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Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

By: Mark Taylor
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Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future. While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced. Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’Copyright 2025 Mark Taylor Education
Episodes
  • Be The Ladder Foundation : Empowering Others to Fulfil Their Potential
    Jun 16 2025

    Beyond its essential educational initiatives, The Be The Ladder Foundation also recognises those who make a difference through the Be The Ladder Awards. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that embody the ethos of ‘being a ladder’ – helping others overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

    Every year, the awards celebrate 30 exceptional individuals or groups, known as The Ladder List, across ten categories. From these nominees, one deserving recipient in each category is honoured with the coveted Golden Ladder Award during a special awards ceremony. This recognition is not just about celebration; it’s about inspiring a movement of kindness and mentorship, encouraging others to step up and be the ladder for someone else.

    The Be The Ladder Foundation provides vital support to young people who may not meet their potential due to their socio-economic status and require essential resources to reach their full potential. The foundation bridges the gap by offering school uniforms, educational equipment, tuition support, and funding for enriching experiences that build confidence and self-esteem.

    Dr. Trevor D. Sterling (Hon.causa), Senior Partner at Moore Barlow, is the Founder of the Be The Ladder Foundation.

    His unwavering commitment to social mobility and education drives our firm’s dedication to this cause. Through his leadership and vision, we are not only supporters but active participants in changing lives for the better.

    Takeaways:

    • The mantra of 'don't just aspire to climb the ladder, Be The Ladder' serves as a profound reminder that we should actively support others in their journeys to success.
    • The Be the Ladder foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals from under-resourced backgrounds to fulfil their potential, thereby enhancing social mobility.
    • Believing in oneself is crucial; a sense of purpose and motivation can significantly influence educational and societal outcomes for individuals.
    • Trevor Sterling's journey exemplifies that extraordinary achievements can stem from ordinary backgrounds, demonstrating the power of self-belief and resilience in overcoming socioeconomic barriers.
    • The foundation aims to bridge the attainment gap by offering support such as private tuition and workshops, ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary resources for success.
    • Celebrating those who have 'been the ladder' helps to inspire future generations, creating a ripple effect of motivation and empowerment throughout society.

    Website

    https://www.betheladderawards.com

    https://www.betheladderawards.com/our-mission

    Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

    https://nape.org.uk/


    Discover more about Education on Fire

    🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

    🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

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    39 mins
  • Planet Bonehead: Revolutionary Approaches to Climate Education
    Jun 9 2025

    Bobby Donohue is the founder of Planet Bonehead, an innovative educational platform helping schools teach kids about climate change and prepare them for environmental STEAM careers. Planet Bonehead provides teachers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to effectively educate young learners about environmental issues. His work combines creativity, storytelling, and real-world solutions to inspire kids to think critically and take action. Planet Bonehead is used in classrooms across 86 countries, empowering the next generation to build a sustainable future.

    Takeaways:

    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of teaching children about climate change in an engaging manner that avoids overwhelming negativity.
    • Bobby Donohue highlights that green technology offers viable solutions to climate change, yet remains largely unknown to the public.
    • Through Planet Bonehead, children are encouraged to explore various career paths within green technology that they may not have previously considered.
    • The podcast advocates for an educational approach that empowers children to take immediate action towards environmental stewardship and sustainability.
    • The discussion underscores the necessity for collaboration between educators and green tech companies to effectively implement educational resources.
    • Bobby Donohue expresses a commitment to making educational materials accessible for all students, regardless of their school's budget constraints.


    Website

    https://planetbonehead.com/


    Social Media Information

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbydonohue/

    https://bsky.app/profile/planetbonehead.com


    Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

    https://nape.org.uk/


    Discover more about Education on Fire

    🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

    🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

    https://educationonfire.com/support

    🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

    https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

    🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • From Passion to Profession: Martyn Cast and the Jenca Music School
    Jun 2 2025

    Martyn Cast is a distinguished musician and educator from Jenca Music School in Jersey. Martyn discusses the transformative power of music, particularly in educational contexts, where it serves as a medium for individuals—especially children—to express themselves and navigate their emotions.

    He recounts his personal journey, beginning with a childhood steeped in musical influence, which culminated in the founding of the Jenca Music School in Jersey. Through this institution, he aims to cultivate a nurturing environment where students can explore their musical passions, develop resilience, and ultimately achieve personal growth through music.

    Martyn Cast, owner/ guitar tutor at Jenca Music School, Jersey C.I.

    Author of children's guitar songbook Mr Martie's Marvellous Melodies

    Takeaways:

    • Music serves as an empowering force in people's lives, enabling them to express their creativity and emotions.
    • The journey of learning an instrument is often more about personal enjoyment than achieving formal grades or accolades.
    • Inspiration is crucial in teaching, as it helps to foster a genuine love for music among students.
    • Resilience is vital in the learning process; students must persist through challenges to achieve their musical goals.
    • The connection between teacher and student can profoundly influence a child's engagement and growth in music.
    • Music education provides not only academic benefits but also enhances social skills and personal development in learners.


    Website

    https://www.jenca.co.uk/


    Social Media Information

    Facebook: MarvellousMrMartie

    Instagram: MarvellousMrMartie


    Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

    https://nape.org.uk/


    Discover more about Education on Fire

    🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

    🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

    https://educationonfire.com/support

    🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

    https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

    🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast...

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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