The Renaissance Space Podcast

Please Note: this episode is an edit of a live webinar and therefore will contain references to images and other resources throughout the episode. If you wish to enquire about any referenced resources, please email support@renlearn.co.ukMichelle Thomas Director of Education will share how the School of Research Science in Dubai has transformed its reading culture.  With a predominantly Emiratis intake, the school has established reading as the foundation to the development of the children’s language, vocabulary and mindset.  Engaging teachers from all departments to ensure that the culture of reading was embedded across the curriculum was essential and her insight into that journey is a fascinating story.  So whether you are aged 3 or 18 if you attend her school literacy will be at the centre of your learning.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Renaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

You're listening to the fourth series of the Renaissance Space podcast entitled 'Reading - more than just words on a page'. In the second episode of the series, 'The ATOS Level', Margaret chats with children's author and ex-teacher, Matt Beighton. They discuss the benefits of using ATOS from Renaissance to level any book. The ATOS leveller provides an accurate level for almost any book allowing the teacher or child to see if the book is at an appropriate level for reading based on the reader's unique reading ability. You can find a link to the Renaissance ATOS leveller here: https://www.renlearn.co.uk/accelerated-reader/atos/ Matt also discusses his upcoming book aimed at teachers in the episode called 'Write it, Level it, Teach it'. The book focuses on saving teacher workload and how to provide ability-appropriate content for every pupil. Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Renaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To kick off our new series entitled, 'Reading - More Than Just Words on a Page', Margaret chats with the Assistant Headteacher of Tor Bridge Primary School in Plymouth. They discuss how a combination of whole-class reading and reading ed-tech resources have transformed their school.Olivia discusses how a simple change in strategy with reading practice and the right reading resource results in the perfect combination. She explains how this dream combination has resulted in accelerated levels of reading engagement and proficiency. In addition, she outlines how the improved reading culture has provided teachers with a better understanding of pupils' development with reading.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Renaissance LearningHome of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Renaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In the final episode of our EdTech Focus series, James speaks to Heather Howard, Assistant Lead of English, Key Stage 3 coordinator & Literacy Coordinator at GEMS Wellington Academy, Dubai.Heather discusses how EdTech solutions at her school help keep students on track and focus on their targets. She discusses the different strategies that her staff can put into action thanks to varied and accurate data of her EdTech solutions.As Assistant Lead of English and Literacy Coordinator, Heather explains why reading is at the heart of her school's culture by ensuring that all students transition from Key-Stage 3 with strong reading and literacy comprehension skills to give them the best opportunities for their future success.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Renaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this week's episode in our EdTech Focus series, Margaret speaks to Joe Neale, the trust-wide English lead and Karen Bolland, the Assessment & Data Manager for Schoolsworks Academy Trust. Both guests discuss how EdTech solutions have provided a platform for staff across all schools in the trust to acquire accurate and timely assessment data for all pupils.Joe discusses how EdTech solutions have enabled teachers in the classroom to acquire a comprehensive outline of each student's current growth rate with literacy. In contrast, Karen discusses the ease of data management and report distribution across all schools, thanks to their existing EdTech solutions. Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.com

In the second episode of our new series, EdTech Focus, Margaret speaks to Teacher and  School Improvement Leader, Catherine Magee. Catherine shares how EdTech solutions have supported her and her staff to understand pupil development better while saving them valuable time. She looks at using EdTech to support staff in both Reading and Mathematics.In the episode, Catherine discusses the importance of using assessment data appropriately and efficiently in a school environment. She stresses the significance of using EdTech to reduce teacher workload, not add to it! And she recommends the top solutions that do just that.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In the first episode of our new series, EdTech Focus, James speaks to International School Librarian Jack Morris at Cranleigh School, Abu Dhabi.Jack is the Prep School Librarian and Accelerated Reader Coordinator. Cranleigh School's Prep School library is available to students from FS1 (nursery) to Year 8, and they use Renaissance products (Star Reading, Accelerated Reader and myON) with Years 3 to 8. Jack has been working with Renaissance products for the past 4 years in two different schools in Abu Dhabi. In the episode, Jack tells James about how much the school relied on EdTech strategies and solutions to ensure students remained engaged with reading during a period of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In our World Book Day special episode of our brand new series, a world of reading, Margaret speaks to school reading leads Rachel Coverdale and Georgina Sheridan. They discuss how they've supported children with maintaining reading engagement and monitoring reading development throughout remote-learning.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The first episode in our brand new series, 'A World of Reading'.Margaret Allen speaks to teacher, Reading Lead and blogger Kelly Buxton. They discuss what Kelly believes to be core to reading in a school. Her passion, interest, and knowledge are evident in her blog, Are Children Listening.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The third episode in the Covid School MiniseriesMargaret Allen speaks to researcher Dr Sarah McGeown as they discuss 'A Guide to Reading Enjoyment'. The guide covers all areas of reading enjoyment for pupils, teachers and parents.Margaret and Sarah discuss the challenges of finding motivation for some children to be enthusiastic about reading and what to expect from readers of every ability.Download your own copy of the Reading Enjoyment Guide that Sarah and Margaret have been discussing here!Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The first episode in the Covid School miniseries - Margaret Allen speaks to Joe Neale, Trust-Wide English Lead at Schoolsworks Academy Trust. Together, they discuss all things assessment, English, teaching in a covid19 environment and what can be done to support pupils in the future.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The second episode in the Covid School miniseries and our Christmas special - Margaret Allen speaks to parent and Gemma Buchanan and Assistant Headteacher Paula Trahern. In an exclusive roundtable discussion, they give their honest experiences and opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 affected their lives. From both the parent and the teacher's perspective, this unique insight highlights the courage and anxiety from both perspectives during a school year like no other.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.comRenaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The fifth episode in the Covid School MiniseriesMargaret Allen speaks to librarians Nicola Cowling and Roshan Hunt. They discuss how their respective institutions have continued to provide accessible reading materials and promote reading for pleasure throughout COVID-19 pandemic.This unique roundtable discussion looks at how teachers and librarians across the UK try to make reading an immersive experience for children and young adults.The guests consider how the modern library may not look or feel like it use to, but there are still plenty of ways to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.com

Margaret Allen speaks to headteachers Navroop Mehat and Nick Hart. They discuss how their respective schools have approached the 20/21 academic year with further school part-closures and continuous remote learning.Both guests provide a valuable insight into how they have planned and implemented their curriculum before, during and beyond remote-learning circumstances.The episode also covers the vital topic of assessment within schools and how each headteacher prioritises assessment within their respective institution.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you're listening to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Margaret and James on Twitter:@margaretcallen@JamesWillatsVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning.Enjoy the episode!Music: www.bensound.com

As James D'Souza steps into his 20th year as an educator, his story takes on a new chapter richly embroidered with data. He holds the role of Lead Practitioner and serves as the Head of Psychology, with a history of leading Sixth Form education. He strongly believes in empowering fellow teachers to kindle and sustain their passion for profoundly impacting their students. We invite you to join our close-knit community by subscribing to "The Renaissance Space" podcast on your preferred platform. Feel free to connect with us on Twitter, sharing your thoughts and sparking conversations using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpace. Stay in touch with Renaissance Learning through our official Twitter handle: @RenLearnUK For a complete experience, explore our website, where you can access all episodes of "The Renaissance Space" podcast and dive deeper into Renaissance’s educational initiatives.#RenaissanceSpace Get ready for an engaging journey with this episode. Thank you for being part of our story!Visit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning. Enjoy the episode! 

Join this conversation with Ben McGarry, Director of English for the OGAT primary academies, as he shares his experiences pitching and developing their trust-wide reading strategy and curriculum. This consistent approach across the academies allows them to pilot impactful and innovative activities which not only support student learning, but also build engagement in reading – and don’t just take their word for it, Ofsted thinks so too. An informative session for those building and refining reading curriculums and looking for inspiration. 

Join this conversation with Matt Freeston, CEO of the Learner’s Trust, as he discusses the development of their ABC model – Ambiguity, Barriers, Complexity – and how this underpins everything from curriculum, finance, people and resources. This session is a must attend for anyone looking for insights into trust leadership and for those looking to build sustainable structures for growth.

Jeffrey Boakye is an author, broadcaster and educator with a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture. Jeffrey taught English to 11- to 18-year-olds for 15 years and now provides training for schools, universities and businesses on race, identity, masculinity and education. He is also Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Manchester’s Institute for Education.Jeffrey’s published books are: Hold Tight: Black Masculinity, Millennials and the Meaning of Grime, Black Listed: Black British Culture Explored, What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter?And Other Big Questions (co-authored), Musical Truth: A Musical Journey through Modern Black Britain (winner of the Quiz Writers’ Choice Secondary Non–Fiction Award) and I Heard What You Said. Jeffrey co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s double award winning Add to Playlist. He received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Leicester in January 2023.

Margaret Allen speaks to researcher Dr Sarah McGeown discuss the challenges of finding motivation for some children to be enthusiastic about reading and what to expect from readers of every ability. Sarah is at The University of Edinburgh as a Senior Lecturer in Development Psychology, and Deputy Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Impact. Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you listen to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Renaissance Learning on Twitter:@RenLearnUKVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning. Enjoy the episode! 

Bec Richardson is an experienced Primary School teacher at Irchester Primary School – part of  Nene Valley Partnership Trust – 3 primary schools and one secondary.  Her many roles include leading Key Stage 2 and reading across the school, and within her Trust leads on writing and presentation.  At County level she is a lead moderator.Please subscribe to The Renaissance Space podcast on whichever platform you listen to.And, don't forget to leave a comment or start a conversation about any episode on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenaissanceSpaceYou can follow Renaissance Learning on Twitter:@RenLearnUKVisit our webpage to listen to every episode of The Renaissance Space podcast and learn more about Renaissance Learning. Enjoy the episode! Renaissance Learning Home of Accelerated Reader, Star Assessments and myON the digital library.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.