Best Ks3 Podcasts (2026)

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My daughter's drum lessons 46:28

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10d ago46:28

46:28

Femi relays some very concrete pedagogical observations from his daughter's drum lessons which apply equally well to teaching students in every day subject lessons in school. Matt and Femi will be taking a little break over the Christmas period and wish all listeners a restful break over the holidays. The next episode will be released mid-January.…

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My Visit To The Totteridge Academy 56:28

1M ago56:28

56:28

Femi tells Matt about his visit to The Totteridge Academy, which he was thoroughly impressed by.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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If you were a new T&L lead... 53:42

2M ago53:42

53:42

Following their visit to Copleston High School, Matt and Femi discuss how they would each approach a hypothetical situation of being a newly appointed VP in charge of teaching and learning: How would they get started and what would they be trying to achieve in the first few months.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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What's the single most important thing teachers should know? 46:42

2M ago46:42

46:42

Matt and Femi reflect on what they would say if asked the question "What's the single most important thing teachers should know?", and in the end come up with 3 things between them.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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How do I improve teaching as KS3 lead or second in department? 58:03

2M ago58:03

58:03

Matt and Femi respond to a listener question about steps to improve the quality of teaching in their department as a new KS3 lead or second in department.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Some Reflections! 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

Matt was in a reflective mood recently and shared a few of the things he has been working on and thinking about with Femi.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Are we overcomplicating teaching? 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

Prompted by listener feedback, Femi and Matt explore the idea that when it comes to teaching we are making something simple more complicated than it needs to be. Get in touch by emailing us: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Class discussions...! 39:32

3M ago39:32

39:32

Matt and Femi discuss what comes to mind when one hears a teacher say "We had a great discussion today about ...". Contact us by emailing [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Attention, Participation, Thought 46:55

3M ago46:55

46:55

Femi and Matt discuss the utility, pros, and cons of looking at lessons through a simple 'attention, participation, thought' lens, discuss other approaches to diagnosis, ask if we are over-complicating things, and consider an alternative lens focussed on creating conditions for independent practice. Contact us at: [email protected]…

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Getting Independent Working Happening in Lessons 47:22

4M ago47:22

47:22

Matt and Femi discuss the importance of quiet independent practice for students, and get into the challenges and preconditions for getting this happening in lessons.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Rachael Southern - Reading! 1:15:45

4M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Matt and Femi catch up with Rachael Southern two years after her first appearance on the pod and she shares her knowledge around improving reading and thoughts about leading on it whole-school.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Sarah Cottinghatt - Meaningful Learning & Coaching 52:54

4M ago52:54

52:54

Author, teacher, trainer, and expert coach Sarah Cottinghatt joins Matt and Femi to discuss her book 'Ausubel's Meaningful Learning in Action', and coaching! Follow Sarah's Coaching Cuts on Substack: https://cognitivecoaching.substack.com/ Contact the pod: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Rows v Groups & Detentions v Conversations 42:10

5M ago42:10

42:10

In this double episode Matt and Femi explore the arguments for students sitting in rows facing the front vs sitting around tables in groups, and then turn their attention to the issues around the effectiveness of issuing detentions vs a prompt and stern conversation with the student. As always please send your thoughts to [email protected]…

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Characteristics of Poor Leadership 36:07

5M ago36:07

36:07

We've all experienced it! Matt and Femi lay out some of the most important characteristics of poor leadership in schools as they see it.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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"There's too much content to get through..." 37:49

5M ago37:49

37:49

Sometimes it really is a struggle to get through all the content. But there's also possibly room for improvement when that claim is used to justify not giving students adequate time for independent practice in lessons, or building in regular mixed revision consolidation lessons to the scheme of work. Matt and Femi discuss! [email protected]…

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Great Teaching Unpacked - Episode 3 Review 45:28

6M ago45:28

45:28

Matt and Femi discuss episode 3 of the great Teaching: Unpacked documentary series. Watch the documentary at steplab.co/watch Get in touch: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Year 6 Advice - Transitioning from KS2 to KS3 - with the ABS Community 14:47

6M ago14:47

14:47

Stepping up to secondary school can feel like a big leap, but you’re not doing it alone! In this brand‑new episode, current Year 7 students, experienced form tutors and our pastoral team sit down with Mr H to share honest tips and reassuring stories that will help every Year 6 pupil navigate the move from KS2 to KS3. From first‑day jitters and find…

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High Frequency Teaching Errors 53:23

6M ago53:23

53:23

Matt and Femi discuss some of the most common problems they've noticed over the course of many years of lesson visits and drop-ins. Contact us by email: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Respect for the Learners 40:42

7M ago40:42

40:42

Matt and Femi chat about a rarely-discussed characteristic of teachers; having respect for the learners.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Coachability! 40:15

7M ago40:15

40:15

Femi and Matt explore the idea that some people are more coachable than others...By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Great Teaching, Unpacked Documentary - Episode 2 Review 53:05

7M ago53:05

53:05

Matt and Femi discuss episode 2 of the Great Teaching Unpacked Documentary - which focuses on behaviour, norms, routines and merits. Watch the documentary for free at: steplab.co/watchBy Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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First Success! 38:25

7M ago38:25

38:25

Matt and Femi discuss the idea of first success, and whether the copncept can inform thinking around teacher development and student learning.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Great Teaching, Unpacked Documentary - Episode 1 Review 56:31

8M ago56:31

56:31

Matt and Femi discuss Episode 1 of the Great Teaching, Unpacked documentary. Watch the documentary for free at: steplab.co/film Get in touch with Matt and Femi: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Ramadan Interfaith Solidarity Fast - with the Community 47:48

8M ago47:48

47:48

In this powerful episode, we reflect on our Interfaith Solidarity Fast—an inspiring evening that brought together over 100 students, staff, and community members. Pupils and teachers from our school and King David High School, a Jewish school, joined in breaking the fast during Ramadan. Many non-Muslim staff and students also fasted in a moving sho…

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"A dog with a bone" 30:33

8M ago30:33

30:33

Matt and Femi discuss the critical importance of not letting behavioural incidents go unchallenged.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Policies 34:45

8M ago34:45

34:45

Femi and Matt discuss the concept of school policies and policy documentation, and what makes them more or less effective. We're not on social media but we love to hear your thoughts, feedback, reflections and requests so please send us a message at: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Micro Interactions 42:41

8M ago42:41

42:41

Matt and Femi discuss those brief interactions with students that set the tone for the lesson, or help transform the way students think about themselves.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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'Holding To Account' & 'Won't, Can't, Forgot' 36:13

9M ago36:13

36:13

Matt and Femi dive into the phrase that you so often hear amongst senior and middle management in schools: "Holding people to account".By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Starting A School From Scratch - Michaela Khatib 49:30

9M ago49:30

49:30

Matt and Femi speak to the executive head teacher and founder of Cobham Free School, Michaela Khatib, about the remarkable journey to plan, start and grow a school from nothing to over a thousand pupils.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Teacher Knowledge 46:21

9M ago46:21

46:21

Matt and Femi discuss the need for teachers to have a basic understanding of how learning happens, as well as barriers and solutions to the problem.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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World Down Syndrome Day - with Caitlin 8:44

9M ago8:44

8:44

Every year, on March 21st, the world celebrates Down Syndrome Day. In this special episode, we catch up with Caitlin, who opens up about her experience growing up with her brother, who has Down syndrome. She shares heartfelt stories, challenges, and the joy of their bond, offering a personal perspective on inclusion and understanding. This episode,…

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Private vs State Schools 39:41

10M ago39:41

39:41

Matt and Femi discuss Femi's experience of working in both state and private schools, what the major differences are for teachers and what each can learn from the other.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Accountability Culture AND Power of Video 47:00

10M ago47:00

47:00

This episode has 2 unrelated topics... In the first half of the episode Femi and Matt discuss what it means to have a culture where you can 'hold colleagues accountable' for the benefit of the whole team. In the second part of episode (starting at 20:30), Femi and Matt turn their attention to the Power of Video - particularly with regards to modell…

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You're Too Much Nigeria - with Blessing 15:38

10M ago15:38

15:38

In this episode, we explore Nigeria's rich culture and traditions with our special guest, Blessing. Blessing shares insights into what makes Nigeria unique, from its diverse languages and vibrant festivals to its delicious cuisine and deep-rooted history. Join us and your host, Mr. H, for an engaging conversation about one of Africa’s most dynamic …

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Ramadan - with Sara and Shaikha 9:40

10M ago9:40

9:40

Join us for an insightful episode as we explore a typical day in Ramadan with Sara and Shaikha! From pre-dawn meals to evening traditions, they share their experiences, routines, and reflections during this special month. Hosted by Mr. H, this episode offers a personal glimpse into the spiritual, cultural, and daily aspects of Ramadan. Don't miss i…

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Improving is Hard! 40:19

10M ago40:19

40:19

Femi and Matt discuss why improving our teaching (or anything) can be so difficult, and how that influences their thinking around coaching and PD.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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My team are not doing what I asked! 30:03

11M ago30:03

30:03

Femi and Matt ponder the all too common phrase "people just aren't doing it"!By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Disagree then Commit 41:39

11M ago41:39

41:39

Femi and Matt discuss the concept of 'disagree then commit' in the context of working in a school team or SLT.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Peter Lee - Headteacher at Q3 Academy Langley 1:03:27

11M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Matt and Femi talk to Peter Lee about how he has managed to found and maintain a school which not only achieves outstanding results, but also has not had any supply bought in for over 8 years! Among many other things they discuss workload, behaviour, timetabling and lesson structures.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Reflections on 6 months of Coaching 46:20

11M ago46:20

46:20

Femi shares his reflections and lessons learnt with Matt on the last 6 months of doing regular coaching - several times per week.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Drop-in Culture 43:50

12M ago43:50

43:50

Prompted by Pritesh's tweet regarding the number of observations completed and feedback given in the autumn term, Femi and Matt discuss attitudes and culture around drop-ins.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Refusal 42:34

12M ago42:34

42:34

Femi and Matt wrestle with the concept of students who refuse instructions and what schools can do about it.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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The Lost Art of Planning 49:46

12M ago49:46

49:46

Femi and Matt's discussion is prompted by an article of the same name: https://thinkingflexibly.com/2024/10/18/the-lost-art-of-planning/ They discuss the pros and cons of planning lessons, designing lesson sequences and preparing resources from scratch vs having off-the-shelf schemes of work, resources and teaching powerpoints.…

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Front-loading Your Explanations 37:09

1y ago37:09

37:09

Matt and Femi discuss explicit teaching (direct instruction), questioning, AfL and much more!By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Katharine Birbalsingh 1:09:20

1y ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Matt and Femi talk to Katharine Birbalsingh, founding member and head teacher of the Michaela Community School in Wembley Park.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Barry Smith on Classroom Teaching 1:08:00

1y ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Following on from their video analysis of his lesson, Matt and Femi talk to Barry Smith about some of his principles for classroom teaching. Starting from a lense of MFL teaching, we extract the general pedagogical principles that Barry believes lead to exceptional outcomes in the classroom.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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Metacognition with Nathan Burns 48:41

1y ago48:41

48:41

Matt and Femi chat to metacognition enthusiast Nathan Burns about metacognition, knowledge, knowledge organisers and much much more. Check out Nathan's resources on his website: https://www.mrmetacognition.com/By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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The Enactment Gap & Developing Teachers 40:04

1y ago40:04

40:04

Femi and Matt discuss the enactment gap - teasing apart what it is exactly, diagnosing solutions to the problem and then get into the pragmatism of supporting teachers to improve elements of their practice - trying to figure out when and how to intervene if a colleague is struggling with students during unstructured time.…

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Q3 Academy Langley & Participation Ratio 1:02:57

1y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Femi tells Matt about his recent visit to another high performing school - this time Q3 Academy Langley in the West Midlands. This brings up the topics of participation and thinking ratio - leading to a spirited discussion about 'pair talk', 'everybody writes' and other approaches to increasing thinking and participation.…

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Thinking about Professional Development 31:55

1y ago31:55

31:55

Femi talks to Matt about how he is now thinking about PD - from individual all the way to whole-school.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran