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Rating
4.8from
This podcast has
60 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
CambridgeExplicit
No
Date created
2019/07/01
Latest episode
2026/01/23
Average duration
36 min.
Release period
66 days
Description
Welcome to the Brighter Thinking Pod from the International Education group of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. We provide a place where international education enthusiasts from all backgrounds can come together to discuss the challenges faced by teachers in a modern classroom and discover new teaching ideas. Our panels consist of teachers, authors, key subject figures and more. If you'd like to get involved, follow us on Twitter or Instagram @CambridgeInt and send in your show suggestions!
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Check latest episodes from Brighter Thinking Pod podcast
Do students feel prepared for the future?
2026/01/23
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'll be talking about their studies and how well prepared they feel for life beyond school.
Show notes
Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world report: https://cambridge.foleon.com/cambridge-international-education/future-ready-learners/
ADKAR model for managing change: https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar
Model United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/mun
Cambridge Global Perspectives: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-global-perspectives/
Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world
2025/09/15
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 us through the research is host and Education Futures Manager at Cambridge, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by a very special guest, Group Managing Director of International Education, Rod Smith.
Show notes:
Navigating the future: Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world report: www.cambridge.org/future-ready-learners
Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/g2IbUaD80-Y
Early Years education: play-based learning and language support
2025/07/02
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 English Modern School, Qatar, and Aiah Elghobashy is a Teaching and Learning Coordinator, also at English Modern School.
Show notes:
Brighter Thinking Pod, Ep 45: Early Years Teaching and Learning - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/2024/07/03/brighter-thinking-pod-early-years-teaching-learning/
Cambridge Early Years programme - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-early-years/
Cambridge Early Years teaching and learning resources - https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/early-childhood-education/cambridge-early-years
English Modern School, Qatar - https://www.englishmodernschool.net/emswakra/
Developing the Cambridge Learner Attributes - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/support-and-training-for-schools/leading-learning-and-teaching-with-cambridge/curriculum/cambridge-learner-attributes/
Introduction to Inclusive Education
2025/04/01
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 group here at Cambridge.
Show notes:
Cambridge Getting Started with Inclusive Education guide - https://cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswied
Cambridge inclusive education and accessibility web pages - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/inclusive-education-accessibility/inclusive-education/
Cambridge Education Brief - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/599369-education-brief-inclusive-education.pdf
The Cambridge Latin Course Fifth edition: a more reflective and diverse exploration of the ancient world - https://www.cambridge.org/gb/files/6416/5761/8336/Cambridge_Latin_Course_-_key_changes_and_context.pdf
The Cambridge Handbook 2025 - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/723185-cambridge-handbook-2025.pdf
Teachers' Changing Perceptions of AI
2025/03/25
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 & Insight Manager, and Andrew Field, Senior Education Manager, both from the Insight, Ideation & Impact team at Cambridge.
Show notes
Cambridge learner attributes - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/support-and-training-for-schools/leading-learning-and-teaching-with-cambridge/curriculum/cambridge-learner-attributes
Getting started with AI in the classroom guide from Cambridge - https://www.cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswaic/
Getting started with AI in the classroom Cambridge Schools Conference session video - https://bit.ly/GSWAI_conference
Artificial intelligence in education: Working with our Cambridge community of schools to explore the opportunities and challenges in classrooms - https://blog.cambridgeinternational.org/artificial-intelligence-in-education-working-with-our-cambridge-community-of-schools-to-explore-the-opportunities-and-challenges-in-classrooms/
Cambridge Outlook magazine issue 45: Digital Exams and AI special edition - https://www.calameo.com/cupeducation/read/006433997b541737cb1b1
Online Schools: Helping All Learners to Thrive
2024/11/25
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 Online Education Market Report by Type, Provider, Technology, Region and Company Analysis - https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/online-education?srsltid=AfmBOorCAOTGDcefbOZf2cLFfRQpo1qs3pWFkj-Z-85_IACfdSeR7XZ8
How will higher education be different in 2030? https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/future-higher-education
Student satisfaction with online learning improving, says survey - https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/student-satisfaction-online-learning-improving-says-survey
Cambridge Brighter Thinking Pod ep: 22 - Online Teaching and Learning - https://brighterthinkingpod.libsyn.com/ep-22-teaching-remotely
Getting started with Online Teaching and Learning - https://cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswotl/index.html
Nurturing Wellbeing: Can Online Schools address the needs of students? https://blog.cambridgeinternational.org/nurturing-wellbeing-can-online-schools-address-the-needs-of-students/
The Cambridge Wellbeing Check - https://www.cem.org/wellbeing
Online education: Why choose an online education? https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/online-education/
What can online schools teach us about inclusive education and supporting the diversity of our learners? https://blog.cambridgeinternational.org/what-online-schools-teach-about-inclusive-education/
Creating a Wellbeing Framework in your School
2024/10/24
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 are tips in here that teachers of all ages can use.
Our host for this episode is Tamsin Hart. She is joined by Dr Ros McLellan, an Associate Professor in Teacher Education at the University of Cambridge; Pauline Stirling, a freelance education consultant and author from the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Wellbeing teacher's resources; Dr Irenka Suto, Head of Assessment and Research at the Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring at Cambridge; and Sarah Nelson, Curriculum Lead at Cambridge for our Primary and Lower Secondary Wellbeing programme.
Show notes:
Cambridge Primary Wellbeing Programme - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-primary/curriculum/wellbeing/
Cambridge Lower Secondary Wellbeing Programme - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-lower-secondary/curriculum/wellbeing/
Cambridge primary and lower secondary wellbeing resources – https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/humanities/wellbeing/cambridge-primary-and-lower-secondary-wellbeing
Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring (Cambridge CEM) Cambridge Wellbeing Check – https://www.cem.org/wellbeing
Gert Biesta, The Beautiful Risk of Education - https://www.mantleoftheexpert.com/blog-post/biesta-the-beautiful-risk-of-education/#:~:text=For%20Biesta%2C%20education%20has%20three,to%20find%20a%20productive%20balance.
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health
The relationship between children's wellbeing and their educational outcomes – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a747ef340f0b604dd7ae609/DFE-RR253.pdf
Primary guided reading scheme, Cambridge Reading Adventures – https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/english/literacy/cambridge-reading-adventures
Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory - https://www.simplypsychology.org/bronfenbrenner.html
Wellbeing and Schooling - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-95205-1
Teaching the Climate Emergency
2024/10/21
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, activist and founder of the Earth-led education company, Planetari. Eddie is Head of Primary Publishing, Products and Services at Cambridge and commissions our guided reading scheme, Cambridge Reading Adventures.
Show notes:
Planetari - https://planetari.world/
Primary guided reading series, Cambridge Reading Aventures - https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/english/literacy/cambridge-reading-adventures
Climate change education activities - www.cambridge.org/education/blog/using-stories-to-change-the-world
Cambridge Primary Wellbeing curriculum - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-primary/curriculum/wellbeing/
Cambridge Lower Secondary Wellbeing curriculum - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-lower-secondary/curriculum/wellbeing/
Cambridge wellbeing resources - https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/humanities/wellbeing/cambridge-primary-and-lower-secondary-wellbeing
Creating a Wellbeing Framework in your School, Brighter Thinking Pod - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-creating-wellbeing-framework-in-your-school
Seagull, Cambridge Reading Adventures - https://www.cambridge.org/education/subject/english/literacy/cambridge-reading-adventures/cambridge-reading-adventures-seagull-red-band-paperback?isbn=9781316503102&format=PB
How Schools Can Create an Effective Predicted Grades Policy
2024/09/18
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 Ebenezer is Head of Global Recognition at Cambridge.
Show notes:
An investigation of A Level teachers' methods when estimating student grades - https://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/Images/631315-an-investigation-of-a-level-teachers-methods-when-estimating-student-grades.pdf
Bias in teacher assessment results - https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2021/05/17/bias-in-teacher-assessment-results/
Cambridge Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring baseline asssessments - https://www.cem.org/
Predicted grades: A guide for schools - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/682063-predicted-grades-a-guide-for-schools.pdf
Cambridge Assessment Network - https://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/the-network/
The What, Why and How of Assessment: A guide for teachers and school leaders - https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Why-How-Assessment-teachers/dp/1529752558
A new Cambridge guide to support schools in issuing predicted grades fairly and equally - https://blog.cambridgeinternational.org/a-new-cambridge-guide-to-support-schools-in-issuing-predicted-grades-fairly-and-equally/
UCAS predicted grades – what you need to know for entry - https://www.ucas.com/advisers/help-and-training/guides-resources-and-training/application-overview/predicted-grades-what-you-need-know-entry-year
Early Years Teaching and Learning
2024/07/19
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 Manager at Cambridge, Rosie Howden.
Show notes:
Cambridge Early Years curriculum - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-early-years/
Cambridge Early Years teacing and learning resources - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-early-years/teaching-resources/for-schools-around-the-world/
Getting started with play-based learning in early years - https://www.cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswpbl/index.html#:~:text=Play%2Dbased%20learning%20in%20a,they%20will%20explore%20and%20investigate
Cambridge X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/CambridgeInt
Cambridge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeint/
Full podcast transcript and show notes on Brighter Thinking Blog - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-early-years-teaching-learning
Cultivating Green Shoots: A Practical Guide to Climate Change and Sustainability in Your School
2024/05/09
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 tutor. With over 20 years' experience working in the UK and internationally in various capacities, Mona's keen interest is in sustainability education and in enhancing students' learning power through effective teaching and learning strategies.
Show notes:
Mona's webinar at the Cambridge Schools Conference - https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/7Z-831_40Gt9JDxTWx-9BXSUgxBMxNwuZOKLa1UcT2dDDSqGNKmeL7xuSeBoF-WTFswm6tFEgqLStcU_.HBYi8YqFMnvF9kSm?canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&continueMode=true&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2F6SYCr7BmY2KC0XDW3n5ebolJHo8hSWpogZ5C3osqN66BzXoApfex-7S2m-o1D95p.TJT287LY7pgU_WJN
Ep 43: Introduction to Climate Change Education - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/2024/04/17/brighter-thinking-pod-ep-43-introduction-to-climate-change-education/
Cambridge Introudction to Climate Change paper - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/benefits-of-a-cambridge-education/climate-change-education/
Climate change education survey - https://cambridge.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/tmmmin
Cambridge X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/CambridgeInt
Cambridge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeint/
Full podcast transcript and guest info on Brighter Thinking Blog - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-ep-44-cultivating-green-shoots
Introduction to Climate Change Education
2024/03/27
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 University Press & Assessment, and is focused on the climate-related contexts, challenges and opportunities for all of us within the world of education.
Show notes:
Cambridge Introduction to Climate Change paper - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/benefits-of-a-cambridge-education/climate-change-education/
Climate change education survey - https://cambridge.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/tmmmin
Cambridge X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/CambridgeInt
Cambridge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeint/
Full podcast transcript on Brighter Thinking Blog - https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-ep-43-introduction-to-climate-change-education
How to be an Effective Maths Teacher in the Fast-Changing Modern World
2023/07/27
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 Nick Hamshaw.
Karen is an experienced teacher and teacher-trainer who now works as an author and materials developer. She is the author of a number of mathematics courses. Nick is a maths teacher, senior leader and author of our Cambridge IGCSE™ Mathematics Core & Extended coursebook.
For all the show notes, plus extra info, go to cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-ep-42-how-to-be-an-effective-maths-teacher-in-a-fast-changing-modern-world
Mental Fluency in Maths
2023/07/24
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. She has over two decades of teaching experience, both in public as well as international schools in Singapore. A creative teacher, she likes to experiment with digital tools and inquiry in her teaching.
Nick is an independent Mathematics Advisor. He started teaching mathematics in 1982 and has taught in a variety of settings including secondary schools and all-age special schools. Nick regularly leads workgroups for the National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics, and is a tutor on their PD lead programme. Nick has also led teacher education programmes in Africa and the Middle East.
Show notes:
National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics
Relational Understanding and Instrumental Understanding – Richard Skemp
Jasmine's gradient and tangent example
Carol Dweck – Developing a Growth Mindset
Desmos
GeoGebra
Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics
Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Additional Mathematics
Cambridge Mathematics CoffeePods – "a small but intense draught of filtered research on mathematics education, expressly designed with teachers & practitioners in mind"
How to 'NRICH' Maths Students Through Project Work: Tasks for IGCSE
2023/07/21
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 Mathematics and Education at the University of Cambridge which focuses on problem solving and on creating opportunities for students to learn mathematics through exploration and discussion.
Alison Kiddle is a freelance mathematics education consultant, having previously worked for NRICH as Key Stage 4 coordinator. Charlie Gilderdale is the Secondary Coordinator at NRICH.
Show notes
NRICH
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended
Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Additional Mathematics
'Sowing the seeds for a more creative society' by Professor Mitchel Resnick, Director of the Lifelong Kindergarten research group at the MIT Media Lab
Lifelong Kindergarten: Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play, Mitchel Resnick
Growth Mindset, Carol Dwek
The role of the teacher in mathematical project work: how to support students, blog by Alison Kiddle
Why is it important for students to undertake project work in mathematics? Blog by Charlie Gilderdale
Cambridge Mathematics CoffeePods – "a small but intense draught of filtered research on mathematics education, expressly designed with teachers & practitioners in mind"
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TemkaBagsh 2019/11/18
Classic
Greetings from Mongolia. I really appreciate that you guys finally have this kind of podcast. Expertise knowledge here!
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