Episodes

  • Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes from Chiltern Learning Trust | 2. Designing a Curriculum for Curiosity with Henry Cross
    Mar 3 2026

    Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE.

    In this episode, Henry Cross, assistant headteacher at Challney High School for Boys, shares practical insights on why curriculum design is a strategic investment rather than a time-consuming burden.

    You'll learn why diversity and local history should be at the heart of your content, how to incorporate globalization into your lessons without losing context, and how granular knowledge planning can create powerful links that make history (or any subject) come alive.

    This podcast was produced by EduPulse™ in association with Chiltern Learning Trust.

    Original music by Caffeinated Studios©.


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    33 mins
  • Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes from Chiltern Learning Trust | 1. Behaviour with Tom Bellwood
    Feb 24 2026

    Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE.

    In this first episode, host Adam Kohlbeck interviews behaviour expert Tom Bellwood.

    They discuss Tom's extensive journey in education, the concept of a behaviour curriculum and the importance of continuous behaviour management in schools.

    Tom shares practical steps for school leaders to define and implement effective behaviour strategies, emphasising the need for clarity, consistency and ongoing improvement in behaviour management practices.

    This podcast was produced by EduPulse™ in association with Chiltern Learning Trust.

    Original music by Caffeinated Studios©.


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    32 mins
  • S3: E5 - From the Chalkface LIVE! AI and Me: Stop Saying Thank you to AI with Matt Hinckley & Ella Martin
    Feb 5 2026

    In this LIVE! episode of From the Chalkface Chris, Ella Martin and Matt Hinckley delve into the implications of AI in education.

    They discuss the importance of understanding AI as a tool rather than a companion, the risks of personifying AI and the systemic biases that can arise from its use.


    The conversation highlights the need for ethical considerations in integrating AI into classrooms and emphasises the importance of digital literacy for students. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of AI in education and the ongoing conversations needed to navigate this evolving landscape.

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    38 mins
  • S4: E5: From the Thought Space - Assessing Writing in Primary with Dominic Bristow & Hannah Gillott of Stylus
    Jan 26 2026

    In this episode of From the Thought Space, Adam is joined by Dominic and Hannah from Stylus to discuss the complexities of assessing writing in primary education.


    They explore how Stylus leverages AI technology to improve writing assessment, making it more accurate and efficient. The conversation highlights the importance of writing as a foundational skill that unlocks other areas of the curriculum and emphasises the need for teachers to focus on addressing gaps in student writing rather than merely identifying them.


    The role of AI in education is examined, particularly how it can free up teachers' time for more impactful interactions with students.


    The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of writing assessment and the potential for enhanced professional development through data sharing across schools.


    https://stylus.education/

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    54 mins
  • S4: E4: From the Thought Space: Alex Fairlamb on Scaffolding, Leader Priorities and Seeing the Child
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of From the Thought Space: Chris, Adam, and guest Alex Fairlamb discuss the importance of scaffolding in education, the role of leadership in creating inclusive learning environments, and the need for adaptive teaching strategies.

    They share personal updates, celebrate achievements and explore the journey of educators in fostering student success. The conversation emphasises the significance of high expectations, effective teaching practices, and the conditions necessary for teachers to thrive in their roles.

    You can purchase Alex's book, here: https://amzn.eu/d/hXvsoHi

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    54 mins
  • SPECIAL EPISODE - Succeeding as a Deputy Head Book Launch with Sarah Cottinghatt
    Jan 13 2026

    In this special episode of the EduPulse podcast, guest host Sarah Cottinghat interviews Chris and Adam about their new book, 'Succeeding as a Deputy Head.'

    They explore the complexities and paradoxes of the deputy head role, emphasising the importance of alignment over agreement with head teachers, the necessity of trust in leadership, and the balance between accountability and professional development.

    The conversation also touches on redefining success in educational leadership and the need for empathy within the education sector. The insights shared are valuable not only for current and aspiring deputy heads but for all educators.

    You can purchase a copy of their book from Amazon and Bloomsbury as well as all good book shops.

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    Here are some key takeaways:

    • The deputy head role is complex and filled with paradoxes.
    • Alignment with the head teacher is more important than total agreement.
    • Trust should be transactional, not based on hope.
    • Effective leadership requires balancing development and accountability.
    • Success in leadership can take many forms, not just headship.
    • Empathy is crucial in understanding the roles of others in education.
    • Professional development is key to teacher success.
    • Leaders must be flexible and situational in their approach.
    • Hope without evidence can be risky in leadership.
    • The book offers insights valuable to all in education, not just deputy heads.
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    55 mins
  • S3: E4 - From the Chalkface - Challenges in Teacher Development and Coaching with Adam Robbins
    Dec 9 2025

    Summary


    In this episode of the EduPulse podcast, hosts Chris Passey and Adam Kohlbeck engage with Adam Robbins, a seasoned science teacher and coach. They explore the multifaceted nature of coaching in education, discussing its definitions, challenges, and the importance of feedback culture. Robbins shares his journey from a reluctant teacher to a passionate advocate for effective coaching, emphasising the need for context and readiness in receiving feedback. The conversation delves into the scalability of coaching programs and the varying models that exist, highlighting the complexities of teacher development in today's educational landscape.

    In this conversation, they discuss the intricacies of coaching in education, emphasising the importance of setting realistic expectations, the challenges of implementation and the need for patience in educational change.


    They explore the significance of decision-making in coaching, the role of emotional intelligence, and the complexities of aligning coaching with the realities faced by teachers.


    The discussion also touches on the anticipated challenges in education, particularly regarding curriculum reform, and the necessity for schools to approach changes thoughtfully and strategically.



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    52 mins
  • S4: E3 - From The Think Space - Children as Expert Learners with Richard Wheadon
    Nov 25 2025

    In the latest episode of the EduPulse podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck engages with Richard Wheadon, a dedicated teacher and author, who shares his experiences and insights from both the classroom and his research. As Richard balances his teaching duties with writing and consultancy, he offers a unique perspective on the importance of establishing strong learning habits among students.

    Richard's book, Learning Habits, can be purchased from here.

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    1 hr and 15 mins