Edufuturists

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Sofia Fenichell, the founder of Study Hall AI. The conversation explores Sofia's journey as an entrepreneur in the education sector, her passion for improving literacy through innovative AI solutions, and the importance of fostering agency and passion in learners. We discuss the challenges of traditional assessment methods and the need for a shift towards more engaging and effective educational practices. Sofia shares insights on the upcoming launch of College Co-Pilot, an AI-driven tool designed to assist students in the college admissions process. The episode concludes with our usual quick-fire questions too. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Sofia's Journey 04:59 The Passion Behind Entrepreneurship 10:41 Introducing Study Hall AI 14:54 AI with Guardrails for Safe Learning 19:43 Fostering Passion and Agency 26:06 Rethinking Assessment 29:30 The Future of Education and AI 33:45 Navigating Assessment Grief 36:35 Innovations in College Admissions 40:22 Final Thoughts and Quickfire Questions Find out more about StudyHall [https://www.studyhall.ai/?countrycode=UK] Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Join the WhatsApp Community [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c] Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26]

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Matt Jessop, a primary school head teacher from the North West of England who have won our Primary School of the Year TWICE! We discuss the innovative approaches Matt is implementing in his school, particularly in integrating technology and outdoor learning. The conversation digs into the challenges facing the education system, including funding issues, accountability, and the need for systemic change. Matt makes a big point about the importance of engaging students in their learning and the potential of hybrid education models to better serve diverse learners. The discussion also touches on the role of big tech in education and the necessity for a curriculum that meets the needs of today's students. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Matt's Journey and School Environment 06:11 Innovative Approaches in Primary Education 10:51 Challenges in Education Technology and Funding 15:10 Accountability and the Education System 20:22 The Need for Systemic Change in Education 27:18 The Evolving Skill of Learning to Learn 28:05 Navigating AI and Misinformation 30:12 The Need for Reform 30:51 The Fractured System 32:45 Hybrid Education 36:52 Vouchers and Microschools 39:45 Creativity Over Regurgitation 42:38 The Role of Data 44:07 A Vision for Hybrid Learning 50:22 The Importance of Student Ownership in Learning Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/matt-jessop-368288a2] Listen to Matt's Joining the Dots podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/58d0dGs3ZA3O0tfz6Qgo2M?si=b6ce1955f5f44def] Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Join the WhatsApp Community [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c] Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26]

In this episode of the podcast, we have a profound conversation with Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an educator and author, about the transformative power of teachers and the importance of human connection in education. Jaz shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of five key teachers in her life who helped shape her resilience and success. The discussion goes deep into the challenges faced by educators, the need for mental health support, and the importance of building authentic relationships with students. Jaz emphasizes that education should focus on nurturing human skills and preparing students for an uncertain future, advocating for a shift from traditional behaviour policies to relationship-focused approaches in schools.We also dive into her latest book, Because of You, This Is Me. Grab a copy [https://www.crownhousepublishing.com/because-of-you-this-is-me]Chapters00:00 Introduction01:21 Jaz's Journey and the Role of Teachers04:17 The Power of Five Teachers10:13 Navigating Trauma and Education14:22 Human First, Professional Second18:29 The Challenges of the Education System20:27 Building Relationships in Education24:52 Building Trust in Education28:40 The Importance of Authentic Relationships33:05 Human Skills vs. AI36:45 The Role of Educators in Shaping Lives43:48 Transforming Education Through RelationshipsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Join the WhatsApp Community [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tasnuva and Ben representing the Youth Shadow Panel to discuss their part in the Shadow Curriculum & Assessment Review. This is the student voice to mirror the UK government's Curriculum & Assessment Review (CAR) led by Professor Becky Francis.Ben & Tasnuva join us as two members of a wider youth panel who represent the voices of 10.5 million children and young people. The panel gathered views from thousands of children and young people through a call for evidence, a national roadshow, school assemblies, and focus groups. Over 200 young people participated in four in-person and two online roadshow workshops, and more than 550 individuals and groups responded to their call.The report sets out 14 key recommendations which reflect the shared view from young people for an education system across four themes: building skills and relevance to life; assessments, mental health and wellbeing; climate, sustainability and citizenship education; and equity and inclusion. The recommendations are published with the hope that the CAR will adopt them in full as part of its final report, due for publication in autumn 2025, and that they will be implemented by the Department for Education thereafter.Chapters00:00 Introductions00:57 Meet the Youth Shadow Panel05:02 The Role of Youth in Education Reform10:13 Key Recommendations from the Youth Shadow Panel14:47 The Importance of Life Skills and Enrichment20:00 Rethinking Assessment and Mental Health25:02 The Future of Education and AI29:47 The Role of Citizenship in Education34:11 Outdoor Learning and Its Importance37:12 Political Literacy and Youth Engagement38:19 Creating Equitable and Inclusive Education45:17 The Future of Education ReformRead the full report [https://shadowpanel.uk/about/final-report]Show your support [https://shadowpanel.uk/about/endorsements] by adding your endorsement for the reportThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Join the WhatsApp Community [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26]

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with the wonderful Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust, to explore innovative educational practices and the importance of character building in schools. One of Gwyn's schools, XP Gateshead won Edufuturists Secondary School of the Year 2025. Gwyn discusses the concept of 'crew' as a foundational element of XP Trust's approach, emphasising the need for a shared language and community engagement. The conversation goes down lots of rabbit holes into the significance of curriculum design that connects students to their local history and culture, fostering civic pride and a sense of belonging. He also shares insights on the future of education, advocating for a shift towards valuing character alongside academic achievements, drawing lots of inspiration from schools like High Tech High and Expeditionary Learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Journey to XP Trust 02:07 Inspiration from High Tech High 07:00 The Concept of Crew in Education 12:21 Building Relationships Through Crew 17:15 Curriculum Integration and Expeditions 22:17 Community Engagement and Education 23:13 The Importance of Local Context in Education 24:34 Empowering Working-Class Voices 26:14 Dignity and Identity in Education 28:51 Inspiring Change Makers 30:57 Navigating Compliance and Creativity in Education 34:36 Inevitability of Change in Education 38:02 Humility and Impact in Educational Leadership 40:23 Quickfire Questions and Reflections Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Join the WhatsApp Community [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c] Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com] Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26]