#310 From Reading to Robotics: Transforming Assessment at Bett
The Edtech Podcast
We begin this episode with Andrew from the National Literacy Trust, who unveils the "National Year of Reading" campaign in response to a sharp decline in reading enjoyment among children. Andrew argues that in an AI-first world, literacy is more vital than ever, and shares how connecting texts to students' passions from gaming to sports can rekindle their "reader identity." Next, Connor Gaitley from Edmentum shifts the focus to "career-connected learning." Connor discusses how tools like Major Clarity are helping students explore diverse future pathways whether university or apprenticeships...
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#309 Bett UK 2026: Bringing Joy to Digital Assessment
The Edtech Podcast
We open this episode with Vicky Merrick, who shares insights from her groundbreaking pilot projects on collaborative assessment. Vicky explains how "comparative judgment" is revolutionizing subjective subjects like Art and Music, allowing teachers to achieve high statistical reliability by comparing student work rather than deciphering complex rubrics. Following Vicky, Mark House from RM broadens the discussion to the "global conundrum" of assessment in the age of AI. Mark argues that we must "measure what we treasure" rather than letting technology dictate values, emphasizing the importance...
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#308 LEGO at Bett UK: Safe AI for Classrooms
The Edtech Podcast
Live from the energy of Day 2 at Bett UK, we sit down with Andrew Slawinski, Lead of Product Development for LEGO Education, to discuss how they are empowering teachers to become "superheroes" every week. The conversation centers on the launch of LEGO Education Computer Science and AI, where Andrew passionately advocates for moving past the "hype" of chatbots. Instead, LEGO is focused on teaching the fundamentals of AI such as probability, bias, and machine representation demystifying the technology so students see it not as "magic," but as a tool they can take apart, understand, and build...
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#307 AI, Wellbeing, and Inclusion at Bett UK 2026
The Edtech Podcast
We kick off this special episode with Lord Jim Knight, who shares his powerful perspective on the "moral panic" surrounding technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, Lord Knight advocates for a more nuanced approach balancing safety with agency and explores how AI can revolutionize assessment through methods like the "viva" to support lifelong learning and inclusion. Next, we sit down with Jez and Jon from YouHQ to discuss their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform used in nearly 200 schools globally. They reveal how their tool has evolved...
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#306 Google at Bett: Gemini 3.0 Transforms Education
The Edtech Podcast
Live from the floor of Bett UK 2026, we sit down with Shantanu, who leads product and engineering for Google for Education, to discuss how AI is moving from "promise to practice" in classrooms worldwide. Shantanu reveals how Google is prioritizing educator control and student data privacy while rolling out powerful tools like Gemini 3.0, which is now accessible for free to education institutions. From the "LearnLM" initiative that fine-tunes models with learning science to new features in Google Classroom that can turn content into audio lessons, we explore how technology is being designed to...
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#305 Bett UK 2026 : Inclusion, Real Schools, Practical Impact
The Edtech Podcast
Live from the bustling floor of BETT UK 2026, this special episode weaves together three distinct perspectives on nurturing student potential. We kick off with Kerry Weston from the world-renowned BRIT School, who shares how they are "wedging in" digital innovation alongside traditional arts. Kerry discusses the ethical collision of AI and creativity, the concept of "vibe coding," and why human connection remains the unshakeable core of their curriculum. Next, we are joined by Joanna Gibbs, founder of SENsational Tutors, Ltd. Joanna takes us through her diverse journey from supporting...
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#304 Going Viral, with Dan Fitzpatrick
The Edtech Podcast
Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers. In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Dan Fitzpatrick about his journey from teacher and education leader to becoming one of the most influential global voices on AI in education. The conversation explores how the emergence of ChatGPT became a...
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#303 Al Kingsley: the awkward questions in education
The Edtech Podcast
Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers. In this episode, Philippa has a conversation with Al Kingsley to explore those tensions head-on, from what truly defines a good school to why curiosity, human skills, and equitable access to technology matter more than ever. Together, they unpack the...
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#302 The Secret Sauce: Why Children Still Need Humans in a Digital World
The Edtech Podcast
In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell and Rob Hughes, co-founder of Tandem, explore a revolutionary approach to screen time that challenges the narrative of “parenting guilt” and passive consumption. Rob explains how Tandem leverages generative AI not to replace parents, but to act as a “tech for two” bridge that sparks creativity, co-creation, and shared reading moments. The conversation also addresses complex emotional challenges such as hospital visits and family separation. As they delve into the ethics of AI guardrails and the crucial difference between a “digital pacifier” and...
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#301 A policy perspective on AI and equity: a fireside chat with Alina Sava
The Edtech Podcast
In this episode, our host Philippa Wraithmell is in conversation with Alina Sava, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, discussing Alina’s journey in education and the transformative role of AI in the sector. She emphasizes the importance of equity in education, the necessity of lifelong learning, and the evolving curriculum that incorporates critical thinking. Alina highlights the need for governments to create frameworks for AI integration while ensuring that teachers remain central to the learning process. The discussion also touches on the potential digital divide in AI access...
info_outlineIf you’ve ever felt that education is changing faster than the systems meant to support you, this podcast gives you a clearer and more human way to understand that shift. You’ll explore how inclusion, data literacy, AI and school culture can be viewed through a lens that actually reflects real lived experiences. In this episode you join Dr Nicole Ponsford, a former teacher turned researcher and founder of a platform built on more than twenty six thousand voices from schools around the world. Her work challenges long standing assumptions about data, belonging and leadership in ways that might change how you see your own role in education.
Each conversation is designed to give you insights you can apply directly, whether you’re an educator, school leader, policymaker or edtech professional looking to create real impact. With expert interviews and grounded perspectives, the podcast helps you cut through buzzwords and understand what truly drives meaningful change in schools. Follow the show to stay close to ideas and discussions that can shape the way you lead, teach and contribute to the future of learning.
Before you dive in, make sure not to miss the key developments connected to this conversation. These show how the ideas discussed in this episode are already creating real momentum beyond the conversation itself.
- BETT 2026 Finalist Announcement
We’re thrilled to share that the Global Equality Collective (GEC) has been named a finalist for the BETT 2026 Transformational Impact Award! - Sky News Feature
GEC recently appeared on Sky News discussing the launch of the second edition of the Inclusion Index.
Watch the short clip here: YouTube Short
Read more: Sky News Article - Exclusive Offer for School Leaders
School and trust leaders can access an exclusive 10% launch discount on the GEC Platform.
Simply email hello@thegec.education and use the code EDTECHPODCAST10 before the end of November.
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