than traditional lecture hall formats.Boris Walbaum, as the founder, advocates for education that fosters adaptability and emotional intelligence to meet future challenges.The emphasis on human connection in learning is viewed as essential for fostering curiosity, creativity, and engagement among students. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Forward College and Its Unique Approach04:43 - The Impact of AI on Education11:15 - The Need for Educational Reform in the Age of AI17:41 - The Future of Education and Job Market Dynamics23:35 - Navigating Educational Experiences: From Regattas to Ocean Racing29:24 - The Importance of Personal Development in Education35:42 - The Role of AI in Education41:37 - The Importance of Environment in Learning46:04 - The Art of Feedback in Education https://forward-college.eu/our-vision/ Excellence Isn’t What You Think: Education and Parenting in the Age of AI https://www.facebook.com/ForwardCollegeOfficial 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Today I'm chatting with Amanda Lee Falkenberg, an internationally acclaimed Australian composer, pianist and creator of The Moons Symphony — a groundbreaking orchestral work recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop, with choral forces recorded separately at Abbey Road Studios. Amanda's work bridges science, music and storytelling, developed in close collaboration with NASA planetary scientists and astronomers. She's also the founder of Lunar (Learning under New Artistic Regimes), an immersive educational platform blending planetary science, music and art to spark curiosity in learners of all ages. In this conversation we trace the whole journey: from stumbling across an article on the "ten weirdest moons," through a cold email to a NASA scientist that led to a presentation at JPL, to the pandemic-era twist that finally brought the LSO, Marin Alsop and Abbey Road into alignment. We talk about why she built Lunar as a course rather than a one-off concert, what she's learned from planetary scientists about resilience and the long game, and how a childhood love of John Williams became the unlikely throughline for a project rooted entirely in science fact. Key Takeaways A cold email can change everything. Amanda's project only reached NASA because she sent an unsolicited message into what she calls "the black hole email" — with no expectation of a reply.Passion projects don't need permission to start. She began researching and composing years before she had a scientist, an orchestra, or a plan for education — the vision came first.Interdisciplinary learning resonates because real life isn't siloed. Music, science and storytelling aren't separate subjects to her — they're one experience, and that's exactly why Lunar works across age groups from teenagers to retirees.Resilience is the throughline of both music and science careers. Amanda draws a direct parallel between the decades-long timelines of NASA missions and the "10,000 hours" of a musician's path — both require staying in it for the long game.Setbacks can create the conditions for a breakthrough. Covid cancelled her original recording dates — and then, months later, cleared Marin Alsop's schedule enough to make the recording finally happen.You don't need a background in either subject to benefit. Lunar is designed so that participants need no prior knowledge of music or science — just curiosity. Chapters: 00:02 - Exploring the Moon Symphony with Amanda Lee Falkenberg01:54 - The Journey of the Moon Symphony12:48 - Interdisciplinary Education: Bridging Science and Art15:15 - The Journey of the Lunar Program24:21 - The Journey to Collaborate with NASA29:21 - The Impact of COVID on the Project34:31 - The Journey of Passion Projects39:55 - The Long Game: Resilience in Music and Science https://www.moons-symphony.com/ https://www.moons-symphony.com/gateway-to-lunar ▶️ YouTube 👉 @moonssymphony www.facebook.com/moonssymphony/ 📸 Instagram @amandafilmmusic www.linkedin.com/in/moons-symphony 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Elanie Ademokun, Programmes Director at Jigsaw Education Group, joins Mark Taylor to unpack one of the most pressing issues facing schools right now: the rise of the "manosphere" and its impact on misogyny, safeguarding, and school culture. Drawing on over 20 years in education — including 11 years teaching English and PSHE in secondary schools, teacher training with Teach First, and safeguarding work with Frontline — Elanie shares what she's hearing directly from schools: shifting attitudes among boys towards female teachers, misogynistic language creeping into corridors, and growing concern from primary schools too, not just secondary. Mark and Elanie explore why this is happening so fast, how algorithms and online "lifestyle coach" influencers exploit adolescent needs for belonging and self-esteem, and why a whole-school, framework-led approach — rather than a reactive one — is essential. They discuss the balance between universal preventative education and targeted, safeguarding-led intervention, why shame and punishment backfire, and how every child needs at least one trusted adult in their corner. This is a thoughtful, practical conversation for teachers, school leaders, and parents navigating a fast-moving cultural issue with real consequences for children's wellbeing. Takeaways: Elanie Ademokun emphasizes the significance of a whole school approach in addressing sensitive topics within the curriculum, particularly in the realms of personal, social, health education, and religious education.The pervasive influence of social media has dramatically shaped the behaviour and perceptions of students, necessitating a proactive response from educators to mitigate its adverse effects.It is vital to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their experiences and questions regarding complex societal issues like misogyny and digital misinformation.Educators are encouraged to focus on building resilience and critical thinking skills in students, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the challenges posed by contemporary online influences.The importance of fostering strong relationships and communication between teachers and students is highlighted as essential for addressing the nuances of modern educational challenges.Awareness and proactive discussions around sensitive issues must begin early in a child's education to establish a foundation for healthy relationships and self-esteem. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Elanie Adamokun01:12 - Understanding the Manosphere's Impact on School Culture19:03 - The Importance of Early Awareness and Mentoring in Youth Development23:20 - Navigating Conversations with Children about Social Media33:46 - Building Resilience and Empowerment in Education https://jigsaweducationgroup.com/ www.facebook.com/jigsaweducationgroup 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Lisa Pinkerton is Head of Education at Widget, a symbols-based communication software company, and a former deputy headteacher, inclusion lead, and NPQ SENCO course facilitator with 26 years in primary education. Lisa makes the case for SENCOs sitting on the senior leadership team, not as a bolt-on role but as a strategic voice shaping decisions from the outset. With over 1.7 million pupils in England currently identified as having SEND, she argues inclusion has shifted from a specialist issue to a leadership one, and explains why designing environments for the child who needs the most support tends to benefit every child in the room. We talk through the shift from a medical to a social model of disability, the "curb-cut effect" as a way of thinking about universal design in classrooms, why visual scaffolds like Widget's symbols work best when they're everyday practice rather than reserved for a few pupils, and why real inclusion means being willing to let a sparkly pink pencil sit next to standard ones. Lisa also shares a powerful story of a pupil whose severe dyslexia had been masked as behavioural difficulty, and how embedding visual support into ordinary classroom life changed his trajectory. Takeaways: Inclusion must be embedded within the decision-making processes of educational institutions, not treated as an afterthought.The integration of symbols and visual aids can significantly enhance communication and comprehension for all students.Effective educational leadership requires the inclusion lead to have a strategic role within the senior leadership team.The approach to education should prioritize the individual learning journey of each student, fostering their unique strengths and needs. Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Lisa Pinkerton and Widget04:17 - The Importance of Inclusion in Education20:40 - The Need for Flexibility in Educational Practices36:23 - The Curb Cut Effect in Education39:51 - Creating Accessible Classrooms: The Importance of Inclusion https://www.widgit.com/ https://www.facebook.com/widgitsoftware26 https://www.instagram.com/widgitsoftware https://www.linkedin.com/company/widgit-software/ 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Danielle Vandehei is a world-schooling sailor mum who, with her husband and son, spent the last four years building a life around sailing, exploration and learning through experience. Danielle shares how a breaking point on land — a demanding job, a young child, and a longing for more intentional time together — pushed the family to sell their home, their farm animals, and nearly everything they owned to learn to sail from scratch. She's honest about the messy, non-linear reality behind that decision: budget overruns, a house that took a year to sell, a stint in a minivan through Mexico, and plenty of "we're not in alignment yet, that's okay" moments along the way. How does education actually works aboard their boat — starting not with a curriculum, but with deschooling themselves as parents first. Danielle explains how her son learns numbers through fishing, reading through his fish identification book, and social confidence through navigating world-school hubs full of kids of every age and language. Danielle has created Water World Micro Expeditions, the family's new venture inviting other families aboard to experience sailing, marine life, and reconnection with nature in San Blas, Panama — plus where their vision is headed next. Key TakeawaysDeschool the parent first. Before a child can learn differently, the adult often has to unlearn their own assumptions about what "proper" education looks like.Follow the interest, not the age bracket. Danielle's son learns to read through a fish identification book and does mental math through abacus — because those are his interests, not a set curriculum.Learning is 0 to 99, not 5 to 18. There's no finish line — removing the pressure of a deadline changes how both kids and adults relate to learning.Nothing about this life was linear. Selling a 40-acre property took eight months; the house took a year to sell; they went from camper to minivan to boat and back again. Alignment came in its own time.Resilience is the standout FIRE value here — the willingness to stay in motion through setbacks (a blown transmission, a slow house sale) rather than let fear shut the plan down.Social confidence grows through real exposure, not curriculum: Danielle's son now approaches kids and adults of any age or language unprompted, something she attributes directly to years of varied, real-world interaction.Community over content. Water World Micro Expeditions isn't about replicating school on a boat — it's about giving families a lived experience of sailing, marine life, and reconnecting with themselves and each other. Chapters: 00:02 - Introduction to World Schooling04:15 - Transition to a New Way of Living09:51 - Transitioning to a New Lifestyle16:38 - Deschooling and Adapting to New Learning Environments27:47 - Nurturing Well-Being in Education34:22 - Connecting with Nature and Learning through Experience37:50 - Building a Vision for Water World https://waterworldmicroexpeditions.com/ Facebook Danielle Marie Vandehei IG- Legacy_throughmotherhood 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Zafra Lerman is a scientist, educator and humanitarian. She received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel and conducted research on Isotope Effects at Cornell and Northwestern Universities in the U.S. and the ETH, Zurich, Switzerland. She developed an innovative approach of teaching science through art, music, drama, dance, and rap which was successful with underprivileged students around the globe. She worked on human rights cases in the former Soviet Union, Russia, China, Guatemala, Cuba, Peru, and South Africa and was successful in preventing executions, releasing prisoners from jail and bringing dissidents to freedom. She is the President of the Malta Conferences Foundation, which uses science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East by bringing scientists from all countries in the Middle East together with Nobel Laureates. This five-day conference puts scientists under the same roof to develop collaborations and friendships that overcome the chasms of distrust and intolerance. She received over forty international awards, including the Presidential Award for Mentoring from President Clinton (1999), AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy (2015), American Physical Society Andrei Sakharov Prize for Human Rights (2016), Peace and Justice prize from the UN NOVUS summit (2016), Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (2017), and she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a member of the US Congress and a member of the French Parliament (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025). Her book “Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey” was published in August 2024. On March 6, 2025 she received in New York the International Advocate for Peace Award from the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution. Previous awardees include Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Paul McCartney. Chapters: 00:19 - Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science01:05 - The Journey into Education and Science20:49 - Innovative Teaching Methods in Chemistry36:46 - Human Rights and Science Education44:33 - Focusing on the Middle East: A New Direction https://zafralerman.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Mark Taylor talks with Patrick van der Burght — business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini and founder member of the Cialdini Institute — about the science of ethical persuasion and what it means for teachers, parents, and school leaders. Patrick explains why 90-95% of our decisions are made by the brain's fast, automatic "System 1" rather than deliberate reasoning, why human attention spans have now dropped below that of a goldfish, and how Cialdini's seven universal principles of persuasion (reciprocity, liking, unity, social proof, authority, consistency, and scarcity) can help educators build trust, motivate students, and lead more effectively — without ever resorting to manipulation. Along the way: a study that took student success rates from 14% to 86%, why asking for "advice" beats asking for "feedback," and why public commitment is a far stronger motivator than private commitment. Guest: Patrick van der Burght, co-author of How to Hear Yes More Often (2024) and host of Ethical Persuasion Unlocked. Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to Patrick Van der Burght05:08 - The Science of Decision Making11:24 - Understanding Decision-Making: System One vs System Two16:40 - The Impact of Attention Span on Decision Making26:52 - The Importance of Early Persuasion Skills31:19 - The Power of Compliments and Relationships41:14 - Principles of Influence and Authority48:59 - The Impact of Appearance on Perception56:12 - The Importance of Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowerment https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/ https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/free-influence-persuasion/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasion Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethical_persuasion/ Twitter: https://x.com/yesmoreoften TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethicalpersuasion Book: https://yesmoreoften.com/ Profile: https://patrickvanderburght.com 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Dr. Sophia Nicole Morgan is an educator, author, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on career literacy, academic advising, and helping students make intentional decisions about their futures. Her career spans Jamaica, the United States, and China. She is the founder of Explore Career Academy, a platform dedicated to helping schools integrate career exploration and college planning into everyday learning. Dr. Morgan is the author of several career development resources, including The High Schooler's Guide to College and Career Planning and Reflections: A College and Career Journal for Middle Schoolers. Her work equips students with the tools to reflect on their strengths, explore career possibilities, and plan meaningful academic pathways. Originally from Williamsfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica, Dr. Morgan is passionate about helping schools ensure that every student graduates with clarity, purpose, and direction. Takeaways: Dr. Sophia Morgan emphasizes the importance of career literacy in education, equipping students for their future.Explore Career Academy aims to provide tailored resources to ensure every student has a post-secondary plan.The podcast discusses the need for continuous career support for students beyond one-off career days.Dr. Morgan shares her journey from Jamaica to China, highlighting cultural differences and commonalities.The importance of involving parents, teachers, and administrators in supporting students' career paths is underscored.Career literacy should start early, integrating career awareness into learning from kindergarten through grade 12. Chapters: 00:02 - Introducing Dr. Sophia Morgan00:31 - Navigating Cultural Transitions and Career Guidance20:25 - The Importance of Career Literacy in Early Education22:19 - Exploring Career Awareness in Education31:39 - Exploring Career Literacy and Global Opportunities https://www.explorecareeracademy.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophia-morgan-1a784671 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources. https://www.educationonfire.com 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities https://www.educationonfire.com/support #EducationOnFire Show Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape From idea to live show - hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand. https://creativeamplifiers.live/ https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/