Ep 52: Early Years education: play-based learning and language support

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  

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/  

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      

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  

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/    

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    

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        

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  

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  

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