A podcast from the team at Impact School Improvement, bringing professional learning to help educators make an impact in their schools. Each episode features insights and strategies for school improvement. Visit impact.wales for more information.
Episodes
Episode 251: Literacy progression guidance - absolute clarity?
In this episode, Fin looks at the Welsh Government’s new Literacy Progression Guidance. Does it give the “absolute clarity” that the education minister promised?Literacy progression detail guidance link:https://www.gov.wales/literacy-progression-detail-guidanceSocial media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/109
Episode 250: The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching and Learning
Special guest host Dr Tom Breeze interviews Fin about her new book, The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching and Learning. Listen to the episode to see how you can win a copy of the book. ORDER FIN’S NEW BOOK:The Illustrated Pocket Guide to Teaching & Learning: https://amzn.to/3P9yJObAutumn workshops and events:Improving Attention Workshop – North Wales: Nov. 19th:https://app.smore.com/n/hk10my-im
Episode 249: Thinking is learning
Why is thinking so important to the learning process? Because thinking *is* learning.In this episode, Fin explains how to set up tasks in the classroom that are more likely to result in learning.Autumn workshops and events:Improving Attention Workshop – South Wales: Nov 12th, North Wales: Nov. 19th:https://app.smore.com/n/hk10my-improving-attention-workshopSocial media:Facebook page: https://www.f
Episode 248: researchED Cymru - Where do we go now?
Last week, researchED Cymru returned to Cardiff with a timely event entitled “Where Do We Go Now?”. Fin spoke at the event and in this episode she reflects on the discussions that took place about the future of education in Wales.Watch Rhys Williams’ film about Wales’s PISA results here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FSIfPjXGeEAutumn workshops and events:Self-Evaluation Workshop – North Wales:
Episode 247: Should smartphones be banned?
In this week's episode, Fin is joined by Monmouth Comprehensive head Hugo Hutchison to discuss the controversial issue of smartphones in schools. Welsh Government consultation - Developing a mobile phone policy: draft guidance for schools:https://www.gov.wales/developing-mobile-phone-policy-draft-guidance-schoolsAutumn workshops and events:Self-Evaluation Workshop – North Wales: Oct 15th:https://a
Episode 246: Is ALN out of control?
In this week's episode, Fin tackles a huge subject - additional learning needs (ALN). Following ALN reform in Wales, schools are struggling to give pupils the provision they need. Fin looks at what schools are experiencing, what the evidence tells us, and what solutions are out there.Autumn workshops and events:Self-Evaluation Workshop – South Wales: Oct. 7th, North Wales: Oct 15th:https://app.smo
Episode 245: The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan
A week after the PISA test results were released, the Welsh Government launched its Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan. In this episode, Fin goes through the detail of the plan and asks whether it will have the impact it needs on standards and outcomes.Links from this episode:Self-Evaluation Workshop – South Wales: Oct. 7th, North Wales: Oct 15th:https://app.smore.com/n/wgrxe-self-evaluation-
Episode 244: PISA - What next?
The recently released PISA test results showed Wales has fallen further behind the rest of the UK. In this episode, Fin looks at the results, what they mean for education in Wales and what needs to be done next. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialIn
Episode 243: Keeping pupils’ attention
Keeping pupils on task is a real problem for teachers. In this episode, Fin looks at how you can ensure pupils’ attention is focused on that task at hand. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/X/Twitter:
Episode 242: Getting the right level of challenge
How do you know if your pupils are getting the right level of challenge? In this episode, Fin looks at what it means to to get the right level of challenge, and what Estyn is saying about challenge in the classroom. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.soci
Special episode: Plaid’s first 100 days
In this special bonus episode, Fin looks at what Plaid Cymru claims it has achieved in its first 100 days running the Welsh Government - and whether it has made any impact on education. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.insta
Episode 241: In the news #12
Fin looks at all the news from education in Wales that you might have missed over the summer. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/X/Twitter: https://x.com/impactwalesContact:Email: enquiries@impact.wal
Summer Shorty 3 - How to write an education book
For this last Summer Shorty episode, Fin explains the process of writing an education book. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group for teachers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/X/Twitter: https://x.com/impactwalesContact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales
Summer Shorty 2 - How we decide what schools need next
For this Summer Shorty episode, Fin explains how Impact decides what schools need next. Social media:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSPRE-ORDER FIN’S NEW BOOK:The
Summer Shorty 1 - Behind the scenes at Impact Wales
In the first of our ‘Summer Shorty’ series of podcasts, Fin goes behind the scenes at Impact Wales and looks at what it takes to write a workshop. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquirie
Episode 240: What a year! 2025/2026
In the last regular episode of the academic year, Fin reflects on a huge year for Impact Wales, and looks forward to what’s to come for both the business and education in Wales.Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impac
Episode 239: Aspiration and resilience, with Alun Ebenezer
Alun Ebenezer is one of Wales’ best-known school leaders. Once dubbed the ‘head from hell’ by a tabloid newspaper, Mr Ebenezer has transformed the fortunes of Caldicot School. He talks to Fin about his career, why pupils need to be more resilient, and what he thinks about the education system in Wales. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: h
Episode 238: The disadvantage gap widens in Wales - again
In this episode, Fin dissects a recent Welsh Government report into patterns of attainment in reading and numeracy in Wales. She looks at what the data says and the questions is raises. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.
Episode 237: Anna Brychan interview
Anna Brychan is the new Minister for Education and the Welsh Language in the Plaid Cymru led Welsh Government. She joins Fin to talk about her new role and Plaid’s education policies, as well as answering your questions. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social
Episode 236: The scaffolding effect, with Rachel Ball
In this episode, Fin is joined by educator and author Rachel Ball.They discuss her book 'The Scaffolding Effect' (co-authored with Alex Fairlamb) and explore how teachers can use scaffolding and adaptive teaching to support pupils to successfully progress.The Scaffolding Effect, by Alex Fairlamb and Rachel Ball: https://amzn.to/4v2rRlmSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwa
Episode 235: Estyn’s 10 year record
Estyn is the final arbitrator of self-evaluation and quality in Wales’s schools, especially at primary level. But how much influence does the inspectorate have on outcomes, and is the inspection process working? In this episode, Fin delves into Estyn’s record over the last decade. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.co
Episode 234: Why isn’t the disadvantage gap closing in Wales?
The disadvantage gap in education is persistent and deeply damaging to educational outcomes. In this episode, Finola asks: Why is the gap not closing in Wales?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Ema
Episode 233: Executive Functions, with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle
Fin is joined by Organized Binder creator Mitch Weathers and first grade teacher Sarah Oberle to discuss their new book - Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom. To order their book, visit:Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/executive-functions-for-every-k-3-classroom/book298245https://amzn.to/3PyGtcASocia
Special episode: Wales’s new education minister
Wales has a new Cabinet Minister for Education - Anna Brychan. In this bonus episode, Fin looks at Ms Brychan’s record in education and the challenges she faces in her new role. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impa
Episode 232: Post-election fallout - what happens now?
After the Senedd election Wales has a new government led by Plaid Cymru. But what will this mean for education policy? Fin is joined by Tom Breeze from the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to discuss the post-election fallout. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsk
Episode 231: All about forgetting
It’s frustrating when your pupils have forgotten what you’ve taught them - but actually, forgetting is an essential part of the learning process. Fin explains why forgetting is not a villain, but a superhero. Podcasts mentioned in this episode:Episode 142: All About Cognitive Loadhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-impact-podcast/id1510281754?i=1000641932388Episode 223: Reading; Why Wales Fa
Episode 230: Are your pupils paying attention?
Getting pupils to pay attention in class is difficult, but it seems attention spans are getting shorter. In this episode, Fin explains the problem and what you can do about it. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impac
Senedd election special episode 7: The debrief
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this final episode, Fin and Tom are joined by Dr Gareth Evans of UWTSD to discuss and dissect the policies shared by the candidates.PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Tom BreezeProd
Episode 229: Quality assuring assessment, with St Richard Gwyn
Impact Wales has worked with senior staff at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School on quality assuring assessment. In this episode, Fin speaks to assistant head teachers Matt Davies and Louise Walsh about the impact the work has made. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwale
Senedd election special episode 6: Reform UK
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we explain how we attempted to speak to a Reform UK candidate. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.
Episode 228: Is Estyn expert or novice?
This podcast is all about Estyn - is the inspectorate actually making a difference to education in Wales? Fin looks at the evidence. Read Fin’s recent blogs about Estyn here:Part 1 - https://www.impact.wales/news/why-estyn-isnt-helping-schools-in-wales-to-improve-part-1/Part 2 - https://www.impact.wales/news/why-estyn-isnt-helping-schools-in-wales-to-improve-part-2/Social media:* Facebook page: ht
Senedd election special episode 5: Plaid Cymru
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we speak to Cefin Campbell of Plaid Cymru. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Sh
Senedd election special episode 4: Welsh Liberal Democrats
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we speak to Jane Dodds of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMus
Senedd election special episode 3: Welsh Labour
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we speak to Lynne Neagle of Welsh Labour. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shu
Episode 227: Why pupils don’t act on feedback
Feedback is one of the most common requests for support we receive from schools. Teachers often ask: “How can we make sure pupils really act on feedback?” In this episode, Fin explains how. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instag
Senedd election special episode 2: Wales Green Party
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we speak to Angela Karadog of the Wales Green Party. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic
Senedd election special episode 1: Welsh Conservatives
With the Senedd elections taking place in May, the Impact Podcast has teamed up with the Emma and Tom Talk Teaching podcast to interview candidates from the six main political parties about their education policies. In this episode, we speak to Natasha Asghar of the Welsh Conservatives. PRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson, Jane Miller and Tom BreezeProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMus
Episode 226: What happens when a school rethinks learning
Fin speaks to special guest Pam Potter, a teacher at Neyland Community School. Together they discuss what happens when a school rethinks learning.Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries
Episode 225: Two schools’ improvement journeys
Fin discusses the work Impact has done with two very different schools - Neyland Primary in Wales and Hyndland Secondary in Scotland - and the impact it has had on teaching and learning.Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.
Episode 224: Self evaluation - a tool that works
Delving into the details of the annual report by Estyn’s Chief Inspector, Fin explains why self-evaluation is critical to improving teaching and learning. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email:
Episode 223: Reading - why Wales fails
Returning to the topic of reading, Fin and Jane discuss recent developments that highlight why Wales is still failing when it comes to this crucial element of education. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/
Episode 222: Improving teaching practice, with Larbert High School
Jane and Finola are joined by Kate Couper and Jack Rennie-Evans, teachers from Larbert High School in Scotland. They discuss the work Impact did with Larbert helping teachers take ownership of their own teaching practice, and the impact it has had on pupils. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/10996466607139
Episode 221: Teachers and Senedd elections
With four months to go until Wales takes to the polls, Fin and Jane discuss what teachers need to know about the Senedd elections. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales T
Episode 220: Retrieval practice - fidelity over form
Fin and Jane return to the subject of retrieval practice. Many schools say they are doing it, but how is it actually being done? In this episode they discuss the purpose of retrieval practice and how to do it properly. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social*
Episode 219: What to do about cognitive load
Jane and Fin return to one of the most popular topics they’ve discussed on this podcast - cognitive load theory. This time they look at it from a teaching perspective and what teachers are experiencing in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social*
Episode 218: Which country’s curriculum is best?
Happy New Year! In the first episode of 2026, Fin and Jane discuss a report that compares education systems around the world and ask - which country’s curriculum is best?Read the summary report here: 5d3f2a_3b223b7d69ea4ad78c49bb5a3df905bf.pdf https://share.google/IBBDEFLNvboXao2cNSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.co
Episode 217: Our year in schools
In the last episode of 2025, Fin and Jane look back over the last twelve months and discuss some of the schools they’ve worked with. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and we’ll be back in 2026!Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://w
Episode 216: Vocabulary, with Alison Williamson
Jane and Fin are joined by Alison Williamson, a teacher and professional learning lead at Llanvihangel and Llanfoist primary schools in Abergavenny. Together they talk through vocabulary development and teaching and attempt to answer a question Alison posed at a recent education conference. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.f
Episode 215: The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy
Fin and Jane discuss the publication of Fin’s new book, The Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy: A Toolkit for Research-Informed Teaching. Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/4lsupnbSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impa
Episode 214: Executive functions, with Mitch Weathers
In this episode Fin and Jane are joined by a special guest from the US - Mitch Weathers, teacher and founder of Organized Binder - with whom they discuss executive functions and how they work in the classroom. Mitch’s books and resources:Book 1: UK book purchases individual and bulk - https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/executive-functions-for-every-classroom-grades-3-12/book286612Book 1: North Ameri
Episode 213: In the news #11
In this episode Jane and Fin discuss some of the latest education news and announcements from the Welsh Government, and ask - are we getting the political leadership we need and deserve in Wales? Take a look at the Impact Wales Education manifesto here: https://www.impact.wales/manifesto/Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.face
Episode 212: Barriers to learning #3: Low-level disruption
In the latest in a series looking at barriers to learning, Jane and Fin discuss low-level disruption. What does it look like, what causes it, and what can you do about it?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales
Episode 211: “Why I quit.” Literacy expert speaks out
Last week, literacy expert Elizabeth Nonweiler quit the Welsh Government’s expert literacy panel, calling it ‘not fit for purpose’. In this episode, she speaks to Fin and Jane about why she quit and what she thinks about the government’s plans for reading. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906
Episode 210: In the news #10, with Rob Randel
Fin takes a look at the latest Welsh Government announcements and speaks to special guest Rob Randel about developments in reading. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales
Episode 209: Questioning for learning
In this episode Fin and Jane return to a popular topic - questioning. They take a detailed look at how to use questions in the classroom, including lots of worked examples. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwal
Episode 208: Barriers to learning #2: Pupils don’t learn what they’re taught
In the second part of a new series looking at barriers to learning, Jane and Finola discuss what you can do if you’ve taught something, but your pupils aren’t learning it. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwale
Episode 207: Positive change, with Innes Robinson
In this episode, Fin and Jane are joined by Innes Robinson, executive headteacher of Pencoedtre and Whitmore High Schools in Barry. They discuss his career and how he has helped turn around challenging schools. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagra
Episode 206: Barriers to learning #1: Passive learners
In this episode, Fin and Jane launch a new series exploring barriers to learning. They start by discussing passive learners. We’re delivering a workshop at the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Cymru Conference – 27th September – St Peter’s School Cardiff. Get tickets here: The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM | EventbriteSocial media:*
Episode 205: Raising maths attainment, with Kieran Mackle & Estyn
In this episode, Jane and Fin speak to teacher and author Kieran Mackle about raising maths attainment, and discuss a recent Estyn report into mathematics teaching. We’re delivering a workshop at the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Cymru Conference – 27th September – St Peter’s School Cardiff. Get tickets here: The Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 20
Episode 204: Helping struggling readers
Reading ability among pupils is one of the biggest indicators of future success. In this episode Fin and Jane discuss how teachers can support struggling pupils improve their reading. How can you use challenging texts with pupils without switching them off?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906
Episode 203: The NI curriculum review, with Lucy Crehan
In this episode, Jane and Fin are joined by international education expert Lucy Crehan. They discuss Lucy’s recent work on the review of Northern Ireland’s curriculum. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Co
Episode 202: In the news #9
In the first episode of the 2025/26 academic year, Fin and Jane discuss some of the education news and announcements you might have missed over the summer.Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email:
Episode 201: Ten years of Impact
Impact Wales is ten years old! To celebrate a decade of supporting schools and teachers, Fin and Jane share the story behind the business and some of their highlights from the last ten years. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.inst
Episode 200: Compliance or empowerment?
When does consistency in teaching become compliance? In this episode, Jane and Fin discuss consistency, compliance and empowerment in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquir
Episode 199: Revisiting the learning trajectory, with Jared Cooney Horvath
Back in 2021 Fin and Jane spoke to neuroscientist and educator Dr Jared Cooney Horvath about how learning happens. Since then there’s been an explosion of interest in this topic among teachers, so in this episode they are revisiting the conversation. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Blu
Episode 198: We need to talk about oracy
Oracy is a vital skill for learning, but its value is not always fully appreciated. That’s why, in this episode, Fin and Jane are talking about oracy, why it’s important and how teachers can improve it in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social*
Episode 197: Estyn’s recommendations 2024-2025 - Part 2
In this second part of Jane and Fin’s look at Estyn recommendations, they discuss the inspectorate’s interim letters to schools. These letters give more information about what schools are doing and how they are meeting specific recommendations. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky:
Episode 196: Estyn recommendations 2024-2025 - Part 1
In this first of two episodes, Fin and Jane look at some of Estyn’s recent recommendations to schools. What are inspectors telling schools they must work on and what are schools doing as a result?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.
A quick message…
A quick message to explain why there’s no podcast this week. Fin and Jane will be back next week, but until then, why not delve into our back catalogue of episodes?Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contac
Episode 195: Return to the middle tier review
In this episode Fin and Jane return to the topic of the middle tier and look at how schools are being supported to improve. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029
Episode 194: Senedd elections and education policies
With a year to go until the Senedd elections, Fin and Jane set out the five key education issues in Wales and look at what each of the main political parties has said about them. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imp
Episode 193: How to teach more words
Having a wide vocabulary at a young age is an early indicator of later academic success. In this episode, Jane and Fin discuss how broadening pupils’ vocabulary can have an impact in the classroom, and on the outcomes of disadvantaged pupils in particular. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906
Episode 192: The things we still can’t say
For five years, the Impact podcast has been saying things about education in Wales that others won’t, or can’t - truths that others can’t admit and opinions that others wouldn’t dare to share.In this episode, Fin and Jane discuss some of the things that still can’t be said. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/group
Episode 191: The expertise reversal effect
The expertise reversal effect suggests that teaching methods that work with pupils with little prior knowledge may be less effective for those with more knowledge. In this episode, Jane and Finola discuss what the effect is and how it impacts learning as well as sharing some examples. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.faceboo
Episode 190: Closing the disadvantage gap, with Finola Wilson
Fin’s new book - Closing the Disadvantage Gap in Schools: A Visual Workbook - is being published later this month. In this episode she speaks to Jane about the book and four practical ideas to close the gap that teachers can use in the classroom. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky
Episode 189: How to teach reading, with Jolly Phonics
It’s one of the most important things a teacher needs to know, but often one of the most difficult to do - teaching reading. In this episode Fin and Jane are joined by Sue Lloyd and Sara Wernham of Jolly Phonics to discuss how to teach reading. LINKSFREE webinar: Closing the Disadvantage Gap, April 9th, 4pm-4:45pmBook tickets hereSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales12
Episode 188: Estyn’s view of reading
The teaching of early reading in Wales has been a hot topic recently. In this episode, Jane and Fin discuss the evidence Estyn Chief Inspector Owen Evans gave to a Senedd committee on this subject. The second part of this podcast will be available exclusively on our private Facebook group for teachers and leaders in Wales - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/LINKSFREE webinar: Closin
Episode 187: Retrieval practice
Retrieval practice is the act of trying to recall previously learned information. In this episode, Jane and Fin discuss how it works and how you can use it in your classroom effectively. LINKSFREE webinar: Closing the Disadvantage Gap, April 9th, 4pm-4:45pmBook tickets hereSocial media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups
Episode 186: Making Change Stick, with Dr James Mannion
Fin and Jane are joined by educator Dr James Mannion, author of Making Change Stick: A Practical Guide to Implementing School Improvement. They discuss the challenges of implementing change in the classroom.LINKSSpring workshop:* Closing the disadvantage Gap – April 2ndSign up here: Impact Wales Workshops Spring 2025Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Fac
Episode 185: Money really matters to schools
The Welsh Government recently published a review of the school funding formula. In this episode, Jane and Finola discuss where school funding in Wales comes from, how it’s distributed and how it’s spent. LINKSSpring workshop:* Closing the disadvantage Gap – April 2ndSign up here: Impact Wales Workshops Spring 2025Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebo
