In this wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation, David and I were joined by Richard Bustin - teacher, researcher and author of the fascinating new book What Are We Teaching?
We delve deep into some of the biggest questions in curriculum and pedagogy today – from the concept of powerful knowledge to the ongoing tensions between progressivism and traditionalism in education. What does it mean to teach in a way that builds pupils' capabilities – not just their test scores? And how can we balance a knowledge-rich curriculum with professional teacher autonomy?
Richard brings a rare blend of classroom insight, research rigour, and philosophical curiosity to this conversation, in which we discuss:
What powerful knowledge is – and isn’t
How geography “went woke”
The extent to which the prog vs trad debate is illuminating
Why a focus on capabilities might offer a richer way forward
The risks of top-down curriculum mandates
And why teacher professionalism and trust matter more than ever
This is a rich and energising listen for anyone who cares deeply about what – and how – we teach.
LISTEN
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LINKS
CREDITS
Outro track: How it is and how it should be by Grit Control
ABOUT
The Rethinking Education podcast is hosted by Dr James Mannion and The Real David Cameron, produced by Sophie Dean, and sponsored by Crown House Publishing.
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