Episode 05: Schools Focussing on Academia is a Modern Fad
Release Date: 02/18/2021
Episode 32: Sanctuaries for Thinking: Human Formation and the Future of Education
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
Episode Summary: In this episode of Where's Your Head At?, hosts Richard Henry and James Macdonald speak with researcher, author, and speaker Dr. Simon Breakspear about translating complex educational literature into actionable, real-world tools for school leaders. The discussion covers the necessity of subtractive change—or "pruning"—in additive school environments, efficient monitoring processes, and how mid-level leaders drive classroom progress. Additionally, Dr. Breakspear shares his perspectives on balancing technology and AI with core human formation, navigating changing social...
info_outline
Episode 31: The Early Years Advantage: What School Leaders are Missing
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald sit down with the highly experienced early years specialist and safeguarding leader, Kate Beith. Together, they explore the current landscapes and future horizons of schooling, diving into what educators are getting right, where the system is still struggling, and how leadership must evolve. From personal "who luck" moments to actionable advice for school leaders, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about conversations today about early years education tomorrow. Bio: Kate is a...
info_outline
Episode 30: Navigating Parent Partnerships
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode of "Where's Your Head At?", the hosts delve into the complexities of parent-school relationships within the international education context. They discuss strategies for managing challenging interactions with parents, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and professionalism. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. Key Topics Discussed: The emotional dynamics involved when parents express concerns about their children’s education. The distinction between...
info_outline
Episode 29: Education for Being, Not Just Becoming.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: The hosts of "Where's Your Head At?" engage in a deep and philosophical conversation with Stuart MacAlpine, an experienced international educator and consultant. The discussion moves quickly from Stuart's diverse background, including his time at the Lego Foundation and Green School New Zealand, to profound questions about the current state and future of international education. Stuart challenges the traditional definitions of "international" schools and explores post-humanist ideas, suggesting a shift from a focus on "becoming" to a focus on "being" and "staying with the...
info_outline
Episode 28: Education as a Lifeline: The High School for Refugee Youth
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald speak with Polly Akhurst, the co-founder and co-executive director of Amala Education. Polly shares her journey from attending United World College Atlantic to launching a social innovation organization that has transformed the lives of over 7,000 refugee youth. The conversation explores the necessity of alternative education models, the development of the first-ever accredited high school diploma for refugees, and the future of global education. Bio: Polly Akhurst is the Co-founder and Co-Executive...
info_outline
Episode 27: The Future of Independent Schools: Business Strategy Meets Educational Mission
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this engaging conversation, Peter shares his transformative journey from struggling middle school student to independent school leadership expert. He discusses the critical business challenges facing independent schools in the United States, the widening financial gap between revenue and operational costs, and why traditional leadership training hasn't prepared heads of school for the entrepreneurial demands of their roles. Bio: Peter has spent the past 20+ years serving independent schools, including five years as the Chief Member Relations Officer at the Enrollment...
info_outline
Episode 26: Wisdom: The Construct AI Cannot Touch
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Nicholas Alchin is a passionate educator who has worked in holistic, values-driven schools since 1995. He currently oversees strategy, education, and operations for approximately 6,000 students at UWCSEA. In this episode, Nick shares his extensive background in education—including teaching the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and his previous varied careers. Nick offers his philosophical views on the state of international schooling. He discusses the importance of human qualities and broad skills in student development, the ongoing struggle with achievement pressure and...
info_outline
Episode 25: The Power of Reflection: Celebrating 25 Episodes of Where’s Your Head At
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Welcome to a special milestone episode of "Where’s Your Head at – The International Education Podcast." In this 25th episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald turn the spotlight on themselves, reflecting on the journey so far and the most impactful moments from their conversations with educational leaders and trailblazers around the world. In this episode: The hosts revisit standout guests and episodes, including insights from Bambi Betts on the barriers to change in international schools, Jane Larson’s powerful communication, and Fidelis Ntenge’s...
info_outline
Episode 24: From Classroom to Boardroom: The Changing Face of School Leadership
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: This episode dives into the evolving role of international school heads, following up on previous research from Dr. Alan Morrison about the tenure and competencies of school leaders. The hosts reflect on board-head relationships, business and operational skills, and the unique challenges of leadership in international schools. Through comparing job descriptions and sharing stories, they highlight what it takes to thrive as a head of school—including bridging the gap between educational and business leadership, fostering trust, and navigating complex community dynamics. We...
info_outline
Episode 23: What factors affect the tenure of school leaders?
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: This episode of “Where’s Your Head At?” features Dr. Allan Morrison, an experienced educator and researcher, discussing his extensive research on the tenure and challenges of international school heads. We explore Dr. Morrison’s career path, including his teaching and leadership experiences in various countries. Dr. Morrison shares highlights from his doctoral research, revealing that the average tenure of international school heads is gradually increasing, with factors such as school type (not-for-profit vs. for-profit), location, board governance, and personal...
info_outlineA Quick Summary
In this show, the “Where’s Your Head At?” hosts talk with Tony Little about how he started his career in education, his advice for leaders and whether the past or future is a better time to live in. Tony’s rich experience at Eton College is discussed along with the concept that “leaders must work from the heart”. You will also hear Tony’s insightful thoughts on what will be important in education in the next 20 years.
Show notes
In this episode…
Introduction of Tony Little (2.45)
What is Tony doing today? (4.50)
How did Tony get into education? (7.30)
What was the genesis of Tony’s first book? (8.20)
What is key for a good leader? (11.10)
What made Eton special and what is the ‘game changer’ in education today? (12.20)
Can we substitute teachers with tech? (15.20)
Advice for school leaders today (17.30)
How do we get the balance right? (18.50)
Where would Tony prefer to live...in the past or the future? (20.30)
Leaders must carve out time for themselves (23.20)
What were the key lessons Tony witnessed in his career? (24.20)
How to contact Tony (27.30)
Bio
Tony Little
Tony Little spent seven years as housemaster of Brentwood School, seven years as the headmaster of Chigwell School, six years as headmaster of Oakham School and 13 years as Head Master of Eton College. From 2015-18 he was Chief Education Officer of GEMS Education responsible for ensuring the quality of education across the global chain. From September 2018 he became President of the World Leading Schools Association, Shanghai Academy, developing a new generation of not-for-profit, needs-blind high schools in China. He also became Chair of the Laurus Trust, a multi-academy trust operating in the Manchester area. Since September 2020 he is the Chair of Governors at London Academy of Excellence, Stratford. Also the author of two books: An Intelligent Person's Guide to Education, and "Adolescence - How to Survive It",
Tony Little was educated at Eton College in Berkshire where he was a music scholar, and at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar and gained an upper second class honours degree in English language and literature. He received a Master of Arts in English as well as Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Distinction) at Homerton College, Cambridge
Link
- Tony’s Email Address: tonyrlittle@icloud.com