Episode 05: Schools Focussing on Academia is a Modern Fad
Release Date: 02/18/2021
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Episode 22: Let's Talk About Succession - Not the Netflix Show
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at the International Education Podcast,' hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald explore the complexities of succession planning in international education. They discuss the significance of strategic succession to ensure the continuity of a school’s mission and vision amid rapid changes. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing internal candidates through professional development and the role of AI in modernizing education while emphasizing the ever-important human connection. They also touch on the...
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Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges.” A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within...
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Episode 20: Making Schools More Relational
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Compliance-based approaches in education have not worked so we need a more relational focus.” A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at?', hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educational consultant, Sue Chandler. With over 30 years of experience, Sue discusses her pivotal career moments and the importance of integrating wellbeing into school systems. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of moving from compliance-based approaches to a more relational focus in education, addressing both...
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Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change.” A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He...
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Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this podcast episode of "Where's Your Head At", Dr. Ellen Heyting, an experienced educator and researcher from Melbourne Metrics, discusses the critical challenges in international education, focusing on the need to transform assessment systems and prioritize student agency. She argues that current high-stakes examination models are restrictive, causing mental health issues and limiting students' potential, and advocates for a more holistic approach that recognizes broader competencies and empowers students as producers of their own learning. Currently, Ellen is spearheading...
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Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success. We hope you...
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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