Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning

Adrian Bethune, a beacon of hope in the world of education, joins us on this episode of Literacy Works podcast, taking us through his life experiences, from the music industry to primary school teaching and how his own personal challenges with mental health led him to champion the teaching of wellbeing in schools. His journey is an inspiration, underscoring the necessity of nurturing emotional health in both teachers and learners alike.
We venture into the essentials of teacher wellbeing, touching on Adrian's "Seeds of Happiness" course, a Teach Primary award winner in 2021. Our conversation sheds light on the practical strategies and collaborative efforts needed to root these evidence-based wellbeing methods within the fabric of our educational systems. As Adrian articulates, the science of wellbeing offers more than just the keys to personal fulfillment—it's a blueprint for a thriving learning environment.
To cap off our discussion, we celebrate the power of reading for pleasure, exploring how this simple yet profound activity fosters both emotional intelligence and academic prowess in children. From Andy and Adrian's personal narratives with their children to the broader implications of reading culture, we affirm the long-term benefits of reading for everyone.
For more insights from Adrian:

• Visit his website, Teachappy
• Follow him on X, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn

Discover how geography educator, Kate Stockings, reshapes entire curriculums and inspires a new generation of young geographers.
Welcome to the very first episode of our Literacy Works with Bedrock Learning podcast. In this first chat, we connect with Kate Stockings, the trust lead for geography, who's spearheaded monumental changes in Key Stage 3 curriculums at two schools. Kate pulls back the curtain on this process, sharing her personal experiences and strategies for refreshing geography topics and bringing them back to life. She illuminates the importance of teamwork and collaboration in fostering curriculum development as well as the critical role that 'disciplinary literacy' plays.
Turning the tables on traditional learning, we take an intriguing look at inquiry-based education within the realm of geography. Picture your students as investigators, their curiosity ignited as they question, engage, and dive deep into the subject. We navigate the intricate terrain of teaching geography vocabulary, underlining the importance of precision and a thorough understanding of specific terms that can often be roadblocks in a student's journey to proficiency.
Wrapping up, we dive into the joys and trials of curriculum decision-making with Kate. Kate emphasizes the value of respecting diverse approaches to reach educational goals and the thoughtful decision-making behind it. We guarantee you will walk away with an enlightening insider's view of curriculum planning and development. Whether you're an educator, a geography enthusiast, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of curriculum planning, this is a conversation you don't want to miss!
Find more from Kate on her website, or follow her on X @kate_stockings.

What if understanding dyslexia could transform your child's reading experience? Join us as we sit down with dyslexia specialist Sally Raymond, who shares her heartfelt journey into the field, driven by her daughter's struggles with reading. Discover the crucial role parents play in offering unconditional reading support, highlighting how such support can significantly enhance a child's confidence and enjoyment in reading.
Dive into the complex world of dyslexia as Sally explains the brain's difficulty with symbolic language and how it impacts reading fluency. Learn about the concept of unconditional reading support, where parents provide immediate help on any word a child hesitates on, thus maintaining the flow of meaning and making reading enjoyable. Additionally, we chat with Sally about her books and her journey as an author, offering our listeners a chance to understand her creative process and the inspiration behind her work. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that promises to empower parents and educators alike.
About Sally Collard:
Over the past thirty years Sally (a qualified teacher) has studied dyslexia and associated subjects to constantly gain further experience and qualifications in this fascinating and varied topic. She has worked in many different settings supporting learners of all ages, teaching staff and parents to promote approaches to teaching and learning which aim to meet the specific learning needs of the individual. To explore further, read Sally's book.

Join us on a linguistic journey with Marcello Giovanelli, a renowned expert in literary linguistics from Aston University, as he shares a wealth of insights that will transform your understanding of language, literacy and beyond. In this episode, we delve into Marcello's latest book, written with Jennifer Webb, Essential Grammar (Routledge), a pivotal guide for educators and students seeking to enhance their understanding of language in literature. Their combined expertise offers a new lens to view the integral relationship between language mastery and academic success.
This podcast episode explores the unique linguistic identity inherent in different academic subjects, highlighting the profound impact of language awareness on student comprehension and achievement. We reflect on groundbreaking initiatives that integrate language skills across the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency in academic writing. Our discussion is a call to democratize education by providing learners with the linguistic tools they need to excel in any academic field.
Challenging the status quo, we scrutinize the often compartmentalized teaching of language and literature within the English discipline, particularly poignant in the UK education system. A holistic approach that encompasses language and literature together is championed, celebrating recent advancements and the educators leading the charge. As we acknowledge the critical role that language education plays in society, from media literacy to combating misinformation, we conclude with a salute to Charles Dickens' exceptional command of language, which has enriched our discourse and promises to inspire our listeners and learners.
For more insights from Marcello, follow him on X: @mmgiovanelli and to get your copy of "Essential Grammar," visit Routledge.

This episode is all about disciplinary literacy, focusing on research from the Education Endowment Foundation and leading teacher-researchers. Liv and Alex discuss how to build a whole school approach to improving disciplinary literacy and share some practical teaching tips to help students communicate like experts in each area of the curriculum.