In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia’s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to illustrate how schools can break free from old ways of thinking. Dr Hames highlights the importance of language, trust, community, and curiosity for educators seeking to create genuine change.

In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia&rsquo;s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to illustrate how schools can break free from old ways of thinking. Dr Hames highlights the importance of language, trust, community, and curiosity for educators seeking to create genuine change.

Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.

A South Australian podcast about teaching and learning.

Teach

Moving beyond old-school thinking

In this episode of Teach, Marina Elliot, the department’s Executive Director People and Culture, talks about gender equity, leadership and supporting women at work. Explore why women are underrepresented in some leadership roles despite making up much of the school and preschool workforce. The episode also looks at perimenopause, how it can affect people at work, and why understanding it matters. Discover simple ways leaders can support staff through open conversations, flexibility and practical adjustments, so people feel respected, supported and able to thrive at work.

In this episode of&nbsp;Teach, Marina Elliot, the department&rsquo;s Executive Director People and Culture, talks about gender equity, leadership and supporting women at work. Explore why women are underrepresented in some leadership roles despite making up much of the school and preschool workforce. The episode also looks at perimenopause, how it can affect people at work, and why understanding it matters. Discover simple ways leaders can support staff through open conversations, flexibility and practical adjustments, so people feel respected, supported and able to thrive at work.

Gender equity and perimenopause support at work

What does it take to make self-regulation part of everyday school life? In this episode of Teach, Oakbank School shares how a whole-school focus on regulation helped shift culture, reduce stigma and keep more students engaged in learning. With support from the Department for Education’s Self-Regulation Service, staff moved from using withdrawal spaces in a reactive way to giving students consistent, practical strategies to use in class. Hear from school leaders about what worked, how they built staff buy-in, and why starting small mattered. From reception to year 12, students are learning to recognise what they need, talk about it confidently and support each other.

What does it take to make self-regulation part of everyday school life? In this episode of Teach, Oakbank School shares how a whole-school focus on regulation helped shift culture, reduce stigma and keep more students engaged in learning. With support from the Department for Education&rsquo;s Self-Regulation Service, staff moved from using withdrawal spaces in a reactive way to giving students consistent, practical strategies to use in class. Hear from school leaders about what worked, how they built staff buy-in, and why starting small mattered. From reception to year 12, students are learning to recognise what they need, talk about it confidently and support each other.

Helping students self-regulate and learn at Oakbank School

Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing challenges facing schools today. Learn how education reform can foster equity, strengthen community relationships, and build learner agency. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of public institutions, the importance of inclusive approaches, and how schools can support resilient, engaged communities.

Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing challenges facing schools today. Learn how education reform can foster equity, strengthen community relationships, and build learner agency. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of public institutions, the importance of inclusive approaches, and how schools can support resilient, engaged communities.

Moving beyond old-school thinking

In 1 playlist(s)

Teach

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips