Welcome to 'Education: Joining the Dots' - the podcast from GL Assessment (known as GL Education internationally), a Renaissance company. Each episode features guests from across the world of education, jargon-busting explainers on key assessment terms, and conversations with schools like yours across the globe.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
Putting literacy and assessment at the heart of student transition
Tallyia Charalambous and Graham Findlay discuss placing literacy and assessment centrally in student transitions, highlighting the importance of language diversity and reading.
14 Mar 2025
Lost for Words – how children struggle to participate when they can't articulate
In our latest episode we join the dots on the growing issue of speech and language challenges among UK primary and secondary school children, highlighting key findings from our YouGov survey of over 1,000 teachers. For our discussion, we're joined by Rachael Symons, Reading and Primary English Lead at Cabot Learning Federation. Her previous experience includes leading MFL in secondary schools and working across a range of primary schools. Rachael currently supports literacy development in 35 ...
15 Jan 2025
Intentional SEND Leadership - a UK and international perspective
In our first episode of 2025, we're joining the dots on the prevalent topic of inclusion and leadership. Our special guests for this discussion are David Bartram OBE, Director of Prescient Education, and Berna Bouwer, Corporate Head of Inclusion at GEMS Education.David has been a SEND policy adviser to the Department for Education, adviser to the Mayor of London’s education team and Director of SEND at the London Leadership Strategy. He is also author of the SEND Review Guide, editor of 'Grea...
12 Nov 2024
The value of standardised assessments – top tips on how to utilise school data
Education expert Becky St. John shares top tips on utilising school data to improve outcomes through effective standardised assessments and best practices for data management.
12 Sept 2024
Mastering maths assessment - getting the right support to the right students
In our first episode of the new academic year, we join the dots on the key topic of mathematics and hear from listeners sharing the challenges they're currently facing in school around the delivery of this core subject.Our Data Spotlight explains our brand new assessment, the New Group Maths Test (NGMT). We discuss this and more with our Assessment Specialist for Numeracy & Mathematics, Andy Small, who previously spent nearly 16 years as a maths specialist teaching in both Primary and Ind...
12 Jul 2024
Teacher wellbeing - a headteacher and ECT perspective
In our final episode of this academic year, we're focusing on the important topic of staff wellbeing in schools - reflecting on the results of the UK TES School Wellbeing Report 2024.
We're joined for our discussion by two very special guests - Kathryn Wilson, Headteacher at Randwick CofE Primary School, and Jordan Connell, Teacher of Food Preparation, Nutrition and Design Technology from Hampton Gardens Secondary School.
We also kick-off our brand new "Heard it in the staffroom" segment with contributions from several listeners, who share with us how they are planning to unwind over the summer holidays - plus the mottos they are taking forward into the new school year.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Please take a few minutes to give us your valuable feedback on the podcast: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GL_podcast
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
13 Jun 2024
The removal of KS1 SATs - building a fair picture of attainment
Our special guest for this episode is Jonathan Bishop, CEO of Cornerstone Academy Trust in Exeter - which currently has four schools within it's partnership. We join the dots on the key topic of attainment and discuss how their Trust has addressed the end of mandatory Key Stage 1 SATs testing in the UK.
Our Data Spotlight focuses on the Progress Test Series, which measures attainment in English, maths and science. We also hear from Calum Whitfield, Teacher of Maths and Head of Academic Data at Haileybury College in Hertford, with their "lightbulb moment" from using the Progress Test in Maths with one of their struggling learners.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
14 May 2024
Turning the page - tackling the myths and assumptions on reading in schools
In our latest episode we discuss the myths and assumptions on reading in schools. Our special guests are Richard Slade, Executive Headteacher, and Alicia Whytock, Head of School at Plumcroft Primary School in London.
Our regular Data Spotlight feature explains myON, a cross-curricular teaching and learning tool from Renaissance which helps students acquire the essential skills to become fluent readers.
We also hear from Louise Quinn, Director of Research School at North East Learning Trust, who shares their "lightbulb moment" from using data from the New Group Reading Test with the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4).
Access the findings of our exclusive ‘Turning the page’ UK survey, which polled over 600 primary and secondary teachers to discover their attitudes to teaching reading and the issues that might impede a successful reading strategy: https://reports.gl-assessment.co.uk/turning-the-page/
Discover more about myON: https://uk.renaissance.com/products/myon/
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
12 Apr 2024
The link between SLCN and the wellbeing of learners
In our latest episode we join the dots on the link between speech, language and communication needs, and wellbeing. For our discussion we’re joined by Katy Mullin, a Speech and Language Therapist at Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, and Nicky Martin, a Senior Inclusion Consultant at North Star Inclusion Advisory Team, Walsall.
Our regular Data Spotlight feature focusses on WellComm, our speech and language toolkit. Also, sharing their "lightbulb moments" from their use of assessments this episode are Emily Humphrey, EMA Teaching & Learning Advisor at Rochdale Borough Council, and Marsha Davis, Head of Learning Support at St. Martin’s School, Northwood.
Found out more about WellComm Digital: https://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/go/wellcomm-digital (https://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/go/wellcomm-digital)
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
12 Mar 2024
Assessment formation - the process of developing standardised tests
In our latest episode we're joining the dots on the development of standardised tests - providing an insight into the complexities of the process, why it might take longer than you think, and how important it is that schools take part in our trials. Our Head of Research, Bernadetta Brzyska, discusses this and more with our Assessment Project Manager, Thomas Hooley.
In our Data Spotlight feature we explain Standard Age Scores (SAS) - one of the most frequently used measures in our assessments. We also hear from Jonathan Bishop, CEO of Cornerstone Academy Trust in Exeter, who shares their "lightbulb moment" when using the Progress Tests in English, Maths and Science to track the progress of learners over time.
To sign up for our product trials, please email us at: product.trialling@gl-assessment.co.uk
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
12 Feb 2024
The Whole Pupil View - fully understanding your learners through data triangulation
In our latest episode we're joining the dots on the Whole Pupil View - a model that explains how data triangulation is key in helping educators fully understand their learners. We discuss this and more with our special guest Laura Stansfield, Primary Group Curriculum Assessment Coordinator at the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Our regular Data Spotlight feature shines a light on the power of data triangulation. We also hear from John Law, Assistant Headteacher at Kingsdown School in Swindon, who shares his "lightbulb moment" in better understanding their learners' data following his Assessment Insights consultation.
Access our free, on-demand, online Data Triangulation training, now with CPD Accreditation at: https://support.gl-assessment.co.uk/training-assessment-insights/data-triangulation/
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
11 Jan 2024
Assessment for identification - supporting your SEND learners
In our first episode of 2024 we're joining the dots on all things SEND with our special guest Gary Aubin, SEND Consultant at Whole Education. Gary has worked in settings across the UK and internationally for many years promoting the successful inclusion of learners with SEND in mainstream schools.
In our regular Data Spotlight feature, we explain the role of assessment in supporting SEND learners. Also, Beccie Hawes, CEO of Cadmus Inclusive, shares their "lightbulb moment" when assessing a learner's receptive language needs.
Access our SEND Training at: https://support.gl-assessment.co.uk/training-assessment-insights/send/send-training/
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
11 Dec 2023
Reflections on education - navigating 2023 and anticipating 2024
In our final podcast of 2023 we're joining the dots on the past year in education, plus what's in store for 2024, with our special guest Laura McInerney - education journalist, public speaker, and co-founder of Teacher Tapp (a daily survey app used by over 10,000 teachers).
Claire McDougall, Head of Curriculum at Wellingborough Preparatory School, shares her transformative "lightbulb moment" using Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) data to support a young pupil struggling with English and maths.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
10 Nov 2023
Putting wellbeing first - understanding the mindset of learners
In the latest episode of our podcast we're joining the dots on wellbeing and inclusion with our special guest Matthew Savage, a highly experienced Assessment, Wellbeing and DEIJB Consultant with a long and varied career in school leadership both in the UK and internationally.
Our Data Spotlight focuses on understanding the mindset of learners using the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) measure. In addition, Debi Bailey of NEAT Academy Trust shares her "lightbulb moment" when using PASS to identify vulnerable learners at transition from KS2 to KS3.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
6 Oct 2023
Understanding reading needs - top tips for supporting all learners
In the second episode of our new podcast we're joining the dots on reading with our special guest Beth Morrish, Director of Secondary Literacy at Meridian Trust.
We explain the importance of understanding Reading Ages using the New Group Reading Test. Also, Louise Steer-Jones from Sawtry Village Academy shares her "lightbulb moment" from using assessments to support the literacy journey of their learners.
Access our new Reading Support Pathway to enable you to understand the nuance of need so that you can fine tune support for your learners: https://support.gl-assessment.co.uk/training-assessment-insights/ngrt/reading-support-pathway/
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
7 Sept 2023
Assessment at transition - top tips for the Autumn Term
In the first episode of our brand new podcast we're joining the dots on assessment at transition with our special guest Vicky Merrick, an Education Consultant with extensive experience in Trust and school level strategy and impact.
We explain the importance of understanding cognitive abilities using standardised assessments such as CAT4. In addition, Samantha Krbacevic from Repton Prep shares her "lightbulb moment" involving the use of assessments with learners, leading to valuable insights and improved progress.
Find out more and access bonus content at: http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast (http://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/podcast)
Get in touch and send us your contributions: podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk (mailto:podcast@gl-assessment.co.uk)
Follow us on X: @GL_Assessment @GL_Education
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
402,149
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
11
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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