Teachers Talk Radio

In this show, Darren looks at research from India considering how we can use language to support literacy and oracy in both first and second languages.

This week, reports emerged that the government is tightening the rules around mobile phones in schools even further, with students in England set to be banned from keeping phones in their bags or pockets during the school day from September 2027.

While this might be another step toward reducing digital dependence, what does this mean in practice for schools, teachers, and young people? Is this a step towards calmer classrooms, better concentration, and more meaningful social interactions, or does it add another layer of responsibility and expense for already stretched schools?

What does a fully phone-free school day actually entail? What challenges are raised around storage and safeguarding? And does this additional measure truly tackle the problems created by young people’s digital lives?

Join Tony Harwood, Rae Whitehouse, Emma Gallagher and Liz Webb on the Points of View panel.

With his special guest, Victoria Bagnall, Lee will discuss whether autonomy in the classroom is now a thing of the past. Have rigid principles of pedagogy consigned professional autonomy to the history books?

Are schools giving creativity enough space? As AI changes the world of work, how can teachers help young people develop creativity, confidence and problem-solving skills? Tom Rogers and Pat Link join Samsung’s Jessie Soohyun Park and the Design Council’s Rachel Bronstein to discuss the place of creativity in education. Why are fewer students choosing creative subjects? What stops young people considering careers in design and technology? And what can teachers do to help students develop their ideas? The guests share examples of students using technology to tackle problems they care about, alongside classroom suggestions and free resources available through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. This show is sponsored by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow.

Should Year 9 be the start of GCSE preparation? Lucy Powell wants schools to stop routinely starting GCSE courses early, arguing that pupils are having their options narrowed and being rushed towards exams. Her proposed answer is to reduce GCSE content so courses fit comfortably into two years. T

he Points of View panel debates whether a three-year GCSE gives pupils valuable time to master demanding content or sacrifices the breadth and curiosity of Key Stage 3. Are schools starting early because of an overcrowded curriculum, pressure for results, or what works best for their pupils?

Would cutting content create better learning, or would it simply leave important knowledge out?

On the panel: Christopher Vowles, Maud Waret, Michael Wright and Ollie Bayliss.