WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?

About WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?

What are the secret ingredients to a successful international school? Join three experienced school leaders on their journey to unravel the enigma of international education today. Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James MacDonald host a series of interviews with trailblazers, experts and thought leaders to gain from their experiences and discover the keys to success so that schools can thrive.

Publisher

Richard Henry

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Nov 2020

Latest episode

27 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

32 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Episode 32: Sanctuaries for Thinking: Human Formation and the Future of Education

   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 contracts within school communities, and maintaining focus on long-term educational impact. Bio: Dr Simon Breakspear is a researcher, advisor and speaker on educational leadership, policy and change. Simon develops frameworks and tools that make evidence-based ideas actionable and easy to understand. Over the last decade his capability building work has given him the opportunity to work with over 100,000 educators across more than 10 countries. Simon is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at UNSW. He has served as an advisor to the NSW Department of Education and sits on an expert steering committee for the Australia Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). Simon received his BPsych (Hons) from UNSW, his MSc in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford and his PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge. Simon began his work in education as a high school teacher. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and episode hosts. 00:46 – Guest introduction: Dr. Simon Breakspear. 02:22 – Applied research, The Pruning Principle, and subtractive change management. 03:47 – Mid-level leadership protocols ("Elevated Conversations") and lean monitoring. 06:21 – Dr. Breakspear's career arc: From medicine to secondary teaching, Oxford, Cambridge, and applied scholarship. 10:04 – Current trends in global education: Cognitive science, learning evidence, and inclusion. 11:25 – Tech tensions: Managing AI, digital distractions, and the risk of cognitive offloading. 12:47 – Changing social contracts in education and shifting expectations. 14:48 – Future outlook: Schools as sanctuaries for human thinking and deep relationships. 17:15 – Combining academic rigor with character and relational formation. 18:31 – Reflections on career, writing block schedules, and hybrid roles for educators. 21:40 – Recommended reading and influential educational thinkers (Donna Tartt, K.L. Hendrick, Michael Fullan, Vivian Robinson). 23:36 – How to connect with Dr. Simon Breakspear and closing segment. Here are all the podcasts and books referenced during the episode, along with a structured bibliography for each. 🎙️ Podcasts Mentioned: Strategic Schools Host: Dr. Simon Breakspear Overview: Short-form podcast episodes (under 20 minutes) delivering actionable frameworks and strategies for school leaders. Special Podcast Mini-Series with Michael Fullan Hosts: Dr. Simon Breakspear & Prof. Michael Fullan Overview: A collaborative podcast recorded during COVID-19 where Dr. Breakspear interviewed Michael Fullan, working chronologically through Fullan's extensive body of work on educational change. 📚 Books Mentioned: Educational & Professional Literature Breakspear, S. The Pruning Principle: Streamlining School Improvement for Impact. Overview: Explores subtractive change management ("pruning") in educational institutions to eliminate clutter and make room for deep, sustainable impact. Horvath, J. C. (2025). The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—and How to Help Them Thrive Again. Overview: Critiques the widespread roll-out of classroom EdTech and examines cognitive risks like screen distraction and unnecessary cognitive offloading. (Note: Referred to verbally in the recording as "Dr. Derek Kuvie Hawvath"). Kirschner, P. A., Hendrick, C., & Heal, J. (2025). Instructional Illusions: Unmasking Misconceptions in Teaching and Learning. Corwin. Overview: Deconstructs common pedagogical myths and instructional assumptions through the lens of cognitive science and learning design. Kirschner, P. A., & Hendrick, C. (2020). How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What They Mean in Practice. Routledge. Overview: Summarizes foundational studies in cognitive psychology and translates them into actionable strategies for educators. Kirschner, P. A., Hendrick, C., & Heal, J. (2022). How Teaching Happens: Seminal Works in Teaching and Teacher Effectiveness and What They Mean in Practice. Routledge. Overview: Focuses on seminal works surrounding teacher growth, instructional design, and classroom effectiveness. Robinson, V. (2023). Virtuous Educational Leadership: Doing the Right Work the Right Way. Corwin. Overview: Applies virtue ethics to school leadership, emphasizing character, courage, empathy, and the core purpose of education. Fullan, M. (Selected Works on Educational Leadership & Change, 1970s–Present). Overview: Foundational literature on implementation gaps, system transformation, and sustainable educational change. Delors, J., et al. (1996). Learning: The Treasure Within (Report to UNESCO of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century). UNESCO Publishing. Overview: Famous report establishing the four pillars of education: learning to know, learning to do, learning to be, and learning to live together. Taleb, N. N. (2007). The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. Random House. Overview: Cited during the conversation on predicting the future, randomness, and the "Lindy effect" (the idea that the future durability of a non-perishable thing is proportional to its current age). Fiction Novels Tartt, D. (2013). The Goldfinch. Little, Brown and Company. Overview: Pulitzer Prize-winning novel mentioned by Dr. Breakspear as his current reading choice while traveling. Tartt, D. (1992). The Secret History. Alfred A. Knopf. Overview: Donna Tartt's debut psychological fiction novel, highlighted as a favorite previous read. Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page (https://podium.page)

2. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Episode 31: The Early Years Advantage: What School Leaders are Missing

   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 highly experienced early years specialist whose career began at Goldsmiths, University of London, and has spanned teaching, advisory, and leadership roles across the UK and internationally. She has worked in diverse settings including Europe, the Maldives, Japan, and Asia, shaping early years practice, contributing to graduate training, authoring books, and leading large-scale educational initiatives focused on play-based learning. Her work increasingly integrated safeguarding, helping to develop international standards and championing the principle that children must feel safe to learn and thrive. Now based in Devon, she continues to consult with schools, contribute to safeguarding work, and serve as a trustee for several education-focused organisations. Kate remains a passionate advocate for high-quality, progressive early years education and its connection to learning across the whole school journey. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Discussion Points: The Journey: Kate shares highlights from her professional career, detailing the pivotal milestones across teaching, advisory, and international leadership roles that shaped her approach to educational leadership. The State of Education Globally: An honest assessment of modern schooling—exploring structural successes and the persistent hurdles leaders still struggle to address worldwide. The Early Years Advantage: A deep dive into progressive early years education and why it is a critical foundation for a student's whole school journey. Easy Wins for School Leaders: Practical, high-impact strategies that current and aspiring school leaders often miss in their day-to-day operations. Safeguarding as a Priority: Unpacking the crucial role of safeguarding in schools and specific, actionable steps school leaders must take to ensure children feel safe to learn and thrive. Reflections & "Who Luck": Kate looks back at what she would do differently if she were starting her career over again, and highlights the specific individuals and lucky breaks that defined her path. Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page (https://podium.page)

3. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Episode 30: Navigating Parent Partnerships

   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. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Topics Discussed: The emotional dynamics involved when parents express concerns about their children's education. The distinction between being a service provider and a professional educator in schools. Strategies for effective communication with parents, including the importance of listening and empathy. The impact of cultural differences on parent interactions and expectations. The significance of transparency in school communications and decision-making processes. Tips for building strong relationships with parents to prevent conflicts before they arise. Highlights: The hosts explore how social media and instant gratification have influenced parent expectations in schools. Practical advice on how to handle difficult conversations with parents, including the value of curiosity and active listening. Takeaways: 1. Establish clear expectations with parents to avoid misunderstandings. 2. Use surveys to gauge parent satisfaction and address concerns proactively. 3. Maintain professionalism while demonstrating kindness and empathy in all interactions. 4. Recognize that some parent reactions may stem from external stressors unrelated to the school. Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page (https://podium.page)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

31,557

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

41

Social presence

0

YouTube

85

Engagement

0

Contact WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.